a sneek peek into new book, looking for jesus in the book of mark

Looking For Jesus in the Book of Mark

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Looking For

Jesus In the book of Mark

S.D. Wonenberg

Copyright © 2015 S.D. Wonenberg

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1511760188 ISBN-10: 1511760184

Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica,

Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

DEDICATION

There can be only One to whom this book can be dedicated, Jesus Christ. His love, His sacrifice and His overwhelming desire to look to God the Father before all else, gives us reason to stop and ponder. The example we find in Him gives us hope for ourselves. His teachings are sharp and cut beneath the surface of our souls and into the very core where all thought and action stem. His call stirs us in a way which can burn within and give us the strength to seek Him in this busy and complex age. His voice can thrill us like no other sensation found to mankind. And experiencing Him can fill us to overflowing yet at the same time create a hunger within us that cannot be filled with anything else.

CONTENTS

Mark 1

1. Preparing the Way 1

2. Baptism for….. 3

3. The Baptist´s Message 5

4. Jesus Baptized 7

5. The Spirit Drove Him 9

6. The Wilderness of Temptation 11

7. Angels Cared for Him 13

8. Good News 15

9. The Time 17

10. Come After Me! 19 11. Fishers of Men 21

12. They Were Amazed 23

13. Jesus Recognized 25

14. He Took Her Hand and the Fever Left 27

15. Jesus Didn´t Let the 29

16. Getting Up Early to Pray 31

17. Jesus Came to Be Heard 33

18 If Jesus wants to 35

19. Yes, He Does Want To Heal 37

20. As A Testimony 39

21. When Jesus Sees Faith 41

Mark 2

22. Why Does Jesus Speak Like This? 43

23. The Son of Man Forgiving Sins 45

24. Get Carried Away 47

25. The Sick Need a Doctor 49

26. How Can We Fast When We Have Jesus? 51

27. Not the Other Way Around 53

28. Watching What Jesus is Gonna Do 55

Mark 3

29. Fall Down Before Jesus 57 30. Putting Down the Holy Spirit 59

31. More About the Holy Spirit 61

32. Are We Related to Jesus? 63


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33. Jesus´ Brothers, Sisters and Mother 65

34. Listen, Look! 67

Mark 4

35. The Sower 69

36. Having Ears 71

37. Ever Hearing and Never Understanding 73

38. The Seed Sown 75

39. A Good Harvest 77

40. Hiding the Lamp 79

41. The How of the Seed 81 42. Mustard Seeds of the Kingdom 83

43. As Much As 85

44. The Storm-Swept Boat 87

45. Jesus, Sleeping on the Job? 89

46. Jesus Speaks to the Wind and Sea 91

Mark 5

47. Upon Seeing Jesus 93

48. Waiting Jesus´ Permission 95 49. Sending Jesus Away 97

50. Where Jesus Sends 99

51. Just to Touch Jesus´ Clothes 101

52. Who Touched Jesus? 103

53. Don´t Look There, Look Here! 105

54. Dead or Asleep? 107

55. Jesus Took Her by the Hand 109

Mark 6

56. Jesus, Only a Carpenter? 111

57. The Prophet Without Honor 113

58. Jesus Unable? 115

59. Take Nothing 117

60. They Preach Repentance 119

61. Others Will Not Take Kindly 121

62. Unpleasant Times 123

63. When Jesus Saw Them 125

64. Send Them Or Feed Them 127

65. Must We Always Return to Money? 129

66. Miraculous Feeding 131

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67. Faith That Looks Up 133

68. Up the Mountain to Pray 135

69. A Walk on the Lake 137

70. Scared at the Sight 139

71. Don´t Be Scared! 141

72. When Jesus Climbs In Our Boat 143

73. Got a Hardened Heart? 145

74. Bringing the Sick 147

Mark 7

75. Dirty Hands 149

76. Belief Lip Deep 151

77. Sidestepping God 153

78. What Defiles a Man 155

79. Don´t We Get It? We are Sick! 157

80. The Children´s Bread 159

81. A Good Reply 161

82. Free to Hear and Speak 163

Mark 8

83. Jesus Feels 165

84. No Sign! 167

85. Slow to Understand 169

86. Jesus Takes the Man Out 171

87. Who is Jesus? 173

88. Jesus Talking Pessimistic? 175

89. If Any Man 177

90. Gain the World Or…. 179

91. To Buy the Soul 181

Mark 9

92. Walking Dead 183

93. Too Much For Us 185

94. What the Voice Says 187

95. Restoring All Things 189

96. Jesus Must Suffer? 191

97. Unbelieving Generation 193

98. Spirits Meeting Jesus 195 99. If You Can 197

100. That Kind of Evil 199


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101. Jesus Teaches About Himself 201

