154th Week, Mark Chapters 4-7

 

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Monday, Mark Chapter 4

Mark 4

Verse 34

Jeanie Boldt 

Verse 34:  He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when He was alone with his disciples, He explained everything.

THOUGHT

Gosh, I could have chosen almost every verse in this chapter. The Lord filled it with many parables about our faith, how it grows, how receptive we will be and what we will do with the information. He used many parables about seeds. I couldn’t help but think of Sierra who planted an apple seed with her Papa Rich and prays that it will grow into an apple tree each and every night when she goes to bed. She has faith that the Lord will hear that prayer and act.  I wonder what Tanya is thinking? 

Our faith - Where are we as individual Christians? It was hard to choose one parable that stood out from another so I chose the verse that touched me closer than any other.  Parables are wonderful stories but I would have had to have Jesus’s explanation after the parable was given.  It refreshed me to read that when He was alone with the disciples, He explained everything. If I were someone who was searching and questioning, I would have had to have the application right along with the reading.  I praise those who have put together the Life Application Bible for it helps me learn of Jesus and our faith so much more easily. Do you ever wonder how many people got the parable? With God all things are possible. I am sure he gave the people receptive minds and hearts.

PRAYER

Father God, Thank You for this group. It began as a little duet, grew to a few more in the family and now we all remain in touch and in the Word together each weekday.  You have blessed us with our individual faith and helped us establish a large family group that listens to You daily together. Thank You for that mustard seed that has grown into a strong family love and togetherness that has strengthened our individual faith and encourages us to go share in our own communities, neighborhoods and professions. We are so glad that You are Lord and Savior.  AMEN

Tuesday, Mark Chapter 5

Mark 5

Verse 19

Jeanie Boldt

Chapter 5

1. Jesus sends the Demons into a Herd of Pigs.

2. Jesus heals a bleeding woman.

3. Jesus restores a girl to life.

4. People become fearful of Jesus and what is going on.

5. Miracles continue to happen.

Verse 19:  Jesus said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

THOUGHT

At times in our readings I become confused for the Lord tells some of the people to share the miracles he performed, and sometimes he tells them to be still and remain silent. I guess He knew when the miracle would cause fear that would make them flee. I chose this verse because I believe in sharing one’s experience, strength and hope. I have come to know these words because Rory has said them so many times. This is from AA and is a big part of their belief. They believe helping another is to share their story. The stories, just as Jesus shared, can be understood and related to our lives.  

How many of you have been sharing the stories about Heather and David’s wedding?  I have shared so many as a walk in faith and an answer to prayers. As soon as Heather and David were engaged, prayers began. Prayers for health, everyone (even Tanya with severe flu days before the wedding) was well and no one else got it, safe travel, beautiful weather that included cool temperatures so that no one was real warm, beautiful flowers (Heather loved her bouquet so much), Pastor Peter’s message was so personal and tied family and the scripture passages together so beautifully, the little girls did not seem to tire nor become irritable but were very courteous and polite and CUTE (as usual), family conversation on all sides of the family was polite and forgiving, the hotel offered a great area for family fellowship and laughter, the area was fun for shopping and family fun, David did not pop the clutch on the DeLorean, the food at the reception was delicious and the room perfect for dance and fun, David’s bridal cake superb, happy smiles on everyone’s faces, Sierra caught the teddy bear and shared it with Micah because of her giving spirit, and the awesome DJ was 2nd to Heather and David’s dance. Scripture passages were prayed in for God’s Love and Christ’s perseverance that was so displayed in the actions of Heather and David praying together at the altar. Then in closing, most importantly, the gift of love to love each other deeply. 

After taking the gifts to the house after the wedding, we were tired but excited. IHOP was our choice for breakfast and coffee. Rory led our group in a PRAISE PRAYER for we felt all of these prayers listed above answered. The Lord was invited by many, and we indeed felt his presence everywhere. I am one that will not keep my faith quiet. When I am hurting, people will know that I need prayer and Christian support. When I am thankful, prayers of thanksgiving will go up. When a friend or family member is in need, I will stop, drop and pray. Yes, I AM PROUD OF MY FAITH AND LOVE OF JESUS AND WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE HIM ALL THE PRAISE AND GLORY.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for being our best friend. Thank You for attending the wedding and for being present everywhere. Thank You for all that You have done and for the mercy and love that You showered down on this event. Take the timidity from us and make us bold when it comes to our faith. YOU ARE THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.  The message needs to be shared. Help us to do our part!! AMEN

Wednesday, Mark Chapter 6A (Verses 1-29)

Mark 6A

Verse 7

Jeanie Boldt

The first part of the chapter really begins to show how Jesus Christ is beginning to be a threat. People in authority are beginning to question His miracles and begin to see the following He is gathering. Who is this man? Is He really the Messiah? They also see that He began sending His followers out instructing them to teach about Jesus and share His parables.

