Our symbol this week is a crown,
for we see early on in Mark that Christ is the King, who has authority over all.
Mark now shows us His authority over the physical world,
healing the sick,
and calming the wild animals.
He has authority over the spiritual world,
driving out demons,
and, with irresistable grace, calling the disciples.
“At once they left their nets and followed Him.”
He amazed the crowds, teaching with “authority.”
He reigns over every aspect of your life,
and He is good, so we can trust Him in mysterious times.
As Lewis said of Aslan, though he may not feel safe, he is good.
“He is the King, I tell you.”
If you have just joined us, purchase a copy of Tim Keller’s commentary on Mark — for we will be going through Mark and this commentary into the summer. It is “Jesus The King,” formerly titled “The King’s Cross.”( While you are waiting, you can use the link below to get the introduction and first chapter of the book, by scrolling down to downloads.)
https://timothykeller.com/books/jesus-the-king
Wonderful post from last week:
Last week our symbol was the dance, as Mark introduced us to the “dance of the Trinity.” Shirley Meadow mentioned this wonderful You-tube video which gave me goosebumps. Enjoy!
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Where are you thankful, right now, for Christ’s sovereignty in your life?
Monday: Good News, Not Good Advice
3. Read Mark 1:14-15 and tell what is happening.
4. Read the opening of Chapter 2, up to “Following the King” in Keller’s commentary, and share what stands out to you and why.
5. Every once in a while I will ask something I am wondering about — so we can dialogue — and I love it when you do the same. I am pondering how quickly in Jesus ministry John the Baptist was put into prison (Mark 1:14) and if there is reason Mark tells us that, just before Jesus’ proclamation (Mark 1:15). I have some thoughts, but would love to hear any thoughts you have first.
6. How might you incorporate verse 15 into a prayer of both repentance and faith for a way
to apply the gospel to your life right now?
(For those of you who enjoyed Wonderpod this Advent, Sarah has a special Epiphany podcast today.)
Tuesday: Following the King
7. Read Mark 1:16-20 and share what is happening, making observations.
8. Read the section in Keller’s book called “Following the King” up to where he has Mark
1:21-22 in italics and share what stands out to you and why.
9. How might you pray this passage?
10. have you seen God in your life in the last 24 hours?
Wednesday: Authority comes from the word Author
11. Read Mark 1:21-28. What happens here? Make observations.
12. What does Keller have to say about this?
13. Can you think of a time when you planned to go one way and Jesus turned you around
and took you a different way? Reflections? Praise?
Thursday: Not Just a Claim of Authority
14. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations.
15. What does Keller have to say about this — what stands out to you and why?
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise?
Friday: The Princess and the Goblin
17. Read the rest of chapter 2 in Keller’s book and share how the story of the Princess
and the Goblin impacts you. Might you read this or read it to children?
Saturday: Reflections
18. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
19. Remembering our symbol of the crown for the week, how could you praise the King of
Glory? What might you need to confess for going against His authority? Where could you
petition Him to help you or someone you love to trust Him as King?
188 comments
Mark 1:16-20 Jesus called the 4 fishermen to follow him and to be fishers of men, and they immediately followed him.
8. We are called to follow the King. His call has authority; he demonstrated real power over sickness.
9. Jesus is my true love. I pray, Father, I thank you for your help in my life, through discouragement and pain, I know you are my refuge.
My prayer is the scripture: Psalm 62:5,6 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. he only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
10. How have I seen God in my life in the last 24 hours? Well, I needed to address a situation in which I did not feel supported. It was a difficult phone call, but I did it and felt that I was listened to. I know God is at work and I must keep hopeful.
Making that phone call was a brave step in faith.
I agree with Dawn. That was a brave thing to do to pick up the phone and addressed a difficult issue.
15. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations. Simon and Andrew took Jesus to their house … they had just felt his divine call, heard him teach with authority, and saw him cast out an unclean spirit (is this the same as a demon?) … I wonder if Simon and Andrew were plagued by their mother’s illness … if it was always on their mind and so when they saw these things they immediately considered if Jesus might be the answer for their mother. After she is healed word travels fast and the whole town gathers with their ailments. These people were desperate for healing in their lives, for respite, for GOOD. I imagine humans have been much the same over the centuries… the physical, palpable hardship an echo of the internal desperation for true rest and joy.