102. The Way Jesus Teaches 203

103. Being the Last 205

104. Children Welcome 207

105. For Or Against 208

106. The Reward 209

107. It Would Be Better 211

108. Salt and Fire 213

Mark 10

109. Lost on the Rule 215

110. What God Joins 217

111. Such As These 219

112. Then Come 221

113. It Is Easier for the Camel 223

114. What Reward 225

115. The Son To Be Handed Over 227

116. To Be Handed Over Part II 229

117. Serve Or Be Served 231

118. What We Want 233

Mark 11

119. As Jesus Said 235

120. Blessed Is He! 237

121. Jesus´ House 239

122. The Believing Prayer 241

123. Who Gives Authority 243

Mark 12

124. Our Vineyard 245

125. To Caesar Or God 247

126. Are We Not In Error? 249

127. The Most Important 251

128. They Like? 253

129. The Poor Giver 255

Mark 13

130. Great Buildings 257

131. Don´t Be Deceived 259

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132. Warned Of The End 261

133. Will See HIM Coming! 263

134. Stay Awake! 265

Mark 14

135. Why the Waste? 267

136. Making Preparations 269

137. Taking Jesus´ Bread 271

138. Until the New Kingdom 273 139. Scattered Sheep 275

140. Before the Rooster 277

141. Jesus Cries to His Father 279

142. Watch and Pray 281

143. Jesus´ Relation to God 283

144. When We Fall to the World 285

145. One of Them 287

Mark 15

146. What Crime? 289

147. Spitting On Jesus 291

148. What Part Of Jesus? 293

149. Saving Jesus 295

150. Jesus Forsaken 297

151. A Cry, A Temple And a Tearing! 299

152. Waiting For The Kingdom 301

Mark 16

153. When Sabbath is over 303

154. Looking For Jesus 305

155. Rebuke For Not Believing 307

156. The Message 309

157. How to Know Who 311

158. Jesus With God! 313

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author recognizes that to have the honor of offering up a

work such as a book dedicated to searching the riches of Jesus Christ, is one mankind cannot do by his or her own effort. Not

only is it a great sacrifice of time and effort on the part of the

author, but many other people directly and indirectly sacrifice

their time and attention they deserve as well. So thanks go out to the author´s family, his wife, his earthly parents and his children.

The second but not in importance is the gratitude we would like to express to the Holy Spirit without who´s inspiration and

constant encouragement and guidance, this work would only be

the scribblings of another man. Praise be to God as He leads in mysterious ways. Thanks to that Great Spirit for this attempt to

contemplate the Father and the Son, is truly His work and not a

work that the author could possibly claim.

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Introduction

How long has it been since we stopped to consider where we stand with the Lord our God? Are there any questions we should be asking ourselves? Is there anything that we should be bringing before Him? This humble offering to the Lord is an attempt to bring ourselves before God. It has been organized in a way that we could consider in short daily doses. Hopefully all who read the pages here will find some Way to draw closer to their Savior. Our wish is that it throws us further upon Christ for understanding, no matter how deep our personal walk is with the Lord. The author is making his own journey and his own discoveries of out blessed Savior. May others be drawn closer to God too!


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Mark 1

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Preparing the Way

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the

Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: I will send

my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your

way” Mark 1:1-2

Is reading the Old Testament like watching one of the great movie classics? Grand scenes unfold where amazing things are happening on galactic scales. God, the Almighty Creator reaches out to the human race in powerful ways to direct us to Him. Great men and women turn from the common ways of their times to bow to, and connect with this Divine Entity. Is this where we learn of right and wrong? Is this where we begin to find the teaching of mankind´s need for righteousness? Do we start to see a need we have to adjust ourselves to God?

