9/1 Mark 6:1-2
Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They asked, “Where did he get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?
DOUBT
Doubt is difficult to deal with. We doubt anything and everything. The evil one knows this and uses doubt to trip us up. We do not have to doubt Jesus. He is worthy of our confidence. He is committed to us and has our best interest at heart.
9/2 Mark 6:3-6
He’s just the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went out from village to village, teaching.
LIMITATION
The only limitation on Jesus is the limitation that we place on our faith. We must remember that the Lord uses weak people for it is in our weakness that He is strong. He is Lord of all and of all things. Let us surrender our life to Him and trust Him to use our life with our best interest in mind.
9/3 Mark 6:7
And he called his twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two, with authority to cast out evil spirits.
VICTORY
We live in victory Jesus has already won the battle. The victory is not based on perishable things, like wealth and position and honor and things of that ilk. Victory is based on the saving work that Jesus did on the cross. He has saved you. He has conquered death and hell. Now, walk by faith in the victory of Jesus Christ.
9/4 Mark 6:8
He told them to take nothing with them except a walking stick – no food, no traveler’s bag, no money.
JESUS
Jesus is all we need. He is sufficient. Are you trusting Him for your needs today? This was an important mission for the disciples. He has called you to an important mission. His plan for your life will require your trust. Trust Jesus with all of your heart and He will lead, guide and direct you now.
9/5 Mark 6:9-11
He told them to wear sandals but not to take even an extra coat. “When you enter each village, be a guest in only one home,” he said. “And if a village won’t welcome you or listen to you, shake off its dust from your feet as you leave. It is a sign that you have abandoned that village to its fate.”
DETAILS
The Lord of all was concerned with the details of the disciples’ trip. His instructions to them were specific and direct. They knew their message was important. They also knew that many would not accept what they had to say. We must be careful when we are at work serving the Lord. People count with Jesus so much that He will permit them to make a mistake. Don’t you make a mistake. Make sure that your actions do not detract from your message.
9/6 Mark 6:12-13
So the disciples went out, telling all they met to turn from their sins. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
JESUS
Jesus is in the healing ministry. People count with Jesus. He knows their need and will meet that need. Let Jesus heal you. Ask Him to show you how to live in Victory. Name it…Jesus is Lord. Claim it…He is Lord of me.
9/7 Mark 6:14-15
Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because people everywhere were talking about him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist come back to life again. That is why he can do such miracles.” Others thought Jesus was the ancient prophet Elijah. Still others thought he was a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.
JESUS
He was then and is now a stumbling block to those who are opposed to God. Evil declares Him to be ineffective. The world demands that Jesus show it who He is. Jesus is Lord and the world denies it. Jesus is the Messiah and the world keeps looking for One to come who will dance to their tune. Evil is always trying to create a god it can control.
9/8 Mark 6:16
When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.”
JESUS
Herod was the King and he didn’t know who Jesus was. He could have known but he was so focused on doing life his way. What a tragedy not to know Jesus. I pray that today you will let someone know about your relationship with Jesus.
9/9 Mark 6:17-19
For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. John kept telling Herod, “It is illegal for you to marry your brother’s wife.” Herodias was enraged and wanted John killed in revenge, but without Herod’s approval she was powerless.
EVIL
John the Baptist was killed for proclaiming the truth. He told about Jesus the coming Messiah. He warned people about evil and called them to repentance. Even today people are dying for their faith. More than 65,000 were put to death last year for simply telling about Jesus. What a wonderful right we have. We can talk about Jesus and not face any fear for our life. Tell everyone you know about Jesus.
9/10 Mark 6:20
And Herod respected John, knowing that he was a good and holy man, so he kept him under his protection. Herod was disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.
LISTEN
Do you listen to the call of ministry? Are you connecting with the Lord or simply passing bye? The spiritual life isn’t a sometimes thing, it is all the time. Be sure you are serious with your faith and are not a tourist.
9/11 Mark 6:21-23
Herodias’s chance finally came. It was Herod’s birthday, and he gave a party for his palace aides, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased them all. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” Then he promised, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half of my kingdom!”
JESUS
Jesus is alive. Following Christ is a full time activity. There are no sabbaticals in a Christ like life. The Christian life isn’t a hobby. Daily time with Jesus and a full surrender of our actions is required to stay close to the Lord. Follow Him.
9/12 Mark 6:24-25
She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?”Her mother told her, “Ask for John the Baptist’s head!” So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!”
EVIL
When we choose to plot our own course in life we always run into evil. Be careful how you live. Be careful when you make decisions. Life is hard and harsh. Without Jesus you will make wrong decisions. Herod made a terrible decision which gave an opening for evil. Be strong in the Lord and do the next right thing.
9/13 Mark 6:26-28
Then the king was very sorry, but he was embarrassed to break his oath in front of his guests. So he sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother.
SAD
Yes, the king was sad but self focused. He knew what he should do and then didn’t do it. How sad if we when we do the wrong thing and know we are doing the wrong thing. Stay close to the Word of God and spend time with the Lord God and you will have the strength to make right decisions.
9/14 Mark 6:29
When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came for his body and buried it in a tomb.
REALITY
Some days are tough. All we can do is what we can do. The disciples were stunned but they did what they could. There may be a day in your life when things are overwhelming and when it is just do the next right thing. One step at a time with the Lord will get you to the right place.
9/15 Mark 6:30
The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and what they had taught.
MINISTRY
Ministry involves people. We are an important part of what the Lord is doing in the world today. He uses us to connect with people. We are proclaimers, encouragers, prayer warriors, servants and many other things as they relate to people. People count with the Lord and He is using us to make sure they know Jesus.
