Questions for Reflection for Study of Mark 13 – 14

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Mark Shields

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Mark 13:1-36 – What are Jesus’ forewarnings about future happenings? How will this knowledge equip us to face the future with endurance? What will the Son of man do when He comes in the future?

Mark 14:1-9 – What is the priests and scribes’ concern as to the timing of their plan? How do the people in Simon’s house feel about the woman’s act? In what areas are God’s values different from yours?

Mark 14:10-16 – Why, do you think, does Judas want to betray Jesus? What preparations are made for the Passover? What is the significance of the extent of Jesus’ knowledge?

Mark 14:14-31 – What does Jesus know about the man who will betray him? What do you learn about Jesus’ covenant in verses 22-25? How do you share in this covenant? What predictions does Jesus make about himself (See Zech. 13:7)?

Mark 14:32-65 – What do you think are Jesus’ feelings when he sees that the disciples sleep while he prays? How complete is Jesus’ prayer in verse 36? How do you express your desires and submission to God? Who appears most composed during the trial in verses 53-65? How do you account for this composure?

Mark 14:66-72 – Does Peter keep to his commitment of verses 29-31? Why do you think, does Peter react this way? How do you handle your own unfaithfulness to God? What is the source of your self-confidence?

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.

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/>.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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Spiritual Journey Through Mark 12

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been focusing on Mark 12 and sharing some thoughts that benefit us in our current situation but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught by Christ Jesus.

Within the post “Kneeling to Pray Gives Strength to Stand” are thoughts on “The Parable of the Tenants”. One lesson from this parable is that if you accept His Son, then God will accept you into an amazing future in which the impossible becomes possible. You will be able to use your individual strengths for the glory of His kingdom. There will be calmness because you will accept your lot in life, focus on what you can do, accept His help, and just be the awesome person you were meant to be.

A great lesson was learned from Jesus as explained in the post “Don’t Get Bitten”. The lesson is to use our common sense when the world wants to bite us with its poisonous venom. To be equipped with wisdom from God’s word to handle those who want to cause harm. The religious and political leaders were trying to bite Jesus with a poison that could kill by asking about paying taxes but His clever answer avoided their plan.

Written about in the post “Correct Wrong Assertions” is a lesson Jesus gives us which is to make sure the questions being asked to us are based on the right premise. If we accept the premise others have, we give credence to their way of thinking which may be way off base. Instead, correct the wrong assertion and explain why the question is meaningless.

Shared in the post “Loving God and Neighbor” is that loving your neighbor is the most important commandment. Love is life and you never fail as long as love is in your heart so desire to learn the principles of Christ, invite Him into your heart to guide your every step, and build a bridge from a place of doom to a place where you flourish and bloom.

A take away from the post “Giving Total Effort” is that the widow was willing to do something that the scribes were not and she produced a positive example that the scribes couldn’t match up to. Many gave large amounts to the temple treasury but their contribution was a small portion of their total wealth. On the other hand, the poor widow gave just two small copper coins worth a few cents but she gave all she had. 

Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog or the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith in current times.

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Let the Praise of the Lord Ever Be

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Mark Shields

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19-21

The post “Giving Total Effort” pointed out that the poor widow was willing to do something that the scribes were not and she produced a positive example that the scribes couldn’t match up to. Many gave large amounts to the temple treasury but their contribution was a small portion of their total wealth. On the other hand, the poor widow gave just two small copper coins worth a few cents but she gave all she had. 

Give praise to those that give all they have just as Jesus gave praise to the poor widow who gave two small coins to the temple treasury. We give praise to Jesus today who gave total effort when He died for all on the Cross. As pointed out in the song Ever Be by Aaron Shust, let the praise of the Lord ever be on our lips.

Index of devotionals

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Giving Total Effort

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Mark Shields

Jesus was giving total effort to teaching in the temple courts and asked the question to the people in Mark 12:35-44, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the Son of David”? The Jewish opinion about the kingdom was a powerful military empire that ruled over the entire world. They called it the kingdom of David but Jesus explains the question by referring to the Scripture in Psalm 110 which points out that David was not the Messiah but was an ancestor to the eventual Messiah.

Jesus told the people to watch out for the teachers of the law. They looked good on the outside with their wealth, intellect, and elite social gatherings but only gave partial effort. Their effort was mainly to look good on the outside so they appeared to be rich in spirit knowing everything with eloquent speeches and lengthy prayers but on the inside they were poor.

Jesus goes on to point out the total effort of the widow who gave an offering to the temple treasury. Many rich people gave large amounts but their contribution was a small portion of their total wealth. On the other hand, the poor widow gave just two small copper coins worth a few cents but she gave all she had. 

The widow was willing to do something that the scribes were not and she produced a positive example that the scribes couldn’t match up to. She gave total effort by giving all that she had. Let us give total effort today as we pursue eternal assets which are the principles taught by Christ rather than pursuing worldly wealth like the scribes.

This day with You Lord, let our praise ever be on our lips. We live in Your light, trust in Your love, and step ahead in this life with total effort. The principles You teach in Your word never let us down and are essentials for life that are flawless. The provide treasure in heaven wealth worth much more than silver or gold. Amen.

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My Part of the World – Waco Texas 4-18-2021

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Mark Shields
Downtown Waco Texas

Photo Source – Bing Images

In my part of the world, there was a victory celebration and parade this past week for the Baylor University basketball team who won the college national championship.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

Looking forward to the week ahead, below are some questions for reflection as the journey continues through the book of Mark.

Mark 12:35-44 – * What is the Jewish opinion about the kingdom? How does Jesus explain the question from Psalm 110? How does Jesus characterize the scribes? What is Jesus pointing out about the widow’s contribution to the temple treasury of just two very small copper coins worth only a few cents?

Thanks for reading my blog and keeping me accountable to daily Bible study. For your inspiring blog posts that give me a lift as I begin each day.

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