Can we see the epic beauty within the pages? Does the scene of our race begin to unfold before us? Do we begin to see God´s great plan for our race? Does it foreshadow of what is to come? Can we also hear the greatest message of all? Do we start to find hope for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Is this good news? People are separated from their God by immeasurable obstacles. We are kept apart by sin, all kinds of distractions, and the opposition brought by darker forces. Yet amongst all this tragedy, can we see a glimmer of hope shining through? Is it Jesus Christ, the Messiah! Is it this special Son sent from God above with the ability to adjust all that has fallen out of alignment with the Lord? Will He bring peace and hope for all who listen and come to Him?


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Then comes a voice in the wilderness of lost nations. We hear John the Baptist. The Scriptures say he was anointed with the sacred job of preparing the hearts and souls for the promised Messiah. He was a voice which called attention not to itself, but cut through the hearts of the hearers. He directed the people´s attention towards Heaven. His ministry was foretold by the prophet Isaiah long before he was born. He would be the one to pave the way for the Christ. Did he labor for fame or fortune? Or was it because God had placed a burning message within his heart? Did John the Baptist dedicate his life and eventually lose it just to bring the hearts of as many as He could, before the throne of Grace?

When we read the Holy Scriptures, do we feel them leading us up to the arrival of Jesus Christ in our lives? Do we get a little anxious? Do we sense something great unfolding before our eyes? Are we ready to let ourselves be led into the Presence of God Almighty? Could we do with a little of God´s Son today? Shall we open our hearts and our souls to be taught by the greatest Teacher of all times? Can we trust the words of One who was willing to die so that we could learn of the love of God?

Dear Lord, we are humbled and awed when we consider the great story of our race. Thank you for sending your messengers with the sweet news of You. Thank You for turning Your attention upon us, a stubborn and wayward race. We would like to take this and every opportunity, to come to You today. Open our hearts and souls that we may seek to have and to know this Messiah, the Son of God. Prepare Your way inside of us and set our souls alight. We want to burn inside with a flame unquenchable for You. Let it consume us as we feed off of every word Your message brings us. Make our desire real and urgent and let us settle for nothing less, we pray.

Amen

Mark 1

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Baptism for…..

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness,

preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of

sins. Mark 1:4

Here he was, this voice in the wilderness, and the people flocked to hear him. Something within them needed filling, and his words moved them into action. He awoke within them an awareness of the distance growing between them and God. The people who drew enough attention to the matter were willing to do something about it. John baptized them as an outward expression of what was happening within their hearts.

Today we continue to baptize in many of the branches that fall under the name of Christianity. It remains a symbol and continues the hold an important significance in the life of the believer. However, even in the highest of offerings that we lift up to our Lord, may we fail at times to realize when the enemy plays us a dirty turn?

When we speak of baptism we talk of an outward expression. Should we think that the deceiver would not leap at any opportunity to confuse our issues? Could the expression be allowed to grow larger than the condition of soul from which it stems? A heart senses its need for God and realizes its insufficiency. A desire is born which works to turn us from our pursuits of selfish ends. We attempt to return to a right and healthy relationship with the Lord above. Our expression of sincerity is timely and good.

Unfortunately though, when we observe traditions sometimes our focus gets lost in the action. For the act to receive the desired


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effect with the One to whom it should be directed, should we make all effort to draw the attention to what is happening WITHIN instead of without? Is our repentance merely from former acts, or from where they stem? Is it our nature that needs to be changed? Is this change made possible by mere outward expressions? Or will we need to go much deeper to the very reasons we do everything?

Can a heart which serves its own desires, please God? Has a person who lives his or her life as they see fit, ever really stood in the Presence of the Almighty God? Or should a person be sufficiently turned from his or her fallen nature, to bring repentance? Will it take this kind of serious repentance to lead to remittal of a wayward life? Will it take a genuine change of nature, to allow a soul to bow before the Presence of God? Must we first let repentance from living our lives for ourselves bring us to letting go of everything we loved before? Should our baptism be a moment where we are coming to terms with how much we need our Lord? Should it be an expression of this dependence?

