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Thank you. Thank you for listening. I appreciate your patience with me. Thank you for your love and kindness. It wasn't easy to decide to revisit the document from last February. I trust you understand that I do not intend to shift focus onto someone else or mount a defense. That's all in the past. But it has been a year. Time has been a valuable asset, and I want to use a specific event to illustrate how God is at work. Please receive this with that intent—an example of God’s grace in my life.  And thank you once again for your friendship. 

If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Sponsors: 
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com   
Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 8

Jesus has a compassionate heart. This leads him to feed thousands because He sees that they are hungry. This is a sign of His power and love. However, the Pharisees come asking for more signs. For them, nothing Jesus does will be enough to believe. It is this hard-heartedness He warns the disciples to avoid. Jesus then heals a blind man. This physical sight given by faith is set in contrast to the Pharisees who think they see and yet remain spiritually blind. Jesus then asks His disciples who they believe Him to be. They say, “You are the Christ.” This faith would be crucial, as their faith would be tested by His arrest and death, as well as the extreme sacrifices they would be called to make in His name. 

Jesus demonstrates His glory and His right to be called the Christ. We must choose whether to believe in Him or not. But this cannot be done halfway. His call to disciples is extreme. It starts with demanding we understand that His Lordship would require His death. Peter struggled with this. More than that, He demands allegiance from us for His glory. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. We must lose our life in devotion to Him to see the salvation of our lives in eternity. Many will want to give everything to be saved in the judgment and will have nothing to give. We must serve Him now, confessing His name courageously in this world. 

Great Father, we thank You for your lovingkindness and the compassion that Your Son has for us. We know that His ability to help us is only limited by the borders of our faith. Help us to expand our trust and surrender our entire lives to Him. We sometimes fall into pride, blindness to truth, and even doubts about Your will. But great God, we believe Your Son is the Christ sent to die for our salvation. Forgive our failings and restore us to commitment and strength and to never be ashamed of our Lord.  

Thought Questions:

-       Do you believe Jesus sees you and feels for you in times of struggle? How do you trust in that, even when results do not come right away?

-       The Pharisees had things in their hearts that blinded them to Christ’s glory. What has He done in your life to keep your heart from hardening?

-       What does it mean to lose your life for His sake? And what would it profit you to keep your life and gain the world but not have Jesus?

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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 7

The Pharisees show up making accusations against Jesus’ disciples for not properly washing their hands. Jesus quickly confronts them about enforcing their traditions on others, while at the same time, neglecting actual commandments! Jesus then explains to His disciples that these accusations are matters of the heart. If the intentions of the heart are selfish, prideful, and bitter, then it will show up in a merciless view and application of God’s law. Following the educated Pharisee’s sinfulness, we are introduced to a Gentile woman who pleads for Jesus’ help to cure her demon-possessed daughter. She begs for His help, and He rewards her faith. Jesus also heals a deaf man. The leaders who know the law are condemned, and those who do not know it well, but have humble hearts, are blessed! 

The contrast between the characters in this chapter is potent. It opens with the Jewish leaders accusing, being unkind, and enforcing their own rules. They neglected important laws of mercy, like caring for their parents. In comparison, the Gentile woman is utterly humble before the Lord so that she can save her daughter! She is entirely motivated by love and unrelenting in her pursuit of Jesus. We must be constantly checking our hearts, especially as we grow in knowledge. We will never be any more worthy than the Gentile woman or the deaf man. We must approach Jesus for help and be willing to carry His spirit of compassion to everyone around us, including our parents.

Dear Lord, we call upon You to examine our hearts. Your Son teaches that the intentions of the heart represent the true nature of a person. Cleanse us of all pride, evil thoughts, deceit, and ungodly anger. Help us understand how to know Your law and teach it, but with a spirit of kindness, patience, and love. May we never be as foolish and misguided as the Pharisees. Instead, teach us to be like the Gentile woman and the deaf man, who humbly pursued Jesus. We call upon Him for blessings in our lives and for those we love.     

Thought Questions:

-       Knowledge can lead to pride. How are you careful not to bind your interpretations of scriptures on others unlawfully as the Pharisees did?