15. Still no book … =/
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise? We had a bad situation come up on Tuesday. I may have messed up and Tuesday/Wednesday during non-business hours I was feeling really down … God showed me that it was my desire to be good more than the actual situation that was bringing me down. I am reading the Raggamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning and it was a moment of epiphany to see myself in this situation… not leaning on Grace but trying to trust in my own do-good self. He is working a fleshy heart in me.
Thursday
14. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations.
Jesus’s authority over the physical world is continued to be seen here through the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law and many sick and demon-possessed people. I see the compassion of Jesus in how He heals Simon’s mother-in-law…goes to her bedside, takes her hand, and helps her sit up. Then the fever left her…so simple, yet with authority. It wasn’t until after sunset, in the darkness, that many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Him. Why? We’re they afraid of being seen? Or were they just waiting for Jesus to complete His meal? 15. What does Keller have to say about this – what stands out to you and why?
The healing shows that Jesus is concerned with and King over the physical world-not just the spiritual.
We don’t usually think of a king as being willing to die in our place. In fact kings are protected, they don’t fight in the battle but Jesus, even being in authority over everything, the King, did suffer and die. “He demonstrated His love toward me, in that while I was yet a sinner, He died for me.” Romans 5;8 May my desire always be to follow Him.
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise?
God is showing me what’s important and what’s not…not having to be right but being gracious, listening instead of speaking and keeping my eyes upon Him rather than the things of this world. To dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and anything praiseworthy. Oh, Lord I know You’re working in my heart. May I be obedient to Your voice.
So good, Sharon. Not have to be right but be gracious.
14. Share what happens in Mark 1:31-32. Jesus takes the hand of Peter’s mother-in-law who is sick and heals her immediately. He has authority over sickness and over everything else. He is sovereign and omnipotent and has authority over sickness and everything including sin and demons and spirits. He is so wonderful and healed all those who were brought to him that evening. Keller says that Jesus has authority over every realm of life. That is inclusive!
Elaine Hedy
Good to hear from you Elaine. Good thoughts!
7. Read Mark 1:16-20 and share what is happening, making observations.
Jesus is walking along the Sea of Galilee and calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to leave their nets and their father, and follow Him.
8. Read the section in Keller’s book called “Following the King” up to where he has Mark 1:21-22 in italics and share what stands out to you and why.
You can’t have a relationship with Jesus unless He calls you.
Jesus has priority over families.
Knowing, following, loving Jesus must be first priority. Everything else is second.
The Gospel is not about following advice. It’s about following a King.
9. How might you pray this passage?
Father, forgive me for when I cling to earthly treasures or my own plans. Forgive me for putting family, work, others’ opinions and approval before You. Help me to give up all to obey and follow You. You are my core. Everything else comes after You.
10. Have you seen God in your life in the last 24 hours?
My 13 yr old son changed from his small Christian school to the big public school on Monday. Sunday night he asked my husband and I to come pray with him before bed. He had 5 very specific things he wanted to ask God for. God answered every one and way more, completely amazing us. He’s had a great week and loves it!
11. Read Mark 1:21-28. What happens here? Make observations.
Jesus taught on the Sabbath in the synagogue. He surprised them by teaching with authority. He commanded an unclean spirit to leave a man.
12. What does Keller have to say about this?
Jesus is teaching the Scriptures, the story of their lives, as the Author.
His healing shows He cares about and has authority over the physical, not just the spiritual.
Jesus calls us to follow Him because He is the King over all, He loves us, died for us, and is our True Love.
Your son is an inspiration.
