MY PROVIDER “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?” —Mark 8:4 What we cannot do, God can do! And this is what we want to see— His power and not us trying to do things in our own strength. In the context of the verse above there was no way the disciples could provide enough food for 4,000 people in a wilderness area. But, Jesus took what was available— 7 loaves of bread and a few fish— and after He blessed them His disciples distributed them to the people. All were satisfied. There were even 7 baskets full of leftovers! Does…

HEART ISSUES For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you. —Mark 7:21-23 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. —James 1:13-14 Whatever flows through the floodgates of our ears and eyes wind up in our brain. This is why we are to guard what we hear and…

DON’T OVEREAT Now the Lord sent a wind that brought quail from the sea and let them fall all around the camp. For miles in every direction there were quail flying about three feet above the ground. So the people went out and caught quail all that day and throughout the night and all the next day, too. No one gathered less than fifty bushels! They spread the quail all around the camp to dry. But while they were gorging themselves on the meat—while it was still in their mouths—the anger of the Lord blazed against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. So that place was…

PLOW, PLANT AND BE PATIENT! Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” —Mark 4:26-29 The farmer sows the seed, but he cannot make it grow. While he sleeps or while…

THE LORD BLESS YOU! May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. —Numbers 6:24-26 Yes, may you not only be blessed today, but may you also be a blessing to someone else today. May the Lord give you His protection today. Oh, that He would smile upon you today and be wonderfully gracious to you. May you experience His awesome favor today and have the peace that only He can give. Yes, may it be so! Dear Father, thank You for Your goodness toward us. Out of…

YOUR ARE CRAZY! One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said. —Mark 3:20-21 Can you imagine? Jesus’ family tried to redirect Him from what He was doing, thinking He was “out of his mind.” Wow, think of it. They thought the One who created and sustains all things was going off the deep end. If that is how His own family felt about Him then don’t be surprised if people think that about you…

JESUS CAME TO PREACH THE TRUTH But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” —Mark 1:38 Jesus came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37) and He wanted to share that truth with many while He was on the Earth. That is why He went from town to town. He wanted people to hear His Word. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zaaiFp4RSM It is His Word that people need to hear today as well! If Jesus went from town to town to share His Truth with others… am I? Am I concerned with people in other towns and…

GRASPING AT RIDICULOUS EXPLANATIONS As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.…

A DARK DAY At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. —Matthew 27:45 Bloody red sky Of night and morn Tis a witness His body torn And was for me Planned cross forlorn That I could be Once again born —tw A dark day indeed as Jesus took the penalty and punishment for the sins of the world— “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world” (I John 2:2). But the darkness of that day would flee from the light of His glorious resurrection three days later. Every day we are reminded of Jesus’…

THEY HATED JESUS Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands…