The purpose of the Gospel according
to Mark is to portray Jesus as
a Servant and as a Redeemer.
This week we understand God better
thru knowing His attributes, mostly
related to His ability to meet needs.
On Monday, we learn from Mark 4
about God’s Word Is Trustworthy.
On Tuesday, we learn from Mark 6
about God who is Compassionate.
On Wed, we learn from Mark 8
about Christ the Bread of Life.
On Thursday, we learn from Mark 11
about God Answers Prayers of Faith.
On Friday, we learn from Mark 14-16
about Son Obeys the Father’s Will.
Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face…In Jesus’ name.
The time has come for Jesus
to demonstrate the full extent of
His servanthood. For the Passover
Lamb of God, the long-awaited
hour has arrived. Conspired against
by His enemies – betrayed by one
close follower and denied by another – tried and finally executed, Jesus’
life of service seems to be finished.
But in the greatest of all miracles,
Easter dawn reveals an empty tomb,
setting the stage for Jesus to
commission His followers to
bear the glad tidings worldwide.
Lord, having thoroughly prepared
the disciples, your actions in the
Final Day on earth shows you are
Fully Obedient to the Father’s Will
to Give Yr Life as ransom (Mk10:45)
At the Last Supper, You said one of
you who eats with me will betray me
(M14:18) & yet You did not stop him.
You greatly desire to get out of
the intense suffering and yet You
went to Gethsemane to pray: Not
what I will but what You will (v36).
Thanks You chose to surrender to
the Father’s will in loving obedience.
Lord,at trial before religious leaders
You chose to remain silent when
false charges were thrown at You.
And yet when high priest asked:
Are You the Christ, the Son of the
Blessed? You said I am. And you
will see the Son of Man coming
with the clouds of heaven (Mk14:62).
At trial before political authority,
when Pilate asked: Are you King
of the Jews? You said: It is as you
say. And yet when Pilate asked
about priests’ false accusations,
You answered nothing (Mk 15:1-5).
In all Your previous encounters
where religious leaders accused
You of wrong doings You had
no problem defending yet this
time You chose not to do so?!
Lord, at the cross when teachers
of the law mocked You; He saved
others but He can’t save himself?
Let this Christ come down now
from the cross, that we may see
and believe (Mark 15:27-32).
You who Calm the sea (Mk4:39) &
yet chose to remain at the cross.
And then there was darkness over
the whole land for 3 hours (v33).
And You cried: My God, My God,
why have You forsaken me ?
Then the veil of the temple was
torn in two from top to bottom.
So when the centurion saw that
He cried out like this & breathed
His last, he said: Truly this Man
was the Son of God! (Mk15:34-39).
Thank U Lord for Yr love enduring
all the suffering on our behalf.
We love You in deep gratitude!
Lord, we purpose to Trust Your Word:
We note You appeared to the eleven
and rebuked them for their lack
of faith and their stubborn refusal
to believe those who had seen Him
after He had risen. Then He said:
Go into all the world and preach
the good news. Whoever believes
and is baptised will be saved,
but whoever does not believe
will be condemned (Mk 16:14-16).
Lord, with Your resurrection,
we have good news to proclaim
in obedience to Your commission.
Lord, You have good plans for us
and You fulfil promises. We learnt
from last three chapters of Mark,
You are fully obedient to Father’s
will. Whilst Your sacrificial love
is really lofty, we are challenged
to be more obedient to God
and His mysterious ways. Holy
Spirit, grant us grace to take up
our cross, trust U without doubt
and carry out our assigned tasks
out of love of You and others.
Whilst there may be challenges,
we know the Almighty, all loving
and all faithful God is on our side!
In Jesus Mighty name, Amen.
The time has come for Jesus to demonstrate the full extent of His servanthood. For the Passover Lamb of God, the long-awaited hour has arrived. Conspired against by His enemies – betrayed by one close follower and denied by another – tried and finally executed, Jesus’ life of service seems to be finished. But in the greatest of all miracles, Easter dawn reveals an empty tomb, setting the stage for Jesus to commission His followers to bear the glad tidings worldwide.
Lord, having thoroughly prepared the disciples, your actions in the Final Day on earth shows you are Fully Obedient to the Father’s Will to Give Yr Life as ransom (Mk10:45) At the Last Supper, You said one of you who eats with me will betray me (M14:18) & yet You did not stop him. You greatly desire to get out of the intense suffering and yet You went to Gethsemane to pray: Not what I will but what You will (v36). Thanks You chose to surrender to the Father’s will in loving obedience.
