Monthly Archives: February 2015

Love is the answer (Mark 7:1-23), Feb 28, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Mark 7:1-23
Set – Numbers 27; Mark 7
Go! – Numbers 24-27; Mark 7

Mark 7:1-23
1Then the Pharisees returned to talk with Jesus, and with them came some of the scribes and scholars from Jerusalem.

Scribes and Scholars (seeing the disciples eating): 2 Your disciples are eating bread with defiled, unwashed hands.

3 Now you need to know that the Pharisees, and all Jews for that matter, held the tradition of their ancestors that hands must be washed before eating to avoid being ritually unclean. 4 Likewise, they washed when they returned from the market and followed similar purity teachings as well, from the washing of their food to the washing of their bowls, cups, and kettles.

Scribes and Pharisees: 5 Why don’t Your disciples follow the traditions passed down to us? Why do they eat their bread with defiled hands?

Jesus: 6 Isaiah prophesied wisely about your religious pretensions when he wrote,

These people honor Me with words off their lips;
meanwhile their hearts are far from Me.
7 Their worship is empty, void of true devotion.
They teach a human commandment, memorized and practiced by rote.[a]
8 When you cling blindly to your own traditions [such as washing utensils and cups],[b] you completely miss God’s command. 9 Then, indeed, you have perfected setting aside God’s commands for the sake of your tradition. 10 Moses gave you God’s commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.”[c] And also, “If you curse your father or your mother, you will be put to death.”[d] 11 But you say to your aged parents, “I’ve decided that the support you were expecting from me will now be the holy offering set aside for God.” 12 After that he is not allowed to do anything for his parents. 13 Do you think God wants you to honor your traditions that you have passed down? This is only one of many places where you are blind. 14 (to the crowd that had gathered) Listen, all of you, to this teaching. I want you to understand. 15 There is nothing outside someone that can corrupt him. Only the things that come out of a person can corrupt him. [16 All who have ears to hear, let them listen.][e]

17 When they had come in from the road, His disciples asked Him what He meant by this teaching.

Jesus: 18 Do you mean you don’t understand this one either? Whatever goes into people from outside can’t defile them 19 because it doesn’t go into their hearts. Outside things go through their guts and back out, thus making all foods pure.[f] 20 No, it’s what comes from within that corrupts. 21-22 It’s what grows out of the hearts of people that leads to corruption: evil thoughts, immoral sex, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wicked acts, treachery, sensuality, jealousy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All of these come from within, and these are the sins that truly corrupt a person.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

My instructions can get so twisted around sometimes that they are hardly recognizable. I’m amazed at times at how perverted the traditions and rituals of men can get. How painful you can make life for yourselves and others with the twist of words and the upholding of misinterpreted sanctions that fail to meet the test of what I really want from you. It’s a simple test through which you can filter all your traditions and rituals to see if they stand up to my commands. Remember what Jesus told those scribes who tried to trick Him? Remember His answer to their request?

They asked, “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment?

Jesus answered, “The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the second is like it, love your neighbor as you love yourself. Everything else hangs on these two commands.”

All you need to do is check your tradition against that marker. Does it fulfill that first and second commandment? Does it express love to God and love to your neighbor? That’s the metric. The examples Jesus pulled out of the traditions didn’t measure up. Giving their parents support to Me doesn’t honor Me, I don’t need your support. You need to give Me your support. There is a difference. Your parents don’t need your honor, but you need to honor them. There is a difference.

When you put your petty traditions or rituals above loving Me or caring for My children, you’ve gone too far in your religiosity. You’ve starting playing church instead of getting at the root of who I want you to become. I want you to be rooted in love for Me and for each other. I want love and compassion for the crowning glory of My creation to be the default button for all your actions. It’s only through loving your fellow man that you can express what I want from you. I am love. If you’re going to be like Me, you too must love. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Who is Jesus to you? (Mark 6:30-56), Feb 27, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Mark 6:30-56
Set – Numbers 23; Mark 6
Go! – Numbers 21-23; Mark 6

Mark 6:30-56
30 Now the twelve returned from their travels and told Him what they had done, whom they had seen, and how they had spread the news of God’s kingdom.

Jesus (to the disciples): 31 Let us go out into the wilderness for a while and rest ourselves.

The crowds gathered as always, and Jesus and the twelve couldn’t eat because so many people came and went. 32 They could get no peace until they boarded a boat and sailed toward a deserted place.

33 But the people would not be put off so easily. Those along the shore who recognized Jesus followed along the coast. People pushed out of all the cities and gathered ahead of Him 34 so that when Jesus came ashore and saw this crowd of people waiting for Him in a place that should have been relatively deserted, He was moved with compassion. They were like sheep without a shepherd.

He began to teach them many things 35 as the day passed; at last the disciples came to Jesus.

Disciples: It is getting late, and there is nothing around for miles. 36 Send these people to the surrounding villages so they can buy something to eat.

Jesus: 37 Why don’t you give them something to eat?