I agree with Dee…your son is an inspiration! I will pray for him though. Our older children went to public high school and our youngest went to a private Christian high school. The older kids have many challenges that I believe were born through public schools in general, however even though they were raised in church, they left it at church and didn’t use it in their lives. So sad. It sounds as if your son actually uses his knowledge of Jesus and prayer in his life which is so encouraging! He will have armor against the nastiness of the public school situation these days. I will say that the youngest going to private Christian school (to the tune of $40k) should have come out with a more Christian outlook (you would think), however I am disappointed at how he basically learned very secular ideas there. Not happy with that at all either! So, that why I go back to homeschooling as my preferred choice for the babies at this point. You do live in the south though so I think that is an advantage. The crazy ideas that “progressive” haha people have, won’t be imposed on you yet (I hope). Anyway, I will pray.
Laura–thank you! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! You are such an incredible GIFT to all of us here!
Thanks Lizzy! You guys have lifted me high up when I couldn’t lift myself. Thank you for that 😇😇😇
11. In this passage it is apparent that Jesus taught with authority! When Jesus met the man with the unclean spirit in the synagogue and ordered him to come out, again the comment was made, What is this? A new teaching with authority!
12. Keller says he had authority because he was the author. Mark used this word for the first time. The listeners were dumbfounded with his explanations of their lives. His healing power showed he is king of the physical world.
13. A time when I planned to go one way-yes, I was intent on remaining in Vermont after caring for my mother. I held on to my plan for quite awhile, even when it seemed that I should not. But as I prayed I knew he was directing me back to my home. That was over 5 years now and I do praise God for there was a purpose for me where I am-even though I was disappointed at times. I would have missed many blessings if I had my own way…
14. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations.
Jesus is healing people; first the mother -in-law of Simon, and then “after sunset” as demon possessed were brought to Him.
The healed MIL got up and cooked! So much a woman…
It seems that Jesus was a busy man.
15. What does Keller have to say about this — what stands out to you and why?
I think I answered this in another post… Jesus Proves He has authority over the physical world, not just the spiritual world. The people notice that He touches and people are instantly well. He has real power over sickness.
What stands out is what isn’t written; how could people not believe if they saw these things happen?
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise?
Today, although I lave not felt well, He has been with me. Things that I had to accomplish got done without a hitch, I remember thinking how He must have been there because so many other times I have missed work things aren’t so sharp coming back; copy machine not functioning, link to the lab simulation not working, etc. Thank You Jesus.
Laura, I hope you get to feeling better soon. I wish you were close by and I can pick your brain for ideas for class. We just finished our chapter on Blood. Amazing topic!
Test. My laptop’s browser is acting strange so I am testing. 🙂 smile
14. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations.
Jesus healed Simon’s Mother in Law and then she got up and served them. That evening they brought all to him who were sick or oppressed by demons. What I see is Love came down, to heal us both inwardly and outwardly (oppression by demons and physical sickness). To me this speaks of, well and going back to love…that He deeply cares about both our inward and outward. I am thinking in the present but also thinking of the future when we are with Him face to face.
15. What does Keller have to say about this — what stands out to you and why?
That Jesus is King over the physical and spiritual world. “It is not simply a claim of authority like what the Disciples had, it is also a clear proof and exercise of Jesus’s authority.” That Jesus is in control. he is the original authority-not derived authority as Keller puts it. This is a salve to me.
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise?
I have the most amazing sisters in Christ for He has been at work through them in my life to help me see things I haven’t been able to see.
Love this: “I have the most amazing sisters in Christ for he has been at work through them…”
Yes, Praise God! I agree!
Thursday: Not Just a Claim of Authority
14. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations.
Jesus went to Simon’s ill mother-in-law, took her by the hand, lifted her up, and she was healed so completely that she was able to start serving them. By sundown, word had spread so fast, people were bringing sick and those possessed by demons to Jesus.
15. What does Keller have to say about this — what stands out to you and why?
Keller points out that Jesus is concerned with the physical part of our world not just the spiritual. He has power over all things even sickness.
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise?
Praise for friends who support me and encourage me, the chance to take part in a Bible study online……it is crazy that this is even possible, and confidence in knowing God is in charge.
We are so very glad to have you Christina!
Christina–I agree, it is such a blessing to have this place online for a real study and fellowship. So glad you are with us!
