Category: Daily Prayer

Our Gospel this week is Mark 4:26-34, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

Jesus used parables about nature because it was a familiar subject to most of those listening. He used the parts of God’s creation we can see to help explain the parts we can’t see. This is the reason He came to earth, so we could see in Him God’s love and His plan for us.

It isn’t easy to grasp heavenly concepts and comparing these to earthly things is inadequate. We can’t know the full joy of eternity in our human form, but Jesus taught that it will be more wonderful than anything we can imagine. Knowing God’s love here should energize us to share it and to prepare eagerly for Christ’s return.

While our faith may seem small, and our efforts feeble, God can use us to spread the Good News. We are called to be part of His work here, telling others of His love and mercy. All can be saved and restored through the blessing of Jesus.

Heavenly Father, we offer You our thanks and praise. Help us to share the wonder of Your love and the hope for eternity with You. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is Mark 4:26-34, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

“The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. The soil produces a crop by itself — first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.” And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to describe it? It’s like a mustard seed that, when sown upon the soil, is the smallest of all the seeds on the ground. And when sown, it comes up and grows taller than all the garden plants, and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky can nest in its shade.” He was speaking the word to them with many parables like these, as they were able to understand. He did not speak to them without a parable. Privately, however, he explained everything to his own disciples.

Jesus used parables to engage people in the lessons He had for them. It was a means to capture their attention and make them aware of God’s love and how His kingdom works. His parables caused people to think and ask questions, which enabled them to learn more and share the joy of a relationship with Jesus.

This passage tells us that He explained the meaning of the parables in private. This wasn’t “secret” information to be kept from others, Jesus wanted to ensure the disciples knew what they would need to continue His work after He returned to heaven. It was an effective teaching method that shared the Good News and encouraged people to want to know more.

We can share God’s love in similar ways, telling how He has acted in our lives. We don’t need heavy theological themes, just an honest account of our connection with Him. The old spiritual says “if you can’t preach like Peter, if you can’t pray like Paul, just tell the love of Jesus and say He died for all.” What matters most is our earnest desire to help others find their connection with the Lord.

Gracious God, we are thankful for the call to be part of Your work. Send us to share Your love in the world, that all may know the truth of Christ. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is Mark 4:26-34, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).

He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

In this parable Jesus speaks of seeds as an example of how our faith can grow. Something small to begin with can become great, providing sustinence and protection. However, while we can be part of the process, we don’t make it happen, nor do we fully understand how it works.

Jesus tells us that like a seed, our faith may seem small but over time it can grow, with God’s help. Like seeds nurtured in the earth by sunlight and water, we grow in faith by water and the spirit and the light of His word. The apostle Paul writes “only God gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:7), reminding us that while we may tend the process, only our Creator can make it happen.

Are you tending your spiritual growth and that of others? God is always ready to help our faith become stronger. God provides what we need when we come to Him in love.

Heavenly Father, You are the source of life and growth. May we be fruitful in our discipleship, learning and growing and sharing Your love. Amen.

Our Epistle this week is 2 Corinthians 5:6-15.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Paul writes to the church in Corinth with words of encouragement about keeping and sharing their faith. He tells them that this world is only our temporary home (v. 8) and we must be ready to join the Lord in eternity. Things we think are valuable here will be worthless there and we should not become attached to them.

He also reminds them that “we live by faith, not by sight” (v. 7) and what we see is not what should drive our lives. Our relationship with God is the most important connection we will ever have and nothing on earth can compare. Jesus was sent to save us because of God’s love for us.

Paul teaches that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (v. 10), not because we can earn our way into heaven by what we do, but that our actions are important to Him. When we love God and each other, doing His will in the world, we make ourselves ready for the gift prepared for us.

Gracious God, we are thankful for wise words from those You inspired to teach us. Help us to learn and apply the lessons we receive that all may know the Good News and Your kingdom may come on earth. Amen.

Our First Reading this week is Ezekiel 17:22-24.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.

God speaks to us through the prophet Ezekiel, expressing His creative power and giving us a glimpse of what is to come. With images of planting a portion of a tree in a new place, He gives an analogy of how He intends to save all His children through the work of the faithful. He tells us “All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall” (v. 24).

He can employ even the smallest and least to accomplish His purpose. His plan has always been to redeem us from sin and to use us to share His love with the world. Even though we were lost, God reaches out to bring us back into His family.

God’s love for us is eternal and unchanging. He chose us from the beginning and wants us to choose Him in return. Let God into your heart and He will bless you to be a blessing in His world.