Should we all try to make baptism an immersion of the worshiper into our Maker and Redeemer? Should we keep our relationship with God suppressed into mechanical and verbal testimonies? Or will it overflow with expressions of love and devotion to an Almighty God? Should it stem from a drastic change of nature and what that nature serves? Should it plunge deep into the Heart of the One Who loves us? Should we step in with both feet until we are swept under and carried along wherever the Spirit leads?

Dear Jesus, we would make straight the path for You. You came not to draw us to empty outward expressions but to You in all actuality. Therefore, help us look past shallow rituals or beliefs. Guide us deep into our center core, to the soul which moves us into action. Take us to our very nature, and then show us how to turn that over to You. What lives on within our hearts from this moment on, let it be to serve You and lift You ever higher.

Amen

Mark 1

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The Baptist´s Message

And this was his message: “After me comes the one more

powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy

to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he

will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:7-8

Get ready! This was the message given to John to prepare the Way for the hearts of men. In this message can we see that John the Baptist was not there to earn a good salary or have a comfortable job? A message from above had been placed burning within his heart and his only option was to share it with the world. This man felt the urgent necessity of immersing men and women into a state where they knew they needed to be brought unto God.

To John the Baptist it had been revealed, that there was One coming after Him who would provide the next part of this glorious process. He knew that his best efforts and greatest success could not possibly compare to what his successor would bring. He worked to prepare the Way for the Greater Messenger. Was the coming Messiah infinitely closer to the Almighty God? Was He deserving of immeasurably greater honor?

Christ was coming, so John labored from a secret bent of soul to accomplish what had been revealed unto him. Did he fit into society? Did his message direct men to seek a good life here? Or did he direct attention above? Did He point to Something and Someone beyond all that we see? Did he speak to the hearts of men and women? Was he driven like we are towards earthly goals? Or did he work towards eternally valuable ones?

The washing that John could provide was physical and external. Regardless of the symbolism of what powers were stirring there, he could only wash what was on the outside. But what about the


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washing that was soon to come? Would it be by One of authority? Would Jesus bring with Him an immersion into the very Spirit of God? Is the Holy Spirit a gift that can only come from God and not from man? Must we come to the Lord to find it? Will people have to first seek their Maker and Redeemer to receive the cleansing power of the Spirit?

If we are interested in being baptized by the Spirit of God, should we understand the importance of Christ as John pointed out? Could we realize the indescribable worth of our Savior? Should we realize that we are in need of this Spirit which can only be given by Him? Should it be evident to God that we are sincere enough to seek Him and this baptism? Would this kind of immersion be given to those who take these words to heart?

John came and paved the Way for our Savior. Jesus, the Messiah came to us too. He gave us His instructions. He paid our ransom and has returned to the Father´s side. Right now He is there interceding for us. Will we accept what He is offering us? Shall we prepare our hearts? Should we throw everything else out and make room for the limitless power of the presence of God? Who of us are prepared to seek the greatest blessing, this immersion into the Spirit of the Lord?

Please dear Jesus, see us and hear us today. We have heard Your messengers and heard Your message. Now we are left with the understanding of our need for You. Before, we wandered each one seeking their own interests, but now we come seeking You. We feel our need to be filled with Your Spirit. Please renew our hearts in preparation to receive this blessed Holy Spirit. Let us rest not until Your work in us is accomplished and we are filled. Then our every breath will be for You, with You and in You. Our lives will become meaningful and directed as we are baptized and immersed in Your Spirit today and for all time. We ask for this Spirit as it is the only thing that can show us the Father and the Son, and we long to be with You!

Amen

Mark 1

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Jesus Baptized

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was

baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up

out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the

Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from

heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well

pleased.” Mark 1:9-11

Wonderfully exciting times? The mighty Spirit is working in the hearts of the people. John the Baptist is spreading a good word of preparing souls for God. Sincere people are going to hear him and as they are moved to action towards God, they are being washed in the river Jordan. It is to this scene that Jesus comes also. It may seem strange, that the very Son of God would humbly come to see the Baptist and allow him to perform the ritual cleaning. But should we think that Jesus knows what He is doing?

