Thursday Morning: 30 May 2019 – Mark 14:66-72 ~ on denial and remorse

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:66-72 (NLT)

Peter Denies Jesus

Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”

But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.

When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” But Peter denied it again.

A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”

Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
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Morning Reflection:

on denial and remorse

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind:
“Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
And he broke down and wept. – Mark 14:72

Peter’s presence in the courtyard during Jesus’ trial was a testimony to His love for Jesus. Unfortunately his love could not stand the test of fear – not just once, but three times.

Remember that the Gospel of Mark was written to a church under severe pressure of persecution. As such, Peter’s denial was both a warning and assurance.

+ Warning – If denial was possible for one of the leaders of the apostles, then every believer must constantly be on guard, lest they too succumb to fear over faith.

+ Assurance – If anyone does fail Jesus, if their faith is overcome by fear, there is always a way open for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever been overcome by fear? How did you handle it? Please explain.
Have you ever had to face your fears? What did that entail? Please explain.
Have you ever failed Jesus because of fear of one sort or another? Please explain.
Have you repented, received forgiveness and restoration? Please explain.
If you are not sure, click here.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for churches to rise up:

Lord Jesus: Awaken your church to the critical needs of believers around the world who are suffering calamity and great persecution. Grant that we would be faithful in prayer, and generous in our giving for physical support. Rally your church around those who are suffering for your name’s sake. And empower us by your Spirit to engage our political leaders, especially here in America, in order to remind them that Christian persecution is a real issue that must be addressed in our time. I ask this in your name, and for the Father’s glory. Amen.

Prayer: To Overcome Fear and Anxiety

Lord Jesus: Sometimes, my heart and mind are flooded with fears – I feel paralyzed, not knowing what to do. Yet I hold onto your truth. You have told us not to fear, for you have overcome the world.

So I cling to you, and I trust in your promises, that you will never fail me, never forsake me. In moments of disabling fear, I choose to hold your hand. I know that you have experienced the most fearful places, and I know that you have risen again.

In you all promises meet and new life begins. You are my Savior, I hide in you, protected by your love, and sheltered by your grace. Amen.

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“Fear Is a Liar” – Zach Williams

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thursday Morning: 23 May 2019 – Mark 13:1-23 ~ on signs and persecution (end times pt 1)

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Morning Reading – Mark 13:1-23 (NLT)

Jesus Speaks about the Future

As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls.”

Jesus replied, “Yes, look at these great buildings. But they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”

Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
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Morning Reflection:

on signs and persecution

“Tell us, when will all this happen?
What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”
– Mark 13:4

At some point, every believer asks the question, “When will this present age end? What will be the signs that the end is near?”

In today’s reading, Jesus answers negatively with a warning us against false signs and the expectation of persecution.

False Signs will precede Jesus’ return:

People claiming to be the Messiah, claiming to be God.
Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines.

Severe Persecution:

From Jews and Gentiles, from religious and secular courts. However such treatment will also provide opportunity to bear witness for Jesus.
From betrayal by family members and blood relatives. All kinds of people will hate us for our testimony.

And where is the grace in Jesus’ warning? The Holy Spirit will give every believer under persecution and trial the appropriate words to speak at the appropriate time. And those of us who endure this persecution and suffering until our life’s end, or until Jesus returns, will be saved.

Questions for consideration:

While all kinds of people are seeking some sort of protected status, it seems to be “open season” on Christians. Have you experienced persecution in one form or another? Please explain.
Have you experienced social or legal difficulties because of your faith? How did you respond? Did the Holy Spirit help you in any way? Please explain.
How has your family responded to your faith in Jesus Christ? Are they supportive, or dismissive? How have you responded to them? Please explain.
It seems as though there are always “wars and rumors of wars” in every age. Do you think that present time is different? What does it mean for you to “watch out?” Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for churches to rise up:

My Prayer: “We must not be silent” (ACNA)

Heavenly Father, we bring before you today the people of Syria and Iraq, asking you to be their defender and help in their time of need. Walk with them in their suffering and loss, and give them strength to face the days ahead. We pray for release of the captives and freedom for those held hostage. We pray for your intervention against the violence and evil against your people. We pray for your provision for the hungry, the homeless, and the bereaved. We pray for you to help your people who are called by your Name, Jesus’ Name, and it is in His Name we ask these things. Amen.
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“O God, Do Thou Sustain Me” – Anabaptist Martyr Hymns

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thursday Morning: 16 May 2019 – Mark 10:32-52 ~ on serving and suffering

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Morning Reading – Mark 10:32-52(NLT)

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.”

Jesus Teaches about Serving Others

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.”

“What is your request?” he asked.

They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”

“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”

When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”

So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
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Morning Reflection:

on serving and suffering

In today’s reading, Jesus set his course for Jerusalem, fully aware of what awaited him. Those following him were both amazed and fearful, because Jerusalem was a place of intense conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities – a place of danger, and condemnation to death.

But Jerusalem was also the place where Jesus would fulfill his purpose as the Suffering Servant –

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others
and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

Still, the disciples didn’t comprehend what was ahead of them and preferred to focus on a coming physical kingdom. And Jesus continued to teach them and train them for the ministry that would eventually be entrusted to them. How?

+ Jesus gave them the clearest picture of his passion and resurrection to date. The disciples heard what he said, but couldn’t wrap their minds around it.

+ Jesus explained that service and suffering were the marks of greatness in his coming Kingdom, after his example. The disciples quickly agreed, but had no idea of the martyrdom they would eventually face.

