Tuesday February 23, 2021
Mark 3:20-35
Most of us, if given the chance, hope to see ourselves as the hero or one of the “good guys” in any given story. We won’t dare admit that we might be someone who gets it wrong, or misses the point, or even (heaven forbid) be a villain. We identify with Luke Skywalker, not Darth Vader; Frodo Baggins, not Gollum.
I wonder if we should be sobered by the fact that many, if not most of Jesus’ contemporaries missed him. God incarnate walked among them and they accused him of being out of his mind or worse, being demon possessed.
Lent is an invitation to reflect on our own shortcomings, weaknesses, and failures in light of the grace of God. We are undeserving, often acting counter to the work of God; but grace is extended to us. God is merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. On the cross we see the full expression of His love. May we spend these days reflecting and thanking God!
Mark 3:20-35
Most of us, if given the chance, hope to see ourselves as the hero or one of the “good guys” in any given story. We won’t dare admit that we might be someone who gets it wrong, or misses the point, or even (heaven forbid) be a villain. We identify with Luke Skywalker, not Darth Vader; Frodo Baggins, not Gollum.
I wonder if we should be sobered by the fact that many, if not most of Jesus’ contemporaries missed him. God incarnate walked among them and they accused him of being out of his mind or worse, being demon possessed.
Lent is an invitation to reflect on our own shortcomings, weaknesses, and failures in light of the grace of God. We are undeserving, often acting counter to the work of God; but grace is extended to us. God is merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. On the cross we see the full expression of His love. May we spend these days reflecting and thanking God!
by Travis Sills
| Wednesday February 24, 2021 Mark 4:1-20 Dear Jesus, Let us embrace you and always remember to look for the good soil, the one that will blossom and allow crops to grow. Oftentimes we get held down by the thorns and it can be hard to find the good things in life. Especially, given the circumstances we are in today, missing family and friends, and the fear of getting sick. Help us to embrace what we do have. The opportunity to spend a little more time with the ones we live with and taking care of ourselves, both inside and out. Give us the courage and the strength to keep looking forward and keep growing. Amen. by Heidi Wittie | Thursday February 25, 2021 Mark 4:21-41 What kind of soil are you? Is the condition of your heart such that the seed of the gospel can be planted in you? Be encouraged. If you’re reading this, then you’ve likely spent some other days with us on this journey through Mark. Be challenged. Farming and gardening isn’t easy. It takes time and discipline to properly prepare soil for a good crop. The time you spend with God is time well spent. Thankfully, we only have to work the soil. It is God who will make the seed grow. Lord, by your grace renew my spirit. Let your love take root in my heart so I might bear good fruit. by Pastor Johnny |
| Friday February 26, 2021 Mark 5:1-20 Everyone has times in their lives when things don’t necessarily go their way. We might feel disconnected from others, disconnected with God, and we can’t explain why. We act and feel in ways that we don’t normally do, like someone or something else is in control. If we look for God in our lives and trust that God is there, even when we are in the darkest of times, we can find the evidence of God. We can confidently say that God has never left us and can help free us. God can take the fear, anger, jealousy, and frustration away to get us back on track. by Matt Greenlee | Saturday February 27, 2021 Mark 5:21-34 Dear God, Thank you for your son and the sacrifice that he made to save the world. Thank you for the miracles that Jesus did during his life. Help us to notice the people in need during our busy day, just like Jesus noticed the woman that touched his clothes. Thank you for your love and passion for the world. In your son’s name we pray, AMEN. by Hazel Lamoureux |