Can we view sin to be a separating of our wills from the will of God the Father? Do each of us have to find atonement for our natural inherited ways and seek the Savior for grace? Should we be cleansed and changed from our previous self and renewed in Christ? Does Jesus pay for what we lack in our sinful nature by dying on the cross? Should baptism into Him begin that washing and cleansing from our ways to His? We may understand our need for these things. But why would our Savior need to go through with this process?

Did Jesus choose to be baptized? Did He let John wash Him in the river as a symbol of His obedience and complete envelopment in the Father? He already had the nature of the Father running through His veins, but could He still be tempted? Could He still choose which nature to follow? Did it greatly please the Father


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when His Son showed His love and entire commitment of heart and soul and was baptized as a normal person? Did God tell Him so when a voice came out of nowhere and the Holy Spirit descended on His Son like a dove?

Jesus may have miraculously come from divine essence and become a man. But was His tie to the Father and His ability to hear Him and know what His Father wanted was fervently sought? Did Jesus ever do anything as you and I do? Did He go around doing and saying things for the same purposes as we do? Or did He perform every act and spoke every word to please His Father and instruct us? Was everything that He said or did, to set an example for us? Was it all to instruct us and help us find a Way back to our place in God?

When Jesus performed His humble expression of washing in the Spirit and will of God, can we see His whole-hearted and pure intentions? Can we see His effort to lift His very heart and soul to God? Can we see Him dedicating every thought, action and Word? We can see Him directing us? Is He showing us that it pleases the Father when God sees genuine souls turning their hearts to Him without restraint?

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming. Thank You for everything You have done for us. Thank You for showing us what kind of nature to seek. Please help us as we feel the need to come unto You and the Father. Give us we pray, a baptism of Spirit. Flow over us with Your nature and wash away that nature we had before when we followed our ways and not Yours. Cleanse us to pure intentions of seeking and finding ourselves in You. Do this so that we may glorify You and the Father. Be pleased with our offering today and send down upon us Your Spirit to purify and guide us unto You.

Amen

Mark 1

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The Spirit Drove Him

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, Mark

1:12

One can almost picture the scene of Jesus rising up out of the water. The whole moment is charged with emotion and strong conviction. Jesus and John both are acutely in tune with their hearts supplication to the Living God. They know and feel the pure intentions and love for the One they are moved to worship and express their humble offering of the heart. Surely those who witnessed the scene are likewise moved by the deeply felt commitment to God and the reverence of the moment. As Jesus comes out of the water He is rewarded by the Father with a reassuring voice and the dove of Spirit coming down upon Him. The water is still dripping from Him as He comes out of the river. But His heart and His thoughts are with His Father. So in tune is He with the God in that moment that the Spirit sends Him off into the wilderness.

Is it beautiful and warming to see the scene like this? Granted that it is not popular to talk of spirits, but did something move Jesus? Was it intelligent and perfectly directed to the Almighty God? Do we wish more were written about this mysterious Spirit of God? The Holy Spirit is pictured in the Bible to have the same authority and power as the Son and the Father. So why do we not spend the same amount of effort or time to get to know Him?

Would we all agree that this Spirit sent down from the Father which came to the Son was a beautiful gift? Can we see that it moved Jesus and directed Him to a place God wanted Him to be? Can we claim in words that this Holy Spirit is a personage worthy


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of our respect and love? Yet how much of our worship is directed towards being filled with it?

This doctrine of the Spirit is taught so fully in the scriptures. Should we make every effort on our part to assure that God´s will for us is accomplished? Should each of us seek to be filled and moved powerfully in every moment by this mysterious Spirit? Is it this Spirit which shows us the Father and the Son? Is it the Holy Spirit which comes to us to comfort, to guide, to strengthen and to help us? Is it His soft whisper that booms like a thunderstorm inside our souls? And is it His wisdom that moves us from within? Without Him, can we have any pure thought or action?

Shall we pray for an outpouring of the Spirit of God on all those who seek Him today? Would it please God the Father as it please Him the day He sent His confirmation to His Son? Would we like to be washed clean, presented before the Lord, then filled by this incredible moving Force? Would we like to have flowing inside of us the most powerful force in nature, to move us in whatever Way God intends for us? Shall we seek that Spirit in us too to direct us into the will of God and bring us safely home to Him? Should we waste no time and ask for that filling right now?

