Hearing God In Mark 13 (Apr 25)

Prepare for the Return of The LORD

The final week of Jesus’ earthly
life dawns; that period of time
which occupies more space in
the Gospels than any other stage
of Jesus’ ministry. His arrival in
Jerusalem coincides with the
preparations for the Feast of
Passover. Though events move
quickly, Jesus is never hurried.
There is time to clean the temple,
watch the widow contributes
her two mites, and give final
instructions to the disciples.

Lord, we’ll Prepare for Your Return:
Nation will rise against nation…
And there will be earthquakes… and
there will be famines and troubles…
These are beginning of sorrows…
The gospel must 1st be preached
to all the nations (Mk 13:8-10).
Everyone will see the Son of Man
coming on the clouds with great
power & glory. And He will send out
his angels to gather his chosen ones
from all over the world(Mk13:26-27)
Since you don’t know when (these
things) will happen, stay alert and
keep watch. The coming of the Son
of Man can be compared with that
of a man who left home…(for) a trip.
He gave each of his employees
instructions on the work they were
to do, and He told the gatekeeper
to watch for his return. So keep a
sharp lookout! For you do not know
when the homeowner will return…
Don’t let him find you sleeping when
he arrives without warning (v33-36)

Lord, the events of the end times
are still to come in world history.
The signs are already here with
raised frequency of earthquakes,
pestinences and lawlessness.
And surely Lord the day will come
when You will appear in the clouds.
Help us be prepared for Your return,
know Your Word, be weary of false
prophets & share the gospel. Amen.

Lord Jesus, You have promised
to come back for Your church.
Help us not lose sight of what You
have called us to do as we wait Your
return with hope and expectation.
Help us be diligent in Your assigned
tasks as we anticipate that day.
We purpose to share the gospel
with our friends and loved ones.
Lead us sow seeds of love & prepare
their hearts to receive You. Amen.

These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord.
And these are the days of Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Yr world.
We are the labourers in Yr vineyard
Declaring the word of the Lord!
Behold He comes riding on t clouds
Shining like the sun at t trumpet call
Lift yr voice, it’s the year of jubilee
Out of Zion’s hill salvation comes.

Hearing God In Mark 11 (Apr 24)

God Answers Prayer of Faith

The final week of Jesus’ earthly life
occupies more space in the gospels
than any other stage of His ministry.
Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem coincides
with the preparation for Passover.
Though events move quickly, Jesus
is not hurried. There is time to clean
out the temple, watch the widow
contributes her two mites and give
final instructions to the disciples.

Lord, grant us Faith & Grace:
As they passed by, they saw the
fig tree dried up from the roots…
Jesus said: Have Faith In God.
For assuredly I say to you, whoever
says to this mountain: Be removed
and does not doubt in his heart,
but Believes that those things
he says will be done, he will have
whatever he says (Mark 11:21-23).
Therefore I say to you, whatever
things you ask when you pray,
Believe that you receive them
and you will have them (Mk 11:24).
And whenever you stand praying,
if u have anything against anyone,
Forgive him, that your Father
in heaven may also forgive you
your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26).

Lord, I have faith in You, the
Almighty, all loving faithful God.
And I believe that You reward
those who diligently seek You.
Lord, I place this issue before
You In Faith and Without Doubt
and seeking Your face and will.
Your Word says if I ask anything
according to Your will, You hear me
and I can have what I ask of You.
Into Your hand I surrender. Amen.

Lord, I come to You with my need
and desire, asking You In Faith and
claiming the promise in Mark 11:24.
Trust that the need is within Your
will; and implore You to reward
those who diligently seek You.
I know that in Your sovereignty,
You do things Your way & Your time.
But Father God, I plead for Your
mercy for it’s been such a long
time that I have been asking You.
So grant me Your favor and favour
of men as soon as possible. Amen.

Lord, I don’t want Your Presence to
be quenched due to unforgiveness.
I don’t want to hinder Yr forgiveness
because I’ve not forgiven someone.
Instead I want to receive Yr blessing
because I have forgiven someone.
Reveal any place in my heart where
I have not yet forgiven someone.
And create in me a forgiving spirit
that sees others as You do. Amen.

