Book of Mark Bible Study: Week One
For our Mark study, we are reading about 20ish verses a day, and following the SOAP method. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Each day we read the daily Scripture, Observe what is going on matter-of-factly, question how we can Apply it to our lives, and then Pray it back to the Lord.
What I'm committing to doing each week is hitting the main things I'm reading, observing, applying, and praying.
Let's dive in to week one!
Day One - Mark 1:1-28
Mark 1:12-13 -
"At once the Spirit sent Him out into the wilderness, and He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals and angels attended Him."
These verses stuck out to me because before Jesus' ministry fully began, He went to the wilderness for 40 days to fast and pray. This was my first day of the 30 day Mark study (obviously), the first day of my 40 day Draw the Circle Prayer journey, AND the first day of my new 8 week nutrition/workout plan. I was excited to see what the Lord would do in my life over the few weeks in my life. (I can already tell you, He's been working!) My prayer for this day was to begin to have open eyes and an open heart for what the Lord would do. And for an attitude that would be willing to obey.
Day Two - Mark 1:29-45
In verses 25, 34, and 43-44, it says that Jesus told them not to tell. Why? One of my college profs told us that Jesus was preparing for how He would reveal Himself and the time was not yet ready. For me, I want to be open with my faith and my new journeys (mainly the Mark & Prayer ones) but I have to be aware of what is just between me and the Lord. Somethings need to be shared, the things that bring Him the most glory. With that said, I won't be sharing everything or everyone I'm praying about and for, but when I feel the Lord wants me to share, I will!
Day Three - Mark 2:1-17
On Sunday before we started this journey, I had a huge breakdown at my aunt's house. In full transparency, I was wrecked. I have had an amazing life and with the risk of sounding too cliche, I know how truly blessed I am (there's a full honest post coming later). But I had this overwhelming feeling that I've "done everything right" and there are a few things that just don't add up in my life.
Why am I still single at 27 and why won't I have my Momma on my wedding day?
Even typing that out now, I feel short of breath and the tears are coming. Again, let me reiterate. I have an amazing life. But one of those two questions is a deep desire of mine to be married. My 3 BFFs from kindergarten are all married with babies and so is my sister. I want to be in the same life stage as them and for some reason I'm not. All of my friends still have both their parents, and for some reason I don't.
What does this have to do with Mark 2:1-17?
Mark 2:17 -
"On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I have not come to call the righteousness, but sinners."
It has never and never will be about my actions to be more righteous. Serving at church, caring for others, mentoring students - all of those things that I have done are good. But it all goes back to the fact that I'm a sinner who needed a Savior. He gently reminded me of this when I read vs 17. Regardless of how much I do "right", it will never be enough. God's plan for me is just that. A plan for me. It is different for all us. I'm still working through this roadblock in my life and Satan knows just how to apply pressure on the wound. I'll share more later, but for now, my prayer for that day was this - Lord, remind me that my life isn't about what I do, but Who I do it for.
Day Four - Mark 2:18-27
Mark 2:27 -
"Then He said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
This day was a bit more simpler. He gave us the Sabbath as a gift for rest and rejuvenation. Lord, how am I handling this gift You've so graciously given me?
Day Five - Mark 3:1-19
Mark 3:3 -
"Jesus said to the shriveled hand, 'Stand up in front of everyone'."
Jesus called this man to stand up in front of everyone so they could see them clearly. The pharisees were waiting for Him to make a mistake, but instead He performed a miracle. What does this have to do with us? Two directions - 1. When people realize our position on things as Christians, like Christ, they'll be watching us for a mistake. 2. When things happen to us (a shriveled hand, a loss of a parent), He is creating the space for us to show others what He can do in our lives. He asks us to stand in front everyone so they can see Him.
Day Six - Mark 3:20-35
Mark 3:35 -
"Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
Another gift from God - a family. I don't know what your family background is or if it is similar to mine, but God offers us an eternal family, a spiritual family. I felt it (and still do) at the church I grew up in, the ministries I was involved with in college and the 2 churches I've attended since college. When you have a common denominator, you're drawn closer together. Think of fraternities and sororities, groups who return from mission trips, and of course, even families. He offers us all of that. And we just have to say yes.
Day 7 - Mark 4:1-20
Mark 4:18-20 -
"Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop - some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown."
I don't want my life to be unfruitful during hard times. I have to cling to His word that has been sown into my life over the years. Without Him, what would be the point? He is my saving grace and my sanity.
I hope y'all enjoyed this little look into my Mark journey! Technically we're on day 24/30 so I should have the next post ready soon!