Mark 1
FV1
2 As it is written in the Prophets:
“ Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.”
I like this verse because You always prepare the way for me when You ask me to do something. You will not ask me to do something that I cannot do. You always make a way..
3 “ The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘ Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’”
I like this verse because sometimes, You send me as a messenger to make things straight for You to come again.. You use me to put things in order for Your Kingdom to be established. And I like to be used by You. I feel very important.. like a key person.. same as when You ask me to build a school for You also.. I feel really important..
4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
I like verse because it always starts with repentance.. sometimes when I want to come back to You again,.. it starts with repentance. When I ask You to forgive me, then it is easier to come back.. now I know what to do when I feel far from You.
5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
I like this verse because there was a revival. I would love to see the nations come to You from everywhere, to be cleansed by You, to come back to You.. it really touches my heart to see that. It is my desire.
7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
I like this verse because John the Baptist was so humble.. he really put Jesus as such a high position.. even when He is his cousin. In a way, it makes me feel like I want to be like John the Baptist in the way he looks up to You.
8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
I like this verse because You bring the Holy Spirit for me. I love the Holy Spirit and I need You everyday. Without You I cannot do anything. I really need You to guide me each step of the way. I cannot live without You, Holy Spirit. I want to do everything in the Spirit.
9 It came to pass in those days
that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
I like this verse because You were humble.. Although You were the Christ, but You chose to put Yourself under certain authority and spiritual order and protocol. Even You put Yourself subject to it.
10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.
I like this verse because its so nice the way Your Spirit descended. It shows Your beauty and majesty. It shows Your awesomeness. There is nothing like that in the earth. When You are with me, it's like that too. The things You do to show Your love for me is so special. Nothing is like it. You really treat me so special. That's just You and the way You treat people that You love.
11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
I like this verse because You really go all out for me, to show everyone that You love me. People can see how much You love me. You're not a person that loves me in secret, but You love me openly when I love You openly. You dare to show people. It speaks Your character a lot.. You know,.. sometime guys, when they love a girl.. they are afraid to make the first move.. and then again, there are girls who make the first move.. I guess it just speaks Your character as an individual that You are a person who dares to make the first move in this relationship. You know.. many people thought that You are a god that is very quiet and all.. but You are far from it. You are loud and outspoken. You don't care about what people think because You are God, and You act like You're God.. hehe..
13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.
I like this verse because in times of temptation, You bring angels to minister to me, it may be people or it may be ministering angels.. but You always provide the good in the bad times also. I guess that's You.. that's Your love for me. You can't leave me alone.. You can't stop doing nice things for me.
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
I like this verse because there is timing. There is always a time for everything and I know that You will tell me when is the right time. Sometimes, it's not that I made the wrong decision, I just made the right decision at the wrong time. I need You to tell me what time it is.
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
I like this verse because You ask me to follow You. You chose me.. I wonder why.. I feel really touched that You want me. Among all the people in the world, You picked me to follow You. It is an honor to walk everywhere You go, and to enter into the places that You enter. To do the things that You do. To follow after Your footsteps. To be like You. To follow exactly like You.
I feel so touched that You want me to follow You. Don't I irritate You? Don't I disappoint You? Don't I make You unhappy or angry? Don't I make You upset with me all the time? But You still want me to follow You.. You don't make mistakes, right? I wonder why then did You choose me. I have so many weaknesses.. I think if I'd mention them all, I'd get depressed just writing them..
But if I have a chance to follow You.. if You give me that option, I would grab it. I would seize it and follow You with all I can. Because that is all I ever wanted and there is nothing else I want more than to follow You. What can I do in this world which can be more meaningful than that? What- catching fish? If I follow You, I can do so much more- save people. This is what You can do- You can make my life from nothing to worth something. All I want is You. I will give my all to follow You. I would leave my nets.. I would leave my family, I would leave my house to follow You. It's not a very hard thing- what is mine anyway? It's like giving a rubbish man a position as CEO of the largest company in the world- Microsoft? What's so hard?
