Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared some thoughts and ideas from the journey through the book of Mark.

A takeaway as explained in the post “Patience During Difficulty” is that God’s Word is a resource for life providing a treasure for our spiritual wealth to meet our needs and stay securely with us forever as we confidently step ahead.

Written about in the post “The Decision to Follow” was how Jesus related His ministry to the occupation or interests of the first disciples. In the same way, we can relate with others by understanding their interest so they might pay attention and take action on the Lord’s call for them.

Explained in “Sorting Out Priorities and Planning” is how Christ rose early before the day began to ask for guidance, sort out priorities, and plan the day. This is something we should do too so our thoughts are clear and we start each day with adjusted priorities for the sake of the ultimate mission.

A take away from the post “Flowing Stream of Grace” is how valuable we each are to God. Jesus took a big risk to heal the man with leprosy but it demonstrated to us that grace is available to us all.

The post “An Hour Provides the Power” highlights the friends of a paralytic who were determined to bring relief to their friend’s distress so they made an opening in the roof and lowered him down in front of Jesus. How can we go the extra mile to help a co-worker, neighbor, or friend?

Written in the post “Keeping Others In Mind” was that large crowds began to follow Jesus. At times, Jesus associated with sinners and tax collectors; people not thought of highly by society. The Pharisees raised criticism but in a calm way and with reasoning, Jesus simply stated his main purpose. To teach about forgiveness of sins, helping people to become spiritually healthy, and asking for them to follow His Way.

Brought out in the post “The Way of Jesus” is how the Pharisees and other legalists were looking for opportunities to accuse Jesus of breaking the Old Testament Law. But Jesus explained to them what’s truly important. Doing what’s right, about real life, and not getting caught up in ridiculous mindless man-made laws and traditions.

Explained in the post “Pulling Together” are thoughts on the reason for the twelve disciples. The sudden fame of Jesus brought with it some challenges like the demand on His time and concerns for His safety. Because of the chaos, Jesus appointed twelve disciples. This way, more people could be helped and the Good News message could spread at a faster rate.

As pointed out in the post “Encouragement for the Challenges”, there are steps we must take in order to receive God’s blessings. To apply our faith, the first step is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Then to keep on believing, passionately living out those dreams, maintaining hope, and never giving up.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable in sharing about God’s word over the next few weeks. As I share about my study, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with God amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Mark 4:1-20
What are the four types of soil? Interpret each type and its meaning in the parable? Why does Jesus speak in parables? What is your responsibility to what you have learned from this parable?

Mark 4:21-25
What is the purpose of light? Of a lamp? What spiritual principles is Christ illustrating here?

Mark 4:26-34
What is true of seed which is also true of the kingdom? What are the stages of growth? How does growth occur? When does harvest come? In what way is the kingdom of God like a mustard seed?

Mark 4:35-41
What command does Jesus give? When have you been afraid even though you knew you were obeying Jesus’ commands to you? Why? How should I respond to the storms of life?

Mark 5:1-20
What is the demon possessed man like as far as strength, self-control, and social status? What is the man’s reaction to Jesus? What do you learn in this passage about Jesus’ authority? What did the demon possessed man do after he was transformed by Jesus?

Mark 5:21-43
What do you discover hear about Jesus’ view of individuals? What evidence is there that Jesus has full knowledge of needs and is in control of situations? How do you respond to interruptions and delays when you feel you are in a desperate situation? As you learn of Jesus’ control and authority, in what ways is your faith strengthened for any situation?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God. 

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print. 

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>. 

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