-       How do you check your heart? Jesus says that is the key to everything. What is the process of making sure your heart is pure and undefiled?

-       A man prayed for his ears to be cleared and His tongue mended. In a spiritual sense, how can you pray for similar things today?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 6

Jesus returns to His hometown but is not greatly honored there. He does few miracles because of their unbelief. He then summons the twelve apostles and sends them out in pairs to work miracles and teach people to repent of their sins. They have wonderful success in the ministry. Following this, Jesus works two large-scale miracles: He feeds the 5,000 followers with five loaves and two fish. And after sending the disciples across the sea in a boat, He approaches them walking on the water! The disciples are astonished because their hearts are not yet fully softened to understanding the glory of Christ. Between these events, the author Mark records the story of John the Baptist being beheaded by Herod at the request of the daughter of Herodias. 

This chapter shows the challenges Jesus faced in His ministry. He was the perfect Teacher, and yet people in His hometown doubted Him. He sent out the apostles and they did well, but at other times they didn’t understand His power to feed the people or control the water on the sea. Added to this, Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist died at the hands of evil men, and this brought Jesus great sorrow. Two lessons emerge. First, Jesus never gave up. He stayed patient and committed and kept going and teaching. Two, we must carry His spirit into our daily walk. Some will doubt us, while others support us. Some may leave us. We must keep going in Christ. 

God of patience and grace, it is hard to imagine people seeing Your Son in the flesh and doubting His worthiness. And yet, He faced an assortment of doubters and disappointments. We praise Him for His endurance and limitless love for people. Thank you for feeding us and calming the seas, even when we do not have the depth of faith that we should. May Your Son’s work in our lives open our eyes to His nearness and give us the courage to live each day in confidence. And please send us out on the mission of sharing His great name!

Thought Questions:

-       If Jesus received less honor in His hometown, what can you expect from the people who have known you the longest? How will you react to that?

-       John the Baptist lost his life in service to God. How does his story give you the resolve to be strong in truth even when others do not approve?

-       Jesus was not always pleased with His disciples, but He never stopped mentoring them. Do you believe He has that same patience with you?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 5

Three miracles of Jesus are documented in this chapter. Each is given significant detail. The first is Jesus casting demons out of a man and into a herd of swine. The man is in torment and the demons are many, but they are subject to the authority of Christ. They even ask permission from Jesus to be cast into the pigs. The second miracle is with a woman who has been bleeding for twelve years. Amid a massive crowd, she pushes through and touches His coat and is immediately healed. Jesus praises her faith. The final miracle is raising a synagogue official’s daughter from the dead! Jesus tells the man, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” Peter, James, and John are allowed to witness this incredible miracle!

Each of these stories tells us something about Jesus’ authority. Casting out the demons shows that Jesus controls all the spiritual realms. The demons knew He was “the Son of the Most High God,” and they were powerless against Him. The woman’s healing demonstrates Jesus’ power over the human body, as He heals her in an instant. The raising of Jairus’s daughter proves Jesus can bring life after death. All of this is designed to increase our faith. He controls the demons and casts them away from us. He can heal and protect and help us and our bodies. And not even death can separate us from the power of Jesus, who commands our souls to come and go wherever He chooses. 

Great God of glory, we believe in the authority and power of Your Son Jesus Christ. We believe He controls the spiritual world beyond our sight. We know He has power over our bodies and lives. And we live with the assurance that He has the keys to death and hades and will give us life again after physical death. He has proven His ability in the miracles of His ministry and His resurrection from the dead. Please empower us to remember and share these eternal truths. Help us to surrender our lives to His authority.  

Thought Questions:

-       The man with the demon needed Jesus. You may be overcome by struggles you cannot bear alone. How should you approach Jesus about those? 

-       The woman was desperate when she reached for Jesus’ cloak. Have you ever felt like that? And what does it look like to reach out for Him?

