In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem that led to the end times, and His eventual second coming.

Jesus then revealed the various signs that would announce the end times was near, and He used a few parables to further illustrate the day of reckoning, that three and a half years of wrath brought on by Satan and his army.

“10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them.” (Mark 14:10)

Judas was the son of Simon Iscariot, a man from Kerioth, a small town about 23 miles south of Jerusalem. Set apart from the other apostles who were from Galilee, Judas was from Judea and frowned upon the eleven, as most Judeans did.

He was trusted by the others and carried the disciples’ money bag, but Judas was on a selfish mission and his hope was that Jesus would become powerful and wealthy. However, after he was rebuked by Christ when he spoke out against Mary’s sacrifice, Judas gave up his plan to follow the Lord and plotted to betray Him to the Sanhedrin.

“11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.” (Mark 14:11)

When the chief priests found out Judas was ready to help them capture Jesus, they promised to pay him 30 pieces of silver which at the time was worth about $600, and in today’s currency would amount to between $15,000 and $20,000.

The silver that was paid out to Judas would eventually be returned by the traitor after he betrayed Jesus, then used by the Sanhedrin to buy a piece of land called “the potter’s field” that was renamed Macadamia, which means “the field of blood” since it had been bought with blood money. The field became a place where strangers were buried.

Have you ever, like Judas betrayed Jesus in some way? If you are a believer and know right from wrong yet choose to do wrong, this is sin, a transgression against the Lord, to put it simply sin is a form of betrayal.

While many believers who read this study will claim they never profited from their sin, from betraying Jesus as Judas did, few will admit their source of income, their jobs albeit perfectly legal are in themselves transgressions against God.

How so?

Doctors, nurses and staff from clinics that conduct abortions, attorneys who facilitate divorce, entertainers who promote promiscuous behavior, individuals who profit from gaming, gambling and nightclubs, musicians who drown their fans in secular worship, even bankers who knowingly take advantage of the financial system, among many others all involve a form of betrayal for money.

If you to lie or deceive for a living, you’re no better than Judas. If your work dictates you wear an attire that causes lust, you’re getting paid for your sin. If you harm and kill the unborn, you’re worse than Judas…

On the flip side, if your vocation is driven by service to others and aimed at bringing glory to God, I give praise for the works of your hands… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem that led to the end times, and His eventual second coming.

Jesus then revealed the various signs that would announce the end times was near, and He used a few parables to further illustrate the day of reckoning, that three and a half years of wrath brought on by Satan and his army.

“3 And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.” (Mark 14:3)

Bethany was located about 1.5 miles east of Jerusalem, on the south-eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Jesus retreated to Bethany in the evening, after He delivered sermons on the Mount.

Here, Mark tells us about the time when Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus broke her alabaster flask filled with expensive oil to anoint the head of Jesus as he sat at supper in the house of Simon the leper.

The flask was a long-necked bottle that was made of Alabaster, a special variety of marble from Egypt that was a material which proved to be the best container for preserving expensive perfumes and oils. Mary’s flask contained oil of spikenard which was derived from the nard plant that’s native to India. To show her dedication to Jesus, rather than simply opening Mary broke the flask to show her sincere and total devotion to the Lord.

“4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.” (Mark 14:4-5)

One of the twelve, Judas was the instigator of this complaint when he indicated that Mary’s valuable commodity could have been sold, and the money from the sale of the expensive flask and oil could have been used to feed and clothe the poor. In those days, three hundred denarii equaled a year’s salary, and today would be worth approximately $35,000.

“6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. 8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” (Mark 14:6-9)

Although Judas and the other opposers did not agree with Mary’s sacrifice, Jesus understood the magnitude of her offering when she did not simply open the flask, but broke it so that all the expensive oil had to be used all at once or else it would spoil.

When He realized the divided reaction among those present, heard their concerns and felt their indignant hearts, Jesus rebuked those who opposed the woman’s sacrifice and once again foretold His death when He claimed Mary’s anointing preceded His burial to come.

Lastly, Jesus commanded Mary and told everyone her actions would serve as a memorial for her life, and be shared throughout the entire world.

Do you have a flask of your own to pour on Jesus? Understanding He’s not physically among us, He is here spiritually and surely there is a sacrifice you can offer our Lord to help prepare the Savior for His second coming… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem that led to the end times, and His eventual second coming.

Jesus then revealed the various signs that would announce the end times was near, and He used a few parables to further illustrate the day of reckoning, that three and a half years of wrath brought on by Satan and his army.