So I’ve silently done the study this week. Crazy week. I’ll answer a few from above randomly…
Keller’s words are great! Especially the gospel not being good advice but what Jesus has already done.
Observing Jesus authority! The man-God. Love that so much. Seeing it again.
Jesus way is counter-cultural but we are to follow Him despite our thoughts. Referring to the disciples leaving everything to follow and Jesus also left everything to accomplish our rescue. I loved the princess & goblin. I’ve had students read it and look for elements of God in it. It’s great to read something like that which makes you think.
God’s course change. I’m sick and getting slowly worse in ways. It’s been 22 yrs. There is so much confusion as to what & how to help. Not great medical care where I live. So I tried to get an appointment finally with the mayo clinic for a proper dx & plan. They rejected me an appointment because I’m not sick enough. So by faith & it was hard to even try to make an appointment. But I stepped out and did. God closed the door by my response. Idk what to do with that yet. But I do trust. And I’m waiting. I listened to the woman with the issue of blood today & was encouraged. She spent so much, saw so many, so much pain but knew Jesus was her only hope. So I too know He is my only hope. He will heal me. He will. I must wait on His timing. And it may be at the last breath but whatever brings him most glory is what I want. I’ve endured 22 years, what’s 40 more if need be in light of eternity. I can lay in my bed and write maybe? Whatever way I will not stop declaring His glory.
Next week I’ll be out of country. So I can’t be on here. I will make it up because I know it will be good! 💕
Oh Angela, I’m sorry you are not feeling well. I will be praying for you to find the answers you are looking for. I will also be praying for your upcoming travel that God will be with you all the way.
I would think 22 years would be sick enough! But yes, we must trust God’s sovereignty.
Father,
I ask You for mercy on Angela. She trusts You, and I ask that You continue to give her faith, peace, and if it is your good will, healing. Be with her as she travels next week.
In Jesus Name I pray
Lord, I pray that you will allow a breakthrough in Angela’s health. Direct her where to go for medical help and perhaps Mayo would reconsider her situation. Praying also for your watch care as she travels out of the country. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
Jean Jay
Welcome Jean Jay!
Welcome, Jean Jay!
Jean–so glad you are joining us. Welcome!
Thursday: Not Just a Claim of Authority
14. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations. – Jesus took Simon’s Mother-in-Law hand and helped her out of bed, (so he touched her) The fever then left her and she then served them. I noticed that my version said after sunset others brought their sick and demon possessed to Jesus. Did they do this so others would not see them going to Jesus for help to be healed? Did they not want to let others they believed in Jesus and the authority he had?
15. What does Keller have to say about this — what stands out to you and why? – That Jesus just doesn’t care about our spiritual health he is concerned with our physical health as well. He as authority over every part of our life and this world. This section shows us that we need to not just know of Jesus, we need him to be touching our lives to be healed. I also loved the paragraph where Keller writes about Jesus asking us to follow him and says “Follow me because I have authority over everything, yet I have humbled myself for you. Because I died on the cross for you when you didn’t have the right beliefs or the right behavior.” Wow, I hadn’t even chosen to follow him yet, but he still had me in his sight and died for me anyway. I have to try really hard every day to do my best to honor him because of what he did for me.
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise? – My friend and I went to visit one of the ladies in our life group who has had a struggle healing up after surgery on a tumor on her brain stem. She is a very independent woman who now has to try and understand she can’t go back to her home that her late husband had built because there are just too many stairs. She was so happy to see us, she cried happy tears to have us there. She talked about everything she was able to process in her thinking. It was all God, to see her sitting and walking, talking and remembering things. Accepting all she has been through after even having doctors say she wasn’t going to make it when the wrong dose of medicine was given to her and went in to kidney failure. It was all God through this and continues to be as Doctors are amazed when they see her on how far she has come with her healing.
