Mark 8
Certainly before I became a believer and for a significant period even after I became a believer it was important for me to be in control - for me to dictate as many of the circumstances and events of my life. The more I could control the more I had life - particularly because I believed I knew what was right for me...and others. Yet over time, I am blessed because of it, Jesus took over my heart and life and I began to give my life over to Him and for His service and glory. Amazingly, the more I LOST control, the more at peace and content as because God gave me peace He promises.
Also of note in today's verses include Jesus' warning about being ashamed over Jesus. I often feel worry about expressing my faith publicly and this is what Jesus is warning us about. There must be NO QUESTION about whom we serve and why.
Jesus is Lord and He is freedom and life, etc. There is no other way.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has given me life...and to the full - thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love. I daily miss the mark. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels. v35-38
Certainly before I became a believer and for a significant period even after I became a believer it was important for me to be in control - for me to dictate as many of the circumstances and events of my life. The more I could control the more I had life - particularly because I believed I knew what was right for me...and others. Yet over time, I am blessed because of it, Jesus took over my heart and life and I began to give my life over to Him and for His service and glory. Amazingly, the more I LOST control, the more at peace and content as because God gave me peace He promises.
Also of note in today's verses include Jesus' warning about being ashamed over Jesus. I often feel worry about expressing my faith publicly and this is what Jesus is warning us about. There must be NO QUESTION about whom we serve and why.
Jesus is Lord and He is freedom and life, etc. There is no other way.
As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has given me life...and to the full - thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love. I daily miss the mark. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