Disciples (looking at Him): What? It would cost a fortune[a] to buy bread for these people!

Jesus: 38 Does anyone have any bread? Go and see.

Disciples (returning from the crowd): There are five pieces of flatbread and two fish, if that makes any difference.

Jesus: 39-40 Listen, tell them to gather in smaller groups and sit on that green patch of grass.

And so the disciples gathered the people in groups of 100 or of 50, and they sat down.

41 Jesus took the five pieces of flatbread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, thanked God for the food, and broke it. He gave the pieces to the disciples to distribute, 42 and all of the people ate until no one was hungry. 43 Then they gathered twelve baskets full of leftovers.

44 That day, 5,000 men ate their fill of the bread when Jesus fed the hungry crowd.

45 Not long after, He sent His disciples out onto their boat to sail to Bethsaida on the other shore, and He sent the crowd away. 46 After everyone had gone, He slipped away to pray on a mountain overlooking the sea.

47 When evening came, the boat was out on the sea and He was alone on the land. 48 He saw that the disciples were making little progress because they were rowing against a stiff wind. Before daylight He came near them, walking on the water, and would have passed by them. 49 Some of them saw Him walking on the surface of the water, thought He was a ghost, and cried out. 50 When they all saw Him, they were terrified.

Jesus (immediately calling out): Don’t be frightened. Do you see? It is I.

51 He walked across the water to the boat; and as soon as He stepped aboard, the contrary wind ceased its blowing. They were greatly astonished; 52 although they had just witnessed the miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 with bread and fish, and other signs besides, they didn’t understand what it all meant and their hearts remained hard.

53 When they finished their journey, they landed the boat in Gennesaret.54 People at once recognized Jesus as the Healer. 55 Immediately they hurried to collect the sick and infirm—bringing them to Him in beds if they had to— 56 laying them out in the markets of any village, city, or field where He might pass.

Gennesarites: Just let us touch the fringe of Your robe.

Even the people who touched only it were made whole again.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

It was so hard for people to recognize Jesus for who He was, God incarnate. The disciples watched Him heal the sick with just the touch of His hand or the words He spoke. They watched Him feed crowds with just a handful of food. They watched Him share the scriptures with wisdom and authority that confounded the Pharisees and scribes, those who should have profound knowledge of the verse He made clear with His parables and simple language. The disciples should have easily understood who Jesus was if anyone did. They spent the most time with Him. But as Mark relates in his description of Jesus walking on the water to them. Their hearts were still hard. They didn’t understand Him or His power as God.

They saw a man. One who did incredible things. One who healed when no one else could. One who seemed to perform magic if not miracles, but God? They just had a hard time wrapping their minds around it. Their scriptures said He would come. But for the Messiah to come from Nazareth? How could that happen? For the Messiah to have such lowly beginnings instead of having a high position in the temple? Who could believe such a thing? To believe Jesus was God incarnate stretched their knowledge, their understanding, all the priests and leaders told them. It stretched their faith significantly.

What about today? Is it any easier to believe Jesus is the Son of God? That He lived as both man and God and performed the miracles recorded in scripture? Is it easy for you to believe He willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for your sins? Who would do such a thing? Would you die so that others could find forgiveness? Do you know any other person who would willingly face the cruel torture Jesus suffered as punishment for someone else?

So today, we seem to set aside the man part of Jesus and focus on the God part. We forget He walked among us and suffered the same aches and pains we do. We forget He experienced the same emotions we experience. We set Him above man and forget He felt every hurt and temptation we feel. What was different about Him is He didn’t bow to the temptations. He remained sinless through the temptations. He instead went to the Father for strength to overcome.

During Lent, set aside time to meditate on who Jesus is to you. Is He just a man? Is He just God? He is both. He is God incarnate. God made flesh to live among men. God wrapped in human flesh to show you how to live each day. God come to live with you for a time to share life and experience everything you experience so He can act as the perfect sacrifice, as the perfect mediator for you. He is God, there from the beginning of creation. He is also man, born of a virgin, who walked with you and showed you how to live. He is who He said He is. You can trust Him. Put your faith in Him today.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

How is your faith? (Mark 5:21-43), Feb 26, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Mark 5:21-43
Set – Psalms 28; Mark 5
Go! – Numbers 19-20; Psalms 28; Mark 5

Mark 5:21-43
21 After Jesus returned across the sea, a large crowd quickly found Him, so He stayed by the sea. 22 One of the leaders of the synagogue—a man named Jairus—came and fell at Jesus’ feet, 23 begging Him to heal his daughter.

Jairus: My daughter is dying, and she’s only 12 years old. Please come to my house. Just place Your hands on her. I know that if You do, she will live.

24 Jesus began traveling with Jairus toward his home.

In the crowd pressing around Jesus, 25 there was a woman who had suffered continuous bleeding for 12 years, bleeding that made her ritually unclean and an outcast according to the purity laws. 26 She had suffered greatly; and although she spent all her money on her medical care, she had only gotten worse. 27 She had heard of this Miracle-Man, Jesus, so she snuck up behind Him in the crowd and reached out her hand to touch His cloak.