Lord,at trial before religious leaders You chose to remain silent when false charges were thrown at You. And yet when high priest asked: Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? You said I am. And you will see the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven (Mk14:62). At trial before political authority, when Pilate asked: Are you King of the Jews? You said: It is as you say. And yet when Pilate asked about priests’ false accusations, You answered nothing (Mk 15:1-5). In all Your previous encounters where religious leaders accused You of wrong doings You had no problem defending yet this time You chose not to do so?!
Lord, at the cross when teachers of the law mocked You; He saved others but He can’t save himself? Let this Christ come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe (Mark 15:27-32). You who Calm the sea (Mk4:39) & yet chose to remain at the cross. And then there was darkness over the whole land for 3 hours (v33). And You cried: My God, My God, why have You forsaken me ? Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion saw that He cried out like this & breathed His last, he said: Truly this Man was the Son of God! (Mk15:34-39). Thank U Lord for Yr love enduring all the suffering on our behalf. We love You in deep gratitude!
Lord, we purpose to Trust Your Word: We note You appeared to the eleven and rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Then He said: Go into all the world and preach the good news. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mk 16:14-16). Lord, with Your resurrection, we have good news to proclaim in obedience to Your commission.
Lord, You have good plans for us and You fulfil promises. We learnt from last three chapters of Mark, You are fully obedient to Father’s will. Whilst Your sacrificial love is really lofty, we are challenged to be more obedient to God and His mysterious ways. Holy Spirit, grant us grace to take up our cross, trust U without doubt and carry out our assigned tasks out of love of You and others. Whilst there may be challenges, we know the Almighty, all loving and all faithful God is on our side! In Jesus Mighty name, Amen.
The final week of Jesus’ earthly life 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 out the temple,watch the widow contribute 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. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, Believe that you receive them & you will have them. 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 11:21-26).
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.
Backgrounder to Mark 8-10:
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,
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,
and 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? He asked. (Mark 8:2-5).
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 a 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 uamazed 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, 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 look.
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.
Grant me the humility & courage
to do so. Help me to let go of
being preoccupied with myself.
Help me instead to focus on You,
Your kingdom & Your purposes.
And let me experience You to
the degree I trust and follow You.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven
Feed me till I want no more (2x)
Open thou the crystal fountain
Whence t healing stream shall flow
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer
Be thou still my strength & shield (2x)
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 be Compassionate:
(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 (Mark 6:34).
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. (v35-36)
Lord, I recognise in the creation
story the work-rest, work-rest
rhythm built by God into life. When
we violate this natural order by excessive work, we’ll soon burnout.
No wonder Jesus scheduled
retreat for himself & his disciples.
I sometimes feel drained physically
and spiritually. Give me the wisdom
to recognise the warning signs
of burnout. For I can’t be effective
for You if I am running on empty; and
I want the rest that You offer. 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,
that 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.
And let our emotions be under
the control of the Holy Spirit and
Lord we want to feel Your emotions.
As You had promised a new heart
do also put Your feelings within us,
even the compassion of Jesus. Amen.
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 4:1-20).
Jesus said to his disciples: LET US
Cross to the east side… 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 have No Faith?(v35-40)
Lord, worldly worries and desire
for things can affect us, especially
when our routine is overcrowded.
And it’s easy for material pursuits
to deafen us to God’s Word. So,
Help us Lord to stay free so that
we can Hear God when You speak.
Help 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 Your Presence and
help us to say 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 random for many.
Grant us the grace to be like Jesus
in having a servant mindset. And
grant us the grace to Love God’s
Word, to Respond to God’s Word,
to Accept & Trust Fully His Word.
Lord, we’ll Live By Your Word. Amen.
Herod’s magnificent temple sets
the stage for Jesus’ Olivet Discourse,
a prophetic look at future events.
His followers are urged to watchful
expectation with faithful service
ahead of the return of Christ.
The events in the final two days of
Jesus’ earthly life carry shadows of
the cross: the anointing in Bethany,
the Passover Observance, Lord’s
Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane.
Jesus is arrested, tried, condemned
executed and placed in a tomb. But
in triumph, Jesus comes forth from
the grave in resurrection power.
