Over the last few weeks, we’ve been reading the book of Mark. We learned in the post “Sticking To It” about never giving up. The people were skeptical of Jesus in His hometown since He came from a modest upbringing and they couldn’t get in their mind that Jesus was the Savior. It was a setback but Jesus kept pressing on. He took action by going to the other villages and getting help from His disciples.

We are thrown into the fire and face pressure each day. As the post “Choose What Will Last Forever” points out, we need to make the right choices in life. Rather than choosing to be liked by the world, let us choose the forever solid principles taught by Christ.

In the post “Unified for the Impossible”, some thoughts were shared about how Jesus organized with the twelve disciples to make what seemed impossible possible. The lesson for us is to continue this example of working together, applying our strengths, organizing, and sharing.

Within the post “Let Him In The Boat” is the thought that the first step is the hardest but each step after that provides more momentum. Let us gain momentum on a daily basis as we read God’s word, pray, and develop plans for a brighter future.

Studying and posting thoughts in the post “Reflecting On The Way”, discovered was that if we embrace grace and follow the Way, we grow in character so that every moment becomes a building block to accomplishment as we step ahead.

The take away from the post “Dilute What Pollutes” is that love comes before rules and regulations. Jesus is inside our heart so we can serve out of love rather than rules or regulations. Because of Jesus, the future is brighter as rules and regulations do not restrict us since we are free to live our lives according to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Explained in the post “Fulfilling Our Purpose Out of Love” is that Jesus’ ministry is not great because of the procedure but in the person of Christ who creatively used the sense of touch in healing a man who could not hear. Our obedience to Jesus has an effect on others so let us take special interest in others to creatively build them up and help them understand spiritual matters.

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 8:1-10 – What is Jesus’ motive in his action here? Who initiates the question of food? In what ways have you allowed previous hopeless experiences to stimulate your faith in God? How is Jesus’ attitude toward people and their needs an example for you?

Mark 8:11-26 – Why does Jesus refuse the Pharisees’ request? What warning does Jesus give? With what level of life are the disciples concerned? Do we need to look at reducing our efforts for our physical needs and increasing our efforts for our spiritual needs? If so, how can we take action? In healing the blind man at Bethsaida, what actions of Jesus are appropriate to the blind man and his needs?

Mark 8:27 through 9:1 – What two questions does Jesus asks and what answers are given? What new teaching does Jesus introduce? What hindrances to discipleship do you face? What can you do to keep your perspective clear? What promise does Jesus make?

Mark 9:2-13 – Why do you think, does Jesus take these three disciples with Him on the mountaintop? Is there a mountaintop experience you have that you would like to share? What does verse 7 underscore about Jesus’ identity?

Mark 9:14-29 – What are the disciples at the base of the mountain involved in when Jesus returns? What are the criterion for receiving the power needed to be effective? What insights have you gained from this case history to help you believe? What specific steps can you take to improve your prayer life?

Mark 9:30-41 – Why was there more emphasis on seclusion rather than being available to the people? What is Jesus’ concept of greatness? In what ways have you tried to become great? What characteristics of a servant attitude do you need to absorb into your daily living with your friend, neighbor, spouse, employer, employee, etc.? When have you been critical of others because they aren’t in your group or doing things your way?

Mark 9:42-50 – What thoughts and actions cause you to stumble? What can help cut away these thoughts and actions? What is the function of salt? What steps can you take to acknowledge the authority of Jesus in your life? What ideas do you have to impact others with values like humility and kindness?

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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