Author: Scott Lane

RE Verse reading–Mark 14:1-9 (day five)
What are the opportunities of today? Chances for generosity? Potential for encouragement? Moments for reflection? Circumstances to bring stress? Climates to distract and discourage? Actions to bring criticism and judgment? All of the above?

One amazing insight in this passage is the capacity of some to see an opportunity and others to completely miss it. Mary “sees” the opportunity for worship and service to the Lord. The “others in the room” (probably the disciples) completely miss it. So much so, that they begin to criticize her. Wow, how quickly they got off track. Was it the criticism of the religious leaders? Was it the stress of constant tension? Was it fatigue? The bottom line is they missed the opportunity.

I’m feeling very vulnerable. Today, I will pause this morning to pray and read the scripture. I will pray in between meetings, conversations, and activities asking God to speak to me and help me “see” my opportunities. I don’t want to miss any today.

RE Verse reading–Mark 12:28-34 (day five)
As a child I asked this question a million times. As a parent I’ve answered this question a billion times. Jesus’ words to this religious leader in verse 34 of this passage are both encouraging (maybe the kindest words He ever spoke to any Pharisee- “You are not far from the Kingdom of God”) and haunting (He basically tells this man “You are not there yet”). My kids raise their version of this question often in reference to time. The follow up question is frequently “How much longer?” Entry into the Kingdom of God is not marked by time or location. Rather entry is indicated by a changed heart that demonstrates evidence of the Work of the Holy Spirit in reshaping our thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, motives, desires, passions, and so much more. (Galatians 5:22-23) Arrival and residence in God’s Kingdom will result in a new perspective and passion that seeks to trust, honor, and serve The King.

RE Verse reading–Mark 6:45-52, 8:1-21 (day five)
What was it the disciples didn’t “see”? What was it they didn’t “hear”? What was it they didn’t “understand”? What was it they didn’t “remember”? What was it they were missing? They stopped at the point of “what” Jesus was doing instead of “Who” He is? They were perceiving Him as a “cosmic waiter”, there to meet their own needs and demands. (Sounds so much like American Christianity these days) In this passage, Jesus is trying to get them to see that the bigger lesson was on the power, compassion, and generosity of the living God. In scripture the “what” (God does) is designed to teach and point to the “Who” (He is). The goal of this perspective is a personal, growing, intimate relationship with God, where we discover more about His nature, character, and kindness. I’m asking Him to help me learn (see, hear, understand, and remember) a little more about Him every day!!

RE Verse reading–Mark 7:1-23 (day two)
Mark chapter 7 is Jesus’ evaluation of the Tradition of the Elders. We tend to avoid evaluation at all costs. The cost of being stuck in tradition is challenged in Mark 7:8. Evaluation (the Work of the Holy Spirit- John 16) is a must for believers. Questions like “Why?”, “What if?”, Why Not?” often present unpopular responses that sometimes call for an uncomfortable direction. Some of the instruction I have received sounded like this: “Go talk to this person”, “Start a Bible Study group”, “Form friendships with someone not like you”, “Listen to their point of view (They may be right)”. Evaluation is most effective as a daily process that uses God’s Word as a mirror (James 1:22) and prayer as a intercom (Psalm 139:23-24). The last question (perhaps the most difficult) is “Will you?” (change, flex, start, stop, wait, forgive) The goal of the Christian Life and the WORK of the Holy Spirit is for us to be more like Jesus.

RE Verse reading–Mark 5:22-43 (day five)
31 And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” The God of the universe is acutely aware of you and your needs/concerns/struggles/pressures/joys. There is a strong inclination among my friends that I have ADD. While I would never admit it, I am often easily distracted, disrupted, and chase rabbits frequently (they may be right). When I am in crowds, it becomes even more difficult to stay engaged and on task. But, not Jesus. He is among the hectic crowds of people but manages to track every action and activity. Even now, He continues to pursue an intimate and engaging relationship with all of His followers and each one of His followers. All that is required is an honest, sincere approach on our part. He stays faithful and promises to listen and answer. Have you had that kind of interaction with Him lately? Why not share what’s on your heart with Him today?