Hearing God In Mark 10 (Apr 23)

 

The Lord Empowers & Rewards Us

As opposition to Jesus’ ministry          increases, it is no longer safe to                 move openly in Galilee. So Jesus          traverses the regions of Decapolis,    Caesarea & Perea & avoids crowds.                 In the final days of His ministry,                   Jesus begins to prepare His                     disciples for the faithful journey to. Jerusalem that will mark the end                         of His life and the beginning of                       their role as bearers of glad tidings.

Lord, You Don’t Short-Change Us:
Jesus said: How hard it is for
those who trust in riches to enter
the kingdom of God… With men
it is impossible, but not with God;
for With God all things are
Possible (Mk 10:23-27).
And I assure you that everyone
who has given up house or brothers
or sisters… or property for My sake
and for the Good News Will Receive
in return a hundred times … And in
the world to come that person will
have eternal life (Mark 10:29-30)

Lord, You are all-powerful and
nothing is really too hard for You.
And that includes changing
my most difficult circumstances.
What is impossible for me is
certainly Not Impossible for You.
So I ask that You would do the
impossible and transform me
into a God fearing person,
full of Your love, peace and joy.
Enable Lord to do great things
for Your kingdom by the power of
Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, leaving things behind for
the kingdom is painful and may
not seem to make much sense.
But to serve You Lord whole-
heartedly, we may have to give
up certain things valuable to us.
And when we give up comfort or
lifestyle to serve God, He promises
to provide rewards and blessings
100 times over for our commitment.
Grant us grace to take a leap of faith
for furtherance of Yr kingdom, Amen

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be
added unto you. Allelu Alleluia.
Man shall not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the
mouth of God. Allelu Alleluia
Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be
opened unto you Allelu Alleluia!

Hearing God In Mark 9 (Apr 22)

Pray Fervently In Faith

As opposition to Jesus’ ministry
increases, it is no longer safe
to move openly in Galilee. So Jesus
traverses the regions of Decapolis,
Caesarea Philippi & Perea, thereby
avoiding the crowds and the deadly
plots of the religious leaders.
In the final days of His ministry,
Jesus begins to prepare His
disciples for the faithful journey to
Jerusalem that will mark the end
of His life and the beginning of
their role as bearers of glad tidings.

Lord, we’ll Believe & Pray Fervently:
Teacher, my son has a mute spirit.
I spoke to Your disciples that they
should cast it out but they cld not.
The evil spirit often makes him fall
into the fire or into the water, trying
to kill him. Have mercy on us and
help us. Do something if you can.
“What do you mean: If I can?”
Jesus asked Anything is possible
if a person believes. The father
instantly replied: I do believe, but
help my unbelief (Mk9:22-24).
His disciples asked Him privately:
Why could we not cast it out? So
He said: This kind can come out by
nothing but prayer & fasting (v29).

Lord, thank You for the powerful
promise that anything is possible
to anyone Who Believes. But I
realise I can’t believe a desired
outcome into being. And I can’t
manipulate You into doing anything.
Instead I believe You’re the Almighty
God and Lord of the Impossible.
Lord Jesus I trust solely In You; and
I entrust this situation to You. Amen

Lord, You know the deep thoughts
within my heart. When my faith
is weak or I struggle with Doubts
about Your care for me, enable me
to turn to You & be honest about it.
And may every step I take towards
U take away doubt and unbelief.
I believe in Your power to do any
thing; and grant me great trust
and faith in You. In Jesus’ name.

Lord, we see in Your Word that
prayer is the key to being set free
and prayer together with fasting
is even more powerful. Help us
to understand the authority You
have given us in prayer to release
Your power from heaven in order
to see freedom happen in our lives.
For every time we pray, we move the hand of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hearing God In Mark 8 (Apr 21)


Trust Christ the Bread of Life

As opposition to Jesus’ ministry         increases, it is no longer safe                       to move openly in Galilee. So                 Jesus traverses the regions of           Decapolis, Caesarea and Perea,             thereby avoiding the crowds and             deadly plots of religious leaders.                 In the concluding days of His                     earthly ministry, Jesus begins                     to prepare His disciples for the                 faithful journey to Jerusalem                         that will mark the end of His life                 and the beginning of their role.                 as bearers of the glad tidings.

