Arise and Abide

Reading from Psalms 3 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The picture of the journey of trust we make in this life. Enemies surround me, God is in control, I will not be afraid. It can seem like things are coming at us from all sides, but we know the battle is not against flesh and blood and the Lord is a shield around us. Covid shook, peace and firm in faith through the fire. Our life is

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 3:20-30 (NLT) ~Jesus and the Prince of Demons~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ family going to interfere with His ministry. The religious leader intention to discredit Jesus. Picture of humanity seeing and judging everything from predetermined ideas. Jesus is stronger than Satan and speaks of the Holy Spirit’s strength. Not just listening to the testimony of people but going to God for truth and clarity.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 3:7-19(NLT) ~Crowds Follow Jesus, Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ presence was getting a lot of attention and the crowds were growing. Jesus not allowing the demons to declare His identity. The rebellious spirit doesn’t get to spread the good news. The desperation of the people and the recognition that it only took a touch to get healing. The wisdom and situational awareness of Jesus.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 3:1-6(NLT) ~Jesus Heals on Sabbath~ Scripture reading followed by discussion the Pharisees using the sabbath as a way to trap Jesus, Jesus teaching truth in response. The Pharisees unable to reply because of their agenda missing the opportunity to come to the conclusion that they were in the wrong. God’s anger is always mixed with sadness that His children are being so obstinate. Call to let go of our sacred cows.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 2:23-28(NLT) ~A Discussion about The Sabbath~ Scripture reading followed by discussion at the Sabbath being established for the needs of humanity and not as something we must accomplish. Working on the Sabbath by trying to rest in perfect compliance to the Sabbath law. God modeled rest for us and gave us a day to rest because He knows what we need.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 2:18-22 (NLT) ~A Discussion about Fasting~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The teaching about fasting, the analogy of the groom, and the parables of the new cloth and the new wineskins. The times in believer’s faith and how sometimes God feels closer than others, reminders of what its like to be lost and not have God there, should spur us to share with those who are lost.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 2:13-17 (NLT) ~Jesus Calls Levi (Matthew)~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Matthew having two names. The call and the immediate response of Matthew. The amount of challenge to the call of “come and follow me” varies by how much an individual loves their life.

Reading from Psalms 2 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the frustration of knowing your plans are futile. Deciding for our selves what is right and the consequences of selfishness. The picture of reality perfectly painted in psalms 2.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 2:1-12 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals A Paralyzed Man~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The faith of the paralyzed man and his friends. The idea of forgiveness being blasphemous.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 1:40-45 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals A Man with Leprosy~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus questions the people who doubt His ability or compassion. Fulfilling the requirements of the Law of Moses as a public testimony. We are supposed to go.