The Kings of the Jews Lives again,
a message which His followers
are commissioned to share.
Lord, we’ll Do Your Assignment:
And there will be famines, pestilences
and earthquakes in various places…
And… lawlessness will abound…
And this gospel of the kingdom
will be preached in all the world…
and then the end will come…
Immediately after the tribulation…
the sun will be darkened… Then…
they will see Son of Man Coming
on the clouds (Matt 24:7-14, 29-30).
Then the eleven disciples went to the mountain which Jesus had appointed.
And Jesus came to them and said:
Go and make disciples of all the
nations… teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you;
and lo I am with you always, even
to the end of the age (Mt 28:16-20)
Lord, help us Keep Watch and
Be Ready for Your sure return
so that we may be able to give an
account of ourselves at any time.
Help us declare the word of t Lord
for 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 t Lord! Amen
Lord, there is no doubt about
the task You had left for us to do.
Help me step out of comfort zone
to find people who need to know U.
Help me witness to the people You
hv placed in my sphere of influence
Help me in my concern for the lost,
in words, deeds and attitudes.
Help me make disciples for Christ to
be like Him & further His Kingdom.
And Help me reflect as one who
has found the answer to life. Amen.
Lord, it’s easy to look at others and
think that I have nothing to offer.
But You have implanted passion
within me and blessed me with gifts
and talents that the world needs.
Help me to see where You God are
at work & watch for opportunities to
join U by sowing seeds of kindness.
Help those seeds to grow & flourish
and thank You for reaping a good
harvest. In Jesus’ precious name.
The purpose of the Gospel according
to Matthew is to prove that Jesus
is the Messiah, the eternal King.
This week we understand God better
thru knowing His attributes, mostly
related to His ability to meet needs.
On Monday, we learn from
Matt 11 about Friend of Sinners.
On Tues, we learn from Mt13 about
God who Reveals kingdom secrets.
On Wednesday, we learn from Mt 14
about Son of God who Saves Me.
On Thursday, we learn from Mt 17
about God of the Impossible.
On Friday, we learn from Matt 24/28
about Christ Gives Great Commissn.
Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face…In Jesus’ name.
Paul begins his second letter to the
Thessalonians by commending them for their faithfulness in the midst
of persecution and by encouraging them that present suffering will be
repaid with future glory. Paul also
deals with a misunderstanding concerning the Day of the Lord.
That day had not yet arrived, and
Paul recounts the events which
must take place first. Labouring
for the gospel, rather than lazing is
the proper response to such truth.
No one knows the time of Christ’s
return; and we’re to live moral and
holy lives, and not neglecting our
responsibilities to please the Lord.
Dear Lord, we are inspired by
the Thessalonian church for
their faithfulness in the midst
of persecution and suffering.
Help us be watchful, persevere and
never be tired of working for Christ.
Help us Mature In Holiness;
Help us Share the Gospel; and
Help us Love You more. Amen.
Lord, we purpose to Be Holy:
God chose you for salvation
through the Sanctifying work
of the Spirit and through belief
in the truth… Therefore stand fast
and hold the traditions which you
were taught. Now may our Lord
Jesus Himself..comfort your hearts
and establish you in every good
word and work (2 Thess 2:13-17).
Lord, we praise You for Your
holiness and Your perfection.
Thank You for the promise to
help us live holy life through
the sanctifying work of the Spirit.
And I choose to trust that You
Lord already see me as holy
and Your work in my life will help
me Mature In Holiness. Amen.
Lord, we will Share the Gospel:
Finally brothers pray for us that
the message of the Lord may
spread rapidly and be honoured,
just as it was with you (2Thess 3:1)
Lord, help me share the good news
of salvation thru Christ to others.
Equip me with the right words at
the right time, so that those hearts
are ready will be drawn toward You.
I also pray for people who need
the good news, that their hearts
would be open to receive all
that You have for them. Amen.
Lord, we purpose to Love You:
May the Lord lead your hearts
into a full understanding and
expression of the love of God
and the patience endurance that comes from Christ (2Thess 3:5).
Lord, I choose to love You with
all my heart, with all my soul, with
all my mind & with all my strength.
I love You Lord because You are
infinitely good, kind and worthy.
I ask that loving You would not
merely be an act of my will;
I ask that I would also feel the
emotion of being loved by You
and love for You. And lead my
heart into fuller understanding of
Your love so that You can express
Your love through me. Amen.
