Good Morning Everyone, Welcome to the first full week of December. I pray the week has started off well and yesterday you found opportunities Jillian challenged us with to stay attuned and cast your net when opportunities arose.
Today’s Reading: Psalm 124, Intro to Mark
What a perfectly timed way to wrap up the 2017 year. As we prepare for our reading through the gospel of Mark I think it’s a great way to finish up the year. We will read through the many miracles witnessed and recorded. A young John Mark wasn’t a disciple, but he accompanied Paul on his first mission and had a front row seat to many of miracles Jesus performed.
According to the Tyndale Life Application Bible the four major themes in Mark is the knowing that our Lord Jesus was Real, Focus on Servanthood, Sharing His many Miracles, and our Command to Spreading the Gospel. I can’t think of a better time of the year to dig back into these themes and not only reflect on them, but live them out.
Our first focus is on Jesus. We know and are thankful for Jesus being born for us. In a few weeks we will celebrate this birth. We will read in Mark how our true God doesn’t only live in heaven, He came in the person of Jesus. That will be the true meaning of Christmas that we celebrate. Jesus is the son of God, Eternal King, King of Glory, Lord of Lords, who rules over all who commit into His care. Luke 1:32-33 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Jesus came to serve. Jesus came and told others about His Father and doing whatever He could to serve others. He provided for people then, He provides for us now. The ultimately act of service was shown by giving His life for the sacrifice for our sins. The example of Jesus provides His living word as the example we need to live out ours. Serve God and serve others. Serving others is not focused on power, money, or positon. It shouldn’t be based on our motives, but based on our of love for our Eternal Father.
Mark will share many miracles as we read, share, and apply these miracles to our lives. We were reminded yesterday how we should step back and think of the miracles God has provided in our lives. We remember that without these obstacles, we may never see the miracles. The miracles we read, see, and are part of help us to realize, understand, believe, and have faith that our Jesus is God and He changes lives. He has changed ours. That in these dark moments He is our light and peace. Mighty Miracles have happened, they will continue to happen when you trust in the Lord.
Share the Good News of Jesus. His word crosses any barrier and is the hope for us all. As we enter into Christmas, a perfect window opens to share an amazing story of Joy, Hope, Peace, Miracles, and Love. That as we serve others and put them in front of ourselves, our only answer is Jesus. We have this love stronger and greater for a Father that was born for us. He reigned and set the perfect example of how we should be. That Jesus was put on this Earth to live and show a perfect love. That ultimately on His own accord died. So we could have a eternal life with Him.
Love so amazing. Have a great Tuesday. I’m sure you have seen miracles unfold already this week. Recognize and Praise Him! Each day we get closer to Christmas share this great news of our Lord Jesus. Let others know about a relationship that will change their life and how it has changed yours. Serve others out of love. Make others wonder why or how is it that Christians can have so much love doing things for others? Jesus showed us a perfect example of how we should treat everyone. Continue to make Jesus your focus and not get caught up in holiday season challenge of trying to do everything.
Keep a focus on what Christmas is all about and Who we celebrate. Remember Proverbs 16:9. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
He will provide everything you need this season. Trust God to supply all needs!
Lastly, show Love in all we do. Let’s not have our circumstances or other people influence the love we can show out of our hearts. If you need a little extra boost write 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 on a notecard and keep it on you for those urgent reminders of this love we should show all.
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Have a great day! I love you!
David Crowder – How He Loves Me