Mark_1

Scripture - What stood out?Mark 1:34

And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Observation - What does it say?The gospel of Mark is another recounting of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Chapter one moves at a very rapid pace highlighting John the baptist’ role and quickly moving into Jesus healing ministry and teaching ministry. Understanding - What does it mean?I sometimes forget that Jesus was human when he began his ministry here on earth. In other words he chose to limit himself (God) by adhering to all of our human rules. My pastor once asked us to imagine taking our human bodies and trying to stuff it all into a little cockroach. Unsavory imagery but point understood. And with all of Jesus' limitations we see him overpowering demons, overcoming sickness, and teaching with authority. And so I find myself asking God, “Am I able to do that too?” In this chapter alone here are some of the things we know about Jesus: 

• He moved in the power of Holy Spirit - 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 
• He knew the old testament scriptures fairly well - 21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.
• He spent time with the Father - 35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 

 Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?Is it really possible to pattern my life like yours Lord? Help me to stop making excuses and live the way that I am supposed to. Today I will spend time in prayer with you very early in the morning, I will pray for the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that you teach me your words Father God. And may you be gracious to me as your face shines upon me.In the name of Jesus, amen.-kenneth lee

Psalm_66

Scripture

Psalm 66: 8-10

Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.

 

Observation

This psalm is one of the rare psalms not attributed to David, and is regarded as a praise song. Traditionally, this particular chapter is recited during an Easter celebration (so we’re a little late) but it explains the victory and blessing we experience in the Lord.

 

Understanding

I love that this psalmist praises God for all the amazing deeds that He has done. He also shows gratitude for God allowing them to in some way keep their position, that is keeping them rooted in Christ. But the part that I had to stop on today always catches my attention in the Bible and even in songs: “you refined us like silver.” If you know anything about the refinement process of precious metals, you’ll understand that it is extremely uncomfortable. The ore is taken and put through immense amounts of heat until the impurities (or dross if you want to be fancy) comes rising to the top. Then the refiner will scrape these impurities off and blast it through heat again, this process is continued until no more dross is present and the ore is completely refined silver. So when we say “I want to be tried by the fire and purified” or “you refined us like silver” it’s the understanding that our blessings are sometimes wrapped up in a difficult test.

There are very few things that I consider a “dangerous prayer,” but asking God to refine us like any precious metal is one of them in my eyes. As I look back on my life there’s only one time I can remember I asked God to truly “refine” me, and wow He did. In the beginning of 2020 I wrote in a journal: “I want to be forged in the fire so that I come out as purified gold. As of right now though I feel the flames getting hotter and hotter, and I have to made the choice that I will survive the scorching.” Needless to say 2020 was a journey that I am still navigating, and I now can say that I believe the sentiment I wrote in January 2020. “I will survive the scorching,” but also the blessing is in the testing and that’s what this psalmist is reminding us today.

 

Life Application

Choose to look at your difficulties with eyes of wonder rather than eyes of despair. The blessing is in the testing, so although it is not easy push through the tough circumstances and remember that no matter what He still good, and always worthy of our praise.

-Allison Khan 

2 Corinthians 12

Scripture2 Corinthians 12:9-10⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.   Observation-What does it say?Paul speaks to the type of man he would boast about – a man he knows who was “caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell;” then he makes a clear delineation that he will not boast about himself, except about his weaknesses – “so no one will think more of [him] than is warranted.”  He recognizes God’s power and work in his life, but also recognizes the “thorn” that was given to keep him humble.     Understanding-What does it mean?What a refreshing view of weakness in a world of social media highlight reels – with picture perfect poses, photo staging, filters, etc.  But God’s not looking for perfection…he’s looking for humble hearts, ready to serve.  In fact, it’s in our weaknesses, if we’re willing to be vulnerable and submit them to Him, that His power is made perfect.  His perfection takes all forms – healing, feeling loved, being known…the point is, it takes humble and willing hearts.  And our “worst” weaknesses can be the source of God’s greatest good, greatest power! Life ApplicationMay we boast in our weaknesses – for it is in our weakness that we are made strong in God.  -Rei