9/16 Mark 6:31
Then Jesus said, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.
REST
Rest is important for all of us. Someone once said that lack of rest will make cowards of us all. Be sure you do all of your ministry work, and personal work and that you do not forget to rest. Be strong in the Lord and do not fear for He is with you.
9/17 Mark 6:32-33
They left by boat for a quieter spot. But many people saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and met them as they landed.
JESUS
The presence of Jesus will turn a wilderness into a paradise. He welcomed the people. Jesus set about to minister to them. The people were attracted to Jesus. When you meet Jesus you will want to be with Him all the time. Loving the Lord changes our reference point for what we will do with our life.
9/18 Mark 6:34
A vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.
JESUS
There is no one like Jesus. He has our best interest in mind. He knows us and knows what we need. Here, He began to teach them many things and the people were grateful for His teaching. They needed help and Jesus gave them the help they needed.
9/19 Mark 6:35-38
Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and it is getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy themselves some food.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “It would take a small fortune to buy food for all this crowd!”
SUPPLY
Jesus knew that He was sufficient to meet the needs of the people here in the wilderness. They trusted Him. In fact, the people believed in Jesus as much as or more than the disciples probably because they saw Him in a different way than the disciples did. When Jesus is all you have He will be the only one you trust. Jesus cares about us individually and corporately. He is able to see what we need. He can see what you need. You may not even know what you need right now but Jesus knows. Talk with Him. Jesus is Lord.
9/20 Mark 6:38-39
“How much food do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” Then Jesus told the crowd to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat in groups of fifty or a hundred.
SUPPLY
Jesus is adequate to meet our need. He is an abundant supply of God’s grace and will exactly fit every need we have. Do not discount the Lord’s abilities. His Word to you is that He is Lord of all. Ask Him for exactly what you need and He can exactly meet that need.
9/21 Mark 6:41-44
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and asked God’s blessing on the food. Breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples to give to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. Five thousand men had eaten from those five loaves!
JESUS
Jesus is able to meet our need. He is the creator. He is the living Son of God. He can do what He needs to do to accomplish the Father’s purpose. He loves us, you and me and He is seeking our best good. Where are you in your spiritual journey? Do you need a miracle to accomplish what the Lord has called you to do? Talk with Jesus. He will meet your need.
9/22 Mark 6:45
Immediately after this, Jesus made his disciples get back into the boat and head out across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home.
JESUS
He meet their need before He sent them home. He cares for you and me. He will never leave us alone. He will never fail to accomplish His purpose. He is always glorifying the Father. Now is the time to surrender your all to Jesus. Now is the time to let Him heal your heart. Now is the time. Jesus meets our need now.
9/23 Mark 6:46
Afterward he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
JESUS
Spend time with Jesus. Do not forget to discipline yourself to spend time with Him. He is waiting to hear from you. Whatever it is that is sidetracking you set it aside and spend time with Jesus. You will never be sorry for the time you spend with the Lord.
9/24 Mark 6:47-49
During the night, the disciples were in their boat out in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning he came to them, walking on the water. He started to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost.
JESUS
Jesus can do what you need done. He is the creator. He is not bound by the restrictions that we are. He has defeated death. He seeks to build a relationship with us so that we can build relationships with others. Do not fear. Jesus is Lord.
9/25 Mark 6:50
They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.”
JESUS
His Word to you today is do not fear. Whatever you are facing, Jesus can handle it. What do you need? Take it to Jesus. What has you stopped? Jesus can give you the strength to see it through. He is Lord of life. The Messiah is involved in this life with you.
9/26 Mark 6:51
Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were astonished at what they saw.
JESUS
You will be astonished at your perspective when you consult Jesus. He brings calm and peace to us. He will give us the strength to stand in the face of the world. If you are feeling stampeded and overwhelmed talk with Jesus. Open the Word of God and read Scripture that is relevant to your situation. Most often you will find the Psalms will speak to the current crisis. Jesus will speak to you and bring God’s Word alive in your heart to deal with the crisis.
9/27 Mark 6:52
They still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the multiplied loaves, for their hearts were hard and they did not believe.
BLIND
The disciples were blind to many of the spiritual teachings of Jesus. So are we. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to deal with your life. He will give it freely and in abundance. Our goal is to live from victory to victory and we can only do that when Christ is always in control of us.
9/28 Mark 6:53-55
When they arrived at Gennesaret on the other side of the lake, they anchored the boat and climbed out. The people standing there recognized him at once, and they ran throughout the whole area and began carrying sick people to him on mats.
FAITH
The people were overrun with disappointment and had lost hope. Jesus brought them hope. His healings overcame much disappointment. Today the situation for people hasn’t changed much. A modern writer said that most people were living lives of quiet desperation. Don’t let that be you. Spend time with Jesus. Experience His healing touch. Let the Lord Jesus have your heart and control of your life.
9/29 Mark 6:56
Wherever he went – in villages and cities and out on the farms – they laid the sick in the market plazas and streets. The sick begged him to let them at least touch the fringe of his robe, and all who touched it were healed.
JESUS
When we turn to Jesus He brings healing into our life. The world honors and commands. Jesus serves and helps. What do you need today? Take it to Jesus. What are you struggling with even this very moment? Stop where you are and ask Christ to help you deal with it. He will and will be with you every step of the way to healing.
9/30 Psalm1:1-5
A psalm of thanksgiving. Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
AMEN
The Lord is true. He loves you. He will not desert you. He will stand with you as you struggle day by day to live your life and be yourself. Many spend their whole being something they aren’t. Ask the Lord to make you whole and holy. His actions will make you yourself.
