TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. Mark 1:32
Read: Mark 1:32-34
Listen: Mark 1
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Word spreads across the region. There’s a new teacher in town who has authority and power like no one they’ve ever seen. It doesn’t take long before the whole town gathers at the house where Jesus is staying. People bring friends, family and neighbors who are demon-possessed and sick. They’re confident that since he’s healed others, he can help their loved ones in the same way.
We each have unique stories that showcase Jesus’s power. Maybe we know Jesus’s power through a restored relationship. It could be we experience his peace amid our anxiety. We may know his comfort during illness or deep grief. Maybe we know the freedom Jesus brings from addiction. As Jesus works in our lives, people will likely notice and begin to wonder what’s happening. We can “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).
When we share Jesus’s work in us, we provide opportunities for others to experience his healing and power. We give God the credit as we share why our lives look different now. We can let people know it’s not our power or strength at work but his. In doing so, we honor God and open the door for others to see how he can work on their behalf too.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Journal what God has done in your life through Jesus. List a few things he has done and ask God who you could share them with. Write down any names God brings to mind and pray for opportunities to share with them over the next week.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
July is SOLITUDE. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
