Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24
The take away in the post “Awesome Wonder” is that when facing difficulty, don’t get discouraged but remain hopeful. The Bible tells us who wins so place your bet on Jesus, be inspired by how Jesus suffered and ultimately became victorious, don’t get angry, don’t blame others for current difficulties, or worry but have hope and claim a bright future.
After college, I traveled for three weeks in Europe with a high school buddy and took this photo of the Swiss Alps. Our Creator produced a master piece when He made the Swiss Alps. Thinking about this photo, I’m reminded of the song Greatness of Our God by Newsboys. Some of the lyrics go like the following:
In awesome wonder,
He reigns forever.
No one can stop Him;
His power is endless
And He lives within us.
As we continue the adventurous journey today through the book of Mark, we see in Mark 15:16-32 that Jesus didn’t try to affect the outcome of the trial but let nature take its course. In so doing, He was on the way to fulfilling His purpose on the Cross. Jesus would face pain and humiliation as the soldiers put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him (v. 17). They struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Then after mocking Jesus, they led him out to crucify Him (v. 20).
While being crucified, those who passed by hurled insults at Jesus and made fun of Him because he did not come down from the cross to save himself (v. 30). The soldiers and people misunderstood what “seeing and believing” is all about. They were not patient until the finish much like criticizing a painting before the final draft has been completed. What is ironical is that Jesus would ultimately save himself and today He saves you and me too!
I’m reminded of a trilogy of movies that came out in the late 1980’s called “Back to the Future”. In “Back to the Future Part II”, Marty and Doc traveled to the future to prevent Marty’s son from sabotaging the family’s future. While in the future, Marty bought a sports almanac that had all the sports scores. He bought it so he could use the historical record and place bets on games when he got back into the present. Our almanac on life is the Bible and it tells us what will happen and who will win.
The take away in today’s passage is that when facing difficulty, don’t get discouraged but remain optimistic. The Bible tells us who wins so place your bet on Jesus, be inspired by how Jesus suffered and ultimately became victorious, don’t get angry, don’t blame others for current difficulties, or worry but have hope and claim a bright future.
Lord, you have a future that is more awesome than we could ever imagine. Today you are with us to carry out Your purpose in our life. This purpose is a great adventure and each day we build memories that we will see forever and a bright future because we see your awesome wonder and believe in Your greatness that brings victory. Amen.
Growing in faith requires discipline just like physical exercise as we build up our faith muscles with God’s principles. Use poetry to inspire and have a daily quiet time to build up faith muscles.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be with us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31
The post “Accomplishment” gave an example of letting nature take its course. There are times when it is better to remain silent rather than stir up strife. Jesus didn’t attempt to convince Pilot and the crowd to set him free. Instead, he knew that God was in control and would ultimately provide the way to victory and provide a way to freedom for all who believe.
Jesus didn’t try to affect the outcome of the trial but let nature take its course. In so doing, He fulfilled His purpose on the cross. This day with God will be amazing because He thinks you are AWESOME! Use the skills you have, be happy with who you are, and let Him work out the rest. As the song Your Nature by Kari Jobe points out, God’s nature is to bring joy, hope, and light into your life.
This day with God will be amazing because you can use the skills you have, be happy with who you are, and let Him work out the rest. God thinks you are AWESOME and has provided the word to guide you each day. Collect the precious insight gained in His Word within Mark 15:1-15 as Jesus provides you with an example of accomplishing God’s purpose
The priests planned for the crucifixion of Jesus early in the morning by first handing him over to Pilate, then accusing Jesus of many crimes, and stirring up the crowd to not release Jesus but release Barabbas instead.
The chief priests said Jesus was leading the people astray and claiming to be king in competition with Julius Caesar. Pilate it seemed was willing to release Jesus but the chief priests continued to stir up the crowd so they insisted that Jesus be crucified.
Pilate sought to satisfy the crowd and Jesus didn’t try to affect the outcome of the trial but let nature take its course. There are times when it is better to remain silent rather than stir up strife. Jesus didn’t attempt to convince Pilot and the crowd to set him free. Instead, he knew that God was in control and would accomplish the way to freedom for all who believe.
Here’s what to do; follow the way God has given you. Then your aim will be true, you will make it through, your dreams will be in view, and you will accomplish more than you ever knew.
This day with You Lord, we have faith in Your Way. We are thankful that we have your Word as a guide because the lessons from the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking to us deep in our hearts, and the wisdom gained in our experiences give us opportunities to accomplish more than we could ever imagine. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 