Woman (to herself): 28 Even if all I touch are His clothes, I know I will be healed.

29 As soon as her fingers brushed His cloak, the bleeding stopped. She could feel that she was whole again.

30 Lots of people were pressed against Jesus at that moment, but He immediately felt her touch; He felt healing power flow out of Him.

He stopped. Everyone stopped. He looked around.

Jesus: Who just touched My robe?

31 His disciples broke the uneasy silence.

Disciples: Jesus, the crowd is so thick that everyone is touching You. Why do You ask, “Who touched Me?”

32 But Jesus waited. His gaze swept across the crowd to see who had done it. 33 At last, the woman—knowing He was talking about her—pushed forward and dropped to her knees. She was shaking with fear and amazement.

Woman: I touched You.

Then she told Him the reason why. 34 Jesus listened to her story.

Jesus: Daughter, you are well because you dared to believe. Go in peace, and stay well.

35 While He was speaking, some members of Jairus’s household pushed through the crowd.

Jairus’s Servants (to Jairus): Your daughter is dead. There’s no need to drag the Teacher any farther.

36 Jesus overheard their words. Then He turned to look at Jairus.

Jesus: It’s all right. Don’t be afraid; just believe.

37-38 Jesus asked everyone but Peter, James, and John (James’s brother) to remain outside when they reached Jairus’s home. Inside the synagogue leader’s house, the mourning had already begun; the weeping and wailing carried out into the street.

39 Jesus and His three disciples went inside.

Jesus: Why are you making all this sorrowful noise? The child isn’t dead. She’s just sleeping.

40 The mourners laughed a horrible, bitter laugh and went back to their wailing. Jesus cleared the house so that only His three disciples, Jairus, and Jairus’s wife were left inside with Him. They all went to where the child lay. 41 Then He took the child’s hand.

Jesus: Little girl, it’s time to wake up.

42 Immediately the 12-year-old girl opened her eyes, arose, and began to walk. Her parents could not believe their eyes.

Jesus (to the parents): 43 Don’t tell anybody what you’ve just seen. Why don’t you give her something to eat? I know she is hungry.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

In the events Mark relates in these verses, he tells of two individuals of great faith. You probably understand the great faith of the woman who touch Jesus’ robe. There were hundreds, perhaps thousands who touched Him that day, but only one had the faith to believe that if she could only touch His clothing she would find healing from her ailment. Everyone else wanted Jesus to lay His hands on them, say some pray for them, or do some other kind of physical action so they could see that something was happening from His perspective.

But this woman whose name only I know, had the faith to understand the real healing power that My Son carried within Him. It wasn’t His touch that made the difference. It wasn’t some ritual or some magical potion that provided the healing. It was faith to believe He was God incarnate. Faith in Him produced healing both physically and spiritually. It’s the same today. I still heal body and spirit. Sometimes it’s through the hands of the physicians I give intimate knowledge through. Sometimes it’s through a miraculous cure. Sometimes it’s through suffering until that day when ultimate healing takes place and you find yourself with a new body with Me in eternity. But she understood the healing power of faith.

We don’t think as much about the faith that Jarius possessed. But Jarius held the position of a leader in the synagogue. To go to Jesus for healing for his daughter meant he disobeyed the edicts of the temple leadership. The high priest and the leaders of the Jewish faith said Jesus was a heretic and must be denounced as such. No leader should put their faith in this itinerate preacher.

That meant Jarius likely lost his position in the synagogue by going to Jesus for help. His faith probably cost him his livelihood. His faith no doubt made him an enemy of the temple leadership. His faith made him a later target of the Roman rulers. His faith would cause him to have difficulty buying and selling in the market as he would find himself shunned by the rules of the society at the time.

But Jarius faith won his daughter back. Darius faith gained him a place in the Kingdom of God. His faith demonstrated his confidence in the life-giver and he found his prayers answered as a result. His faith led him to life…more abundant. His faith allowed him to testify to all around him that Jesus is God incarnate, the author of life. He would suffer for his faith, but ask Jarius if it was worth the suffering. You would find no hesitation in his answer. Of course the small amount of suffering we endure here is worth the prize awaiting us.

The unnamed woman and Jarius, two great examples of faith Mark shares with us. How do you rate on the faith scale? 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

God is in charge (Numbers 17), Feb 25, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Numbers 17
Set – Numbers 17; Mark 4
Go! – Numbers 17-18; Psalms 29; Mark 4

Numbers 17
1The Eternal One continued.

Eternal One (to Moses): 2-3 Tell the Israelites that you’ll need twelve staffs—one for each of the extended families. Engrave on each one the respective leader’s name. (Aaron’s name should be on the Levi family’s staff.) 4 Bring the staff of each of them into the congregation tent and lay them in front of My tablets of witness with you in the place where I meet you. 5 I will indicate the person whom I choose by making his particular staff grow shoots and leaves. This will end once and for all any complaints about your leadership.