18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
I like this verse because I am impressed by them that they left immediately. They didn't make excuses or ask for extra time to prepare anything. Many times, when You ask me to do something, I am like.. "err.. what? Now, arh?.. You sure? You like.. very sure?.. Why not later? Why not someone else?.." I have a thousand and one excuses. They were more than just obedient. They were immediate.
20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.
I like this verse because they went after You. I don't believe it, but I actually have this mental picture of them literally running after You. I can imagine them on the beach there.. running! I know it wasn't mentioned in the Bible.. It was just my imagination.. I would probably be something I would have done if You walked too fast.. I would be like.. "Hey! Wait for me!!!" I will run after You..
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.
I like this verse because You taught me so many things that I cannot learn elsewhere. So many things in my life.. I can't even recall all of it. I think every single thing I know comes from You. You taught me everything I know, Lord.. Everything.. that's just Your character.. You like to teach. I guess that's why everyone called You 'teacher' that time. You know.. if You are teaching then I believe that I should be teaching as well.. I should teach Your word to the class on Sundays.. because that's what You like to do.
22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
I like this verse because You are different. You have something that other people don't have. You have authority. You have boldness when You speak. Everyone knows that You are the Son of God. There is an awesomeness when You speak. You are not dry and weak like the scribes.. boring and all.. but You are full of life and energy.. when people hear, they wake up! And when You speak, such revelation flows.. that's when I know if it is from You or not. I really admire You so much.. You know I like presentations and all.. and I like to speak out publicly.. although I am a shy person.. but I like it when I do something right and everyone praises me.. haha.. who doesn't? And of course I have role models too.. I admire people like my sis Debbie because of the way she used to speak in front of crowds.. I always pretend that I am her. But You are much better than that! You are like the best speaker.. You are indeed my greatest role model.. :)
24 saying, “Let
us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
I like this verse because everyone knows You in the spiritual realm.. hahaha.. I can't imagine their faces when they see You.. It's like their greatest nightmare! It's so fun.. casting out demons and stuff.. I guess I should have been there to witness the whole thing.. It's just so cool, the way You scare them like that.. hehehe.. I think it was really cool.. nuts.. should've taken a video of it! It's so cool..
27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine
is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
I like this verse because You not just scared the demons but the people also.. You freaked them out.. they were like.. what the.. hahah.. I guess it was really an eye opener for them.. They never seen anything like it before! It must be really fun doing stuff like that, huh.. ahh.. wish I was one of those people who supported You that time.. I would've been so proud of You and myself for following such a geng person..
28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.
I like this verse because Your face spread so fast.. You just started Your ministry only.. Everybody liked You.. they thought that You were special. I think You're special too. I'm not surprised at how people are receptive towards You.. How much they hunger.. when they hear,.. news spread so fast.. Sometimes I imagine if it happened in todays time.. hehe.. I think I'd see You on Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman shows.. You have something to give that other people don't. And this something is the exact thing that I am searching for.
29 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
I like this verse because You went to Your disciples' house. Just like You're coming to mine. I am Your disciple, right? And You want to build Your relationships with Your disciples. I appreciate the effort You make to get close to me.. and we become like one big happy family.
30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.
I like this verse because when there is a problem, people go to You first. And I think it should be that way.. when people have a problem, they should come to me first, because I have You,.. and when I have a problem, the first person I should go to is You.
31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
I like this verse because You took her by the hand. I always picture myself as her.. I feel so touched. It showed Your love.. It's so sweet of You to take me by the hand and lift me up from my situation.
It's the same as yesterday's devotion.. You also took the little girl by the hand. In that devotion, I mentioned "I just need You to believe in me, and I can do anything.." and I liked that phrase so much that it became my msn nick. I think You're trying to say something to me.. there are similarities between these two chapters, and this is one of them.
So in both situations, You took me by the hand and lifted me up. I thank You, Jesus for doing that for me. I really appreciate it so much. I thought that You were far away, but You were holding my hand and lifting me up. How could I not see that? You are so special to me.
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.
I like this verse because people were crazy for You.. sun set already still want to come.. they were desperate.. just like I am desperate.. I don't care.. seriously.. I am so desperate for You..
33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.
