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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 7 February 2024:
Mark 4: 10 — And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
Get alone with Jesus so He can teach you.
Even the disciples didn’t understand Jesus’ parables, but unlike the crowds, they humbly and privately approached Him for answers, which He gave. Likewise, those who genuinely desire to know God and His will and who are willing to humbly turn to God for answers will not be denied by Him.
Mark 4:11, 12 — And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that ‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”
Only through the Holy Spirit can you truly understand the word of God. Humans cannot naturally understand the Kingdom. They need God’s revelation.
Mark 4:18-21 — “And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?”
I pray that the worries of the world won’t keep us from keeping “the main thing the main thing,” won’t cause us to neglect the Great Commission, won’t cause us to get distracted and miss our life’s purpose. I pray that we won’t put our lamp under a basket for sake of career or sociability. I pray that every one of us will bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold. If the world around us is very dark, it might be that our light is not very bright.
Mark 4:41 — And they were filled with great fear.
Nothing was more fearful to the disciples than the power of Jesus. If you don’t have a healthy fear (respect and awe) of the Lord, it is because you haven’t experienced Him as you ought. Walk with Jesus by abiding in His word, and watch Him work in a way that overwhelms you.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 7 February 2024: Dedicate one hour today to solitude with Jesus. (Mark 4:10)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 