Dear Jesus, please send us Your Spirit. We are full of limitations and there are many forces against the bringing of our hearts to You. The Spirit will be our hope. He will bring us safely to You. He will teach us of You and the Father and in Him we will be in You. Help us overcome our lack of faith and our lack of sight. Harden our eyes on things unseen. Let our senses come alive today to welcome and embrace this greatest of all forces in nature. Be pleased to send and to overflow us with that Spirit now as we realize our dire need for Him. Let that Spirit be the only force that moves us, because it will move us ever closer to You.

Amen

Mark 1

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The Wilderness of Temptation

and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by

Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended

him. Mark 1:13

There He was, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He was sent away from the comfort and assistance of friends or loved ones. Out there in the wild places and amongst the animals He had to go. And the Devil used this time to work his devious tricks. If we are honest enough, can we recognize how inopportune and relentless the deceiver wages war upon our souls? Here is Jesus, being subjected to his persistent attacks during those forty days when the Spirit led Him out into the wild.

Could we say that it was unjust that our Savior needed to suffer such a time of isolation and trial? In our human logic, would we think that it is unfair that the Spirit of God should drive a man out of his comfort zone and allow him to be tempted? Are there many accusations we could throw at God? But to do so, would we need to give in to carnal thinking?

If we have chosen to believe in a Righteous and Almighty God, then should our mission lie in lifting Him forever higher? Should we rather keep always in mind the difference in nature between a lofty Creator and our low and fallen nature? Should we think God knows what He is doing? Could He be able to see what would bring benefit a soul even if it means allowing that soul to cross very dark valleys? Are God´s intentions more far-reaching than any temporary trials no matter what terrible things we should suffer? Would it be important to remember that when our hearts are with Him, then anything that the Spirit may lead us through is still in the will of God?


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Hindsight may be 20/20 but can God see beforehand what good even the worst trial may bring? If our soul Is committed and tuned to Him, may we walk with confidence that His Lord is in perfect control? Could we stand in faith even though the outward signs that we see around us may paint an impossible picture? Can trying times and painful experiences serve their eternal purposes in working for the Lord´s plan? Could they serve to purify and refine us as if by fire? Is the journey we are all on through this life merely a physical one? Or is it a spiritual one which could have no end at all for those who choose to go along with that Spirit wherever It may lead?

Dear Jesus, help us not to waste precious time in questioning the things the Spirit may lead us through. Show us how to follow Your lead even though we may be led into all kinds of wild places and through the worst of trials. Even when we are separated from our comfort zones, please direct our attention to that ever-present Spirit which has brought us there and who will be the One who helps us through. Give us the strength and courage to remain faithful and keep our eyes upon You no matter what wilderness we must go into and regardless of the time we spend there. Let those trying times work their good and strengthen our relationship with You in every way.

Amen

Mark 1

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Angels Cared for Him

and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by

Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended

him. Mark 1:13

Have we ever seen an angel of God? If we haven´t, do we believe that we could see one if we were in the right place at the right time? Do we have a secret desire to be permitted to have an encounter with one of these mysterious beings? Is there a part of our heart that longs to hear their voices rise in songs of praise to the Almighty?

If we are one of those people who turn to look heavenward, then have we answered these questions to ourselves? Is it completely natural for a believer in God to embrace the thought of these Holy Messengers of the Lord? Are they beings who like us, are designed for and given the capacity to praise God?

When we consider these amazing creatures, can we sense a strong affinity towards them? Do we share the same goal and purpose within our existence? Would one of the highest attributes we could each share, be to lift our voices and our hearts all together in harmony to praise and adore the Most High God?

There are plenty of references within the Holy Scriptures to provide any seeker after the Lord sufficient cause to cherish the belief in these dedicated servants of the Lord. Jesus refers to them often and in our text today, is it comforting to see them ministering to Him there in the desert?

Would we say that the Bible instructs us to worship the angels? Does it teach us to be preoccupied with seeking an encounter with them? Although our hearts would be greatly warmed by harder


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proof of their presence, is their duty and ours is to seek first and foremost the will of the Father? Instead of being sought after as objects for our attention, should they rather be seen as sharers of purpose? Could they be brethren, who like us, drive ourselves ever further and higher in our adoration of the worthy Creator?