I like this verse because so many came, until the door there also crowded.. There is something in my heart that cannot be described. The longing I have to be wherever You are.. If You're in the wilderness, I'll go.. if You're in the house, I'll go. If You're in Australia.. -_-" I'll go..
34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
I like this verse because throughout Your whole life on earth.. this is what You did, and You were not bored of it.. I am amazed.. You just gave Yourself to the people.. You just give Yourself to me like that.. all the time spent just healing me from my stupid heartaches.. just transforming my rotten life, over and over again.. and You're not sick of it.. I wonder how You tolerate me..
I really admire You.. I really wish that I can be like You.. one day..
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
I like this verse because of Your relationship with God.. You were desperate to spend time with Him too.. and I need this desperation.. If I really long for You, the compact duties of the day cannot hold me down.. because I should even wake up before that to spend time with You.
38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”
I like this verse because You're very focused. You don't just try to please everyone. You know why You are here and You are all out to accomplish it. I admire Your focus and stability. You are not easily swayed by people. People don't tell You what to do. I wish that I could be more firm sometimes instead of letting people drive me up and down. I need more of Your character in my life.
39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.
I like this verse because You are a person of regions.. You try to cover the whole region, and then go to the next region and cover it.. I don't know, but there is something territorial about the whole thing.. Sometimes You place me at a certain place, and then You bring me to another place.. and then when it's done, You bring me to another place.. but You don't bring me to another place until the whole area is covered.
40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
I like this verse because it was so touching.. he was so.. desperate.. when he said those words,.. my heart just melted.. "If You are willing.." wah.. I think I cry man.. if I am Jesus, I will also say.. I am more than willing.. it's like my friend to tried to belanja me makan.. I wanted to pay her back.. but she insisted.. and she said.. "It's okay.. you don't have to pay me back.. just tell me more about Jesus." ..my heart just melted to nothing.. And I will never forget that day.. I was more than willing..
41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out
His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
I like this verse because You were moved with compassion.. sometimes the things I do have to be out of compassion.. I picture it.. A leper.. no one wants to touch- came. And when it comes to healing lepers.. You always touch them.. just like when it comes to healing people on the bed, You take their hand and lift them up.. then paralyzed people, You command them to take up their bed.. there is a certain similarity.. a pattern.. I know there are explanations for each one of them.. Paralyzed people have to overcome their disbelief.. those people on the bed need someone to love them and support them.. and the leper needs someone to be willing.. to be willing to touch them.. to love them more than they love themselves when others were afraid of touching them.
When You said "I am willing.." it wasn't just "I am willing to make you clean.." but "I am willing to touch you with my bare hand.." it was that kind of willing that cleansed him. He wasn't just healed of his sickness. He was healed right there in his heart.
When the leper said.. "If You are willing.." it showed his hurt and fear of being avoided.. after so many lepers that You cleansed and all those stories, I am sure it was evident that You were willing.. he needn't ask. After all, I bet he came all the way because he heard that You heal lepers in the first place.. if not he wouldn't have been there.. but he was so hurt and all.. he had to ask first. I mean.. what made him any different from the other lepers? Why need he ask? He needn't. But he ask out of the fear of being rejected.. disappointed- hurt. That's why You were moved with compassion. Because You had compassion on his soul that was so hurt.. so broken inside.. aihhh.. now I also feel the compassion.. sigh..
42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
I like this verse because he wasn't healed when You touched him but when You spoke that You were willing and ask him to be cleansed. But most of all, I like this verse because he was cleansed.. it was a happy story! Yay~! My favorite leper was cleansed! Hallelujah!!!
45 However, he went out and began to proclaim
it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.
I like this verse because it is the last verse.. and I am done! Hahaha.. just kidding.. I like it because the people came from every direction to a deserted place.. well.. I guess that place isn't so deserted after all! You changed even a deserted place to a major meeting point of people from every direction.. it was crowded! There were so many people there.. thousands.. many times, I feel that I also am deserted.. but it is only a good sign to show that You will make my life as a major meeting point and I will meet people from every direction! From all over the world.. hehe.. thank You, Jesus..
* tRUST & OBey the LORD *
