It usually takes a situation that gets serious before we get serious. And that sometimes brings us to a place where we find ourselves willing to act differently, stepping out where normally we wouldn't or haven't in the past; speaking up, taking a stand, acting with passion. Today Nancy observes a shift in Jesus' manner of teaching as His time to fulfill His purpose on earth draws near. Today we're in Chapter 9 of Mark.
Jesus did not call us to be Christians. He called us to be disciples. And there's a difference. Being a disciple of Jesus does not have a comfort zone. Dying to yourself is the norm.
Having night blindness is not something ever due to our own choice. It's not something you'd wish on yourself or anyone else. But there is a blindness that we can choose, and if we don't pay careful attention, it can lead to permanent blindness with some very serious additional repercussions. We are in Mark Chapter 8.
There was an article in Science Times in early 2010 about the communicative and healing power of touch that became one of the site's most emailed articles. As the Times noted, touch can ease pain, lift depression and even possibly increase the odds that a team will win. Researchers discovered that babies who are not held, nuzzled, and hugged enough can stop growing, and if the situation lasts long enough, even die. Jesus understood touch. Today Nancy explores some of Jesus’ interactions in chapter 7 of Mark.
Let's clarify. Of course He wants you to have joy in your life, and happiness too for that matter. But I think we've all heard the expression, typically when someone wants to do whatever it is they want to do, regardless of the circumstances. So what is it that God does want? Let's listen to the events of Mark, chapter 6.
What do you fear and on what do you depend? You get in the car; it starts. You get into the boat to go fishing; it stays afloat, brings you back. We're finishing the second half of Chapter 5 of Mark, and in the end it's all about faith, isn't it?
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