Day 84/260: Read Mark 16

How many times do you have to be told something before you will believe it? We like to think that we would believe the truth concerning spiritual things upon our first hearing, but is that always the case?

On three separate occasions, the Lord very explicitly described His death and resurrection (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34). When it happened just as He had said, Mary Magdalene told Christ’s disciples that He had risen from the dead, but “they did not believe.” Then He appeared to two others, and they told the rest of the disciples, but still, “they did not believe them either.”

Why are we so hesitant to believe what the Scriptures teach? Are we afraid of offending our friends and family members? Are we afraid we will have to sacrifice some pleasure on this earth? Both of those things are certainly possibilities when obedient faith is developed.

Jesus promises that those who leave behind the things of this world for Him will gain much more, including eternal life (Matthew 19:29). Consider the example of Moses, “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:25).

Where are you looking? Focus on eternity; focus on Jesus.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Mark 16:16. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Pray

Pray for strength to believe, choosing eternal blessings over the temporary pleasures of this life.

Day 83/260: Read Mark 15

What was wrong with this crowd? How could they be so deceived that they chose to release a rebellious murderer rather than the King of kings and Lord of lords?

Certainly, we would never make such a poor decision, would we?

But when we speak ill of our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, and others who are made in the image of God, do we not do the same?

When we lie, cheat, and steal, are we not serving the adversary rather than the Anointed?

When we allow ourselves to be deceived by the wisdom of the world, are we not offering ourselves up to be devoured by the devil?

Are we not choosing Satan over God?

Let us take care that we do not judge others who made mistakes, because we too often make those same mistakes! Yes, the Jews chose Barabbas over Jesus; many times we make the same foolish choice today.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Mark 16:16. “He who believes ___________ is baptized will be ___________; but he who does not believe will be ___________.”

Pray

Pray for wisdom when making decisions, always seeking the guidance of God through His revealed Word.

Day 82/260: Read Mark 14

When Jesus was arrested, His followers “all forsook Him and fled.” When Jesus gets us in trouble today, do we do the same?

Look at what is said about Peter in the rest of this chapter. “But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire.”

Was it mere curiosity that kept Peter nearby? He continued following, but “at a distance.” No longer was he right at the Lord’s side; no longer was he rebuking the Savior (Mark 8:32). Remember, he is the one who declared, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (Matthew 26:35). But when the moment came, he “followed Him at a distance.”

How close are you to God? Do you “walk n the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7)? Or are you, like Peter, following “at a distance.” If you find yourself at a distance from the Lord, remember it is not He who moved.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Mark 16:16. “He who ___________ and is ___________ will be saved; but he who does not ___________ will be condemned.”

Pray

Pray for a closer walk with Jesus.

Day 81/260: Read Mark 13

We often hear folks say something about the signs of the end of time. Whenever tragedy strikes, there’s another sign. Natural disasters, diseases, wars…to many, these are signs that the return of the Lord is imminent.

What do the Scriptures say, though? These things have occurred rather frequently throughout history. Why do so many think the current distresses of the day are more of a sign that previous calamities?

Jesus warned His followers against deception. Most of this chapter deals with the destruction of Jerusalem, not the end of the world. In fact, when the discussions shifts to the end of the world, Jesus plainly says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

The things that are happening all around are not signs of the Lord’s return. He will give no sign! “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” We must always be ready for Jesus to come back.

Friends, don’t listen to the shysters who are just after your money; they know nothing more than you know about the end of the world.
Listen to Jesus: “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Mark 16:16. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Pray

Pray for the tragedies of this life, and for the hastening of the Lord’s return.

Day 80/260: Read Mark 12

Love reigns above all. Everything God commands has its basis in love, either love of God or love of man.

Jesus declared, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). How can one claim to love the Lord while ignoring His Word? We must do those things which glorify God, in the way that He says to do them!

Concerning love of man, Paul put it this way: “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 12:8-10).

In our dealings with our neighbor in sin, we should exhibit compassion while guiding them to the truth without indicating compromise or condoning their sin. “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Mark 9:50. “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Pray

Pray for the wisdom to teach the truth in love.