Day 15 - The NT Challenge

Mark 4

I know I have heard this time and time again, that the parables were to teach His followers, but I'm still a bit unclear about why He didn't want everyone else to understand? (4:12) Looking forward to hearing Pastor's sermon about that!

It's good to know that I'm not the only one that has to be reminded to "pay attention to what you hear"! (4:24)

Lord, help me to put in to practice what I hear on Sundays and what I study from your word so that I can know that I am truly 'paying attention.'

Had to chuckle when I saw, must be for the first time, that the disciples went from being afraid of the storm to having 'great fear' at the fact that the winds and the waves obeyed The Lord! It's evident that they were hanging around with Jesus, but still didn't quite get it! It actually makes me feel somewhat better knowing that it shouldn't be that big of a surprise when I don't get it either!

Lord, help my heart to be close enough to you that I begin to truly understand just who you really are.


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Day 14 - the NT Challenge

Mark 1

It is rather sad how one act of disobedience by the man with leprosy (telling others when Christ said not to), which probably seemed like a good thing at the time, caused such a problem for Christ.

It kind of makes me think, what effect do my actions have on the ministry of Christ today? Could my disobedience, even when it seems so small and insignificant, really cost the ministry? If it did back then to Christ, I can only assume that it must be the same for me today.

I love how Jesus dealt at times with the scribes and pharisees! With the lame man whose friends let him down from the roof to Christ, the Pharisees complained about Christ saying he forgave the man's sins. Jesus response of what would be easier for me to do A or B, only to turn around and say both, kind of made me giggle. Christ knows that sometimes we see things only one way, and He will take the time to show us both sides to fulfill His purpose, and to point out our human weakness!

I've never really thought it out, but how is it that Mary got wrapped in with Jesus' brothers who thought He was mad? Had she forgotten all that had happened at His birth? Did she begin to doubt herself and thus doubt Him? Did she try to stop the brothers but decide just to go with them instead? Not horrifically important questions, but still ones that would be interesting to know.


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Day 13

Matthew 27 -28

It's just sad how gullible the people were in this section of Christ's story. They were so easily led astray by their religious leaders. That, however, begs the question of who bears the greatest responsibility? Is it the people who blindly followed OR is it the leaders who intentionally led?

Lord, please help me to be the right kind of leaders. So many little eyes are looking at me each day; I want to lead them in the right path out of a pure heart. Please help me do that - even when it's easier not to.

The other thing that stood out to me is the one person who heard Jesus cry and went and got the wine-soaked sponge. ONE person - misguided though they were - just ONE wanted to do something,anything to help. That one didn't just stand there and feel bad about the situation. They actually took action.

Lord, please help me to be the one who acts, not just the one who thinks about it and yet still stands there. Help me to be a doer - not just a thinker or wisher.


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