+ Jesus explained that the Father would determine who would receive the positions of authority and honor in the messianic kingdom. Jesus had a job to do, the rest was left to the Father.

+ Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus in response to his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, and his plea for mercy. And Bartimaeus followed him, in faith, to Jerusalem.

Questions for consideration:

We have an advantage over the disciples – the Bible gives us the whole story and 2000 years of church history records how it has worked out.

How does the passion of Christ inform your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? Please explain.
When you decided to follow Jesus (if you have), did you consider the personal cost to you? How has your understanding changed over time? Please explain.
How do you handle the authority that God has given you – at home, work, church, neighborhood? Do you run a “tight ship” telling people what to do? Please explain.
How do you reconcile your authority with sacrificial service? What would you have to set aside in order for sacrificial service to be your priority today? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for churches to rise up:

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Open my eyes to see you as the One who died that I might live. Fill me with your Spirit that I might humbly and faithfully fulfill the ministry you have given me. And give me your heart, the heart of a servant, putting the needs of others before my own. All to the glory of our Father. Amen.
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“Man of sorrows” – Hillsong

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thursday Morning: 09 May 2019 – Mark 8:27-9:1 ~ What’s your perspective?

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Morning Reading – Mark 8:27-9:1 (NLT)

Peter’s Declaration about Jesus

Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”

But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Jesus Predicts His Death

Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.

Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”
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Morning Reflection:

What’s your perspective?

As they were walking along, he asked them,
“Who do people say I am?” – Mark 8:27

In today’s reading, Jesus is viewed from three perspectives – popular, revelation, and human. Let’s look at each of these perspectives.

+ Popular opinion – What’s the buzz? What are people saying about me? (Mk 8:27) The social media of the day assigned Jesus the prophet’s role of preparing for the Messiah. But few people apparently believed that he actually was the Messiah, in spite of what they had seen and heard.

+ Revelation – “But who do you say I am?” Matthew’s version of the event adds further insight –

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John,
because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you.
You did not learn this from any human being.” – Matthew 16:16-17

Peter’s confession of faith was God-given (not something he came up with himself). Since Jesus was the Son of God, He was the Messiah, the King over the long anticipated earthly kingdom; Jesus was both Messiah and God. This confession marked a turning point in the disciples’ recognition of Jesus.

+ Human -The disciples apparently agreed with Peter’s confession of faith, but they were unprepared for Jesus’ further revelation that as Messiah he would suffer, die, and rise again. They understood what Jesus was saying, but they couldn’t reconcile it with the popular view of Messiah ushering in an earthly kingdom. Jesus’ rebuke is strong – using the word for silencing demons. Satan attempted to distort the disciples’ understanding of Jesus’ true Messianic mission.

Questions for consideration:

In light of the different perspectives listed above. who do you say Jesus is? Please explain.
What influence do popular, or human, perspectives have on your understanding of Jesus? Please explain.
What is the significance of Jesus’s prediction of his suffering, death, and resurrection? Please explain.
How does this affect your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for churches to rise up:

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Reveal to us, once again, the identity of your Son, Jesus Christ, and the significance of his Messianic mission to suffer, die on the cross, and be raised to life – all so that we could enter into your promised Kingdom – now on earth, and forever in heaven. Drive out any fear or anxiety that we may have about our future; and empower us with your Holy Spirit to love you wholeheartedly, and follow you unreservedly. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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“This I Believe” – Hillsong Kiev

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thursday Morning: 02 May 2019 – Mark 5:21-43 ~ faith and healing

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Morning Reading – Mark 5:21-43 (NLT)

Jesus Heals in Response to Faith

Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”

Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.

Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”

His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”

While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then he told them to give her something to eat.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.
Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” – Mark 5:3

In today’s reading, Jesus demonstrates his Kingdom authority over life (Jairus’ daughter) and health (woman with bleeding). In both cases, Jesus heals in responds to the faith of the people involved, but let’s focus on the woman’s healing.

+ Jesus: His healing power did not work automatically, like a power surge cause by a short-circuit (the woman’s touch).

Jesus became aware in himself, without any external suggestion, the significance of the woman’s touch, and, was actively willing to honor her faith.
His power, the inherent ability to perform, was always under the control of His conscious volition.
His consciousness of that power going forth from Him suggests that His healing ministries cost Jesus much spiritual energy.
It would explain why He found it necessary at times to escape the crowds to find time for refreshing through fellowship with the Father.

+ The woman: Could feel that her body had been healed.

Her faith arose out of desperation, she was willing to try anything, and Jesus represented her best hope for healing.
Jesus clarifies her healing and calms her fears; her faith healed her not the touching of a piece of cloth.
She is called “daughter,” her faith in Jesus has brought her into his spiritual family.
“Go in peace” – not simple just freedom from inward anxiety, but the wholeness or completeness of life that comes from being brought into a right relationship with God.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever been desperate for Jesus’ healing touch? What did you do? What did Jesus do? Please explain.
Have you ever prayed, asking Jesus to heal another person? Was touch involved in any way? What happened? Please explain.
Are you waiting for Jesus to do something miraculous in your life? Are you waiting in faith? Or have you lost hope? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for churches to rise up:

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Come to us with your healing power. Pour out your Spirit on all who believe. And for those who are desperate, help them, heal them, give them hope, and grant them your peace. For your name’s sake, and the Father’s glory. Amen.
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“Healing Rain” – Michael W. Smith