Focus On Christ

This passage reminds me of the discourse among Christians in the United States. We focus on our denominations and not Christ. We think because we are Baptist or Methodist, how we worship is the way Jesus called us to worship. Or if we are Catholic, then we are the first and real church. None of this is true. 

Notice what Jesus says to His disciples in this passage. Have His words suddenly become invalid because we have gotten so much wiser in our own eyes? Of course not. 

Our focus must always always always be Christ and nothing else. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 9:38-41

38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 

40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 9:30-10:12; Proverbs 10:19

Help My Unbelief

I have read and thought about this passage numerous times over the years. The honesty the father has with Jesus is refreshing. Jesus response of assurance is helpful for us too. 

There may be areas in our lives where it can be difficult to see a way through. We believe in God but our level of belief does not rise to the level of the problem. In those times we need to take a page from the father’s book and ask Jesus to “help my unbelief.” He is faithful and just. He will do it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 9:21-24

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Today’s Readings:

Mark 9:1-29; Proverbs 10:18

The Danger Of Forgetfulness

Confession time: my memory is not the best. There are important things that I’m supposed to do that slip through the cracks, no, gaping holes of my forgetfulness. That can be a dangerous thing because I do not choose which things I’m going to forget. That means everything is in the table. 

In these passages, we see Peter forgetting the proclamation he made about Jesus. If he knew that Jesus was the Messiah, then he should have remembered all the prophecies given about the Messiah. The book of Isaiah was available to Peter. The prophecies in that book alone tell of the suffering the Messiah would have to endure. Yet, Peter thought he could prevent Jesus’ necessary suffering. 

What has God done in your life to give you evidence of His existence but you have forgotten that and find yourself second guessing His presence in your life? 

Spend quality time with God today. Allow Him to reassure you of who Jesus is and what that means to you as you seek to live a Christ-like life. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 8:29; 8:31-33

29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”


31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Today’s Readings:

Mark 8:11-38; Proverbs 10:17

Healed His Way

Noticing the many different ways Jesus heals people is something I enjoy and never get tired of learning. In this passage He heals a deaf and mute man with His fingers and spit. Wait, WHAT?!

What makes it more noticeable to me is the reality that He healed a demon possessed girl without ever physically seeing her. His words, alone, were enough. 

Why did He use His fingers and spit to heal the deaf mute man? I do not know. What I do know is that Jesus did not seem to do random things. If He did it, there was a specific purpose. 

What are you going through? Trust that Jesus will “heal” you His way. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 7:33-35

33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 7:24-8:10; Proverbs 10:15-16

They’re Only Words

The words you say have power. If you’re uncertain about this, give someone a genuine compliment. Watch their face light up. Your words have the power to spread joy, confidence, hope, love, and so much more. 

Conversely, your words have the power to spread pain, deceit, hate, distrust, and so much more. 

This passage is a reminder that wisdom dictates that we choose our words carefully, using wisdom as our guide. Only a fool says everything that comes to their mind without regard for others. 

Take time today to intentionally speak life into someone. Choose words that build up the hearer. The key is to be genuine. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 10:14

14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 7:1-23; Proverbs 10:13-14

Incomplete Faith

Writing the title of this daily devotion felt funny. How can someone have incomplete faith? It may seem impossible, but ponder this thought. 

Mark says that the people ran to where Jesus was. They brought the sick to Him and the sick were healed. Their faith healed them. 

However, their faith in Jesus as the Messiah was non-existent. Thus, they had incomplete faith. They accepted Jesus as a healer or one who does miracles, while rejecting Jesus as the Messiah, which cost them their lives. 

Is your faith in Christ complete or incomplete? Do you consider Him your Lord? This means that you trust Him and live as a subject to His will and commands. Is He your savior? This means you understand that you are a sinner destined to be eternally separated from God but have willingly accepted what Jesus did on the cross as the payment for your sin. This is complete faith. Simply put, trusting God with every area of your life, believing that Jesus is the resurrected Son of God, and the Holy Spirit is your guide to living a right relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son. 

It seems like much, but it’s the right amount of faith, not incomplete! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 6:53-56

53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 6:30-56; Proverbs 10:11-12

You Changed They Didn’t 

Repenting of your sinful ways and living for Christ is a beautiful thing. I remember the day I accepted what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin and I remember the day I finally surrendered my life to His will for my life. Unfortunately, the two days were almost 19 years apart. 

Once I changed my life, I still had a problem; my friends and family who knew the old me questioned the new me. From their perspective, they knew me well and knew I was still Gregg the…(you fill in the blank).

This is similar to what Jesus is teaching in this passage. Notice how “familiar” the people from His home were with Him. They “knew” Him and therefore “knew” that He was no prophet. 