6-7 Moses passed these instructions on to the Israelites, and they all agreed to do it. They each gave their staffs as leaders representing their extended families with Aaron’s staff among them. Then Moses placed them before the Eternal One in the tent of the congregation and before the covenant. 8 The next day, when Moses went into the tent where the covenant was kept, it was obvious that Aaron of the Levite family was God’s choice. Aaron’s staff had grown not only little buds, but it had actually flowered and developed fully-ripened almonds. 9 Moses carried the staffs out of the Eternal’s presence, showed them to the congregation, and redistributed them to the twelve leaders.

Eternal One (to Moses): 10 Return Aaron’s staff to the tent and place it in front of the covenant, to serve as a reminder of whom I’ve chosen to lead this people. Let it be a warning to any who would question or undermine your leadership. I have made My choice clear and will kill anyone who persists in challenging it.

11 So Moses returned Aaron’s staff to the tent just as the Eternal told him to do.

Israelites (to Moses): 12 We’re going to die! We will be destroyed! 13 If anyone comes close to the tent where the Eternal One is supposed to meet with us, then he’ll die. Will we all die, then?

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Why would anyone be foolish enough to question My authority? All you need to do is look up at the sky and that should end all questions about who’s in charge. If it’s daytime, ask yourself who can create a sun and keep it in place? Only Me. Who can form the mountains in the distance or keep the oceans within their boundaries? Only Me. Who grow an oak tree from an acorn or a beautiful flower from a tiny seed? Me again. Who makes the rain to water the earth and replenish the streams, rivers, and lakes to nourish the land? That’s Me.

No one can do the things I do, and I do them without even thinking about them. You don’t even think about them because they just happen. I set them in place and they go one day after day and year after year. Like gravity, weather, the seasons, you don’t think about them, they just happen. But how do you think they happen? I put them in place before the world began.

Let there be no question in your mind, I am in control of this world. I hold the ultimate authority over all that happens. Do I let bad things happen? Yes, as a result of the flawed state of humankind. The consequences of sin have changed My creation significantly and everyone alive shares responsibility for the marred state of the world. However, it is still Mine and I will return physically to reclaim it.

The other eleven tribes questioned My decision to put the Levites in charge of leading this new theocracy I formed through My servant, Moses. They should have known I would do something to show My pick. The consequences for those against Me probably seem harsh to you. But in the early days of this fledgling nation, I needed them to understand Moses was the man I put in charge. So I did the spectacular to prove a point. I took a plain staff and let it grow at high speed until it blossomed and bore fruit – overnight. Easy for Me. A first class miracle for all who observed it.

The story is recorded to let you know I chose Moses and Aaron to lead My new nation to the land I promised to give them. It’s also recorded to let you know I’m still in charge. My position hasn’t changed. Take My word for it.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Welcome to the family (Mark 3:13-35), Feb 24, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Mark 3:13-35
Set – Numbers 16; Mark 3
Go! – Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

Mark 3:13-35
13 Jesus called together a select group of His followers and led them up onto a mountain. 14 There He commissioned them the twelve. [Later He calls them His emissaries.][a] He wanted them to be with Him. He sent them out to spread the good news 15 and to cast out evil spirits [and heal diseases].[b] 16 Here are the names of the original twelve: Simon (whom Jesus called Peter, meaning “the rock”), 17 James and John (the sons of Zebedee, whom Jesus called “the Sons of Thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew (the tax collector, also called Levi), Thomas, James (the son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon of Canaan (who was also called “the Zealot”), 19 and Judas Iscariot (who one day would betray Jesus to the authorities in Jerusalem so God’s purpose could be fulfilled).

20 Jesus and His disciples went into a house to eat, but so many people pressed in to see Jesus that they could not be served. 21 When Jesus’ family heard about this craziness, they went to drag Him out of that place.

Jesus’ Family (to one another): Jesus has lost His mind.

22 The scribes, for their part, came down from Jerusalem and spread the slander that Jesus was in league with the devil.

Scribes: That’s how He casts out demons. He’s casting them out by the power of Beelzebul—the ancient Philistine god—the prince of demons.

23 When Jesus heard this, He tried to reason with them using parables.

Jesus: Listen. How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 A kingdom that makes war against itself will collapse. 25 A household divided against itself cannot stand. 26 If Satan opposes himself, he cannot stand and is finished.

27 If you want to break into the house of a strong man and plunder it, you have to bind him first. Then you can do whatever you want with his possessions. 28 Listen, the truth is that people can be forgiven of almost anything. God has been known to forgive many things, even blasphemy. 29 But speaking evil of the Spirit of God is an unforgivable sin that will follow you into eternity.

30 He said this because the scribes were telling people that Jesus got His power from dark forces instead of from God.

31 When Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived, they couldn’t break through the crowd, so they sent word in to Jesus that He should come out to them. 32 The crowd was pressed in tight around Him when He received the message, “Your mother and brothers [and sisters][c] are waiting outside for You.”