Lord, You are our Bread of Life:
Another great crowd had gathered,
& the people ran out of food again.
Jesus called His disciples and told
them: I feel sorry for these people…
How many loaves of bread do
you have?..And He took the seven
loaves… gave thanks… and gave
them to His disciples…So (the pple)
ate and were filled (Mark 8:1-8).
When the Pharisees heard that
Jesus had arrived, they came to
argue with Him. Testing Him to see
if He was from God, they demanded:
Give us a miraculous sign to prove
Yourself. When He heard this, He
sighed and said: Why do you keep
demanding miraculous sign(v11-12)
Whoever desires to come after Me,
let him deny himself, and take up
his cross & follow Me… Whoever
loses his life for My sake and the
gospel’s will save it. For what will
it profit a man if he gains the whole
world, and loses his soul? (v34-36)

Lord, we are amazed by the miracle
U performed to feed the multitude.
Thank You Lord for the ways You
are still providing for our needs
even as we put our trust in You.
There are many people who are
physically and spiritually hungry.
Prepare us Lord, strengthen us
and use us to partner with You in
what You are doing on earth. Amen

Lord, forgive me when I demand
evidence of Your power instead
of thanking You for all that You do.
Open my eyes to see the works
of Your hand everywhere I go.
With all my heart I welcome
Your presence however You
choose to reveal Yourself to me.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, You promise that we will
find true life by denying ourselves.
Help me Lord not to be too
preoccupied with myself; and
grant me the humility to do so.
Help me instead to focus on You,
Your kingdom & Your purposes.
For as I trust and follow You Lord,
You will provide all that I need; and
let me experience You fully. Amen.

Thought for the Week: Mark 4

Wholly Trust the Lord’s Word

Through both His words and works, 
Christ proclaims His true identity
to the disciples and the multitudes.
At 1st even His closest companions
are perplexed by His power and 
authority, wondering: What manner
of man is this, that even the wind
and the sea obey Him (4:41). But
 patiently through the miracles of
 exorcism, healing and even raising
the dead the Master Servant works
to convince His followers of the
nature of His person and mission.

Lord, we’ll Wholly Trust Your Word:
Listen, a sower went out to sow…
The one sown among thorns; they
are the ones who hear the word
and the cares of this world…choke
the word and it becomes unfruitful.
But the ones sown on good ground,
those who Hear the Word, Accept
It and Bear fruit (Mark 4:3, 18-20).
Jesus said to his disciples: LET US
Cross to the east side… Now when
they had left the multitude, they
took Him along in the boat (v35-36).
Suddenly a storm struck the lake.
Waves started splashing into the
boat and it was about to sink. Jesus
was in the back of the boat asleep.
His disciples woke him and said:
 Teacher don’t You care that we’re
about to drown? Jesus got up and
ordered the wind and waves to
be quiet. The wind stopped and
everything was calm. Jesus asked
His disciples: Why are u So Fearful?
How is it you’ve No Faith?(v37-40)

Lord, worldly cares and worries
can affect us; and overcrowded
routines and material pursuits
can deafen us to God’s Word.
Help us Lord to stay free so that
we can Hear God when You speak.
Lead us not to have divided heart
but instead be Wholehearted to
You by Responding to Your Word.
And mould our hearts to see things
 from Your perspective so that we
will be ready to produce fruit. Amen

Lord, help us to Remember Clearly
Your Instructions like what You
told the disciples: “Let US Cross.”
Remind us to Rely On Your Word
and Not Focus on situation we’re in.
Remind us Lord Your Presence and
help us to stay focussed on You.
Remind us no storm can take us
off course, for You Can DO all things
and Your plan cannot be thwarted.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Lord, Thank You for Mark gospel,
which captures two purposes of
Christ coming to earth: to minister
and give His life a ransom for many.
Grant us Lord the grace to be like
Jesus in having a servant mindset.
Grant us the grace to Love God’s
Word, to Respond to God’s Word,
to Accept & Trust Fully His Word.
Grant us the grace and strength
to Live By Your Word. Amen.