Friday: The Princess and the Goblin
17. Read the rest of chapter 2 in Keller’s book and share how the story of the Princess and the Goblin impacts you. Might you read this or read it to children? – I loved how this book shows how we need to continue to always look forward. Things behind us, things in the past can’t be changed. We may get upset for the circumstance that is in front of us, but as Irene did in this book, she fought the enemy of defeat and ended up saving her friend. Jesus in not walking behind us, he never has and never will. He walks in front of us to prepare the way for us, we have to be willing to trust him and believe he is waiting for us at the end of our thread. I am going to look for this book and see if it is on my library app. I’m interested now to see what the whole book is about.
Julie-love this- …he is waiting for us at the end of our thread.
Me too!
17. Read the rest of chapter 2 in Keller’s book and share how the story of the Princess and the Goblin impacts you. Might you read this or read it to children?
The story is sweet; a grandmother holds one end of a ball of string and gives the little girl a ring with the other end. She tells the girl that whenever she feels afraid she can put the ring under her pillow and follow the string back to the grandmother. The g-ma says it may not be a direct route back but it will get her to the g-ma eventually; she must not doubt it. The story continues and the girl has a scary nightmare one night. She puts her ring under her pillow and holds the string and begins to follow it. She believes she will get to her g-ma, but she ends up in a cave where she hears a friend crying out for help. The girl begins to dig through rocks in the cave to get to her friend. Her hands are bloody but she unearths her friend. The string she is following goes into the place where she just unearthed her friend so she begins to follow it. Her friend doesn’t understand why she is going into the place where her friend was stuck? The girl replies that her g-ma gave her the string and told her to follow it and she believed her g-ma to be trustworthy so she would do what her g-ma said to do. Love that it’s a grandmother in this story 😉.
Keller relates the story to that of Jesus and the disciples as well as us. They are to just leave their homes and go with Him; to trust Him, not doubt, not be afraid. The path may not make sense to us if we are the follower of Him, but we are to also trust and not doubt Him.
My favorite line of all in this section?
“He followed his thread to the cross so you can follow yours into his arms.”
I would definitely read this story to the babies!
wow.
Love your reply, Laura. “Love that it’s a grandmother in this story. I would definitely read this story to the babies!”
14. Mark 1:31-32 How Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then she gets up and begins serving-yes, in one sentence all of this happened.
Jesus has authority over sickness!
How have I seen God at work in my life? Well, my friend and neighbor, Debbie, came over as I asked, knowing about the difficulties she is facing.
She shared her sad story of her son, in his 30’s with recurring devastating cancer. We were able to pray together and I lamented and she shed tears.
I know God is at work, but in such a hard way that is tearing her family apart. She loves Jesus, and we must trust his will.
17. The story of the Princess and the Goblin impacts me similarly, as Irene trusts her grandmother, even to following the invisible thread to the pile of rocks where she tears down the rocks with bleeding fingers. I felt so sad as I read this story, as I remember the fears of childhood. Yet the message is real. I struggle with sharing this with a child, yet believe in my heart that it is good to pass on this message. I see the picture of Aslan here: “he may not feel safe, but he is good.”
Shirley, I’m so glad you gave your neighbor Debbie the gift of your time and a listening ear. That’s so important for people who are hurting.
Shirley, what a balm you were to your neighbor, Debbie’s weary heart. So glad you were there for her.
14. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations.
Jesus went to the bedside of Simon’s mother-in-law (she was sick with a fever). He took her by the hand and helped her to sit up, and the fever went away. She was able to get up and cook a meal for Jesus and his friends. That evening, many sick and demon possessed people were brought to Jesus. We aren’t told exactly how the fever went away; Jesus didn’t say anything or do anything “special” other than just help her sit up.
15. What does Keller have to say about this – what stands out to you and why?
The healing confirms that Jesus really does have authority (not just a claim). He has real power over sickness and demons. It also shows He’s concerned not just about the spiritual, but the physical.
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise?
A quiet, rainy day yesterday…making homemade soup…watching a movie with my daughter who is home on winter break. Just simple things and the pleasure of her company.