33 Jesus looked around.

Jesus (answering them): Who are My mother and brothers?

He called into the silence. No one spoke.

34 At last His gaze swept across those gathered close, and Jesus smiled.

Jesus: You, here, are My mother and My brothers! 35 Whoever does the will of God is My true family.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Until you are born of both water and the Spirit, you really can’t understand Jesus’ comment about those around Him being His mother and His brothers. Once adopted into the true family of God, things change for you. Sometimes, your earthly family embraces you because they too are part of My family. Sometimes, though, you will find yourself ostracized by your earthly family when you let Me decide the direction for your life. You will no longer be welcome in the circle you once inhabited, even among your family.

I see it happen over and over again as men and women harden their hearts, sometimes to their own children. You would think that a mother’s love would overcome such bitterness and evil in the heart of humankind, but it doesn’t. They think personal momentary pleasure outweighs the eternal gain of following Me because of the darkness in which the world walks. Of course, it never works. The consequences of fallowing your own way, your own wisdom always ends in disaster. Many who have gone before you can tell you the pain and misery they endured because of the consequences of their actions.

So My children get misunderstood, get pushed aside, get persecuted, suffer, even die because of the message of peace and hope they share with their lost and dying friends and family. The barbs of truth cut deeply into the hearts of men and women and the pain causes an immediate reaction. One of either hatred and a desire to quiet the voice of My messenger or one of repentance and weeping at My altar seeking the hope I can give them through the forgiveness of their sins.

Some people try to ride the fence and take neither side, but it doesn’t work. You see, men’s minds are bent toward evil because of the carnal nature that comes as a result of Adam’s sin. So the fence walkers tilt toward evil and always fall off the fence. They can’t stay there. They can’t walk that think rail. They will always fall to the side of evil unless they come to a place of repentance and complete reliance on Me.

Those that come to Me, though, I forgive. I give hope. I adopt into My family. They always have a host of brothers and sisters ready to support them, love them, care for them, treat them like the brothers and sisters they are. When adopted into My family, you are never alone.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Go tell someone what I’ve done (Mark 2:1-17), Feb 23, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Mark 2:1-17
Set – Psalms 90; Mark 2
Go! – Numbers 12-13; Psalms 90; Mark 2

Mark 2:1-17
1-2 Some days later when Jesus came back to Capernaum, people heard that Jesus was back in town and many gathered at the house where He was staying. Soon the crowd overflowed from the house into the streets, and still more people pressed forward to hear Jesus teaching the message of God’s kingdom. 3 Four men tried to bring a crippled friend to Him; 4 but since the crowd prevented their carrying him close enough to get Jesus’ attention, they climbed up onto the roof, opened a hole in it, and lowered the paralyzed man on his mat down to Jesus.

5 Jesus recognized the faith of these men.

Jesus (to the paralyzed man): Son, your sins are forgiven.

6-7 Some scribes were sitting in the crowd, and they didn’t like what they were hearing.

Scribes (reasoning to themselves): What does this Jesus think He is doing? This kind of talk is blasphemy, an offense against the Most High! Only God can forgive sins.

8 At once Jesus realized what they were thinking. He turned to them.

Jesus: Why do My words trouble you so? 9 Think about this: is it easier to tell this paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to tell him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk”? 10 Still, I want to show you that the Son of Man has been given the authority on earth to forgive sins. (to the paralytic) 11 Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.

12 The man rose to his feet, immediately rolled up his mat, and walked out into the streets. Everyone in the crowd was amazed. All they could do was shake their heads, thank God for this miracle, and say to each other, “We’ve never seen anything like that!”

13 Another time Jesus was out walking alongside the Sea of Galilee teaching the gathering crowd as He went. 14 He saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the booth where he collected taxes.

Jesus (calling out to him): Follow Me.

Levi left the booth and went along with Him.

15 At Levi’s house, many tax collectors and other sinners—Jews who did not keep the strict purity laws of the Jewish holy texts—were dining with Jesus and His disciples. Jesus had attracted such a large following that all kinds of people surrounded Him. 16 When the Pharisees’ scribes saw who shared the table with Jesus, they were quick to criticize:

Scribes (to His disciples): If your master is such a righteous person, then why does He eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners, the worst among us?

17 Jesus heard them.

Jesus (to the scribes): People who have their health don’t need to see a doctor. Only those who are sick do. I’m not here to call those already in good standing with God; I’m here to call sinners to turn back to Him.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The scribes and Pharisees forgot the message I gave to Abraham centuries earlier when I first made My covenant with him. I promised him that all people would be blessed through him. The only way that can happen is for Abraham and his children to interact with the rest of the world. The Pharisees and Jewish leaders did like most of the churches today seem to do. You construct a beautiful building and fill it with exquisite furnishings. You fill some of the pews every week with a homogeneous crowd and sing the same choruses and listen to the pastor share a message. But then nothing happens outside the walls of the building.