When you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation, you change, the people who “knew you when” don’t necessarily change. When that’s the case, be careful not to be discouraged. Never seek man’s approval over God’s approval. That’s a bad mistake. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 6:4-6

4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 6:1-29; Proverbs 10:10

Authority And Power

In this chapter of Mark there is a “throw away line” that I want to bring to your attention. Jesus is walking and the crowds are pressing around Him. That means there were very many people present. 

After certain events happen, which are described through the chapter, Jesus goes to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter. When He heads that way, Mark writes that Jesus did not let anyone follow except Peter, James, and John. 

Let that marinate! There was a “large crowd” of people present, yet, when Jesus went to Jairus’ house He did not allow the vast majority of those people to follow Him. How did He do that?

I believe His authority and power were on full display. However, it’s so subtle, you have to focus to catch it. 

Does Jesus have that authority and power over your life? When He tells you to do something do you do it? 

Following Christ is not designed to be difficult. Read the Word and live the way it says to live. The Holy Spirit will guide you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 5:37

37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 5:21-43; Proverbs 10:8-9

Lost And Unaware

The reading in Mark is one we must pay close attention to. The people witnessed the power of Jesus Christ and His dominion over evil spirits. As they came to the realization of who He is and what He can do, they begged Him to leave the region. 

People can be so lost and unaware that they actually think they’re living well, WITHOUT JESUS! That’s crazy to me. 

I “gave my life” to Christ on September 30, 1979. Unfortunately, I had no idea how to live in a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Although I did not purposely reject Him, I was so lost and unaware that I floundered in my walk and did not honor Him. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, remained faithful and has allowed me to enter into a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

What about you? Do you have a right relationship with Jesus? This is a serious question that you should ponder. If you are uncertain, then the answer is no, you do not. 

The good news is, like He did with me, God is faithful and ready to guide you into a right relationship with Him. What are you waiting for. Run to Jesus! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 5:17

17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 4:26-5:20; Proverbs 10:6-7

You Are The Soil

The Parable of the Sower is one of my favorite parables because it gives us a glimpse of the narrow road Jesus taught about. If you want to walk well with Christ, good “soil” is required. 

But here’s the thing, you are the soil. You must be receptive to the Word and will of God. You must be willing to make sacrifices in your life for the good of others. You must be willing to be in your Word daily, praying daily, and surrounding yourself with people of Godly wisdom. 

There are not many options to following Jesus well. We must fear God and obey His commands. We learn that in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. 

Do you fear God? Are you obeying His commands? If so, then you’re probably good soil. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 4:3-9

3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”

9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Today’s Readings:

Mark 3:31-4:25; Proverbs 10:5

Be Righteous

If you’ve ever read Psalms 37:25, then you know that God always takes care of the righteous. The question is, who is righteous. 

According to Psalm 14:1-3 and Romans 3:10-12, there is no one who is righteous. Thus, we must ask, “how can one become righteous.”

With man alone it is not possible. However, with God all things are possible. If we live a life seeking God first through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made righteous. This is not through our righteousness but rather it is through the righteousness of Christ, which He has passed on to us. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 10:3-4

3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. 4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 3:7-30; Proverbs 10:3-4

Saved Enough

This passage is one that I think about from time to time. I do so because I do not want to be a person who looks at people and decides who “deserves” a relationship with Jesus and who doesn’t. In this passage, Jesus teaches us that all who are in need of a Savior are welcome at His table. 

Are you such a good person that you really don’t need Jesus? You might say, “no,” but does your life corroborate it? It’s easy to become self-righteous, especially after you’ve been “walking” with Christ for so long. 

The problem with the Pharisees was similar to that. They had been “walking” with God for so long, they knew it all. Unfortunately, they missed to most important thing the Old Testament teaches, the coming of the Messiah. 

Are you missing out on a right relationship with Jesus because you are already “saved enough?” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 2:15-17

15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Today’s Readings:

Mark 2:13-3:6; Proverbs 10:1-2

Work, Pray, Work

God has not sent us into the world to please ourselves and have fun. He has sent us into the world so the world may know Him and accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. 

In this passage we see Jesus doing the work God gave Him to do. He was sharing the word and healing all. Then He went to commune alone with God. Once He did that, He was equipped with His next task. Therefore, He took His disciples to another place to do the work God gave Him. 

What a beautiful cycle of work, pray, work Jesus put on for us. If Jesus did it, we must do it as well. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Mark 1:32-39

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 1:29-2:12; Proverbs 9:13-18

Wisdom’s Payment

Throughout the book of Proverbs we read many passages that point to the importance of wisdom and the pursuit of wisdom. This passage shares the benefits of living a life filled with wisdom, we are rewarded. 

What guides your decision making? Do you seek self gratification at every turn, then wonder why God isn’t “showing up” for you?

Wisdom is a key to living in a right relationship with God. Pursue it at all cost. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 9:11-12

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

Today’s Readings:

Mark 1:1-28; Proverbs 9:11-12

God’s Perfect Timing

As I read this passage I marveled at God’s perfect timing. Starting today, the Core of our ministry is on a retreat to record content for the ministry and to discuss the direction we believe God is pointing us. 

