Arise and Abide

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 10:1-12 (NLT) ~Discussion about Divorce and Marriage~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Pharisees trying to trap Jesus with a question about the Law of Moses and the intent of God to give companionship. Jesus’ teaching about the importance of relationships and the marriage relationship being a symbol of God’s love for people. Being the bride of Christ and the adultery of idolatry. Hosea 3:1.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 9:38-50 (NLT) ~Using the Name of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The human tendency of wanting to be apart of something exclusive. Kingdom growth and expansion opening the door for everyone to participate. We are all special in God’s eyes, no one is greater than another. The importance of Humility and being an example of humility for the little ones who watch and imitate those they admire.

Reading from Psalms 7 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David’s routine of going to God in times of trouble and writing psalms, singing, and dancing. Intentional, physical act of going to God, not just an internal prayer. We have an enemy, an advisory that wants to kill, steal, and destroy all the good things God has put in our life.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 9:30-37 (NLT) ~Jesus Again Predicts His Own Death, The Greatest in the Kingdom~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus, spending time teaching his disciples who didn’t ask for clarification. Being afraid to ask, not wanting the answer. The different sides of being a child, the innocence and the immaturity.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 9:14-29 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals a Demon Possessed Boy~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Often looking at this passage through the eyes of the Father. Prayer being linked to faith. The Religious leaders arguing with the disciples. Arguing over the details, distraction from the need, Jesus bringing the attention back to the need.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 9:2-13 (NLT) ~The Transfiguration~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Peter’s terrified suggestion, Peter’s failures leading to teachable moments. Jesus as the Master Teacher. Out of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, the voice from heaven tells us to listen to Jesus. Jesus continuing the teaching about the Messiah and what the scriptures predict.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 8:31-9:1 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts His Death~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Simon Peter’s journey from telling Jesus he shouldn’t talk about suffering and being killed to urging other to share in the sufferings of Christ.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 8:22-30 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals a Blind Man, Peter’s Declaration about Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Similarities to healing the deaf man. Not long after the Pharisees demanding a miraculous sign, Jesus heals out of compassion. The variation of miracles being delivered. The delay of the miracle and persistence of Jesus. The value of things waited for and the joy of instantaneous miracles.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 8:11-21 (NLT) ~Pharisees Demand a Miraculous Sign, The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. How the Pharisees approach Jesus with challenge and no intention to listen. Being still. Actively listening. Healing out of compassion not as a display of power. We all have the potential to have our hearts hardened by pride, we all must repent.

Reading from Psalms 6 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David calling out to God for mercy in need of restoration. The discipline of the Lord, Hebrews 12:5&6. The special quality of David is his humility and his heart for God. God’s compassion and unfailing love. Asking God for rescuing because of God’s goodness not because we deserve or have earned God’s help and favor. Jesus Holding the keys.