My message certainly touches those inside those four walls, but as My Son told those complaining about His ministry, He came to call sinners to turn back to God. They will not be found in the churches. They will be found in the streets. So when will you witness to those outside the building? How will you show Christ to those you run across every day? How will you live like My Son so that others see a difference in you they want to emulate? What will you do today to make a positive difference for someone in your path expecting nothing in return?

For too long, the church has forgotten its mission of witnessing to those who need Me in their lives. The simple message of the gospel has remained within the walls of the cathedrals and the sanctuaries where the people who need to hear it feel barred from its sounds. So how will you reach out where you are? Whether from your church, you place of work, or your home to touch the lives of those around you so that others will find My blessings because of My Spirit working through you.

I haven’t changed My plan. I still intend to share My message through the witnessing of those saved by My grace. I depend on humankind to reach their fellow man. Will you stand boldly and do your part? All I ask is that you tell others what I do for you. That’s it. It’s that simple. Just acknowledge My working in your life. Witness My activity to others. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Don’t be silent (Mark 1:29-45), Feb 22, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Mark 1:29-45
Set – Psalms 27; Mark 1
Go! – Numbers 10-11; Psalms 27; Mark 1

Mark 1:29-45
29 Right after they left the synagogue, Jesus went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 They told Him about Simon’s mother-in-law who was there in bed, sick and feverish. 31 Jesus went to her side, took her hand, and lifted her up. As soon as He touched her, the fever left her and she felt well again—strong enough to bustle around the house taking care of her visitors.

32 Just before night fell, others had gathered all the sick, diseased, and demon-infested people they could find. 33 It seemed as if the whole town had gathered at Simon and Andrew’s door. 34 Jesus was kept busy healing people of every sort of ailment and casting out unclean spirits. He was very careful not to let the demons speak because they knew Him and could reveal to the people who He really was.

35 Early in the morning, Jesus got up, left the house while it was still dark outside, and went to a deserted place to pray. 36 Simon and the others traveling with Jesus looked for Him. 37 They finally tracked Him down.

People: Everybody wants to know where You are!

Jesus: 38 It’s time we went somewhere else—the next village, maybe—so I can tell more people the good news about the kingdom of God. After all, that’s the reason I’m here.

39 So He traveled to the next village and the one after that, throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and casting out unclean spirits.

40 A leper walked right up to Jesus, dropped to his knees, and begged Him for help.

Leper: If You want to, You can make me clean.

41 Jesus was powerfully moved. He reached out and actually touched the leper.

Jesus: I do want to. Be clean.

42 And at that very moment, the disease left him; the leper was cleansed and made whole once again. 43 Jesus sent him away, but first He warned him strongly.

Jesus: 44 Don’t tell anybody how this happened. Just go and show yourself to the priest so that he can certify you’re clean. Perform the ceremony prescribed by Moses as proof of your cleansing, and then you may return home.

45 The man talked everywhere about how Jesus had healed him, until Jesus could no longer come into a town openly without the risk of being mobbed. So He remained on the outskirts. Even so, people still sought Him out from far and wide.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

I find it interesting to see how society has silenced Christians today. I’m not sure I understand why. In Jesus day, He would heal the sick and tell them not to tell anyone so He could travel through the land without getting mobbed and better share My message instead of spending all His time healing. Today, if I heal the sick, no one says anything. It’s just another day that passes by and I get no acknowledgement.

In Jesus day, when He enabled some to work and provide for their families, they shouted about the increase. Today, I provide jobs or increase and hear nothing but silence. Oh, I might hear a quiet prayer of thanksgiving, but there are few outward testimonies shared with others that I had a hand in making an increase possible. What has happened to your voice? When did you decide it was alright to fail to praise and give thanksgiving to the God who provides you with all good things? How has the world silenced your tongue so that you have forgotten to share your joy with Me?

Jesus specifically told the leper He healed not to tell what happened, but he could no more hold his tongue than a bucket can hold the flow of water from a waterfall. His joy filled him, spilled over, and poured out on everyone he saw. He wanted to proclaim to everyone his new freedom. He had been made clean and he could not keep it to himself. The acts that My Son performs creates that kind of response.

When He gets hold of you and cleans you up, you have to talk about it. You have to let loose and tell others. Don’t let the world decide you must bottle up your emotions. Don’t let others tell you to keep quiet about what has happened in your life. You know what I have done. Testify to it. Be My witness for the cleansing power you know has moved through you to take away your sins. Let everyone around you know that you have been made new. Rejoice!