Reflection on Mark 1-7 (Apr 20)

Hearing God thru His Word

The purpose of the Gospel of
Mark is to present the person,
work and teachings of Jesus…
For the Son of Man did not come
to be served but to serve and to
give His life as a ransom for many.
This week we see the importance
of Trusting God & Doing His Work.

On Monday, we learn from Mark 1
that God Directs & Empowers Us.
On Tues, we learn from Mark 2
to Be People of Faith In God.
On Wed, we learn from Mark 3
on Putting the Lord In Priority.
On Thursday, we learn from Mark 4
to Wholly Trust the Lord’s Word.
On Friday, we learn from Mark 5
on Don’t be Afraid, Only Believe.
On Saturday, we learn from Mark 6
on Emulating Prayer Life of Christ.

Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face. Help us O God
be Christ’s disciples who Hear You:
For God Directs & Empowers us
and we’ll Put the Lord In Priority;
For we are People of Faith In God
and we’ll Wholly Trust His Word;
For Christ urges us: Don’t be Afraid,
Only Believe; and we’ll Emulate
the Prayer Life of Christ. Amen.

Hearing God In Mark 6 (Apr 19)

Emulate Prayer Habit of Christ

Through both His words and works,
Christ proclaims His true identity
to the disciples and the multitudes.
At first even His companions are
perplexed by His power & authority,
wondering: What manner of man
is this, that even the wind and
the sea obey Him. But patiently –
through the miracles of exorcism,
healing and even raising the dead
the Master Servant works to
convince His followers of the
nature of His person and mission.

Lord, we Emulate Your Prayer Habit:
(Jesus) said to them: Come with
me by yourself to a quiet place
and get some rest. There were
many coming & going and they did
not even have time to eat (Mk6:31).
When Jesus landed and saw a large
crowd, He had compassion on them,
because they were like sheep
without a Shepherd. So he began
teaching them many things.
By this time it was late in the day,
so his disciples said: Send the pple
away so that they can buy food to
eat. But Jesus answered: You give
them something to eat. (v34-36).
Immediately He made His disciples
get into the boat and go before Him
to the other side… while He sent
the multitude away. And when He
had sent them away, He departed
to the mountain to pray (v45-46).

Lord, we see in the creation story
the work-rest rhythm drawn by God.
When we violate the natural order by
excessive work, we’ll soon burnout.
So no no wonder Jesus scheduled
retreat for Himself and His disciples.
We realise that we can’t be effective
for You if we are running on empty.
And we want the rest You offer and
the direction of Father God. Amen.

Lord, You know needs of people
and You responded accordingly.
We are to care for the weak
and to encourage the timid.
Grant us Lord wisdom to respond
correctly with the right words
and at the right time. Above all
grant us Compassion like Yours;
so that when we reach out to
others, they may see You. Amen.

Lord, You created in our soul,
mind, will and also emotion.
Let us be renewed in our mind
as we meditate on Your Word.
Let us be yielded to the Holy
Spirit as we respond to the Word.
Let our emotions be under the
control of the Holy Spirit for Lord
we want to feel Your emotions.
Lord, You’ve promised a new heart,
put also Your feeling of compassion
of Christ Jesus within us. Amen.

Hearing God In Mark 5 (Apr 18)

Don’t Be Afraid, Only Believe

Through both His words and works,
Christ proclaims His true identity
to the disciples and the multitudes.
At first even His companions are
perplexed by His power & authority,
wondering: What manner of man
is this, that even the wind and
the sea obey Him. But patiently –
through the miracles of exorcism,
healing and even raising the dead
the Master Servant works to
convince His followers of the
nature of His person and mission.

