S: Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different. Mark 6:12 (MSG) O: I love how The Message captures this moment when Jesus sends out His disciples – rather than just say they went out and preached that others should repent, Peterson translates it, “with joyfulContinue reading “The Invitation”
Tag Archives: SOAP
The Whole Truth
S: Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. Mark 5:33 (NIV) emphasis mine. O: Funny how desperation brings about humility. Touching the hem of a stranger’s robe hoping it might be the freedom she’d been seeking, getting calledContinue reading “The Whole Truth”
Brought to Light
S: For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Mark 4:22 (NLT) O: I have often heard people quote this verse regarding lies or sneaky behavior – that the truth will eventually come to light, and the person’s true motive will be revealed.Continue reading “Brought to Light”
Mess Me Up, Lord!
S: …The plan was that they would be with him, and he would send them out to proclaim the Word… Mark 3:14b (MSG) O: This was always part of the plan; the apostles would be with You. They would spend each waking and sleeping moment in Your presence. They would walk with You, observe YourContinue reading “Mess Me Up, Lord!”
Hands That Heal
S: Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. Mark 1: 30-31 (NIV) O: …they immediately told Jesus about her…so He went to her…took herContinue reading “Hands That Heal”
A New Kind of Fisherman
S: Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make you a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” MarkContinue reading “A New Kind of Fisherman”
See, I told you!
S: He is not here; he is risen, just as he said. Matthew 28:6a (NIV) O: Because I know how the story ends, I wonder how or why the disciples were surprised by Your resurrection. You told them it would happen! And yet, how many times have You told me things about Yourself that IContinue reading “See, I told you!”
Up All Night
S: In the first light of dawn, all the high priests and religious leaders met and put the finishing touches on their plot to kill Jesus. Matthew 27:1 (MSG) O: Does evil ever sleep? Surely, they must have been up all night – plotting with themselves oh how to “get rid of You.” It breaksContinue reading “Up All Night”
Wake up, Dog!
S: “Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.” Matthew 26:41 (MSG) O: I hate that thisContinue reading “Wake up, Dog!”
When Will Power Isn’t Enough
S: Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. Matthew 26:35 (ESV) O: I believe this was Peter’s most earnest and honest plea. I know it is mine. But as my friend, reminded me last night, the disciples didn’t haveContinue reading “When Will Power Isn’t Enough”
The Beautiful Unfolding 