It is time to lift your heads high and proclaim the day of the Lord! I am coming again. And I’m coming soon. It may not be today, but then again, it might be. Only I know. But when I come, I want My children shouting from the rooftops. Rejoicing in My coming. Praising Me for all I have done. Don’t be silent. Don’t let the rocks and hills do your shouting for you. Lift your voices in praise.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

He has a plan for you (Numbers 19:15-23), Feb 21, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Numbers 9:15-23
Set – Numbers 9; Acts 28
Go! – Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

Numbers 9:15-23
15 When the congregation tent was finally erected and assembled, the cloud of the presence of God covered it and the place where the terms of the covenant were kept. In the dark of night, the presence of God looked like a fire and marked the spot until morning. 16 And so it continued—cloud cover by day, and something like fiery storm clouds at night. 17 Whenever the cloud lifted up, the Israelites would pack up and move, and wherever the cloud stopped, they would settle. 18 This is how the Eternal One indicated when the Israelites should travel and where they should set up camp. As long as the cloud stayed still over the congregation tent, the Israelites also stayed at their tents. 19 When the cloud remained many days over the tent, the Israelites stayed there and served the Eternal. 20 When the cloud remained only a few days, they did the same. They always followed the command of the Eternal, whether staying or leaving. 21 Sometimes it happened that the cloud remained in place only through the night. So, in the morning, they would get going again. Day or night, in this manner they went as God directed. 22 Whether it was a couple of days or just a month or even longer, however long the cloud covered the tent, the Israelites stayed put; but when it lifted, off they went again. 23 So it was that the Israelites obeyed God’s command. When the Eternal One indicated that they stop, they stopped; when He directed them to move, they moved. They served Him exactly as God commanded them through Moses.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

I had a plan for the Israelites. I guided them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. I directed them through the wilderness and let them know when and where they were to travel through the movement of that cloud. I remained as a visible presence to them in those early days of the formation of their nation. They needed that visible symbol of my presence to solidify their faith in Me. For forty years they saw the cloud always present before them.

I have a plan for you, too. You won’t see Me in a pillar of fire or a cloud necessarily. You might see me in a newly born baby or in the fresh falling rain. You might see Me in the middle of a storm or during the loss of a loved one. You might understand My plan as you contemplate a single verse or a specific chapter of My word. But I have a plan for you. And that plan will not necessarily lay out in nice neat blocks to give you a pattern for the rest of your life.

You see, My plans for humankind always involve the interaction of one person with another to introduce the lost to My Son for their redemption. So I might use you at a moments notice to be that one to share the message to one of My lost sheep. You might be at just the right place and just the right time to say the right words to make a difference in someone’s life for good. Someone did it for you one day and it’s always right to pay it forward to someone else.

Begin to look around you today for an opportunity to share the message that there is a Savior who died for you and for each and every person on the earth. He died, but He rose again to demonstrate His power over death and the grave and sin. He sacrificed Himself that your sins can be forgiven. It only takes asking in repentance. Letting Him become the Lord of your life. And you can enjoy eternal life with Me.

I have a plan for you just as I did for the Israelites. Follow it and you’ll find eternal rewards ahead.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

The shepherd speaks (Psalms 23), Feb 20, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 23
Set – Psalms 23; Acts 27
Go! – Numbers 7; Psalms 23; Acts 27

Psalms 23
1 The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always.
2 He provides me rest in rich, green fields
beside streams of refreshing water.
He soothes my fears;
3 He makes me whole again,
steering me off worn, hard paths
to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.
4 Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness,
I am not overcome by fear.
Because You are with me in those dark moments,
near with Your protection and guidance,
I am comforted.
5 You spread out a table before me,
provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies;
You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil,
filling my cup again and again with Your grace.
6 Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me
where I go, always, everywhere.
I will always be with the Eternal,
in Your house forever.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The passages in My word that are most familiar to you, like Psalms 23, are familiar because you learn them as children. They are comforting. They provide promises to you. They give you an assurance that I’m with you in the darkest times of your life and in the richest times as well. The psalms echo your circumstances in life whether good or bad. But those familiar verses can become so familiar that you just race through them in your mind without thinking about their meaning. John 3:16 races off your tongue and you pass by its richness and awe. So it’s good to occasionally take those familiar passages and read them from different translations to capture a different view of different scholars.

David took some time to write his song about Me. He thought long and hard about the covenant I had with him and the support I gave him each day. As a shepherd, taking care of helpless flocks of sheep, he likened men to sheep with Me as their shepherd. The sheep need the shepherd to take care of all their needs. Food. Water. Shelter from the storms. Caring for injuries. every aspect of life requires the intervention of the shepherd to keep them healthy and safe from harm. So it is with mankind.

David saw the relationship with Me in his life and in the lives of the God-fearing men around him. He saw what I did for My children and summed it up in this short poem. All your needs, I will supply. I’ll provide protection from the storms of life. I’ll make a way through them for you. I’ll be there and never let you face life’s battles alone and in the end, you’ll find peace and rest from your journey.

Try reading some of your favorite passages in other translations if you have them. If not, slow down and meditate on them for a while. Let them soak into your mind and heart until their message becomes a part of you. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Have a testimony ready (Acts 26), Feb 19, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 26
Set – Psalms 22; Acts 26
Go! – Numbers 5-6; Psalms 22; Acts 26

Acts 26
Agrippa (to Paul): 1Go ahead. You may speak for yourself.

