Mark 12

Most notable in Mark 12 is the the giving of the Great Commandment. Of course, it wasn't so much given as remembered or clarified. It's amazing how something so seemingly simple, "Love God and love your neighbor," (my paraphrase) could get so complicated. Faith is simple. Religion is not. May God help us be people of faith.

Mark 11

Sorry for the delay in getting this post up. I'm having a busy week. Still, taking time to read the Word always has a way of releasing tension. It also keeps me grounded and dependent on the Lord. I hope you receive encouragement this week by spending time reading and praying. In fact, prayer is a focal point of the chapter. May God bless you this week.

Mark 10

We are in double digits! Chapter 10 contains a very familiar story to most of us. It's commonly called the "The Rich Young Ruler." It's from this story that we get the oft' repeated verse, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingodom of God." (10:25) While I agree that it is difficult for the rich to arrange their priorities, I think verse 27 is really the moral of the story. "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Mark 9

Ever had a "mountain top" experience? You know, those special times of intimacy with the Lord; times when the Lord feels so close that you wonder why you ever have doubts. Well, in Mark 9 we read of perhaps the greatest mountain top experience ever, what is often referred to as the Transfiguration. The passage receives this title because in it we read of Jesus being transformed (or transfigured) into his glorified resurrection state. He becomes indescribably white. He is also visited by Moses and Elijah. Peter was so awed by the experience that he wanted to set up tabernacles (tents) so that they could all stay together on the mountain. The Scripture seems to indicate that this idea comes to Peter because in his amazement, he can't think of anything else to say or do. What do you think about Peter's response? How do you think you would have responded?