A Study of the Book of Mark – The Progressive Nature of the Word
Have you ever rebuked God? Before you answer, consider Peter’s correction of Jesus in Mark 8:32, “…Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.” (NKJV) Scandalous! Peter, rebuking Jesus—why? I’ll get back to Peter and this question in a moment, for now, let’s...
A Study of the Book of Mark – Parable of the Sower
Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” Jesus, God in human flesh, is truth revealed. What is obvious to many is hidden to multitudes. Neither Pilate, the religious leaders, nor most of Jewish society in Jesus’ day could understand the message of God’s kingdom...
Honoring His Presence
I love the Lord’s presence. To wait before Him through worship and prayer is a privilege. I love those moments when, while waiting before Him, His presence suddenly surrounds and envelops—it is wonderful beyond words. To have His love, peace, and joy overtake...
A Study of the Book of Mark, Part 9
Family: the word should cause emotions of love and joy to permeate us. For many, this isn’t the case. Broken families seem to be the more consistent norm in society. Yet, God intended that family would be the building blocks to our relationship with Him and with...
A Study of the Book of Mark, Part 6-8
Have you ever heard someone say, “I love Jesus, but I hate religion?” The statement has merit. Jesus reacted against religion that “bound” people in formalism devoid of truth and grace. Jesus is truth, and in Him, freedom is discovered—not just from darkness, but from...
Miracle Kidneys
Some of my fondest memories as a child are of my grandparents and their farm in the Midwest. My brother and I spent most of our childhood summers on their dairy farm, and the scenes of rolling green pasture land and endless rows of corn fields still flash across my...
Developing Unity
Developing unity with others is essential for the success and health of any family, business, church or organization. We cannot walk together in a common vision or purpose without some measure of agreement and unity. Unity is not automatic; it is something to...
Courageous Confidence
I was out walking our dog the other morning when I came across a “defiant friend.” In the path ahead of me was a horney toad lizard. If you’ve never seen one, they look like a small “dinosaur.” Their protruding horned spikes give them a menacing look. True to the...
A Study of the Book of Mark, Part 5
The rains have started in Arizona. We all breathe a “sigh of relief” when the monsoon rains start. The extreme temperatures subside and the parched desert receives valuable rain. The grass in my back yard is starting to look vibrant again. Last week, I realized that...
A Study of the Book of Mark, Part 4
I love early mornings, especially with a cup or two of coffee! I enjoy the freshness of a new day. Most of all, I cherish those waking moments with the Lord. Early morning “devotional time” for me has been the most enriching in my life. During those quiet moments,...
