Category: Gospels
Pressing in to receive!
Scripture reading for January 11th: Genesis 19-20, Psalm 1, Mark 7
Mark 7:31-36 “Then He returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to Him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged Him to lay His hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, He put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, He sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.”
Jesus had gone into the region of the Gentiles around the Sea of Galilee. In spite of His desire to remain out of sight, He had healed the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman who had pressed in to lay hold of a better life for her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus was next sought out by friends of a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. They approached Jesus and begged Him to lay his hands on their friend. Jesus took him aside and ministered personally to the man by placing fingers in his deaf ears and spitting on His own finger and touching the man’s mute tongue. At the simple command of Jesus, the ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and he was made whole! Again Jesus wanted to remain anonymous and told him not to tell anyone. But who can remain silent when they can now hear and speak! Praise Jesus for bringing abundant life, even to the Gentiles!
Genesis 20:17 “Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for these examples of Abraham and Jesus Christ reflecting Your heart of love and mercy to all people of all races and backgrounds. Help me by the Holy Spirit to press into You in prayer for those with needs and believe and received the abundant life! Let the abundant waters of Your love and grace flow through Your Word producing eternal fruit!
Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Needed rest
Scripture reading for January 10th: Genesis 16-18, Mark 6
Mark 6:30-32 “The apostles returned to Jesus and told them all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.”
A key to enjoying life is to get plenty of rest and have leisure time. But life happens and our schedules can become overloaded and so jam-packed that the normal rhythms of life are crowded out. We become over-stimulated and stressed out. Jesus and the disciples found themselves in this same predicament from doing the wonderful work of ministry to the sick and afflicted. Crowds of people pressed them and there was not even time to eat a leisurely meal. Jesus recognized their true need of rest and gave an invitation for them to come away to a desolate place for leisure and quiet rest. If you find yourself in this same type of stress today, please listen to Jesus’ Words and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to a quiet place for recharging! Even good work can take the sap out of us and requires refreshing in Jesus’ presence. But sometimes crowds follow us and compassion triumphs over a tired body!
Mark 6:33-34 “Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your ability to anticipate the needs of Your people and provide for them. Help me to recognize Your invitation to come away with You alone and to willingly respond and be actively present with You. Forgive me for the many distractions that I allow to keep me from Your invitation. Give me wisdom and extra strength to show compassion to those You do bring into my path for ministry. You and Your Word are my true source of rest and abundance!
Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time next year, I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Pressing in!
Scripture reading for January 7th: Genesis 12-15, Psalm 148, Mark 5
Mark 5:24-29 “And a great crowd followed Him and thronged about Him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If I touch even His garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.”
When a person has suffered under a disease or physical infirmity for many years, it is often hard to believe that things can change. In the natural world, things always seem to get worse and conditions deteriorate. This woman in Mark’s Gospel had experienced twelve years of suffering. She had tried all the recommended remedies and spent her money but was worse off than before. But word of Jesus’ healing signs had reached her ears. Faith arose in her heart and she spoke a ‘faith word’ to her own spirit: “If I touch even His garments, I will be made well.” She heard that Jesus was in her area and made haste to do what she believed would bring healing to her suffering body. Pressing in, one touch of Jesus’ robe brought an end to her blood flow and a new sense of health and well-being. If you have a long-term problem like this dear woman, why not take this Word today and reach out in faith to Jesus believing.
Genesis 15:1, 6 “After these things the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; and your reward shall be very great.” . . .”And he believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.”
Prayer: Father God, I want to hear Your Word in each minute and hour of my day that I might walk in faith and press in to lay hold of all that You have for me. Forgive me when I speak out of fear and unbelief. I want to serve You and others by living a life of faith. I invite the Holy Spirit to give me healthy, ‘Word of God’ inspired self-talk. Bring to my remembrance Your promises and use me to facilitate healing and forgiveness through Your unchanging Word.
Psalm 148:11-13 “Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven.”
“Peace! Be still!”
Scripture reading for January 6th: Genesis 9-11, Mark 4
Mark 4:37-41 “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?””
