Watch and Pray (Mark 14:27-52)
We often have a higher estimation of our own moral strength and courage than is the case. We hear about someone yielding to pressure to do wrong and say, “I would never do that!” However, when it is we who have to face the temptation or the pressure to do wrong we find that our […]
The Blood of the Covenant (Mark 14:12-26)
We like to think that our lives count for something – that God has a purpose for us. A sense of purpose motivates us to keep going in spite of difficulties. What was the purpose of Jesus’ life? Why did He continue to teach and serve others even when the religious authorities sought to kill […]
She Did What She Could (Mark 14:1-11)
Have you ever found yourself criticizing someone for doing good? He saw a need and tried to help; he sensed another’s hurt and tried to comfort. We did not help, we did not comfort, yet we are quick to object to the other person’s compassion and kindness. A situation like this happened to Jesus a […]
Watch! (Mark 13:21-37)
What does the future hold? When and how will the world end? People spend much time worrying about such questions. One time Jesus’ disciples pointed out to Him the magnificence of the Temple in Jerusalem. In reply Jesus told them that the Temple would be completely destroyed. Naturally, the disciples asked for signs by which […]
Signs of the End (Mark 13:1-20)
We tend to think that everything will continue as it currently is. We tell ourselves that if there will be any change, it will be for the better. Even when we know that conditions are getting worse and trouble is coming, there is still something in us which believes that it won’t affect us or […]
Good and Bad
We humans tend to be an inconsistent lot. When things are going well we like to ascribe it to our own goodness, cleverness and ability. However, when we find ourselves in trouble or when things go against us, we tend to blame it on God. The truth is that we often have it backwards. The […]
You Will Keep Him In Perfect Peace
Have you ever known someone who remained calm in the face of trouble? Perhaps they have lost their job and money is tight, yet they face the future with confidence. Perhaps they or a loved one has a life-threatening illness, yet they remain full of hope. Perhaps they are the victim of gossip, slander and […]
As Long As The Earth Endures
Many people seem to be troubled by the thought that some day the earth will be destroyed. Every few years someone predicts that the world will end on such and such a date, and people start to panic. They do not know what will happen to them after death and they have no hope. They […]
As A Bride Adorned
Two people can look at exactly the same thing yet see something totally different. For example, two people look at a house. One sees the cracked walls, the broken windows, the worn stairs and the leaky plumbing. According to his evaluation, the house is a wreck and worth very little. The other person sees the […]
Who Is In Control?
We like to boast of our independence. We like to think of ourselves as free agents who make our own decisions. No one can tell us what to do. To a certain extent, this is true. We really do make decisions for ourselves. For example, we are free to choose what we read or what […]