-       The people laughed when Jesus said He would raise the girl. Do you believe Jesus will raise you? How does that affect your daily life? 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Mark 4

Jesus addresses His followers. He shares the parable of the sower and the seed. The seed is spread in all directions. It falls on four surfaces: the road, rocky ground, among the thorns, and into the good soil. The seed fails to grow in the first three soils but prospers in the good soil. Jesus later explains the soils represent different hearts. Only one of the four would befit the kingdom. Jesus adds two more parables that teach that growth is possible in swift and powerful ways: the overnight sprout and the large mustard plant. An event at sea tests the personal spiritual growth of the disciples. A great storm comes up and their faith falters. Jesus expects them to grow in faith and eliminate the fear that holds them back. 

Jesus uses parables to challenge the hearer. If we have a heart for Him, these stories transform our lives. If we are not seeking truth, they have little impact. The parable of the sower reinforced Jesus’ teaching: “Many will be called, but few will be chosen.” Some will not listen. Some will hear and then be overcome with fear. Some will hear but let worry and greed rule their lives. The seed, the word of God, is perfect and powerful and can completely transform us. But we must open our hearts, put aside all else, and receive His word deep within us. Even then, faith will be tested by the elements, by storms, and by trials. We must trust in Jesus.

Dear Father, Your grace and love for mankind are abundantly clear in the coming of Jesus. Thank You for sharing the life-giving word with all the world. It is sad to think how many reject Your word or let fear and temptation rob it from their hearts. Please soften hearts in this world and use us to share the life-changing gospel. And Father, please help the truth to sink more deeply into us as well. May we bear fruit for you, face our fears, and stand strong with trust in Jesus during the trials and temptations of life.

Thought Questions:

-       What will you do today because you are striving to be the good soil? How do you keep from becoming like the rocky or thorny soil?

-       Do you believe change can happen in your heart and life? Do you believe that God can do big things through you if you let Him?

-       Are you prepared for your faith to be tested? How will you trust in Jesus when things get scary, hard, or temptation rages around you?  

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
 Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Sponsors: 
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com   
Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

FIVE QUESTIONS from the end of the episode:

"The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provisions for the flesh in regard to its lusts" Romans 13:12-14.

1) Will this promote or encourage drinking, unholy behavior, or compromising circumstances?

2) Will this open the door to, or make more accessible, sexual sin, fornication, or adultery?   

3) Will this place immodestly, indecent movements, or questionable contact right in front of me?

4) Will this become an unnecessary situation where I may send a confusing message about living for Jesus?

5) Will this be something I feel safe about, but that I openly admit would be dangerous for others? 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Mark 3

Christ’s early ministry continues as the Pharisees resume their accusations. Jesus heals a lame man in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He points out the anger residing in the hearts of the Jewish leaders. They respond by conspiring against Him. Jesus withdraws to the sea and casts out many unclean spirits. Unlike the scribes, the demons proclaim, “You are the Son of God!” Before returning to Capernaum, Jesus chooses His twelve apostles. They return to the city where the scribes are waiting once again. They argue that Jesus casts out demons by the power of the devil! This is how deluded and hateful the unbelieving heart can get. He warns them that the Holy Spirit is the power behind the miracles and that blasphemy against Him would be eternal sin. 

The Pharisees lacked mercy, even as Jesus demonstrated so much grace around them. A man had his hand restored in the synagogue. Many were healed of infirmities and had evil spirits driven away from them. How wonderful must that have been? The twelve were chosen and would soon have the power to proclaim Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. That must have been amazing. The scribes, however, rejected the Spirit and put their souls at eternal risk. The chapter ends with Jesus calling all who do the will of God His family. We can be helped and protected in His family. May we never harden our hearts and miss out on these blessings in Christ!

Great God of heaven, You are worthy of all praise and adoration. Your Son has all power and wisdom and glory, on earth and in heaven. Strengthen us to trust Him and love Him more each day. May we never limit what He can do or question His authority. Guide us to believe in His Holy Spirit and to never blaspheme against the Spirit, the Son, or You. Jesus chose His family of faith even over His blood family. Please hold us close within that family and give us that same love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Thought Questions:

-       The Jews had no compassion for people, lame or otherwise. Is there a risk that your beliefs could lead to a lack of love and attention for others?

