I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. – Psalm 89:1
Before Bartimaeus was healed from blindness as pointed out in the post “Shout Out to Jesus”, he had faith which gave him joy, eagerness, and enthusiasm because he had confidence in what Jesus could do to get him to a better place in life.
These are the same qualities 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. Here’s a song that provides inspiration as we step ahead today: Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets.
Like the excitement of planning a vacation destination, reading the Bible can also provide excitement as we daily read scripture and journey through life. Today, we will read in Mark 10:46-52 about Bartimaeus gaining his sight as Jesus and his disciples leave the city of Jericho which is about 15 miles northwest of Jerusalem.
Bartimaeus was blind and was sitting on the side of the road begging as he hears a crowd approaching. When he realizes it is Jesus that would come near him, he became a man of joy, eagerness, and enthusiasm. He shouted out to Jesus “have mercy on me (v. 47)!” Bartimaeus told Jesus he wanted to see and Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” He immediately received his sight and followed Jesus along the road (v. 52).
God wants the same qualities Bartimaeus demonstrated in all of us. As we go through life, we experience highs and lows. The lows of life make us callous rather than have a vision for the possibilities of the future. Like the blind man, we should shout out enthusiastically, reach out in faith for help, and expect something amazing.
The photo below is my dog Marlee. She is ready each day to get up early for her food. She jumped up on the chair next to the dinner table and this is her way to tell us she was ready to be fed. We also go on walks in the evening and she loves it. She lives for the moment as she listens to the birds and identifies the scents along the walk.
She notices the change of seasons as it cools in the fall and as it warms up in the spring. We should follow God in the same way as we walk through life. We should live for the moment, listen to Him, identify His principles, and notice how the seasons change in the perfect timing of His Creation.
This day with God, let us fix our eyes upon the amazing possibilities of a future with You by our side. Reflecting on the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit at work. Focusing on the unseen, fulfilling a dream, and admitting we need You. In Jesus name we pray today. Amen!
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9
In the post “Benefits for Current Situation and Future Generation” thoughts or ideas were shared. 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. This reward is guaranteed if we receive God’s love, take action on His purpose, and help others receive salvation.
Let us worship the ONE true God who promises benefits for those who obey. The blessings consist of a future with purpose, peace, and a perfect place as brought out in the song I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe.
This day with God will be amazing because we grow each day reading the word and it is in His Way we believe. We are thankful for His provision and grateful for all we receive. Today, we are reading in Mark 10:32-45 seeking thoughts or ideas that may not only benefit our current situation but help the next generation too!
The disciples were amazed at what Jesus was doing but afraid because they knew there were those against Him. They were confused because Jesus had been warning the disciples that the chief priests and teachers of the law would condemn Him to death and hand Him over to the Gentiles (v. 33).
James and John wanted to be with Jesus even through death on the Cross. Jesus explains that they will drink of the same cup and be baptized with the baptism He is baptized with but it was not up to Him for them to have to go through what He would on the Cross.
For Jesus, the concept of leadership was not being a king or military leader but a servant. To give more than received out of life. Going the extra mile to help as many as possible receive the message of salvation. The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught by Jesus.
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. This reward is guaranteed if we receive God’s love, take action on His purpose, and help others receive salvation.
This day with You Lord, we seek the higher reward available to all who accept Your gift of salvation. We pray for guidance in our relationships, families, and careers in our current situation but also in paying dividends to future generations. We trust Your word as the voice of truth in guiding us to places beyond our imagination. Amen.
Last week in reading Mark 10:1-16, the Pharisees tried to throw Jesus off guard but He enlightened them to this new way which maintains the integrity of the established standards but at the same time allows us to come to God with this new enthusiasm.
Then in Mark 10:17-31, a wealthy man runs up to Jesus to ask what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus explains that riches make one focus on how to maintain the wealth rather than on God. Jesus enlightens the disciples on the need to be disciplined, dedicated, and focused on the treasures of God rather than success, fortune, and fame. The later may last a lifetime but the former will last for eternity.
As we spring ahead next week, we will continue the study of Mark 10.
Below are some questions for reflection.
Mark 10:32-45 – What do you think makes the disciples amazed and afraid? What additional facts about his future does Jesus divulge (Also read Mk 8:31 and Mk 9:12)? What are your aims in regard to Jesus’ kingdom? What are the meaning of cup and baptism? What is Jesus’ concept of leadership (Read Mk 9:33-37)?
Mark 10:46-52 – What qualities does Bartimaeus reveal? What do you want Jesus to do for you? What is the cause and result of Bartimaeus’ healing?
Believe that God has a great plan for you.
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.
*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 