17. Read the rest of chapter 2 in Keller’s book and share how the story of the Princess and the Goblin impacts you.
There are a lot of metaphors in this story! One is that the thread is invisible; I recall Jesus’ words when He said that though you do not see me, you love me. My faith isn’t something tangible and visible that I can “hold on to”. Not like a security blanket. I just have to trust that there is a “thread” – a connection, a real lifeline between me and Jesus. And following Jesus is always a forward motion. It’s not retreating or hiding. Life can take us into some very scary places that we’d rather not be in. Jesus helps us do what we feel is impossible, much like Irene thought when she faced the stone wall. Her hands bled from removing the stones; we will get hurt in life, too. It doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us.
18. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
I think I need to remember and contemplate more on Jesus’ authority. I like to read and learn about His unconditional love, His mercy, His forgiveness and grace; His tenderness, His becoming human and understanding everything about us. But His authority makes a demand on me. I don’t tend to think as much about His kingship, His authority over everything. Ever since I was young, I was one to find the loophole in the system! I have never liked being told what to do. My husband calls me stubborn.
19. Remembering our symbol of the crown this week, how could you praise the King of Glory? What might you need to confess for going against His authority? Where could you petition Him to help you or someone you love to trust Him as King?
Lord Jesus, I forget that your title, Son of God, comes with a crown. You gave up your glory in heaven and became a man, yet you didn’t lose your crown. It was always there, just unseen. You have the right to be king over me. I confess, I am a woman who likes her own way, who likes to do what I want to do. Sometimes when my husband wants me to do something his way, I bristle inside and determine to do it my way instead. Please forgive me. Help me to obey and follow you as my king, the One who deserves all because it is your right. I can trust that You know, always, the best for me.
Susan, I love your God hunt! It may be simple but so special and sounded cozy!
oh Susan–thank you for your honesty, it convicts my heart and I am praying this with you because I am worse than you!! “I confess, I am a woman who likes her own way, who likes to do what I want to do.”
You and I are in a “bad competition” then, Lizzy!
Love this from Susan:
One is that the thread is invisible; I recall Jesus’ words when He said that though you do not see me, you love me. My faith isn’t something tangible and visible that I can “hold on to”. Not like a security blanket. I just have to trust that there is a “thread” – a connection, a real lifeline between me and Jesus. And following Jesus is always a forward motion. It’s not retreating or hiding. Life can take us into some very scary places that we’d rather not be in. Jesus helps us do what we feel is impossible, much like Irene thought when she faced the stone wall. Her hands bled from removing the stones; we will get hurt in life, too. It doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Happy New Year. I know I am already two weeks behind in your study. We had our grandchildren here last week and I still am finding my days full of things to do and not enough hours to do them. The settling in to the new house is coming but the downsizing is ongoing. We seem to have to spend a lot of time shovelling snow as well. Any way, I would like to join this study; and my husband thinks he has Keller’s book, though it is buried somewhere in a box in the basement. So I am glad to find that you have a link to the introduction and first chapter. Maybe today I will find the book. Meanwhile I will read the linked passage this morning. I have been reading and meditating the first couple of chapters of Mark on my own so hopefully I can catch up with you all.
Diane, happy new year to you as well. Glad to hear you are settling into the new house.
So glad to see you here Diane! Happy New Year!
Hi Diane, Happy New Year, so glad to see you here. Prayers for your settling in and finding time for you.
Oh Yippee — Diane is joining in!
17. Read the rest of chapter 2 in Keller’s book and share how the story of the Princess and the Goblin impacts you. Might you read this or read it to children?
I finally got my book in the mail!
I never have read this book before so I googled it and found a synopsis. I think the princess stands for us who are children of the King and the goblin is the Devil. Would the thread be the everpresent Holy Spirit? The thread is always visible to the princess just as I know the Spirit is with me although I do not see Him. God leads me and it will not necessarily be easy but I need to keep pushing forward. Along the way I need to be resolute.
Saturday: Reflections
18. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
I have just been made keenly aware of my faltering heart in the area of the supremacy of Jesus in my life. It was a time of reckoning for me as I reflect on some things in the near past that I have not really fully surrendered to the Lord. Things that I thought was for His glory was actually self-glorifying. I needed to be made willing to put to death aspirations and the perceived notion of a calling that I know now may not be what He wants me to pursue.