Life is filled with disruptions that cause us to loose our peace and bring out our fears. Fear of death, fear of pain, fear of punishment and other fears mark our lives as humans. The disciples in the boat that day were no different than us. When the storm broke upon them, they were fearful for their lives and they woke Jesus from His sleep with a serious question: Did Jesus really care for their welfare? Jesus took action, speaking to the wind and the storm. Immediately there was a great calm and the disciples were filled with even more fear! Who was this Man? How could He speak to the wind and sea? But Jesus’ Words applied to them as well! With faith they could have peace and cast out fear and live abundantly in a great calm!
Mark 4:20 “But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the Word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for delivering us from fear through the Word of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. Help me to remember these words of Jesus to the wind and sea and chose faith instead of fear. Thank You for the New Covenant of eternal life in Jesus Christ and the privilege of using Jesus’ Name to confront storms and waves in my own life. Deliver those bound with fear through the Good News of Jesus today!
Genesis 9:8-11 “I establish My covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations. I have set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of My covenant between Me and the earth.””
Companionship and relationship
Scripture reading for January 5th: Genesis 6-8, Psalm 104, Mark 3
Mark 3:13-15 “And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those whom He desired, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) so that they might be with Him and He might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.”
God didn’t design us to function alone. Sin’s original lie through the serpent, “you shall be as God”, implies that we need no one else. We alone can determine what is right and what is wrong for us. We can set our own rules and call the shots. Jesus invited those who responded to His call to follow Him and to “be with Him,” to spend time in His presence. Jesus desired their companionship and used that as a primary means of discipleship. As these disciples were ‘with Jesus,’ they saw Him model for them the ministry of preaching good news, of forgiveness of sins and the spoiling of Satan’s kingdom by casting out demons. Ministry is caught, more than just ‘taught’. He then sent them out to follow His example and to win new disciples for the kingdom of Heaven, bringing them to relationship with Jesus!
Genesis 6:9 “These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”
Genesis 8:18-19 “So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his son’s wives with him. Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by families from the ark.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your desire for relationships with sinners and Your stated purpose in choosing disciples to be with Jesus, Your Son. Forgive me for forgetting my responsibility to spend time with You and to be aware that You are with Me each day. Remind me when I lack awareness of Your Presence or fail to seek guidance for reaching out to my own family and the lost. Open opportunities today to preach the Good News and to cast out spirits of demons.
Psalm 104:33-34 “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the Lord.”
Understanding Jesus’ Purpose
Scripture reading for January 4th: Genesis 3-5, Mark 2
Mark 2:14-17 “And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he rose and followed Him. And as He reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.””
When Jesus called Levi, (Matthew) the tax collector, He caught the attention of the religious establishment. Jewish tax collectors were the lowest of the low in their eyes and the worst of sinners because they made their living collecting money from their own people. But Jesus saw not a sinner, but a valuable team member who would follow Him and find new purpose and provision. When the scribes of the Pharisees asked why Jesus would eat with the tax collectors and known ‘sinners’, Jesus spoke up directly and set them straight. God’s purpose was to heal the hurting, the broken and known sinners. His purpose was to call “sinners” out of their sinful lifestyle and lost state and invite them into His kingdom. Jesus would teach them who they were and help them find noble purpose and the abundant life. As Levi accepted the invitation, he invited his friends to come and dine, already beginning to find new purpose and joy in fishing for men!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for inviting me, a sinner, to join You in Your purpose of seeking and saving the lost. You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ to seek out sinners and clothe them with Christ’s righteousness. Forgive me for hiding from Your purposes and failing to see sinners through Your eyes. Fill me with a renewed understanding of Your purpose in each moment of today. Help me to be present in Your Presence to truly help those still hiding from You.
Genesis 3:7-9 “Then the eyes of both (Adam and Eve) were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?””
Laying hold of purpose!
Scripture reading for January 3rd: Genesis 1-2, Psalm 19, Mark 1
Mark 1:16-20 “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John His brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.”
A big factor in life-satisfaction is having a clear purpose and pursuing it. God has a plan for each person’s life and a purpose for which He formed them. Before Christ, we may set out on our own to find purpose in many pursuits, some lawful and others dubious, but when we hear from God, that changes everything! These fishermen were going about their business of mending nets and pursuing purpose in an honorable way of life and business. Jesus purposely passed by their place of business. He was walking as the Father God directed Him to choose those who would become His followers and enter into God’s kingdom purposes. He offered an invitation to these ordinary working men to follow Him and to become fishers of men! Their response was “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” Immediate obedience and faith came at the sound of Jesus’ voice to these called by God! Are you listening to Jesus as you read His Word today? Jesus is calling!
