January 24 -- "Evangelophobia"

 ►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Read Mark 13:1-20

One of the most joyous and thrilling experiences for a follower of Christ is sharing God's truth with others. Unfortunately, some people struggle with "evangelophobia," the fear of sharing the Gospel. But take heart, because the Holy Spirit provides an incredible opportunity to join Him in touching lives with God’s truth.

In Mark chapter 13, Jesus delivers a serious discourse about future persecution, the end times, and His second coming. During this profound message, He reassures His disciples that when they face persecution (and they will), they won't need to worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak. This amazing promise applies to us today as well!

Imagine this: standing before someone, even your toughest critic, ready to share the wonderful message of Christ, and the Holy Spirit astounds you by placing the perfect words on your heart! You suddenly recall Bible verses you haven't thought of in months, or even years. You have no idea how those words came to you, but you feel an extraordinary boldness, and you share what the Lord has given you.

Sharing your faith through the Holy Spirit is a beautiful collaboration between your spirit and His. Supernaturally and mysteriously, He guides you with gentle nudges, placing thoughts and feelings on your heart to create a powerful and genuine message that resonates with the listener. Your words become infused with the Holy Spirit's power, leaving a lasting impact.

Building a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit is essential to overcoming "evangelophobia." Pray, spend time in God's presence, study Scripture, and take small steps to share your faith. Remember, with faith and the Holy Spirit by your side, you can face any situation. So the next time you feel that nervous flutter before sharing your faith, don't be afraid! Pray, ask for the Holy Spirit's anointing, and watch as the evangelophobia disappears from your life. Let go of any anxiety about sharing your faith. When the moment comes, He will equip you with the perfect words, a gentle nudge in the right direction, and His still small voice in your heart.

May the peace of Christ be with you as you venture into new and uncharted waters. May He remind you of the incredible promise Jesus made — the Holy Spirit will be there to guide and empower you to be His witness.

January 23 -- "The Two Roots of Error"

 ►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Read Mark 12:18-44

Jesus' words in Mark 12 are truly striking! He directly challenges the beliefs of a religious group known as the Sadducees, revealing the two flaws in their thinking: ignorance of the Scriptures and a lack of understanding of God's immense power. Our own spiritual struggles and misconceptions often stem from these very same issues.

The Scriptures, God's divine Word, form the bedrock of our faith. They teach us about God's nature, His plan for our salvation, and how to live in a way that pleases Him. When we don't engage with Scripture, we become vulnerable to deceit and mistakes. The Bible acts as our guide, leading us towards truth and aligning us with God's will. Without a solid grasp of Scripture, we become easy prey for false teachings and misguided beliefs.

Think of Scripture as the foundation for your beliefs. When encountering new ideas or teachings, you can measure them against the Bible to determine their validity. This helps you distinguish between truth and falsehood. Being well-versed in Scripture enables you to spot warning signs and avoid teachings that contradict Biblical principles.

The second root of error that Jesus points out is a failure to recognize God's incredible power. The Sadducees rejected anything supernatural, including the resurrection, the afterlife, and the existence of angels and demons. They confined God to the physical realm, unable to comprehend His power to resurrect the dead and bring about a new creation. Essentially, the Sadducees' mistake was trying to fit God's power into a limited human framework.

By overlooking the clear evidence of God's power beyond the physical realm, experienced by the Jewish people, they restricted their perception of who God truly was and what He could achieve. This, in turn, led to a distorted understanding of God and significant errors in their beliefs.

Jesus’ words remind us to anchor our faith in two vital truths: the Scriptures and the power of God. Like the Sadducees, we risk error when we neglect God’s Word or confine His power to human limitations. Commit to studying Scripture daily, allowing it to shape your beliefs and guard you against false teachings. At the same time, trust God’s limitless power to work beyond what you can see or understand.

As you hold fast to His Word and trust in His might, may your faith be strengthened, your discernment sharpened, and your life transformed by the living God.

January 22 -- "To God, The Things That Are God's"

 ►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Read Mark 12:1-17

Should Christians pay taxes to governments that seem corrupt or evil? Jesus provides a profound answer to this question in Mark 12, guiding believers on how to navigate life under earthly authorities while remaining faithful to God.

The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a tricky question about paying taxes to the Roman government – to Caesar. However, Jesus masterfully evaded their trap and offered timeless wisdom. By declaring that we should render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, Jesus acknowledged the validity of earthly governments and our duty to respect and fulfill our civic responsibilities. The word "render" means to give, hand over, or surrender something to a particular person or authority.