Wise and wonderful God, we are amazed at Your creation and humbled that You call us to serve in it. Help us to be strong in Your love, sharing it with everyone. Amen.

Our call to worship this week is Psalm 20:5-9.

May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!

This psalm is one of many that offer praise to God for His protection and His might. It reminds us that our strength is not enough to stand against the evil we face. Only through God’s provision for us are we able to be successful.

We sometimes pride ourselves on our technology and knowledge, thinking we have accomplished something ourselves. The truth is all the wonderful things we can do are only through God’s loving gifts to us, enabling our minds and hands to invent and build. Jesus tells us without this connection to God “you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

We must remember that we were created in God’s image, to be in relationship with Him. He made all things for our use, and wants only our good. Turn to Him and let His love make a difference in your life!

Loving Lord, thank You for all Your wonderful gifts. Help us to use them wisely for the good of all Your children. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is Mark 3:20-35, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).

Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Family is an important responsibility and Jesus’ family is worried about Him. They are concerned about His behavior and people’s reaction. It has become such an issue that they say “He is out of his mind” (v. 21).

Even Jesus own family, who know the miracle of His birth and God’s purpose in sending Him, don’t understand. It not what they expected and it’s not what they’re used to seeing in their religion. This isn’t the way the scribes and Pharisees teach at all.

Jesus explains that even those closest to us may not see our faith journey as we do, especially if our call takes us to different places and experiences. Jesus continues His ministry, not denying His earthly family but expanding it, saying “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (v. 35). Love God and obey Him first and always, but also love everyone as part of God’s family.

Gracious God, thank You for the gift of family, those related by birth and those related by association. Help us to love all Your children, regardless of our connection, sharing the Good News with everyone. Amen.

And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, “He has lost His senses.” The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished! But no one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house. “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” — because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.” Answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

In this lesson Jesus says “all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” (v. 28-29). This is an important point, teaching us that speaking against God’s presence with us is the worst of sins. When we reject the Holy Spirit, we reject God Himself.

One might think Jesus would be upset at the things being said about Him, but as always, He is more concerned about our eternal life than anything about Himself. Rather than a rebuttal of the accusations raised against Him, He speaks to us about the importance of connecting with God through the Holy Spirit. Nothing is more essential than loving God and allowing Him to work in our lives.

Jesus shows us how a life in God blesses us, not always with ease and plenty, but with the assurance we are forgiven. God’s everlasting love for us is the connection we need, and we must return that love to Him and all His children. When we love God and neighbor, all other things proceed according to His plan.

Loving Lord, we are ashamed of our sins and want to live new lives through Your mercy. Make us strong in Your spirit to share Your truth with all people. Amen.

Our Gospel lesson is Mark 3:20-35, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” — for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

In this passage Jesus is accused of having “an unclean spirit” and “casting out demons by the prince of demons” (v. 22 & 30). It may be the first time people say He is out of His mind, but it is not the last. Throughout His ministry they saw His passion to save us as a mental illness.

Of course, He wasn’t out of His mind, but in the mind of God. His love and healing went far beyond anything people had seen before, and that was God’s plan all along. In Christ we are given the example of what a life dedicated to God can be.

Jesus didn’t let what people thought of Him change His relationship with God or with others. He was consistent in His devotion to God’s will and persistent in His efforts to teach us God’s way. As the disciples of today, we must show the same love for all and share the Good News we have received.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the example of Jesus, leading us to know Your love and teaching the world about our eternal connection to You. May we go in His name to spread Your truth to all people. Amen.

Our Gospel lesson is Mark 3:20-35, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

Jesus entered a house, and the crowd gathered again so that they were not even able to eat. When his family heard this, they set out to restrain him, because they said, “He’s out of his mind.” The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons.” So he summoned them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is finished. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. “Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for all sins and whatever blasphemies they utter. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” — because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent word to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him and told him, “Look, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside asking for you.” He replied to them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Looking at those sitting in a circle around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

There are times that our faith may seem like foolishness to the rest of the world. Even believers close to us may be overwhelmed and unsettled by what we are called to do and the situations God provides for us to accomplish His will. In this passage, even His family is concerned over what Jesus is doing.

This isn’t the first time Jesus has surprised them with His actions. When He was presented at the Temple as a boy, He stayed behind discussing with the elders and teachers until Joseph and Mary returned to look for Him. His response was “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49).

While our witness and outreach may sometimes seem like foolishness to others, God still asks us to go and do in His name. Paul tells us that “the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). No matter how the world views us, we must follow the path Christ has shown us.

Wise and wonderful God, we know that Your call on our lives may be difficult, but we press on in faith. May we be the workers needed in Your world. Amen.