Verse 7:  Calling the Twelve to Him, He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.

THOUGHT

What do you think the disciples felt like?  They were told to take nothing but a staff. They were to teach but had so very little schooling and time with Jesus. They had no formal education and most of them knew more about fishing than they did about Christ.  However, the plan had begun. Our Heavenly Father wants people to learn and grow to love the saving grace of His Son, Jesus.

One thing they did have was the strength of going with a partner.  I love praying for people, but when Rory and I pray together for someone, I feel much more confident. It is great to share the responsibility of covering a person in need or just being more secure as you stand firm in your faith. How awesome to have a Christian spouse who can partner with you as you share your life. It is also awesome to have a few Christian Mentors who can affirm, encourage and direct you in your walk. I pray that you will find those people.

It is also important for couples to find other couples to walk with and receive support from. If you have none of these, begin praying for them.  When we begin in two’s and then go to couples and then double that, Jesus’s story can be shared with boldness.

PRAYER

Father in Heaven, please give us strength to go and share the good news with others. May we look for strength and companionship in our mates and with our fellow Christian friends.  Help us realize that if we do not stand firm in our faith, we will not stand at all. Praying that one day everyone will see Jesus’s good works and bring glory to You in heaven.  AMEN

Thursday, Mark Chapter 6B (Verses 30-56)

Mark 6B

Verse 50

Jeanie Boldt

Last half of Chapter six deals with the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus walking on water and miracles performed no matter where they went

Verse 50:  Because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I.  Don’t be afraid.”

THOUGHT

May I just say that most of the commentary that follows these miracles speak about the disciples lacking faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. If they had, they would have realized that Jesus was the Son of God and with Him, all things are possible. 

However, may I speak in the disciples’ defense because we are human.  Can you believe their life? Oh, my goodness, guess what they had seen in ONE DAY!  It would be enough to shock any of us. I can see why they were frightened when they thought Jesus was a ghost walking on water.  Most of the things that He had done were way off the page. You would think, “Man, can you believe that? There can’t be anything else that He would do that would surprise me.”  However, time and time again He showed them who He was by the miracles He performed. 

We need to do as the verse says, TAKE COURAGE. Do not be shocked or surprised for He can do ALL THINGS.  This is where our faith should be when our mustard seed comes into effect. I keep watching in the sky each morning as I walk. I would love to see Him smiling down at me.  That is NOT IMPOSSIBLE!

PRAYER

Father, help us to be strong in our faith and not doubting when it comes to making requests known to You. We need to take courage and not be afraid to ask whether in the deepest of depths or highest of heights. Thank You for the answers to our prayers and the signs given us.  We all may be waiting for certain miracles in our lives. Please hear our prayers. Father, I would love to see the face of Jesus in the sky one morning. Thank You for this day!!!  AMEN

Friday, Mark Chapter 7

Mark 7

Verse 6

Jeanie Boldt

Verse 6:  He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘The people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’”

THOUGHT

How important this verse is to all those who proclaim that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior.  Our actions must reflect this. We must attend worship and praise to fill our hearts with His love not just to show others that we attend a church. We must give of our finances from our heart so that we actually feel a sacrifice for the Lord not just an ego trip to get our name on a list of number one givers. We must show deep concern for those in need, not because it is what we should do or support a friend or group; but to make it a natural part of our day, because it is on our hearts at all times. Let us not wear cross necklaces because they are “IN” or just a pretty piece of jewelry, but do so with respect and pride from our hearts for the Savior of the world who died on it. Let us not tell others we will pray for them and then not do it because we are too busy or put the request on the back table. Let us STOP - DROP - AND PRAY at that very moment.  Let us be in the Word daily, not because we should or it is on our list of things to do, but because we actually desire from the inner parts of our hearts the need to hear our Father’s direction and guidance and love and receive His strength.  

Let us speak love through our actions and through our lips from our HEART.  The way this becomes easier is by loving Him more deeply. We do this by studying His Word and talking to Him daily with joys and concerns.

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for the special thoughts that You have put on my heart this week. Your miracles are a strength for us to read about for it so enforces the qualities of why You are our King and Savior.  Give us rest and relaxation this weekend.  May our lips show you respect and honor each and every day. AMEN