Paul (extending his hand): 2 I am indeed fortunate to be standing before you, King Agrippa, to humbly defend myself against accusations from my Jewish opponents. 3 You are extraordinarily familiar with Jewish customs and controversies, so I beg your patience as I begin. 4 My way of life is well known to the whole Jewish community, how I have lived in the Jewish community abroad and in Jerusalem. 5 If they are willing to speak, they themselves will tell you something they have long known—that I was a member of the strictest sect of our religion and lived for many years as a Pharisee. 6 But now I am on trial here for this simple reason: I have hope. I have hope rooted in a promise God made to our ancestors. 7 All our twelve tribes have hope in this promise—they express their hope as they worship day and night. How strange it is, then, Your Excellency, that I am accused by the Jews of having hope! 8 Why would any of you think it is absurd to have hope that God raises the dead? 9 As you know, we’re talking specifically about Jesus of Nazareth. For a long time, I was convinced that I should work against that name. 10 I opposed it in Jerusalem. I received authorization from the chief priests to lock many of His followers in prison. When they were threatened with execution, I voted against them. 11 I would find them in synagogues across Jerusalem and try to force them to blaspheme. My fury drove me to pursue them to foreign cities as well.

12 On one occasion, I was traveling to Damascus, authorized and commissioned by the chief priests to find and imprison more of His followers. 13 It was about midday, Your Excellency, when I saw a light from heaven—brighter than the noonday sun—shining around my companions and me. 14 We all fell to the ground in fear, and I then heard a voice. The words were in Aramaic: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? When you kick against the cattle prods, you’re only hurting yourself.” 15 I asked, “Lord, who are You?” and the Lord answered, “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting. 16 Get up now, and stand upright on your feet. I have appeared to you for a reason. I am appointing you to serve Me. You are to tell My story and how you have now seen Me, and you are to continue to tell the story in the future. 17 I will rescue you from your Jewish opponents and from the outsiders—for it is to the outsiders I am sending you. 18 It will be your mission to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God. This is so that they may receive forgiveness of all their sins and have a place among those who are set apart for a holy purpose through having faith in Me.”

19 King Agrippa, I did not disobey this vision from heaven. 20 I began in Damascus, then continued in Jerusalem, then throughout the Judean countryside, then among the outsiders—telling everyone they must turn from their past and toward God and align their deeds and way of life with this new direction. 21 So then, this is my crime. This is why my Jewish opponents seized me that day in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 God has helped me right up to this very moment, so I can stand here telling my story to both the humble and the powerful alike. I only say what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Anointed One must suffer, and then, by being the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light to both Jews and outsiders.

Festus (interrupting): 24 You’ve gone crazy, Paul! You’ve read one book too many and have gone insane!

Paul: 25 No, most excellent Festus, I am not insane. I am telling the sane and sober truth. 26 The king understands what I’m talking about, which is why I could speak so freely to him. None of these things have been covered up and hidden away in a corner, so I’m sure none of these things have escaped his notice. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you must believe.

Agrippa: 28 Paul, have you so quickly moved on from defending yourself to trying to persuade me to become a Christian?

Paul: 29 Whether I have done so quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also everyone who is listening to me today might become what I am—minus these chains.

30 The king stood to leave at this point, along with Festus, Bernice, and all those who had been seated; 31 and as they left, everyone was saying the same thing: “This man isn’t doing anything deserving death—he shouldn’t even be in prison.”

Agrippa (to Festus): 32 This man could have been released completely if he had not appealed to the emperor.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

When Paul met Me on the road to Damascus he thought his life would end. In those few moments of brilliant light, the voice from heaven, and he and his entourage fallen on their faces before Me, he knew My wrath was about to fall. But I had other plans for him. He would never have dreamed he would stand before proconsuls, governors, and kings. Yet here he is standing before King Agrippa giving his testimony of faith in Me, his risen Lord.

Many who follow Me find themselves in peculiar circumstances which they didn’t expect. I often prepare the way for encounters to happen so that My message can go out at just the right time to just the right people in just the right place. You see, I know who best can share the message of faith to those who seem hardened by sins effects. I know the best time to sow the seed that it might germinate in mens’ hearts and reap a harvest of believers. The question is, will you have the courage to speak for Me when the time comes as Paul did.

Paul stood before King Agrippa knowing the consequences. Agrippa could send him to Jerusalem to his death at the hands of the Jewish leaders who wanted him exterminated. He could hold him in Caesarea until a formal trial determined his fate and disregard his request to go to Rome. Or Agrippa could send him to Rome to the emperor’s court as Paul requested making this new religious order quite visible to the emperor’s throne.

What I want you to learn from Paul today is what Peter wrote in his first letter to the churches:

Don’t be intimidated, but exalt Him [Jesus] as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed and say bad things about you will be put to shame.

You never know who I might want you to speak to and the influence you will have because of your testimony. So be ready. Don’t be intimidated. You are My child. The child of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Speak boldly in My name about the hope you carry in you because of your faith in Me. I will always be with you.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.