The purpose of the ministry is to live out the Great Commission. The foundation scripture for the ministry is Matthew 28:18-20. How awesome is our God that He would put this year’s reading plan on my heart back in December, and have us plan this retreat back in the November timeframe for this weekend, then have this passage be a part of today’s readings? I am always in awe of God. I wonder how He does what He does. This is another one of those times. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 28:1-20; Proverbs 9:9-10

Mistakenly Identified

I’m always fascinated by how wrong the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law were about who Jesus is. They knew the scriptures but did not recognize Him when He was fulfilling the prophecies right in front of them. 

Unfortunately, many Christians of today still mistakenly identify Him. They think of Him as their personal genie or scapegoat. When the want something they “rub the lamp of prayer.” If they get what they want, happy days follow. If they do not, then they have “confirmed” that Jesus is not real. Of course they repeat this cycle throughout their life.

Are you like that? Do you treat Jesus as your personal genie? Do you look to Him when you need something, but don’t consider Him when things are well?

Take time today to ponder these questions. It will help you in your faith. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 27:38-44

38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days,save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 27:32-66; Proverbs 9:7-8

An “Unwise” Decision

This is a passage that can be easy to miss, if you’re not focused. 

In this moment, the people are asked who they want Pilate to release. Their options are Barabbas or Jesus. 

Here comes the Bible lesson: We all know that Jesus is the Son of the Father. But what you may not know is that some manuscripts indicate that Barabbas name was Jesus Barabbas. In a real sense, his name was Jesus son of father. (Bar means son and abba means father)

Did you catch it? 

The people were given a choice. Spare the life of Jesus son of father or Jesus Son of the Father. They chose “wrong” and we should be thankful everyday for their “unwise” decision. 

Our salvation was predicated on their decision to have the Messiah crucified and to spare the life of the insurrectionist. 

In a real sense Barabbas, son of father, became the first person Jesus, Son of the Father, sacrificed His life for. Barabbas was set free, even though he was guilty. Jesus was crucified, even though He is innocent. 

Let that marinate and have a blessed day! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 27:21-22

21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 27:15-31; Proverbs 9:1-6

Unwise Decisions

If you frequently spend time with me, you will hear me talk about using wisdom. Proverbs teaches us the importance of making wise decisions. I’ve heard my friends talk about using wisdom, which reinforces my desire to also use wisdom. 

If my friends and I understand the importance of making wise decisions, you would think the men who walked daily with Jesus for a season of life would also seek to make wise decisions, yet, for two of His disciples, we do not see that played out around the time of Jesus’ arrest. 

Peter made grandiose statements, then chose to deny he even knew Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Both men almost immediately regretted their unwise decisions. 

What guides your decision making? Do you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions through daily scripture reading and prayer? Life moves at a steady pace, one second at a time. However, sometimes it feels like it’s counting by twos and other times it feels like is counting by half seconds. Either way, it’s important for us to make Godly decisions. Those are always the wise ones. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 26:75; 27:5

75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 26:69-27:14; Proverbs 8:33-36

A Judas Kiss

When I was a boy, my brother Michael asked me to distract our mother so he could get some candy out of the candy bowl; we were not allowed to take any without permission. I went to my mom and kissed her face multiple times. I said, “mom, I love you so much.” Once I got the signal, I ended my Oscaresque performance and retreated to the room to get my share of the candy. My brother had other ideas. He did not share any of the candy with me. So I did what any self respecting younger sibling would do, I told my mom what he had done. 

My mother looked at me and said, “Oh, you gave me a ‘Judas kiss!’” In that moment, I did not know what that meant. However, the first time I read today’s passage, I understood. 

How sad it is that we would use our status as a friend or loved one to deceive them for nefarious reasons. Is there much worse than that?

How high are good character and integrity on your list of personal traits? If you want to live in a right relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit, you need to make them a high priority. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 26:47-49

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 26:47-68; Proverbs 8:27-32

Self-Preservation

There are a couple of things at work in this passage. I will tackle one and give the other to you for homework. The homework: Was there a correlation between Jesus going off to pray three times and Peter denying Christ three times?

The one I will tackle: Notice how definitively Peter responds to Jesus’ claim that all the disciples would abandon Him. He sounds certain that he would not abandon Jesus in His hour of need. 

Peter was well meaning, but ultimately he did exactly what Jesus said he would do. Why is that? Why did Peter disown Jesus three times?

I believe we will have to wait until heaven to get the exact answer, however I believe it was good old fashioned self-preserving fear. In your life, how many times have you avoided the truth to “keep yourself out of trouble?” Before you call Peter out of his name for going back on his word, remember that you have the same capacity to seek self-preservation in the same way he did. 

We may be well meaning in our actions, but we also must choose honor over self-preservation. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 26:32-35

32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Today’s Readings:

Matthew 26:14-46; Proverbs 8:14-26