But Jesus didn’t stop there—He also highlighted a profoundly higher duty we have—to God. As followers of Christ, we are called to render—hand over—our lives to Him. True discipleship means fully recognizing His authority and sovereignty over us. If we belong to God, our lives must reflect that devotion.

This teaching serves as a reminder: while we may live in this world and abide by its laws, our primary allegiance must be to God. Paying taxes, obeying laws, and fulfilling civic duties are important, but they should never overshadow our commitment to God's commandments and His kingdom. Paul echoes this balance in Romans 13, urging believers to be subject to governing authorities while understanding that all authority is ultimately derived from God.

Take a moment today to examine your life. Are there areas where earthly responsibilities might be eclipsing your spiritual devotion? Are you more focused on meeting societal expectations than on fulfilling God’s expectations? As you carry out your duties as a citizen, are you giving to God that which is His?

Jesus said to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), trusting that when you prioritize God, everything else will fall into place. In doing so, we honor both our earthly and heavenly responsibilities, living as true citizens of heaven while journeying through this world.

May the Lord grant you wisdom to navigate life under earthly authorities with grace and integrity. As you render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, may your heart be wholly rendered to God.

January 21 -- "As You Pray, Forgive"

 

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Read Mark 11:15-33

A heart filled with forgiveness is essential for effective prayer. The principle of forgiveness is a cornerstone for those who follow Christ. In today’s words from Mark 11, Jesus emphasizes the importance of releasing grudges and extending forgiveness as a vital part of our prayer lives, aligning our hearts with God’s mercy. He highlights the profound connection between our willingness to forgive others and receiving forgiveness from God.

In this context, Jesus had just performed miraculous acts and delivered teachings on faith and prayer. Here, He underscores that effective prayer is intertwined with a forgiving heart. Harboring anger and resentment can disrupt our spiritual connection with God. Forgiveness is not merely an act of obedience; it is crucial for maintaining a healthy, vibrant relationship with the Lord.

This teaching is just as crucial today. Modern believers often encounter conflicts and hurts in their relationships. The act of forgiving, even when it’s challenging, reflects the forgiveness we have received through Christ. Just as Jesus forgave those who wronged Him, we are called to forgive others in the same way, clearing any barriers that might hinder our prayers and spiritual growth. As Colossians 3:13 reminds us, "As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Begin by identifying any lingering bitterness or grudges. Pray for the strength to forgive, seeking God’s help to release these burdens. Consider the stories of many Christ followers who forgave those who betrayed or hurt them. Once they forgave, they experienced a profound sense of peace and a deepening of their prayer lives. Reflect on how forgiveness can transform your life and relationships.

Take a step today by reaching out to someone you need to forgive and simply let go in your heart through prayer. Embrace the freedom that forgiveness brings, allowing God’s grace to flow through you unhindered.

Today, may you release all bitterness and resentment, embracing the freedom that comes from a heart aligned with God's mercy. And as you forgive others, may your prayers flow unhindered, drawing you closer to the heart of your Heavenly Father.

January 20 -- "Hosanna in the Highest!"

 

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Read Mark 11:1-14

Imagine a vibrant street scene, buzzing with contagious energy and a sense of eager anticipation. People from all walks of life line the sidewalks, their faces alight with joy and expectation. In the midst of the crowd, children sit atop their parents' shoulders, their eyes wide with wonder. Elderly folks gaze in awe, their eyes glistening. Palm branches sway in the air, their rustling blending harmoniously with the fervent cries that echo through the streets. "Hosanna! Hosanna!" the crowd chants, their voices rising and falling like a rhythmic wave.

The word "Hosanna" traces its roots back to the Hebrew phrase הושע נא (hosha na), meaning "save, please" or "save now." This plea for salvation is found in Psalm 118:25, part of the Hallel—a series of Psalms sung during Jewish festivals— which says: "Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success!" Over the centuries, "Hosanna" has transformed from a cry for help into a shout of praise and adoration, signifying a recognition of God’s power and willingness to save.

In their shouts of praise, the crowd acknowledges Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. There is a palpable sense of witnessing something monumental—a fulfillment of prophecies and a promise of deliverance. They shout, "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" envisioning a new era of peace and divine rule.

In our lives, we often find ourselves in need of rescue. The cry of "Hosanna" should be our daily anthem, reminding us to seek God's intervention in our struggles and to recognize Jesus' sovereignty over our circumstances. When we proclaim, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord," we align our hearts with God's purpose and acknowledge Jesus' authority.