Beautiful and sweet is the thought of the angels coming to the Lord Jesus in his time of trial in the wilderness. To a heart bent on seeking to lift up our Savior, one might like to imagine that we too, if we had been there, could have served our Master and been there for Him as the angels were. Shall we rejoice in our shared goals? Shall we look forward to the day when the veil is removed and we can see them face to face? Shall we look forward to joining them in their praise and vision of the Most High?

Dear Jesus, master of our souls, we come to bow before You. Look deep within our hearts and remove anything that would inhibit us from running to care for You or do Your bidding today. Fill us with a nature more resembling that which You have given those special workers the angels. We would like to be filled like them, with a desire after You alone. Our highest goal and single thought could be to draw near and to serve You. One day soon we pray to see the heavens part and our King coming on the clouds of glory. On that day, may we be blessed by hearing our own voices mingle with those of your hosts of angels in singing our praise to You. Hasten that glorious day!

Amen

Mark 1

15

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Good News

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee,

proclaiming the good news of God. Mark 1:14

Jesus starts His ministry and comes public with His message. And what is Jesus teaching? The good news about God! Is that good news? Does it sound good to us?

Do we have a tendency as Christians to become so familiar with our doctrines and beliefs, that we rarely pause to consider? Could it be extremely beneficial for each of us to stop what we are doing and get alone with the Lord? When we are there in our quiet place can we approach our Lord and bring up issues like this ministry of Jesus? Can we sit with Him a while and let the Spirit illuminate the wonderful truths of the scriptures to us? Would it be beautiful and sweet to hear His voice as He whispers His secrets to our hearts and fills us with a fuller vision of our beloved Savior?

Mark speaks of the good news of God. Is any news of God good news for those who put their hope in Him? Why would people of Jesus´ day and ours need to be reminded of that fact? Is it because the name of God can and easily does get placed into certain comfortable definitions? Do we form our definitions depending upon each person´s experience and background? Are the things a person thinks about God influenced by everything like; a family member´s views, the teachings received in school, religious organizations, and even the general current society´s views. Did People in Jesus´ time and now in ours, believe what they do about God because they know Him? Or are our beliefs summed up from what we have absorbed from life around us?

Good news came to us through Jesus, as finally someone came to tell us. He is One who has seen God personally. He knows Him


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intimately and is the highest authority we can go to. He can tell us Who and What God Is. Is He the best authority on what God´s intentions for His creation really are? When Jesus began His ministry, did He start by relaying the fact that God is infinitely good and all-together worthy of our highest esteem? Was His message showing that God is not only the most intelligent and powerful being, but that God is also directly concerned with us individually. Did Jesus want us to know that the Lord has good intentions for us as well?

Into a world of hurt, complications and distractions, is this good news indeed? One may believe that there is a great force or intelligence behind our existence here on earth. But does everyone truly know in their heart that God is good? Do we realize that simple people like us may come to know Him in a real and personal Way? If we could meet the most famous actor or politician of our day, would we feel the weight and excitement of that moment? Would it make an impression upon us? Well, here Jesus is holding out the same kind of opportunity! But is God infinitely greater and more wonderful? Is there much more weight upon this encounter? Should we be able today to get more than a little worked up over the good new of God that comes to us?

Dear Jesus, thank you for sharing with us the good news of God. We are simple creatures and seldom capture the weight of what it means to contemplate the goodness of God. Please assist us in a powerful way so that we may be enabled to receive such awareness. Open our hearts and minds to receive and to know more of the wonderful and immeasurable greatness of our Creator. Take away all that we knew before and write anew Your truths upon our hearts. Show us what it means to actually approach this kind and loving Entity. Lead us through the changes of heart and soul which will bring us to a fuller reality of Him and to enter into a very real and close relationship with Him today.

Amen

Mark 1

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9

The Time

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has

come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15

Finally God´s great plan was reaching a crucial point. Jesus was here to announce that God and His Kingdom were within reach. This was the moment that prophets had foreseen. Now was when God was closer than ever. Jesus, the Son of God was amongst us. A new era was at hand where God´s Kingdom and ours were finally within reach of each other.

