GROWING TOGETHER
With many restrictions on the normal routines and experiences in our lives, there’s no better time to reflect on our lives in The Spirit.
Beginning August 3rd and running through September 11th, (Mondays-Fridays) we are encouraging you and the rest of our church body to take part, together, in these short, daily readings and assessments of our lives in light of the Fruit of The Spirit.
The six weeks will cover:
Week 1: Love and Joy
Week 2: Peace
Week 3: Patience
Week 4: Kindness and Goodness
Week 5: Gentleness
Week 6: Self-Control
Week 1 - Love and Joy
Monday’s readings follow Mark’s account of the day after Palm Sunday. Here, the apostles follow Jesus past the now famous fig tree and into Jerusalem to the temple.
Mark 11:12-14 Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
Mark 11:15-19 Jesus Clears the Temple
Tuesday
For Tuesday, Mark takes us to the challenges that show the beginning of the turn away from Jesus . First, the apostles still don’t seem to understand who Jesus is. Second, the leaders are actively trying to trip Jesus up so that they can kill him. Finally, Jesus speaks frankly to some of the apostles and tells them about the pain that will precede his return. Mark is taking us to the reality of who Jesus is and how important it is that we see it.
Mark 11:20-26 Disciples ask about withered fig tree
Mark 11:27-12:44 Disagreements at the temple
Mark 13:1-37 Olivet discourse
Wednesday
For Wednesday’s text, Mark connects the passion week stories that point to Jesus’ preparation for the cross. A walk that Jesus knew was coming but those around him, even those close to him, still didn’t fully understand.
Mark 14:1-2 Sanhedrin plans to kill Jesus
Mark 14:3-9 Jesus anointed
Mark 14:10-11 Judas plans betrayal
Mark 14:12-16 Plans for Passover
For today, we encourage you to spend time meditating on who Jesus is and praying that we don’t miss him. We’ve included this violin performance of “It Is Well” by Chelsie Bell as a piece of music to listen to while you ponder the awesomeness of Jesus and his ability to overcome the sin, death, and the world.
Thursday
Thursday take us through two narratives, Mark and John, as we follow Jesus’ final teaching to his apostles and his final pleas to his Father. In both narrative of this evening, both authors made sure the original readers clearly understood the oneness of Jesus and God.
Mark 14:17-26 Celebrate Passover (Last Supper)
John 13:1-17:26 Jesus’ teaching at Last Supper
Mark 14:27-31 Peter’s denial predicted
Mark 14:32-42 Jesus in the Garden
Mark 14:43-51 Jesus betrayed by Judas