-        Do you have to understand everything about the Holy Spirit to trust in His power? How do you keep from blasphemy against the Spirit?

-       What does it mean for you to be in the family of God? How should that inspire obedience to the Father and time with your brothers and sisters?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Mark 2 

This chapter strings together events that seem unrelated, but they all have something in common: Jewish accusers. Jesus heals the paralytic who is lowered down to Him through a roof by his friends. The scribes quickly accuse Jesus of blasphemy for forgiving the lame man’s sins. Following this, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. A dinner is held at Matthew’s house and many sinners are invited to see Jesus. The Pharisees stand outside and accuse Jesus of ungodly behavior. After a brief conversation with John the Baptist’s disciples, Jesus and His disciples pass through a grainfield. The disciples eat from the field, and the Pharisees show up and accuse them of violating the Law. Jesus silences them with these words: “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Amid the Pharisees’ fault-finding mission is a series of beautiful moments with Jesus. The lame man had friends willing to work to get him to Jesus, resulting in Jesus rewarding their faith with forgiveness of sins. Matthew is called to Christ and organizes a dinner so that others may know Him. Jesus is willing and says, “I did not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.” This is a time of celebration, as He points out to John’s followers. We live in a time like this, amplified by the resurrection of Jesus. He heals and forgives and seeks to save sinners. Surround yourself with friends who pull you nearer to Him. And be that friend for someone else. 

Omnipotent Father, no one can stand against You or Your Son. The Pharisees failed every time to discredit Him, as unbelievers do today. Lord God, soften their hearts to know the Savior. We pray to hear Him through all the noise and understand that all help and healing are found when we are closer to Him. Help us be wise in choosing people in our lives who help us draw near to Jesus. And Father, create opportunities for us to bring others to Him. Use us bountifully during this time of feasting and joy in Jesus. 

Thought Questions:

-       The Pharisees asked, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” A great question. Do you understand that Jesus is God and can forgive your sins?

-       If Jesus came to call sinners, even those cast aside by others, did Jesus come to call you? Who else do you know who needs to hear that?

-       The Jews thought they controlled the Sabbath. But Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. Is Jesus also the Lord over your daily life and worship? 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Mark 1 

Mark’s gospel is the shortest of the four and packs lots of information in each chapter. For instance, this opening chapter begins with John the Baptist preaching and Jesus coming to him to be baptized. Immediately following this, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. The text moves to Jesus selecting His first four followers: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. The rest of the chapter documents miracles and Jesus’ works in Galilee: casting out a demon, healing Peter’s mother-in-law, moved by compassion to heal a leper, as well as references to other miraculous works. Mark is interested in getting to Jesus’ ministry quickly and spending a great deal of time there. The word “immediately” is used throughout, as the stories move at a rapid pace. 

The key to applying fuller chapters is to find the theme or thread. In today’s reading, the words about Jesus tie the events together. John the Baptist said, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I…” The Father said, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.” Even the demon said, “I know who You are – the Holy One of God!”  God, men, and even demons know who Jesus is. Do we? Following this testimony, more proofs are seen in His miracles. Jesus, filled with compassion, heals a leper who pleads for help. Though instructed to stay quiet, the leper demonstrates thankfulness by sharing the glory of Jesus with everyone. We should do the same!  

Kind Father, who spoke for ages about the coming of Your Son, praise be to You for sending Him to be our Healer and Savior. He came to live in the flesh, subjected Himself to Your will, refused the devil’s temptations, and devoted His life to teaching and helping others. Help us to love Him as He deserves to be loved. May we see His miracles and know who He is and what He can do. Like the leper pleading for help, may Jesus see us and be moved with compassion to make us clean and new in Him. 

Thought Questions:

-       If John the Baptist, God from heaven, and even demons confessed the name of Jesus, should you be doing so openly and boldly?

-       The disciples “immediately” left their nets to follow Jesus. That word connotes urgency. In what ways should your faith involve urgency?

-       The leper, once healed, was told not to speak of Jesus, but he too proclaimed Him openly. What has Jesus done for you that must be shared?