Tuesday, April 19 by Rev. Rick Mang

Read Mark 10:1-16.

It is pretty obvious that both the religious leaders of his day, as well as his own disciples, often criticized Jesus for spending too much time with the wrong people.  Who were the “wrong” people?  Children, tax collectors, sinners, the poor, and the sick.  Some thought that Jesus should have spent more time with important leaders and the devout, in order to improve his position and to perhaps avoid criticism.

Jesus didn’t need to improve his position.  Why? He was God, the Christ.  His concern was to be with all those who needed him most.

Dear God, open our eyes to those who need us most, to help them, and to witness your love toward them through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Monday, April 18 by Cheri Rutledge

Read Mark 9:30-50.

In these verses, Jesus and His disciples are traveling and Jesus is teaching. Along their journey, the disciples argue about who is the greatest among them. Jesus’ response, in verse 35, is “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last…” and He goes on to instruct them that anyone welcoming a child (least in order of social status) in His name, also welcomes the One who sent Him. To think about putting others first, to put oneself last in importance, is an upside down way of thinking for the disciples. And it seems no less difficult for us to apply to our lives today. We’re taught from childhood to strive to be the best, that being competitive and ‘winning’ is a good thing. It’s not easy to find a balance; but as followers of Christ, we should practice putting our own needs aside for a while. It’s only then that we can truly open our hearts and see the needs of others.

Our precious heavenly Father, show us how to find a balance in this fast-paced, competitive world. A balance where we can feel good about accomplishments which come from hard work and discipline, while resisting the temptation to always focus on ourselves. Help us to live according to your word, remembering that “to be first” we must “be the very last.”  Amen.

Sunday, April 17 by Jenny Davidson

Read Mark 15:25-39.

Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus walked on earth as both man and God. God wanted us to know that he understood everything that we encounter, we think, we struggle with.  During this ninth hour, Jesus took on all of the sins of the world. His intimate fellowship with God the Father was temporarily broken.  The words that he cried out are the same words of David found in Psalm 22.  This Psalm begins with despair but ends with a renewed trust in God.  Perhaps that was what Jesus was quoting. He knew that soon his relationship with God would be restored.

How many times do we cry out to God wondering where he is but not long afterwards, realize he was there all along? Where does your faith, your trust in God need restoring today?

Patient God, thank you for your love and understanding.  Please give me the courage to trust that you are always beside me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Saturday, April 16 by Rev. Armando Alvarado

Read Mark 9:1-29.

“'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes'” Mark 9:23 NIV

Miracles happen every day. Just a few days ago Maria came to me asking “¿Me pueden ayudar?”, “Can you help me?” Elodia, another mom from the Grapevine Village, asked “¿Conoces alguien que me puede ayudar?”, “Do you know someone who can help me?” Though their needs were different, they were asking the same question…“Can you help me?”

As I read about the Transfiguration and the healing of the boy with the evil spirit, I wondered what the author of the Gospel of Mark was trying to tell me. Believing is a big part in our walk with Jesus Christ. Because we believe, we trust God is loving, compassionate and healing.

When we open the doors and begin a relationship with the community, Grapevine Village in particular, we establish a partnership… in Greek, “koinonia.” Most people think that this word means only fellowship, but it goes deeper than that, it’s about sharing material and wealth. The Grapevine Village is a community with a vast amount of diverse gifts and needs. The miracle is how we engage in this partnership as a community, as a church, as the body of Christ. As Jesus said “Everything is possible for him who believes.” I believe we experience miracles when we listen, pray and entrust our gifts from God to share and encounter transformation.

Padre Dios, help us to believe that miracles can occur everyday. Transform our hearts as we engage in our communities and impact our lives, as we trust in you. Amen.

Friday, April 15 by Melissia Mason

Read Mark 8:27-38.

Remember that tension you felt in school when the teacher asked a question? Do you raise your hand and risk being wrong? Or do you keep silent even though you think you know the answer? Do you speak up when you have something to say? Or do you keep quiet?

It strikes me that Peter was always ready to speak up.  First he answered Jesus’ question, revealing that Jesus was the Messiah. Correct answer. Then Peter steps up and questions the suffering and rejection that Jesus will undergo. Wrong answer. Jesus rebukes him.

What I learn from Peter is that the risk is worth the danger. In order to become the rock on which the church was built, Peter went through times of being right and times of making huge mistakes. But he persevered and became a pillar of the church.

God, help me to persevere. When we see an injustice, give us the boldness to speak up. When questions plague us, guide us to the answers. Amen.

Thursday, April 14 by Bev Campisi

Read Mark 8:11-26.

The disciples always give me hope, yet I know if I were God I would sure get weary! He gave me two eyes, yet I fail to see as through His eyes.  My ears are open to hear what is familiar to me, yet closed to hear His word through others.  How can my oh-so-loving heart be hardened against some of the people He loves, when I am commanded to love my neighbor?  How can I forget that He can miraculously and abundantly provide in seemingly impossible situations?  How is it possible I still don’t understand?

When our children were little, and yes, even when they were “big” (bless them), I would grow weary of their questions:  “Why?”  “Why not?” Their arguments: “What?!  You’ve got to be kidding!?!”  Their rolling eyes.  Their expectations for me to provide what they wanted... miraculously!  I grew weary, but I loved them anyway.  I WANTED them to understand.  They were worth the effort.

Isn’t it wonderful that God doesn’t grow weary as quickly as I do?  So just like the Pharisees, I may question Jesus.  I may ask him for a sign from heaven.  I may argue with him.  And just like the disciples, I may question him and not get it…yet and still!

But I’m still growing and I trust He is NOT finished with me yet!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that even though my actions may cause you to sigh deeply, your love is unending and you will continue to help me understand.  I am so grateful that you have assured me through your life and your death and your resurrection that I am worth it!  Amen.

Wednesday, April 13 by Rev. Melburn Sibley

Read Mark 8:1-10.

What lessons can we learn from this passage?

One is that God cares about all our needs; physical, spiritual and emotional.

We also see that God can do what we never dreamed possible. Imagine how reluctant the disciples must have been when Jesus told them to have the people sit down and then to hear Him say a blessing for the food!
Another important part of the story is that the disciples were willing to share what they had. Have you heard a new tither say: “ somehow I am getting by on nine-tenths better than I did when I kept all I had for myself?”  Wonderful things happen when we entrust what we have for God’s use.

We are blessed as we are a blessing to others.

Dear Lord, thank you for all we have received. Help me to have a generous heart to be an instrument you can use to bless others.  Amen.