May God’s kingdom come; may His will be done on earth as it is in heaven” – Matthew 6:10. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the state of the world—conflict, brokenness, and division seem to dominate the headlines and seep into our own lives. Yet, as followers of Christ, we hold fast to the hope that He is present in our turmoil and actively working to bring peace, justice, and restoration. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “May God’s…
As a long-time United Methodist pastor, whenever someone desires to unite with our church membership, I ask the historical questions that make up our membership vows. By doing so, we call Christian believers to an active faith rather than a passive one. When we vow to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and testimony/witness, we commit to “show up” in tangible ways for God and His people. This act of showing up demonstrates our dedication to building…
I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do” – John 17:4. As I sit with this powerful verse from Jesus’ prayer, I’m struck by its beautiful simplicity and challenge. Here is Jesus, near the end of His earthly ministry, able to say with certainty that He completed the work the Father gave Him to do. What an incredible testament to faithfulness! Pause and reflect deeply on this verse. Jesus knew His…
Mark chapter 8:1-21 emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and recognizing spiritual hunger as He feeds the 4,000. Our study highlights the disciples’ struggle to understand Jesus’ power despite witnessing miracles, urging believers to trust in God’s provision even when faced with immense need. These passages are a challenge to be aware of the needs around us while encouraging a focus on spiritual nourishment over material concerns. Ultimately, this calls for faith in God’s ability to provide, reinforcing the significance of remembering His…
In Mark 7:24-37, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and encounters a Gentile woman who seeks healing for her daughter. Despite initially testing her faith with a parable about children’s bread and dogs, Jesus is moved by her humble and persistent faith, ultimately healing her daughter. As Jesus continues His travels in Gentile territory, He heals a deaf and mute man, showcasing His compassion and miraculous power. These stories emphasize that Jesus’ love and miracles extend beyond the Jewish…
In Mark 7:9-23, Jesus challenges the religious leaders’ emphasis on human traditions over God’s commandments. He teaches that what truly defiles a person comes not from external impurities but from the evil intentions within one’s heart. Jesus lists examples of sins such as theft, greed, deceit, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness, indicating these are the real issues that separate people from God. This passage emphasizes the importance of focusing on internal purity and spiritual integrity rather than outward religious appearances.