19. Remembering our symbol of the crown for the week, how could you praise the King of Glory? What might you need to confess to going against His authority? Where could you petition Him to help you or someone you love to trust Him as King?
There is no other name, Lord that deserves honor and glory but for Yours alone. Lord, I want you to be king of my life. I confess my tendencies to let “Me” be the one who sits on the throne of my heart. The enemy is indeed very subtle in his approaches. Thank you for using your Word and this blog to open my eyes to his lies. I ask that I will trust you as King.
Bing–I love your prayer “There is no other name, Lord that deserves honor and glory but for Yours alone. Lord, I want you to be king of my life. I confess my tendencies to let “Me” be the one who sits on the throne of my heart.”
Saturday: Reflections
18. What do you think you will remember about this week and why? – I will remember how loved I am by Jesus. He cares about me in every way, from knowing him spiritually, to knowing he has my health in his hands. I can try and find peace in all of this. I say try, because I’m human and will still worry about things that may come up, but if I keep my sights on Him and remember the authority he has over everything, my worry will turn to peace a whole lot quicker.
19. Remembering our symbol of the crown for the week, how could you praise the King of Glory? What might you need to confess for going against His authority? Where could you petition Him to help you or someone you love to trust Him as King? – Jesus, thank you for taking the role that your Father put on you. One you knew would not be easy but you did it anyway because you love us. There is no one that can stand against you. I ask that you forgive me for thinking I know better of what I should do. I need to always come to you first and seek you to find out what I need to do. Help me Lord to always remember you have my best interest in mind. I need your help to feel your nudge when I start to waiver in any area of trusting you. I know you suffered for me, and I want to do what others will know is only from you. I thank you Lord for the many blessings you give me daily. In Jesus Name I pray. AMEN.
18. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
I will remember the the gospel is good news not advice because the good news reminds me that I was chosen by Jesus to be His daughter. It’s not a choice I can take or leave like advice is.
19. Remembering our symbol of the crown for the week, how could you praise the King of Glory? What might you need to confess for going against His authority? Where could you petition Him to help you or someone you love to trust Him as King?
Dearest King Jesus, thank You for bringing the good news to Earth so we have a chance to live with You in heaven, eternally. Without You we would have no options. I am so grateful for Your sacrifice and long to be without the pain of Earth. I am sorry I tend to be self centered. Help me to consider others before myself. I pray for the correct words in a difficult situation with a loved one I have hurt. Please guide me in this sensitive matter, as I do not want to put anymore pain on this person. In Your Royal Name I pray. Amen.
Laura–praying with you for the words to talk with your loved one, for His peace and reconciliation
14. Read Mark 1:31-32 and share what happens. Make observations.
He healed the fever of Simon’s mother in law and she served them. Then they began to bring to Jesus all the sick and demon possessed.
15. What does Keller have to say about this — what stands out to you and why?
Jesus cares not only about the spiritual, but also the physical and has power over all things.
16. How have you seen God at work in your life in the last 24 hours? Praise?
Watching my sons (6 & 13) finally really develop their own friendship. They have spent the last 3 hours playing and laughing in the playroom. That’s a gift from Him alone!
17. Read the rest of chapter 2 in Keller’s book and share how the story of the Princess and the Goblin impacts you. Might you read this or read it to children?
“it may seem a very roundabout way indeed, and you must not doubt the thread”–speaks to me of not understanding His ways, but still trusting in Him
“while you hold it, I hold it too”–He does not let us go, He is with us.
it takes her to the goblins, the source of her fears
only works forward, we cannot try to go backwards, we must take the next step in following Him
She is led into stones she must tear down, she must follow the thread–no matter how difficult our path, He goes before us and calls us to follow.
18. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
Jesus is King. He is far above and beyond my thoughts or understanding, but He is the One worthy of following after.
19. Remembering our symbol of the crown for the week, how could you praise the King of Glory? What might you need to confess for going against His authority? Where could you petition Him to help you or someone you love to trust Him as King?
