I know, the title goes against everything we’re experiencing right now. Today we’re in Mark 7:1-23. The title of this section is traditions and commandments. The Pharisees make a big deal about the fact that Jesus and the disciples did not wash their hands before eating. And when they confront Jesus on the matter, Jesus takes the opportunity to show them the real problem. It’s not what we do on the outside that matters—it’s who we are on the inside that really counts. Deeper Devos Website >&g...
Mar 31, 2020•12 min
In today’s passage, Mark 6:45-56, after feeding a massive crowd of well over 5,000, Jesus sends the disciples out on the sea of Galilee while He spends some much-needed alone time with God. Then in a crazy display of His amazing deity, Jesus decides to walk out to them on the water. The problem is the disciples weren’t looking for Jesus and due to their fear, they miss one of the greatest displays of Jesus’ glory yet. Friends, I have no doubt God has a word for us today. Deeper Devos Website >...
Mar 24, 2020•13 min
In today’s passage, Mark 6:30-44, Jesus and the disciples set out to find some rest but when an enormous crowd gets to their desolate spot before they do all plans get tossed aside. How disappointed were the disciples to see that crowd of people? How tired were they in that moment? There just wasn’t enough patience, energy, or resources for this day. Or was there? You guys, I think you’re going to love this one. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org...
Mar 17, 2020•11 min
In today’s passage, Mark 6:7-30, Jesus sends the disciples out on their first missionary journey. I can only imagine the disciples were equal parts terrified and excited. The text doesn’t tell us how long they were on their journey but it appears that while they’re out and about John the Baptist is beheaded, setting up for us a striking parallel between the risk and reward of following Christ. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Mar 10, 2020•10 min
The great acts of faith we’ve been studying come to a screeching halt as we follow Jesus into Mark chapter 6, back to his hometown of Nazareth, where He is not at ALL well received. Was Jesus surprised by His hometown’s reaction? Perhaps. There’re only two places in Scripture where it says Jesus marvels and unfortunately this story is one of them. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Mar 03, 2020•12 min
We’re still in Mark chapter 5 this week and for good reason. We still need to talk about the bleeding woman. We don’t even know her name and yet I believe God has given her a prominent place in Scripture not just because her faith deserves it, but because our faith needs it. Coming to God with all our mess might feel wrong but it’s the best thing we could ever do. Mark 5:21-34 Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Feb 25, 2020•13 min
Mark 5:21-43 holds two parallel stories filled with hope and trust and determination all fixed on Jesus. Giving us a beautiful picture of what true Biblical faith looks like. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Feb 18, 2020•12 min
In Mark chapter 5 we meet a man no one wanted to be around. He was a madman, driven from town, and unable to be restrained. Possessed by multiple demons he was in bad shape. For those who loved him, it was a hopeless situation. This guy was too lost to ever be saved. That is, until Jesus entered his life. For those with lost loved ones this is absolutely a hope-filled story. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Feb 11, 2020•13 min
Have you been there? I know I have, uncertain of God’s affection for me as I wade through this unexpected situation or that one. And you know what? We’re not alone. The disciples found themselves there too, uncertain of how God really feels about them. We’re in Mark 4:35-41 today and it’s fast become one of my favorite stories thus far. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Feb 04, 2020•12 min
In Mark 4:30-32 Jesus said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” It’s the greatness of a small beginning… Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org...
Jan 28, 2020•11 min
Today, we're in Mark 4:26-29. It's the parable of the seed growing and it's found only in the gospel of Mark. It’s just a few verses, but as I thought through Jesus’ words, I found them to be packed with insight. Especially, for those of us in ministry. And if you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, then guess what? You’re in ministry. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Jan 21, 2020•11 min
In the middle of Mark chapter 4 we come to our second parable. Two little verses easy to skip over but in doing so we would miss both the challenge and the treasure of Christ’s words. “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?” I absolutely loved digging into these verses and I think you will too. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Jan 14, 2020•11 min
We're back in Mark this week and I don't know about you but I'm ready to dig in! Today we're chapter 4 which begins a series of four parables. And let me just tell you, I learned so much by diving into this story. In farming the soil is of upmost importance for a good crop to grow. And surprise, surprise, it’s the same way when it comes to the gospel and the receiving of the truths of Christ. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Jan 07, 2020•11 min
Job’s friend Elihu says in Job 36:26, “Behold, God is great, and we know him not.” Meaning His ways are beyond our comprehension and yet is He unknowable? No. In fact God has made himself known in great detail by the Christmas story alone. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org https://www.reviveourhearts.com/true-woman/blog/necessity-forever-high-priest-hebrews-7/...
Dec 24, 2019•12 min
It's week two of our advent series and today we're asking another question. Is God actually faithful? It's a question (I think) that looms in the hearts of many, though few vocalize it. But God has not left the question unanswered. Especially when we peer deeper into the details of the Christmas story. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Dec 17, 2019•12 min
We’re taking a few weeks off from out study of Mark because it’s Advent time and I firmly believe we’d be doing a disservice to both our faith and our God to ignore it. Christmas is not about the gifts or the giving or the food or even family—it’s about a God who came anyway. A God who cares. A God whose given us answers to some of life’s deepest questions through the gift of His precious Son. Deeper Devos Website >> https://deeperdevos.org...