“14 After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death.” (Mark 14:1)

Coinciding with the conclusion of the sermon on the Mount came the Passover, the time when Jews celebrate the day when the angel of death “passed over” the homes of the Israelites after Pharaoh ordered all firstborn be killed throughout Egypt.

During this time, Jewish leaders plotted to trick and kill Jesus whom they did not believed was the Messiah.

“2 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.” (Mark 14:2)

Because they feared the people’s response, the chief priests and the scribes decided to wait after the Feast of Unleavened Bread had concluded to put their plan in place, and go after Jesus.

As Jerusalem was teaming with Jews from all over Judea who came to commemorate the Passover, attempting to kill such a popular Jewish figure would certainly cause an uproar. Because of this, the plot to kill Jesus was delayed… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem that led to the end times, and His eventual second coming.

Jesus previously revealed signs that would announce the end times was near, and He used a few parables to further illustrate the day of reckoning, that three and a half years of wrath brought on by Satan and his army.

“32 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

Here, Jesus reveals that no one other than God knows when the heavenly Father will send the Savior back into the world to fulfill scripture and prophecy of His triumphant second coming.

Although Jesus was God in the flesh, He voluntarily restricted Himself from using certain divine attributes including the knowledge the exact date of the day of reckoning, and His second coming.

“33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” (Mark 13:33)

Next, Jesus issues a warning to believers and calls on His followers to watch out for the enemy, and continue to pray until the time when we come face to face with God, or witness the second coming of our Lord.

“34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.” (Mark 13:34)

Just as He did before, Jesus now uses a parable to further illustrate His point, this time comparing His second coming to earth to the return of a Master who had left to a far country and entrusted His land to His servants.

“35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:35-37)

Lastly, Jesus calls on believers to constantly remain on the lookout for His return since no one knows the day or time when He will do so.

Are you a believer who’s afraid you will be caught sleeping when the Lord returns? Be courageous, do not fear! Offer each day as a living sacrifice and answer the call to spread the gospel, bring glory to God in all you do and remember to love others as God loves you… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem that led to the end times, and His eventual second coming.

Jesus previously revealed signs that would announce the end times was near, and He now uses a parable to further illustrate the day of reckoning, that three and a half years of wrath brought on by Satan and his army.

“28 Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.” (Mark 13:28)

The fig tree Jesus spoke of in this parable represented Israel, and He predicted the end of the tribulation would come after the fig tree’s branches became tender and put forth leaves, a symbol of Israel’s blooming and its people rising against persecution.

“29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors!” (Mark 13:29)

Next, Jesus reminds His audience of His return to come when signs of summer are among us, that day when the three and a half years of spiritual warfare concludes and the new Kingdom is upon us.

“30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Mark 13:30-31)

Lastly, Jesus described how Heaven and earth will be transformed after the tribulation, but His word and God’s people will live on, forever.

Are you a believer who is concerned with the tribulation, the pain and suffering to come? Be courageous, and trust in the Savior since God promised those who believe will inherit a place in Heaven, for all eternity. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem that led to the end times, and His eventual second coming.

“24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” (Mark 13:24-25)

In His sermon on the Mount, Jesus foretold the end times, a period of three and a half years during which widespread destruction and unspeakable agony will fall upon the world. Then, upon the conclusion of the Great Tribulation, Jesus describes how the entire world will be dark and the stars will fall from the sky as God’s anger is felt both on earth and in Heaven.

“26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)

Next, Jesus announces His return to earth as He foretells His second coming in the same way He ascended to Heaven, riding through the clouds, indicating God’s will and divine presence.

“27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27)

Lastly, Jesus describes His triumphant return as He is accompanied by angels who are sent out throughout the whole earth and in Heaven to gather God’s elect to form His evangelical army, a chosen group of dedicated servants who were hand picked by Yahweh to preach the gospel and battle the Antichrist for 1,000 years until he is defeated and, along with his army of non-believers, cast into the lake of fire for all eternity.

Are you a believer who is concerned with the tribulation, the pain and suffering to come? Be courageous, and do not be afraid! The good news is, if you believe, you’ve already chosen to skip the tribulation since God promised to rapture those who place their trust in His Son… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

“14 So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Mark 13:14)

Here, Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by quoting the prophet Daniel who claimed the abomination of desolation would be fulfilled at the end times, when Jerusalem itself is destroyed before the Second Coming of Christ.

In His warning, Jesus tells those in Judea to seek safety and flea to the mountains when they witness the destruction of Jerusalem, a sign of the end times.

“15 Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. 16 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.” (Mark 13:15-16)

Jesus then describes the urgency to flea when Jerusalem is destroyed, since there will be very little time to react and flee to safety in the mountains.