Genesis 2:7, 15 “. . . then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” . . .”The Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the breath of Life you placed in me through the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the call to follow Jesus and learn and obey His Word. Thank You for the purpose and vision that You give to each person who responds to Your voice. Forgive me for not being ‘immediate’ in my responses. Thank You for Your patience and mercy. Let Your purposes be my purposes and teach me to fish for men as You did with those first followers.
Psalm 19:1-4 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.”
Experiencing the Abundant Life in 2022
Theme for 2022: Experiencing the Abundant Life!
Key Scriptures: John 10:10-11 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
Psalm 16:5-6, 11 “The Lord is my chosen Portion and my Cup; You hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” . . .”You make known to me the path of Life, in Your Presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Dear Friends and Lovers of God’s Holy Word,
Shalom! Greetings and a blessed and abundant New Year to each one of you! As we embark on a new journey into the future in 2022, we don’t know what this year holds, but we do know the One Who holds on to us and promises an abundant life. It is on the Word of Jesus Christ that we victoriously proclaim a thriving and prosperous new year.
Mary has already and I will soon join her to begin walking through the 75th year of our lives. We are committing to each other and the Lord to live our life fully in His Presence this year. We want the abundant Life promised by our Lord and provided by His life laid down for us, His sheep. Even though we have lived a long and blessed life, we know that God has more for us to learn and do, to enjoy and to experience until He takes us home. Join us as we journey through our 75th year seeking to know Jesus more fully and to increasingly enjoy His peace and Presence. We are going to thrive, not just survive, as we live in His Presence and are filled with His Holy Spirit! Onward and upward, all to His glory!
In His love, John and Mary Morse
Philippians 3:8, 12-13 “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, . . .” Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
“Do you love Me?”
Scripture reading for November 19th: John 21
Key Scriptures: John 21:15-17 “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said, “Feed My lambs.” He said to Him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him a third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.””
Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter had pledged that he loved Jesus and was willing to go with Him to prison and death. (Luke 22:33-34) After Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Jesus three times as Jesus had prophetically announced. Peter had failed the Lord and he had wept bitterly. After the resurrection of Jesus, in His third appearance to His disciples, Jesus singled out Peter to purposely draw out his love and commission him to do the work of ministry that He had called him to. He had returned to fishing, but Jesus had called him to fish for men and pastor those who would believe on Him. These searching questions concerning our love for Jesus and His call speak to us today. Even when our faith falters, Jesus is praying for us and is willing and able to restore us. Confess your love and willingness today.
Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for this record of Jesus seeking out Peter to draw out his love and devotion in the face of failure. Help me today to stay strong even when I feel that I have failed You and not fulfilled my devotion or commitments. Confront me and draw me and I will run after You. Yes, Lord, I love and follow You and will care for Your sheep.
John 21:18-19 “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This He said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after this He said to him, “Follow Me.””
“Receive the Holy Spirit”
Scripture reading for November 18th: John 20
Key Scriptures: John 20:19-23 “On the evening of that day (Resurrection Day), the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.””
Jesus had risen from the grave on the third day after the day of His crucifixion. This was the first day of the week and the disciples were in hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. Jesus, not stopped by locked doors, appeared to them in His glorified body, yet bearing the marks of crucifixion. His first words were a greeting of peace, to comfort their fears. He then showed them His hands scared by the nails and His side opened by the spear. He wanted them to truly know it was Him, in a body that could be touched and seen. He again spoke peace to them and gave them a simple commission, sending them into the world as the Father had sent Him. To prepare them, He breathed on them and commanded them to receive in His breath the gift of the Father, precious Holy Spirit, This was the ‘Helper’ Jesus had told them about just a few days earlier in the upper room. At this, they were reborn and adopted into God’s Family and Christ’s kingdom.
John 20:26-27 “Eight days later, His disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.””
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Jesus back to His disciples after His death and resurrection in His glorified body. Thank You for those who got to see and believed. I have not seen, but I believe You rose from the dead and I believe that You have given me the gift of the Holy Spirit to live in me and lead and guide me into all truth and eternal life with You. You are my Lord and my God!
John 20:28-29 “Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.””