Reflect on the areas in your life where you need to cry out "Hosanna." Are there burdens you need to lay at Jesus' feet? Let the words of Mark 11:9-10 inspire you to invite Jesus into every part of your life, acknowledging Him as your King and Savior.

As you go through your day, remember that Jesus is the King who brings peace and salvation. May your heart be filled with the same joy and anticipation as the crowd in Jerusalem, continually crying out, "Hosanna in the highest!" Surrender to His reign and experience the transformative power of His love and grace.

January 19 -- "Ransomed for Love: Embracing Servanthood"

 

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Read Mark 10:28-52

Today's reflection brings us back to Jesus' powerful message of selfless service, a theme He lived out through His own actions. Amidst a world focused on self-interest and personal gain, Jesus stands as the ultimate example, declaring, "I came not to be served but to serve, and to give My life as a ransom for many." This verse captures the essence of Christian discipleship: living a life devoted to serving God and others.

Jesus' words urge us to reconsider our priorities. In Philippians 2:5-7, Paul encourages us to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” who, despite being in very nature God, did not see equality with God as something to use to His advantage. Instead, He humbled Himself, taking on the nature of a servant. This profound call to servanthood goes beyond simply performing acts of service—it’s about embracing a servant's heart in everything we do.

Jesus goes on to say that He came “to give His life as a ransom for many.” This points to Jesus' forthcoming sacrificial death on the cross, where He would demonstrate the ultimate act of service. In ancient times, a ransom was the price paid by a “redeemer” to release someone from bondage or captivity. Similarly, humanity, ensnared by sin and death, needed a Redeemer to set us free. Jesus would pay this ransom with His own life, freeing us from the power of sin and reconciling us to God.  As 1 Timothy 2:6 reminds us, "Christ Jesus... gave Himself as a ransom for all."

For today's follower of Christ, true discipleship means dying to self and seeking opportunities to serve others in our daily lives. It could be as simple as lending a listening ear, offering a helping hand, or sacrificing our time and resources for someone in need.  Jesus' example shows us that no act of service is inconsequential when done with love and humility.

As we strive to emulate Jesus' example, let us remember that true greatness in His kingdom is measured by our willingness to serve others. Let the love of Christ inspire us to lay down our lives for our friends, families, and even strangers.  In doing so, we mirror the heart of our Savior, who gave everything for us.

May your life bear witness to His love through your acts of selfless service. And may you “look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).

January 18 -- "When the Impossible Becomes Possible"

 

►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Read Mark10:1-27

Imagine trying to reach outer space with a ladder—impossible, right? That's exactly what Jesus meant in Mark 10:27 when He said achieving eternal life is “impossible” for mankind. In the context of a rich young ruler asking how to inherit eternal life, Jesus' words point to a profound spiritual truth: salvation isn't something we can earn or achieve by human effort, no matter how hard we try.

Why is that? Well, let’s dive into a few key reasons:

First off, our very nature is marred by sin. Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Our sin creates a chasm between us and God that good deeds alone can't bridge. No matter how morally upright we may be, our inherent sinfulness keeps us from reaching God’s glory on our own.

Secondly, salvation demands a level of righteousness that's humanly unattainable. Isaiah 64:6 paints a vivid picture, saying that our “righteous acts,” which seem so upright and virtuous to us, are “filthy rags” before a holy God. The standard for entering God’s kingdom is perfection, and let’s face it, we’re far from perfect.

Lastly, the journey to salvation isn't just about what we do outwardly, but about a profound inner transformation that only God can bring about. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus in John 3:3, saying, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This rebirth is a spiritual metamorphosis initiated and completed by God's Spirit, not by our own efforts.

When Jesus says, "With man it is impossible," He’s steering us away from self-reliance and towards God-dependence. It’s a call to recognize our own helplessness and lean entirely on God's grace.

But here’s the incredible news—what’s impossible for us is entirely possible for God. When Jesus adds, "but not with God," He introduces us to the awe-inspiring truth that God transcends human limitations. What we can’t achieve through our own strength, wisdom, or resources, God accomplishes effortlessly. The humanly impossible task of earning salvation is surpassed by God’s infinite power to save, redeem, and transform.

Take heart and embrace the profound truth that salvation is a divine gift beyond our own efforts. As we navigate life's challenges, let us fully depend on God's grace, knowing that His limitless power can achieve what we alone cannot.

Today, may you rest in the assurance of God's grace, knowing that through Him—and only through Him--the impossible becomes possible.