Dec 10, 2019•12 min
The passage we’re looking at in Mark today (Mark 3:22-30) is one that is easily and often misunderstood. What did Jesus mean when he said “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” I mean, that’s kind of a harsh statement, right? Did he mean there’s a sin we as believers can commit that will never be forgiven? Nope, not at all. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Dec 03, 2019•12 min
Happy Thanksgiving! We're suspending our study of Mark this week to discuss the topic of thankfulness. I know, not always fun and yet we can't ignore that the Bible says to be thankful all the time. But what does that look like and why is God so set on thankfulness? Because the benefits far out way the difficulty of trying. In today's talk we discuss 15 specific benefits, but I know there's more. Because with Jesus, just as the sign in my living room says, there is always, always, always somethi...
Nov 26, 2019•16 min
We're in Mark 3:7-21 today and it's clear to me from this passage that the pressures Jesus faced were coming at him from multiple venues. Had it been me, I would have caved, but Christ didn't. How? Well, that's what we're going to talk about. So if you're ready, because I know I'm ready, let's dig a little deeper. Deeper Devos Website >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Nov 19, 2019•12 min
Mark 3:1-6 A man with a withered hand and our compassionate God. We've made it through two chapters of Mark and I'm stoked to get started on the third, but as I look back over where we've come, I can definitely see an emerging theme. Deeper Devos Website >>> https://deeperdevos.org Mark 3:1-6 >>> https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A1-6&version=ESV...
Nov 12, 2019•12 min
Hopefully our view of God comes from the Bible, right? Yet the pharisees would have told you that's where their view came from and yet clouded by tradition instead of truth, their view of God was man made. In our text today it's the Sabbath the pharisees get hung up on. So what does Jesus do? He points them to the truth. We're in Mark 2:23-28. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Nov 05, 2019•12 min
While eating at Levi's house, Jesus is questioned about why He and the disciples are feasting while John's disciples and the pharisees are fasting. And Christ's reply, is nothing short of amazing. "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?" (Mark 2:19) While the Pharisees were busy judging Jesus' dedication to God (because of his lack of fasting), Jesus was graciously letting them in on a huge secret: The Bridegroom has come! While feasting with sinners, Jesus calls himself ...
Oct 29, 2019•13 min
There's a common belief out there that a person should clean up their act before coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ, but our story today says otherwise. It's the story of Levi, otherwise known as Matthew, whom Jesus calls to be his disciple not after he spends a little time getting his act together, but right from the tax booth! I loved this story and I think you will too. Mark 2:13-17 Website >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Oct 22, 2019•11 min
You guys, we have made it to Mark chapter 2 and who’s excited? I am! Our text today is the story of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof (of probably Peter’s house) by his friends and I am just full of questions and perhaps a few answers. This text spoke to me on so many different levels and I can hardly wait to share it all with you. Deeper Devos Website >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Oct 15, 2019•12 min
Today's text rocked me. It's the account of the leprous man in Mark 1:35-45 and when we stop to think about what Jesus did for that man and our relation to the man and what Jesus has done for us, it's crazy amazing. I can hardly wait to show you the picture of the gospel we get from one little story. Website: https://deeperdevos.org
Oct 08, 2019•12 min
With just one touch from Jesus Peter's mother-in-law was up and well and serving them. Then as the Sabbath came to a close, the entire city gathered at the door hoping for an opportunity to experience healing. But what about today? Is Jesus still in the business of healing? And the answer is yes, very much so. Though it may not be in the way we're looking for, we can be sure, Christ the Lord is still our healer. We're in Mark 1:29-34 today and oh how I pray this word encourages you. Deeper Devos...
Oct 01, 2019•13 min
After calling Andrew, Peter, James, and John to follow him Jesus heads to Capernaum where his authority is clearly defined. There is no doubt while walking this earth Jesus made himself known. And yet what was their response? Or better yet, what’s our response? I loved this section in Mark 1:21-28 and I think you will too. Deeper Devos Website >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Sep 24, 2019•11 min
The calling of the first disciples sounds a little crazy if you ask me. I mean how could Peter, Andrew, James, and John just up and leave their old life so quickly? It seems absurd, but it wasn’t. God had been preparing them to receive the invite of a lifetime. And you know what? He’s done the same for us too. We're in Mark 1:16-20 today and I loved studying this portion of Scripture. Website >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Sep 17, 2019•12 min
The message of John the Baptist was to repent because the kingdom of God was at hand. Which in our text today, Mark 1:14-15, is also the same message Christ is declaring. “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand.” Can you imagine being a Jew in the days of Christ and hearing Jesus speak those very words? I wonder what they were thinking? Better yet, I wonder what they were expecting? Because I guarantee you what happened is not what they were expecting. Deeper Devos >>> ...
Sep 10, 2019•12 min
Friends, Jesus’ first assignment after being commissioned by God with baptism, was a lonely one. Immediately the Spirit led Christ into the wilderness, wherein after fasting for forty days, he was tempted by the devil. But not to worry because spoiler alert: Christ was victorious. Which surprise, surprise has way more meaning for us than you might think. We’re in Mark 1:12-13 today. Deeper Devos >>> https://deeperdevos.org
Sep 03, 2019•14 min
