Shepherd of the Hills - Richfield, Wisconsin
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
Mark 1:1-13 (NIV)
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism and Testing of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
What do you think would happen if you went away by yourself for 40 days and faced your temptations?
Forty days alone in a wilderness with my temptations is a scary thought, yet maybe that is something I may need to do. I think for me it would show me what is really important in my life rather than what I busy myself with. To be hungry, thirsty, and scared would really have my attention focused on God's provision in my life. Time to focus on my temptations would certainly shame me before our Lord.
Lord how easily my eyes drift from all you have done for me. This world’s temptations have taken up residence not only in my eyes but often in my heart. Forgive me, dear Lord, that things of this world would become more important than your love for me. Help my heart find contentment in the joy and peace you give me, realizing anew what a price you have paid. Let me count the cost of not seeing you at work in my life every day. I want to surrender my heart and mind to you always. Amen
Daily Devotions - In God's Hands
Daily Devotions - Renew a right spirit within me
Daily Devotions - Prepare my way
Daily Devotions - God directs those who listen
The sincerity of the magi’s worship of Jesus is contrasted with Herod’s insincere pledge to worship Jesus.
Daily Devotions - Walk in faith in the face of rejection
Daily Devotions - Persevere in Righteous Living
Daily Devotions - Thank-offering
Daily Devotions - You know my Name
Daily Devotions - Keep yourselves in God’s love
Daily Devotions - Witness for the truth
Daily Devotions - Truth and Love
Daily Devotions - Authentic Relationships
Daily Devotions - Fear
Daily Devotions - Loving God
Daily Devotions - Test the Spirits
Daily Devotions - Love God, Love Others
Daily Devotions - Child of God
Daily Devotions - Today is the Day
Daily Devotions - Rebuild the Church
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