Spiritual Journey Through Mark 10-11

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.

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The Way – The Truth – The Life

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.  

Index of devotionals

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Deception

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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The Greatest Victory

Last week in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Abilene Christian University beat the University of Texas. Here is a short video of the students gathered to watch the game and their celebration of the final seconds of the game as Joe Pleasant makes two free throws to gain the victory.

This week, we have the chance to remember the greatest victory of all as Jesus submitted to the plan of God and walked along the path to the Cross. Let us be ecstatic for what’s to come about and thankful for the path laid out. May the Lord bless you with a joyful, peaceful, and exciting Holy week!

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My Part of the World – Waco Texas 3-27-2021

In my part of the world, it seems that things are opening up more and more with the vaccine for Covid-19 being made available next week to anyone over the age of sixteen. Magnolia Market at the Silos has scheduled several warm-weather events.

God is in control so take courage in the fight as we step ahead with boldness because as the song Battle is the Lord’s by Rebecca St. James ft. Brandon Lake points out, we can have confidence because God is by our side and everything will turn out alright.

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

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