God had designed a Way to put differences between these two worlds into a right and correctly atoned relationship. Has mankind always had a tendency to go against the wishes of God and turn to our own ways? Do we far too often choose to put distance between us and our rightful Lord? Was this act done merely by the first two of our kind? Or is it something we each and all do continually?

Now, has the time come for us to lay down our old ways and turn to God? Has He and His kingdom drawn within our reach? To do this do we need to repent? Or is this a catch-phrase or a finger pointed at those who behave the worst? Is this a call for each of us to take a good look at ourselves? Should we admit our need to return from following what we like to do? Should we put God´s will back where it belongs before our own? Does this mean that every last one of us, even the pastor or highest celebrated saint, must live through a process of rejecting self and recognizing that they are in need of a Savior?

If this is not a well-received message to give, are there any shortcuts? Does Jesus or the Bible give us an alternative route? Or will those who truly want to know God accept the challenge? Will


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those who really do desire to share a part of His kingdom seek out this given Path? Will their highest delight will be in finding it and following it?

“Here it is!” He says, “Take it!”

Jesus tells us that finally it is within reach! “Turn,” He says, “and put your faith in this good news!” God is good! He is good news to His people! Should we be careful not to lump God´s will into merely a strict way of living, shallow rules, or to a denomination whose theology is better received than another? God calls men to Him! Do we come to better ourselves or our standings with any other created being? Or do we come to put ourselves into a correct adjustment to the Almighty God? Is our greatest purpose in life to bring honor and pleasure to our King? Does everything else that we may endeavor towards take second place or is lost far down on the list of merit? Can we sense the importance of this moment? Is now the time?

Dear Jesus, we believe! We believe that You have come and brought God´s kingdom within our reach. Make us aware that we need to turn from us, and focus all on You. Please help us as we make that transition from trusting in ourselves, to trusting in You. Let us realize the greatness of You, our Good News. And give us the gift of faith that will set all our attention upon You at this time! Right here, right Now!

Amen

Mark 1

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10

Come After Me!

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to

fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed

him. Mark 1:17-18

Have you ever wondered what our reaction would have been that day if we were there and heard those words? Would we immediately have left our work, our family and friends? Would we have just left everything we were doing? Would we have left the life we were living, to follow Jesus?

Is there anything under the sun that is more important that hearing our Savior call, then getting into motion and following Him? Is it easier to leave the question in the past? Is it easier to wonder what we would have done? Or should we be bringing the question home? Should we be considering these questions today? What about right now? What are we doing?

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Where shall we go and what shall we do?

Is there a process here that continues to be just as crucial to each of us individually? First, is there a voice that reaches us? Then next, is there a moment for us to react? Does what we do in this crucial moment decide all eternity for us? May countless people be affected by that reaction we choose? Will our reaction be one of mental calculations? Or will it mean that action is required? Will we need to make drastic changes in our very nature? Will we need to leave our nets and step in behind our Lord? Will we be able to say yes, and then stay where we are? Can we keep on doing what we were doing before? Can we be the same person we were before?


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Fear is a natural reaction and probably the first sensation to enter our hearts. We may feel it before we can stand up and put distance between our old lives and this new one. Who knows where the Lord is going to lead us? Anything could happen! Do we like to have some say in where we go and what we do? Would hesitation be a natural reaction in a situation like this? What can we do? What do we do? Shall we give in to misgivings and doubt? Or shall we take a step of faith?

So here we are! Is Jesus asking us if we will follow Him? What ARE we going to do? Where does our faith leave us? What is going to be the driving force for us today? How important are we going to make the whole question? Can we take ourselves out of the equation? Or will we hear His words and make them speak to us right here, right now?

Dear Jesus, Your voice comes to us loud and clear. You not only called men by a lake years ago, but are calling us today. Please give us the courage and faith, to get ourselves into motion. Show us how to turn from all those things we love, and step out to follow You. We do not need to know where You will lead us, what will happen, nor how we will do anything. Strengthen our resolve. Please take us by the hand. It is a big step for us but one we choose to make today. Let us give no thought for the things we leave behind, they too will find their place in You. Rather let us focus on one thing alone, and that is being with You and following You forever.

Amen

Mark 1

a sneek peek into new book, looking for jesus in the book of mark

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