I took a poem I wrote which was inspired by Psalm 145 – 146 and added music from the Piano Guys called “Begin Everything” to produce this video. Let us give praise as we begin our Easter weekend.
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 12:1-12 – Are the tenants fully aware of what they are doing? What is their motive? How do the priests, scribes, and elders know what the metaphors of the parable represent (See Is. 5:1-7)? In what way does this parable make plain their attitude toward Jesus?
Mark 12:13-17 -What is the trap of the Herodians? Why does the trap fail? What benefits do you accept from the government? What are your responsibilities demanded in return?
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?
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 on a few cents?
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.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been focusing on Mark 10-11 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 Jesus.
Brought out in the post “Acceptance” was how the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus into making statements that would conflict with the Law of Moses. They were looking to bring Jesus down because they felt threatened by His new way of victory through grace so that the Law of Moses and the intentions of God could be accomplished.
Within the post “Treasures in Heaven”, we noted that Jesus explains that earthly riches make one focus on how to maintain wealth for the short term but the vast spiritual assets of faith, hope, and love last for eternity. Many want to be rewarded in life with riches or fame but there is an even higher reward that Jesus calls attention to in accepting the gospel message.
Thoughts and ideas shared in the post “Benefits for Current Situation and Future Generation” about gaining the higher reward that Jesus calls attention to in accepting the gospel message. The reward is guaranteed if we receive God’s love, take action on His purpose, and help others receive salvation.
Before Bartimaeus was healed from blindness as pointed out in the post “Shout Out to Jesus”, he had faith in what Jesus could do to get him to a better place in life. This is the type of confidence we need as we strive to get to a better place in life. Each step we take with Jesus by our side gets us closer to where we want to be.
A take away from the post “Preparing For Action” is to spend time with God in prayer and receive instructions for the challenges ahead. Let us write down these plans of action and get started in our walk of faith each day.
In the post “Faith Nutrients”, we are told of a fig tree that Jesus curses and then He clears the Temple courts. The lesson for us is that looking good on the outside is not as important as producing fruit to benefit others.
The post “Deception” was about the temple leaders who were trying to deceive the people into thinking their way was the best. The day before, Jesus had overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves (v. 15). They tried to trap Jesus with a question but their scheme was crushed.
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.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6
The post “Deception” was about the temple leaders who were trying to deceive the people into thinking their way was the best. The day before, Jesus had overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves (v. 15). They tried to trap Jesus with a question but their scheme was crushed.
Today, let us do as the song “Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets” points out. Take our place beside the Savior. Sit down and be set free by the ONE who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Reading today in Mark 11:27-33 , the priests, scribes, and elders were looking for a way to kill Jesus because the day before Jesus had cleaned out the temple. These leaders were deceiving the people and Jesus was calling them out.
The leaders of the temple courts presented themselves as having something good to benefit the people but instead were misleading them. They created a burden on them with the temple tax, fees, and overcharging them for doves used in sacrifice.
The priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus about his authority and Jesus replies by asking them a counter-question. Was the baptism of John from heaven or of men (vv. 29-30)? The ability of Jesus to understand what they were doing and His ingenuous mention of John the Baptist crushed their scheme.
These religious leaders were caught in their own trap because if they answered Jesus’ counter-question, they would admit that either the ultimate authority of Jesus came from heaven or they would have to reject John the Baptist and risk a rebellion from the people which would take away their control over them.
They answered Jesus, “We don’t’ know.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things (v. 33).” The leaders of the temple would not accept the truth about Jesus who provided the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Let us take this lesson today and make sure to discover the Truth which is in the person of Christ. By accepting Christ, we have relationship with God. Jesus is the Truth that liberates the heart, mind, body, and soul to set us free. The Truth provides fulfillment and a cohesive plan for us in concert with the world around us because the Spirit prompts us as we victoriously step ahead.
Photo Source – Bing Images
This day with You God, help us to be prompted by the Spirit so we are not deceived by those who only want power for their own benefit and take advantage of others. We are thankful for Your cohesive plan for us that liberates the heart, mind, body, and soul to set us free from those that only want to harm us. Help us to make good decisions as we step ahead victoriously today. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
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