Father God, You are the One True King, worthy of all honor and praise. Please forgive the ways I try to manipulate and control my world around me, searching for comfort, significance. You gave up everything to be my Comforter, to give me a new name. Help me to show you honor in my talk, my thoughts, my actions, my service and love for others.
I love your God hunt, Lizzy. How good and pleasant it is…
I am intrigued by all your interesting comments about the Princess and the Goblin and the connection between the thread and our life as a Christian. I read the story a long time ago. MacDonald is one of my favorite authors. Time for a re-read, for sure. I need to look at the deeper level.
By the way, my hubby found the Keller book in our basement boxes. Yay! I read chapter one online today and will try to read the next chapter soon. I found the first chapter very good. He showed lots of connections to the Old Testament (especially Genesis) that I had never seen before! It was convicting as well! I need to re-read chapter one as well.
It is so good to be back with you all. “Iron sharpens iron.”
Diane–so glad he found the book and you can join us! I always smile when I see you here 🙂
Great!
18. What do you think you will remember about this week and why? The thread and the song. The thread because it is a very poignant description of our walk with Christ. We need to go where He lead regardless of how opposite it seems to us or those around us. It is trust, faith. The song because it really touched me. I have never thought of the Trinity as a dance that I could (and should) join.
19. Remembering our symbol of the crown for the week, how could you praise the King of Glory?
I praise You for being the perfect King, the One I can trust, the One who will never fail me. You always have my best interest at heart no matter what it looks like to me or anyone else. You will lead me into perfection if I will let you.
What might you need to confess for going against His authority? Where could you petition Him to help you or someone you love to trust Him as King?
As always it is work related. I was given an assignment and right in the middle of it the supervisor pulled me off and gave it to another tech who she thought could handle the situation better. I have worked with this tech for over 10 years (and I have 20 years seniority on her). I really liked her at first, but have come to realize that she is not a team player and does whatever she can to make herself look good, even if it means lying or cutting other people down. She has gotten into the good graces of the new supervisor, where I have not. I know that she trash talks about me because my supervisor has said as much. She is not very knowledgeable about our profession, but she is personable and a people pleaser. I, on the other hand, like to keep to myself, I’d rather just be behind the scenes and do the job.
I and 3 others at my work were given a test by the outsourced management team to test our base knowledge about our job. One of the other test takers was the aforementioned tech. I knew that I had passed when the outsourced manager said “Good job on the test!”. My supervisor later told me that I was the only one who passed. The interim manager went on to say in a meeting with the supervisor and a union rep. that I did excellent on the test so it was proved that I know my job and I felt a little vindicated.
What I am petitioning Him for help with is pride. I know that within myself I want to say ‘Yes! Good job! Now everyone should know that you are smarter than the people that they think are the lead techs.’ I know that any gift is given by the Lord and it could be gone in an instant. I know that I need to be humble and have a servant’s heart and I fear that right now I want to boast about myself instead of being humble and trusting Him to handle the circumstances. While I know that I should follow Joseph’s example, I find myself telling anyone who has a sympathetic ear about the circumstances.
I worry that this post is yet another venue to prove myself, but I seriously need to address this idol!
Dawn–I like this “We need to go where He lead regardless of how opposite it seems to us or those around us.”–especially the second part, as I have felt many times the Lord has led me in a direction that seemed crazy to many around me, including family, and yet it was His voice! It can be hard to keep walking in those times, but we walk by faith and not sight and sometimes that’s hard for others to see or understand.
What a nightmare for you at work. I’m sorry you are going through this!
I think you are allowed to feel good about the test, and then put it aside. No more talking about it, but you have the reassurance that you do know what you’re doing. In my job, I work with many women (harder than working with men). They can be catty. I can’t keep up with all their “shenanigans” so I don’t. I try my best to keep my focus on the work and being kind to my students and immediate colleagues. That’s what God would want me to do. I think your focus should be, on whatever job you are given, how well you perform it for God. I’m curious as to what the job is now!
Thanks for being so vulnerable, Dawn. I think we can all identify!
Side note: My first thought when the princess found her friend in the pile of rubble was ‘Did grandma see her trapped and leave her? Or did Grandma trap her in there?