S.
Mark 14:44 - No the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard."
O.
Judas is setting Jesus up - he's close enough to catch him.
A.
I am fully convinced that Jesus knew what it was like to have someone close to Him hurt him deeply - as if I was the only person who had ever suffered that.
P.
Father, you know me and all that I have suffered. Why did I ever think I was unique or alone in that? How did you forgive Him? Can you teach ...
S.
Mark 14:25 - Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
O.
Jesus shares communion with his disciples and makes a promise.
A.
Next time I am at the communion table, I will drink to a friend who is present, yet coming. A toast to my coming King.
P.
Father, I hear in Jesus' voice a promise and pledge. A longing. A dream that will become reality. I can't wait to take that drink with Him. May it be sooner than later - my Friend, my ...
S.
Mark 13:22 - "False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omen, to lead astray, if possible the elect."
O.
Jesus is teaching disciples of what is to come in order to keep them from being fooled. Following Jesus makes one more of a target than if they weren't
A.
I need to stay alert and awake of half-truths and slick preachers. The days ahead aren't suppose to get easier.
P.
Father, I read these words and wonder what kind of world we are raising our kids in. help us prepare them and ourselves to follow You no matter what the world throws ...
S.
Mark 12:44 - For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.
O.
Jesus is watching all that goes on (and wrong) in the Temple - but He sees some great acts of faith.
A.
God has used Whitby to challenge me about our money and giving. Kids live connected lives - you do what you say.
P.
Father, thank you for using Whitby's voice to ask how we are entrusting our finances to You. Help me teach her even as You have used her to teach ...
S.
Mark 12:24 - Jesus said to them, "Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God?"
O.
Jesus is being challenged/questions by the Sadducees about the resurrection.
A.
I have to know the Word - its song and its power. I get so fussy about the church not knowing the Bible, but I stand as one who needs to grow in it daily.
P.
Father, this is a challenge to me - to know the song and the power of Your word. In these moments, help me to truly know Your whispers. I don't want to ...
S.
Mark 12:17 - Jesus said to them, "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were utterly amazed at him.
O.
Jesus is getting ambushed by the Pharisees - or so they think.
A.
I was created to be in relationship with God - it's in my makeup. I need to live that out.
P.
Father, forgive me when I don't live in a way that acknowledges You as my creator! I am Yours. I am Your handiwork. You have made me for a reason -help me to know that and live it out. ...
S.
Mark 11:25 - Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
O.
Jesus is teaching on how faith and forgiveness intersect prayer.
A.
I need to keep a shorter list if I'm going to be productive in my prayer life.
P.
Father, as with a brother this Sunday at church - help me to forgive like you so that You can hear me. I don't want anything to keep me from talking and hearing You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Creighton
S.
Mark 10:45 - For the Son of Man came not be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
O.
The disciples are fighting over who's the best and Jesus describes the Kingdom power structure.
A.
I am called to be a servant, not a task-master. help me.
P.
Father, I like being in charge, on top, and the boss. Help me to serve humility. Help me to never believe my position entitles me to something except to lead by serving. In Christ's name, Amen.
Creighton
S.
Mark 10:20 - Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing, go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven,;then come, follow me."
O.
Jesus is talking with a young man of sincere heart and deep pockets and he's about to tear up his future.
A.
It's not about keeping rules - is about ultimate loyalties.
P.
Father, touch and challenge my loyalties that keep me from You . If there is anything in the way - ask for it, take it, remove it. I don't want anything to keep me back ...
S.
Mark 9:23 - Jesus said to him, "If you are able ! - All things can be done for the one who believes."
O.
Jesus has come down from the Mt. of Transfiguration to finds his disciples fumbling to heal a little boy.
A.
Like the father of this little boy - I find myself caught between believing and doubting.
P.
Father, help my unbelief. Give me courage to follow You even when I don't see how its all going to work out. Let me trust in Your name and Your desire to heal. That's the real issue here - not if you can, but if ...
