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Sometimes in books and movies, part way through the storyteller flashes back to an earlier time. The book of Mark tells us nothing about Jesus early years of life. We jumped right into his baptism and ministry. So let’s take a flashback during Advent and Christmas and look at the “backstage story” of Jesus. Who are the people in his story? What is his birth story? What was God doing right from the beginning? Your devotions each week will include a reading from one of the other gospels, a reading from Mark 9, and a psalm. I pray that these other parts of God’s Great Story and the life of Jesus will speak to you in new ways during this season. This week we will read some of the Old Testament prophecies about who the Messiah would be. LONG before Jesus came as a baby, God was preparing his people. May God prepare you during this season. Day 1: Isaiah 7:13-14 What name of Jesus is given here? Pray that you would experience His presence with you throughout December and beyond. Day 2: Isaiah 9:6-7 What are Jesus’ names in these verses? Ask him to show you how he is these names in your life. Day 3: Isaiah 53:1-3 How do these verses describe Jesus? Do you think Jesus can relate to your struggles? Day 4: Isaiah 53:4-11 What did Jesus do for us? Day 5: Psalm 22 Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 while hanging on the cross. As you read the rest of the chapter look for other phrases that describe what happened to Jesus. Look also for encouraging words for people struggling through hard times. Listen to and download the full sermon here:
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Mark 8 Devo Day 1: Mark 8:11-21 What signs have you already seen that tell you that Jesus is real? Have you ever told anyone about what you have seen? Pray about how you could do that during this Thanksgiving week. Day 2: Mark 8:22-30 Who do you say Jesus is? How would you describe who Jesus is to you for someone who doesn’t know him? Day 3: Mark 8:31-9:1 Mark 8:34-37 challenges me continually. I challenge you to read it in different versions this week and ask God to speak to you about what you are gaining and losing by the choices you are making today. Day 4: THANKSGIVING If your family does not take time to verbally share what you are thankful for, be a trendsetter! Gather everyone around and share one thing you are thankful for. You might be surprised how God shows up. Day 5: Mark 9:2-13 When Jesus took a few disciples away, they got to see him in a new way. Take some extra time to be alone with Jesus today. Maybe pray a little longer. Maybe journal your prayer. Maybe read back through Mark remembering where we have come from. Maybe read ahead looking forward to what is to come. Maybe take a walk without music and talk to Jesus. Listen to and download the mini-sermon here:
5 Day Devotional Day 1 Mark 7:1-8 What tradition of people might you need to let go of so that you can hear from God? Day 2 Mark 7:9-23 Pay special attention today to what words come out of you. Day 3 Mark 7:24-30 Have you ever thought you weren’t worthy to ask God for something you need? How does this passage affect that belief? Day 4 Mark 7:31-37 In what way has Jesus opened your ears--maybe not physically, but spiritually? In what way do you need Jesus to open your ears? Day 5 Mark 8:1-13 This Sunday (18th) is Thanksgiving service. You will have a chance to share about what you are thankful for or what Jesus has done in your life. Spend some time thinking about a time this year that: 1--Jesus has turned your little into enough. 2--Jesus has opened your ears to hear and understand a truth in a new way. 3--Jesus has answered a specific prayer. If you are nervous about talking in front of others, write down what you have to say and read it that day. Or write it down and give it to one of the pastors to share. This is an opportunity for you to tell about how Jesus is alive and active in your world. It is an act of worship--a time to say, “Thank you God!” We all benefit when we hear each other’s stories of God at work. Listen to and download the full sermon here:
5 Day Devotional Day 1: Mark 6:1-6 Day 2: Mark 6:7-13 Day 3: Mark 6:14-29 Day 4: Mark 6:30-44 Day 5: Mark 6:45-56 1. What do I learn about Jesus? Nini nimejifunza kuhusu Yesu? 2. What do I learn about people? Nini nimejifunza kuhusu watu? 3. Now what? What might Jesus be saying to you through these verses? Sasa je? (Ni nini Mungu ananizungumuzia kwa neno hili? Namna haya yapata na maisha yangu?) 4. Who can I tell about what I learned? Ni nani nawez kueleza haya nilyojifunza kwa juma hii? Listen to and download the full sermon here:
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