“The Difficult Journey” – Mark 14:-26-30

26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd,    and the sheep will be scattered.’[a] 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away,… Continue reading “The Difficult Journey” – Mark 14:-26-30

All to the glory of God – Mark 9:30-37

30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”32 But they did not understand what he meant and… Continue reading All to the glory of God – Mark 9:30-37

That Which Defiles – Mark 7:1-13

7 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus 2 and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When… Continue reading That Which Defiles – Mark 7:1-13

Not a Ghost – Mark 6:33-56

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” It is one of the strangest stories in the New Testament. Jesus, shrouded in darkness, comes to his disciples – walking on the water, no less. Not surprisingly, it terrified them. I am sure I would have had a similar… Continue reading Not a Ghost – Mark 6:33-56

Defeating A Legion – Mark 5:1-20

The man’s words always chill my soul a little: “My name is Legion, for we are many.” The demon-possessed man, tormented, prone to self-harm, both afraid and fearsome to others, this man encountered Jesus among the tombs. Jesus cast the demons out, sending them into a herd of pigs, which further terrified those who witnessed… Continue reading Defeating A Legion – Mark 5:1-20

The Word Along the Way Mark 4:1-20

There were so many that he had to sit in a boat offshore while the crowds gathered at the shore. Clearly, they were hungry for the word he had to offer. Telling them stories, touching on the things – the images with which they could best identify – he taught them about life. So it… Continue reading The Word Along the Way Mark 4:1-20

Family Ties – Mark 3:22 –35

They were at it again. Claiming he was possessed. Insisting the miracles he performed were just cheap sleight of hand. Pulling them apart any way they could. Of course they did – he threatened them – this itinerant rabbi who seemed to have the whole world following him.  Now, he had pulled together a select… Continue reading Family Ties – Mark 3:22 –35

Week 45 If God Himself Gives Us Life, Who Can Take It From Us?

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 45 Scripture Readings: Psalms 128-130 Key Scripture Verses: Psalm 129: 1-2 (NIV, Life Application Bible) “’They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,’ let Israel say; ‘they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.’” The author of Psalm 129… Continue reading Week 45 If God Himself Gives Us Life, Who Can Take It From Us?