Mark 11:12-21 What’s your first response when you hear the word religion? Do your ears automatically close? Do you groan inwardly or announce the end of the conversation? If so, why? Do you think of personal faith, a formal institution, or a set of prescribed practices or behaviors? It is a word I seldom use […]
Mark 11:1-11 What would you give to know the future? If we could see the future, we could prepare accordingly. We’d know which roads are accident-free or how to invest for maximum gains. We might know how to avoid risk and pain in our choices. Sometimes, when someone predicts the future, we ask, “Are you […]
Mark 10:46-52 Sight is one of the fantastic five senses God has given us. Some people consider it to be the greatest of the five. For those who can see, we too often take this blessing for granted. The process of sight in human development is fascinating. Newborns can only see things within 8 to […]
Mark 10:17-31 An interviewer once asked Donald Trump, “What do you think about death? Do you worry about dying?” Trump said, “No. I’m fatalistic; I protect myself as well as anybody can. I prepare for things.” However, as Mr. Trump walked away, he hesitated momentarily. “No,” he said finally, “I don’t believe in reincarnation, heaven […]
Mark 10:13-16 Many of us have heard stories about someone buying something for a few dollars at a yard sale or flea market and then learning that what they purchased was worth much more than what they had paid. The seller did not know the value of the item they were offering for sale, or […]
Mark 10:1-12 Do you know the secret to a lasting marriage? I’m sure there are as many answers as opinions, and some will be right. Some would say that love is the most critical component. Do you agree? I don’t. I’ll tell you why in a few minutes. In Greek mythology, Sirens were beautiful sea […]
Mark 9:30-41 “Core values” have become somewhat of a buzzword in business. Core values include a commitment to a quality product or service and creating value for the customer in the interaction. Integrity, knowledge, innovation, and more can be core values. These underlying principles guide the relationship between the business, its employees, and its customers. Core values […]
Mark 9:14-29 Robert and Mary Moffat were missionaries in Bechuanland (Bek-u-An-aland), now Botswana, in the early 1800s. They demonstrated unwavering faith and perseverance. Despite not a single soul embracing their message, they served the Tswana people for a decade. Even the leaders of their mission board questioned the prudence of their mission, but the thought […]
Mark 9:1-8 On February 12, 2018, the officially commissioned portraits of former President Obama and First Lady Michele were unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The portraits now hang in the Smithsonian-operated Museum, where a complete collection of previous presidential portraits also hangs. Imagine the anticipation in the room as two large portraits, shrouded […]
Mark 8:34-38 This is the second part of my teaching on this text. In the previous episode, I stated that you and I must take several ACTIONS to accept the costs associated with discipleship. The first action was to “give up your identity.” We delved into the profound act of surrendering to Christ, choosing to […]