RE Verse reading–Mark 5:1-20 (day five)
In the New Testament, the most effective evangelists were individuals who were faithful to tell “their story”. John 4 (The woman at the well) and John 9 (the man born blind) are 2 examples of people faithfully sharing about their encounter with Jesus. The Christian faith is more about biography than theology. When believers share their own story and experience with The Living Savior, the Kingdom grows. Each story of a human heart changed and shaped by Jesus gives witness to a great and glorious God rescuing the human race one life at a time. The Bible ends with this reminder: Revelation 12:11 – “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” There is such power in the Work of Christ and the Words of His followers. Will you share “your story” with someone who has not heard?

RE Verse reading–Mark 2:13-17 (day five)
We are studying religions for school in our house. Our curious and inquisitive middle schooler begins to ask “How?” and “Why?” is Christianity different from other religions. He is looking past mere facts and history. It’s the perfect season to address these concerns. This is a perfect passage to answer those questions. It’s the promise and character of God. He makes the first move. He sends a savior. He desires relationship and fellowship with humanity. So much so, that He named His Son Immanuel, God WITH Us. Here in Mark 2 we read the critics question, “Why does he eat WITH tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” Answer, It’s His nature. It is what is drastically different between Christianity and other religions. God desires to be involved and engaged in our lives. That is the hope and promise of Christmas. Merry Christmas!!! God WITH Us.

“RE Verse reading–Mark 1:19-20, 3:13-17, 10:35-45 (day five)
I saw this quote on a friend’s Facebook page this week. “The biggest danger to every human being is located inside of them, not outside of them.” After reading Mark 10:35-45, I left with 2 observations: First, we are SO capable of either steering or being steered off the path of righteousness that it is scary. Qualities that are often applauded and admired (zeal, ambition, and dedication) can lead us away from the will and favor of God. Second, Jesus has NO problem pointing out the weaknesses and sin in the lives of His disciples. I see at work the frailty and depravity of mankind while at the same moment, I observe the firm and fair rebuke of a loving Lord. I am encouraged that sin (my sin) does not intimidate or hinder Jesus’ desire and capacity to challenge and confront my wickedness (whatever its motivation). My heart is both humbled and grateful this morning.

RE Verse reading–Mark 1:16-18, 8:27-33, 14:26-31, 66-72, 16:5-7 (day five)
It is the biggest question that we will ever need to answer. In Mark 8:29 Jesus gets down to the nitty gritty. “But what about YOU?” he asked. “Who do YOU say I am?” (emphasis added) How each of us answers this question will ultimately define our faith, belief system, and our trust in the scripture. In a conversation last week with my kids, we were talking about how the answer to this question is the ultimate litmus test of each and every religion. The question we must ask when investigating or confronted by another pattern of spirituality is “What do they say/believe about Jesus.?” Will they follow Biblical teaching? Will they try to reduce or explain away his humanity or divinity? It is a question that each of us is accountable to answer for ourselves. The answer will tell the world what we believe about God, The Scripture, Salvation, and so much more.

RE Verse reading–Mark 1:1-11 (Day Five)
In the beginning of the Gospel of Mark, we meet John the Baptist. John the Baptizer understood his role in the Kingdom of God. It was to “prepare the way”. The required daily activities were preaching and baptizing. He did them with passion and faithfulness.
It’s a worthy question to ask. “What is my role in the kingdom of God?” Will it be in: What I say? What I do? Where I go? How I think? We should all ask these kinds of questions frequently. As a spouse or future spouse, as a parent, as a boss or employee, as a student, as a citizen, or as a friend, “How could I contribute to the Kingdom of God?” That God would want to use our talents, time, and tasks to help grow His Kingdom is an amazing thought. That our actions and attitudes could have an eternal influence is great perspective to regularly consider.