Lord, we will place our Faith In You:
Now a certain woman had a flow of
blood for 12 years, and had suffered
many things of many physicians and
was not better…. When she heard
about Jesus,she came from behind
Him in the crowd and touched His
garment. For she said: If only I may
touch His clothes, I shall be made
well. Immediately her blood was
dried up and she felt in her body
she was healed of the affliction.
And Jesus said to her: your Faith
has made you well (Mark 5:21-34).
While He was still speaking, some
came from the ruler of synagogue
said: Your daughter is dead. As
soon as Jesus heard the message,
He said to the ruler of synagogue:
Do not be afraid, only Believe.
Then He came to the house, took
the child and said: Little girl, I say
to you, arise. Immediately the girl
arose and walked (Mark 5:35-43)

Lord of Mercy and Compassion,
each of us has intense needs
and only You God can meet them.
We are inspired by the boldness
of the woman with blood issue.
And individually we shamelessly
asking You to give us what we need.
From scripture we know of Your
generous heart and we are waiting
and ready to risk everything on it.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Lord, even today, there are cases
that doctors give up as incurable.
But You Jesus is greatest physician
and nothing is really beyond You.
Grateful that some of us have
experienced Your divine healing
bringing us even nearer to You.
Thank You Lord for experiencing
Your love and power, with renewed
faith and reverence of You. Amen.

Lord, the same power that raised
Jairus’ daughter from the dead
and raised Jesus from the dead
is available to us through the Spirit.
Just as You turned dry bones alive
in times of Ezekiel, You can also
turn dead things to life these days.
Open the eyes of our hearts to see
and know the working of Your power in and for us who believe. Teach us Have Faith In God. Amen.

Hearing God In Mark 4 (Apr 17)

Lord’s Word Is Wholly Trustworthy

Through both His words and works,
Christ proclaims His true identity
to the disciples and the multitudes.
At 1st even His closest companions
are perplexed by His power and
authority, wondering: What manner
of man is this, that even the wind
and the sea obey Him (4:41). But
patiently through the miracles of
exorcism, healing and even raising
the dead the Master Servant works
to convince His followers of the
nature of His person and mission.

Lord, we’ll Wholly Trust Your Word:
Listen, a sower went out to sow…
The one sown among thorns; they
are the ones who hear the word
and the cares of this world…choke
the word and it becomes unfruitful.
But the ones sown on good ground,
those who Hear the Word, Accept
It and Bear fruit (Mark 4:3, 18-20).
Jesus said to his disciples: LET US
Cross to the east side… Now when
they had left the multitude, they
took Him along in the boat (v35-36).
Suddenly a storm struck the lake.
Waves started splashing into the
boat and it was about to sink. Jesus
was in the back of the boat asleep.
His disciples woke him and said:
 Teacher don’t You care that we’re
about to drown? Jesus got up and
ordered the wind and waves to
be quiet. The wind stopped and
everything was calm. Jesus asked
His disciples: Why are u So Fearful?
 How is it you’ve No Faith?(v37-40)

Lord, worldly cares and worries
can affect us; and overcrowded
routines and material pursuits
can deafen us to God’s Word.
Help us Lord to stay free so that
we can Hear God when You speak.
Lead us not to have divided heart
but instead be Wholehearted to
You by Responding to Your Word.
And mould our hearts to see things
 from Your perspective so that we
will be ready to produce fruit. Amen

Lord, help us to Remember Clearly 
 Your Instructions like what You
told the disciples: “Let US Cross.”
Remind us to Rely On Your Word
and Not Focus on situation we’re in.
Remind us Lord Your Presence and
help us to stay focussed on You.
Remind us no storm can take us
off course, for You Can DO all things
and Your plan cannot be thwarted.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Lord, Thank You for Mark gospel,
which captures two purposes of
Christ coming to earth: to minister
and give His life a ransom for many.
Grant us Lord the grace to be like
Jesus in having a servant mindset. 
Grant us the grace to Love God’s
Word, to Respond to God’s Word,
to Accept & Trust Fully His Word.
Grant us the grace and strength
to Live By Your Word. Amen.