“17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!” (Mark 13:17)

Next, Jesus shows compassion for women who are pregnant and those who have nursing children as their escape will surely be hindered, and their safety in jeopardy.

“18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter.” (Mark 13:18)

Jesus also warns us about the weather and time of year the end times will take place, as the worst season for such an escape was obviously winter. So, it is fitting we should pray the destruction of Jerusalem takes place during summer months, when fleeing to the mountains will be easier than during winter months.

“19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.” (Mark 13:19)

Next, Jesus describes the severity of the end times, the three and a half years of unspeakable agony that will fall upon the world.

“20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.” (Mark 13:20)

Here, Jesus makes reference to the duration of the end times, announcing that many more lives would be lost if He did not cut short the tribulation to three and a half years.

“21 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:21-23)

Lastly, Jesus warns of false prophets and the Antichrist who will rise during the tribulation. In his warning, Jesus reminds us of the fact He foretold the end times and shared signs that will lead up to the destruction of Jerusalem, and the tribulation that will ensue. Let’s pray…

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

“3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:3-4)

Overlooking the city of Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge east of and adjacent to named for the olive groves that once covered its slope. Jesus retreated to this area because it presented Him with a stage like arena where He could preach to the widest audience possible.

After He prophesied the destruction of the temple, those four apostles who were closets to Him asked Jesus when they should expect His prediction to take place, and what sign to look for that would warn them the new kingdom of God and a new age was at hand.

“5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many.” (Mark 13:5-6)

Jesus first told the apostles to beware of opposers and imposter, soldiers of Satan who are self-serving and out to destroy and pillage the kingdom of God.

“7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.” (Mark 13:7-8)

Next, Jesus revealed various signs that will lead to the end times, including wars, earthquakes and famines. While He did not give a specific date, Jesus did mention the end would have a beginning which would be obvious to those who know what to look for.

“9 But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” (Mark 13:9-10)

Jesus continued His exhortation by warning the apostles of forthcoming persecution upon those who belong to the family of Christ.

In His prediction, the Lord called on His disciples to focus on the most important aspect of the Christian life, that even through adversity, we are to preach the gospel, share the truth about the risen Savior and give hope to the hopeless.

“11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11)

Jesus then offers advice for the chosen ones, the Christians who allow themselves to be vessels in spite of persecution, as each one relies on the holy Spirit to witness to those who will listen. When the time comes, the Spirit will speak out and God’s name will be magnified.

“12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Mark 13:12-13)

Lastly, Jesus warns of battles to come when loved ones turn against each other, succumbing to the enemy and turning their backs from God.

But, in his warning, Jesus offers hope to those who will persevere, preaching that salvation awaits members of His army who press on and complete the work He gives us to do for His glory. Let’s pray…

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

“1 Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!” (Mark 13:1)

After Jesus rebuked the Scribes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, He retreated to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful sermon in which the Lord predicted the coming destruction of the temple.

Under the authority of Herod the Great who started the epic build, the temple at Jerusalem which the disciple made reference to took 84 years to build. It was an impressive building to say the least, but never the less the temple was all but a stack of stones.

“2 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2)

In response to the disciple, Jesus foretold the destruction of the temple that came in 70 A.D. when the Romans brought Jerusalem to its knees when a million Jews were killed, and most stones that made up the temple were cast down just as the Lord predicted.

Today, all that remains of the temple is the western retaining wall known as the Wailing Wall, a 1/3 mile stretch of limestone where Jews assemble in large numbers to kiss the sacred stones and weep over the destruction of the temple. Let’s pray…

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

“38 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” (Mark 12:38-40)

In these few verses, Jesus exposed vipers within the Jewish community who preyed on the innocent. In those days, just like today, many religious leaders abuse their power and authority over their flock for personal profit, and to fulfill selfish ambitions and Jesus wanted to warn them of the judgment that awaited each one.

First, Jesus warned those present to beware of the scribes and to watch out for them. From their attire that bellowed notoriety to the way they behaved in public with a hint of superiority, scribes were known to seek out the best seats in any gathering and enjoy the finest food money could buy.

Jesus also revealed how scribes took advantage of widows by robbing them of their inheritance, as well as instilling fear by extending their prayer time beyond normality. It would be these souls who would be charged by God, and judged according to their deeds.

Do you find yourself doing the same as the scribes now and then? Simple actions like taking the best seat at the table, helping yourself to the biggest piece of cake or taking advantage of someone under your authority?

Remember that all of us are loved unconditionally, and that it is up to each one of us to either bring glory to our Lord, and please Him who created us, or anger our heavenly Father… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com