Bible Chapter: Mark 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    God loves everyone and desires their salvation. There is an astounding battle to prevent people from receiving this gift from God.  Even as the Gospel is preached and people respond, not all will follow through and live a dedicated Christian life.  Some of the seed will bring results that do not last.  Other seed produces a large spiritual crop.
    Salvation comes through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit.  While salvation is a free gift from God, there is a cost to follow Jesus.  The Bible talks about counting the cost.  There must be a heart change that makes Jesus the Lord, Master and Controller of life.  True salvation comes through the convincing work of the Holy Spirit.  A genuine heart conversion is required.  The battle for the soul doesn’t end when a person prays a prayer of repentance.  When the real pull and temptation of Satan comes, many fall away.  We also deal with the issue of worldly concerns, riches and pleasure.  The Bible says the love of money is the root of evil.  We also live in a world that worships pleasure.  If it is not fun, I don’t want any part of it.  This mentality has drifted to the church world.  We have to entertain to get a crowd.  That should not be.  The power and presence of God is more than enough.
    This chapter gives another potent example of the power of God and His call for us to have faith in Him.  They were in a boat on the water.  As happens there often, a powerful storm came up and they were afraid they would sink.  Jesus had to be awakened by the disciples (we can see how worried He was).  He simply spoke the words and the storm stopped, to the amazement of the disciples.  Jesus asked them why they were afraid and then said, “Do you still have no faith?”  Over and over in the life of Jesus we are challenged to have faith in Him for anything.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Even those who have been saved need to continue to grow in their understanding of the gift of eternal life Jesus offers.  While it is a simple act of faith to receive the gift from God, it is also much more.  It requires belief and then spiritual growth.  In the growth people must give control to the Lord.  There will be issues we all deal with to pull us away and cause confusion.  Material possessions and pleasures will always be put before us to pull us away.  Cares and problems will interfere.  Growth spiritually must continue continually.
    I also need to continue to stretch in faith.  Fear is so easy to come in and hinder.  Give God control and let Him deal with the challenges.  It is interesting that Jesus asked the disciples if they had any faith when the literal storm was large.  That lake has a history of bad storms coming up quickly.  It is a large and deep lake.  The disciples were experienced in what could happen and yet Jesus asked why they were concerned.  Where is your faith?  It is a good question to ponder.

3.  How can I help someone?
    As I am reading this chapter and writing this, I am challenged to pray more for the spiritual eyes, the spiritual understanding of people to be opened.  The more I think about it the more I am amazed at how spiritually blinded people are.  So many truths should be so obvious and yet people just stumble through life not able to see what is right in front of them.  I can help people by interceding for them to hear and respond to the work of the Holy Spirit.