Correct Wrong Assertions

Thoughts determine destiny and if we base our thinking on what contradicts the Truth, we never come away with a good outcome. Instead, we should seek to correct the wrong assertions as Jesus demonstrates in today’s reading of Mark 12:18-27 when the Sadducees questioned Him about marriage at the resurrection.

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

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or the notion of spirits or angels. There question was a hypothetical one in which there were seven brothers. The first one died without children so the law from Moses in Deut. 25:5-10 was that a brother must marry the widow and raise offspring for his brother. Each brother died without children until the widow died. The question was which brother would she be the wife of in the resurrection (v. 23)?

They hoped to trick Jesus by asking this question but Jesus embarrasses them by pointing out how meaningless their question was and that they didn’t know the Scriptures or the power of God (v. 24). He explained that there will not be marriage in the resurrection. He also pointed out in the Scriptures (Ex. 3:6) where God calls Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 26) so these patriarchs were still alive.

A lesson Jesus gives us in this passage is to make sure the question being asked is 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.

This day with You Lord, we pray for better guidelines to our living and the best ones are found in Your word. Today, we read the Scriptures and listen to the words of Jesus. We trust in the Holy Spirit for guidance and are constantly growing in faith. The principles taught by Christ will help meet adversity, put things in perspective, and lead us to a brighter future. Amen.

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Looking Forward to the Week Ahead

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Index of Devotionals

All previous devotionals are at the link above so you can go at your own pace or use it as a resource in your own writing.

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 12:18-27 – * What are the religious beliefs fs the Sadducees concerning the resurrection and angels? How do the Sadducees hope to trick Jesus? In what ways does Jesus embarrass them? In what ways is their question meaningless? How does Jesus validate belief in the resurrection?

Mark 12:28-34 – * What prompts the scribe to question Jesus? What does the scribe think of Jesus’ understanding and answer of his question? What is involved in loving God and your neighbor? How will you love God and your neighbor today?

Like and share so more will be notified. Also, feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. 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.

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

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Reflection on the Past Week

Last week, I wrote about the passage in Mark 12:1-12. This is “The Parable of the Tenants” and 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.

I also wrote some thoughts after reading Mark 12:13-17 and here I shared about the need to be equipped with wisdom from God’s word to handle those who want to cause harm.

The Bible gives us wisdom because we are learning lessons from the past, praying in the present, and listening for instructions toward the future. Next week, I’ll continue the study of Mark 12.

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Stepping Ahead to Hebrews

One idea for facilitating the application of our faith is the use of inspirational poems because poetry narrows thoughts to a few lines as a way to help the mind encourage the heart into tangible actions. This poem was inspired after finishing my study of the book of Hebrews.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Be nourished by the gospel; Applying what you learn By following Jesus At each and every turn. Be an example to others And develop strengths carefully By determining your main purpose That fulfills your destiny Be an overcomer; Endure difficulty By growing in positive qualities For eternal victory. Be a person of the word Being grounded and steady So in any circumstance You are always ready. Be boosted by the Holy Spirit; A power that fills your cup To turn the world upside down Because your heart is right side up. Be growing together in faith Because of what’s been done. Refreshed and energized With momentum for what’s to come. Be stepping ahead in faith By removing any doubt. Looking forward to tomorrow Knowing God will work it out. Be living the good life now; Always purpose driven With even better days ahead Because of what’s been given. Be at…

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Opportunities for Society to Thrive

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

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.

For a society to thrive, there must be a balance of priorities and common sense. As individuals, we can put God first and have strong families. Then, balance our finances with fun activities and look forward to a future that can flourish. These individual priorities ultimately permeate society at large permitting communities to flourish.

Within the worship song Your Nature – Kari Jobe, pointed out is that it’s God’s nature to set up a future in which we can flourish. God brings peace, joy, hope, and opportunities for a society to thrive.

Index of devotionals

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