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Finding Jesus First - How Scripture comes to life when we make it more about Christ than ourselves. Mar 03, 2025

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My recent passion has been to discover Jesus on every page of Scripture. For a long time, my first impulse was to seek myself, which is honestly typical human behavior. However, at times I overlooked the Ruler to focus on the rules, which led me to misunderstand them. I encourage you to perceive the entirety of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, as a JESUS BOOK. When you see Him, you witness perfection and glory, resulting in deeper faith and greater appreciation for the Messiah. Then, when you examine a second time for application, things may appear a bit different, and you will be the better for it. Join me as we explore a couple of examples to illustrate all of this.

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Mark 13 - Daily Bible Devotional Mar 03, 2025

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Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com
Mark 13

Jesus leaves the temple and announces that it will be completely torn down. His four closest apostles later ask Him about this devastating event. Jesus tells them that many things must happen first, and they should not believe those who claim to know the time of the temple’s destruction. The gospel must first be preached. The apostles would face heavy persecution before it happened. But when the attack draws near, He warns them to flee to the mountains and get far away from Jerusalem. It will be a judgment on the Jews and the destruction will be accomplished by Jesus. These things would happen during their generation. The disciples are warned not to be misled by false teachers, but to stay alert. No one knows the day or the hour.

Jesus describes the destruction of Jerusalem. It was the judgment of Christ after He ascended to heaven, but it was carried out by the Roman government. Jerusalem was destroyed, many Jews were killed, and the temple was completely dismantled. This was God’s punishment upon the Jews for killing His Son and refusing His kingdom. This took place in 70 A.D. Leading up to it, there were rumors and false prophecies. Jesus was warning about that decades in advance. The key was to stay alert and ready to go. This has clear parallels to the destruction that is coming in the final judgment and our need to be alert and prepared. No one knows the day or the hour.

Dear Father, we know You took no joy in the destruction of the Jewish city, temple, and people. Your judgment was forced by their refusal to honor Christ. They were warned, and most did not listen. Great God, we pray for open hearts and ears. Help us to commit to Christ and to wait for His return. Sadly, it will also be a judgment day against the ungodly, and it will come on a day no one knows. We want to be ready. Please discipline us to be on the alert, so we will be saved when that day comes.

Thought Questions:

- God destroyed His temple because of unbelief among the Jews. What does that tell you about how serious the Father is about faithful living?

- Before the judgment day of God, the apostles would have to face persecution and trust in the Spirit. Are you prepared to do the same today?

- There is a final day of judgment coming. What are the daily things you think and do to make sure you are always prepared for His return?

Mark 12 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 28, 2025

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Jesus and the Jewish leaders battle in this chapter. It begins with the parable of the vineyard workers. They attack the owner’s delegates and eventually kill his son. The result was wrath from the father and the destruction of the murderers. The Jews know Jesus is talking about them, so they send inquisitors to try and trap Jesus in His words. They ask Him about paying poll taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds by saying to give Caesar his taxes. They ask about a seven-time widow and her marriage in heaven. Jesus responds with divine wisdom about eternity. They ask about the greatest commandment, and He responds perfectly with the law of love. These prideful men are set in contrast with the humble widow who contributes all that she has to God.

The widow at the end is praised by Jesus because her devotion to God is real and sacrificial. She is fully committed to God, while many others only give out of their surplus. She is the opposite of the Jewish leaders. The parable at the beginning is about killing the son of the owner so they can have the vineyard. The motivation is selfishness and greed. All their questions for Jesus are about diminishing Him so they don’t have to submit. Their main priority is themselves and what they can get and keep. We are challenged to be less like them and more like the widow at the end. It cannot be about us and Him. We must choose Him.

Benevolent Father, You are a gracious gift giver and we have all that we could ever need. Help us to see this in Jesus and His church and to flee the temptation to be greedy and worldly. The Pharisees turned against Jesus because He sought a seat of authority in their hearts that they wanted for themselves. Father, forgive our selfish thinking and any greed or envy that is born of it. Train us to trust Jesus and never to question His wisdom. Humble us to be like the widow, freely giving all that we have to You.

Thought Questions:

- How does your life change when you see yourself as belonging to God, instead of seeing God and His creation as merely gifts for you?

- The Jews asked hard questions of Jesus. We may ask some as well. What is the right way to approach your King when asking for clarity?

- Most believers are somewhere between the ones giving out of surplus and the widow giving all she had. How do we grow in this area?

Mark 11 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 27, 2025

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The events of this chapter connect to a barren fig tree. Jesus approaches a tree that has no fruit on it. He immediately condemns it to never bear figs again. The next day, the tree is shriveled up and the disciples ask about it. Jesus responds with these four words: “Have faith in God.” He goes on to say that incredible things are possible if disciples trust in God. In Jesus’ midst are people of faith, like those who lay down coats and worship Jesus as He enters Jerusalem. But there are also hard-hearted Pharisees who have no faith. They defile God’s temple with money tables. And they question Christ’s authority over them, though He silences them almost immediately. They are like that fig tree, condemned for being spiritually barren.

The gospel of Jesus has had the same effect, all over the world, for centuries. Some believe. They lay their coats before Him and worship Him as their King. Believers pray in His name, live with great faith, and bear amazing fruit in His honor. These are the few and they belong to Him. But there are always many who live for themselves, are overtaken by greed, and will not submit to Christ’s right to rule their lives. They are plants with every ability to thrive but are fruitless and dead. We must choose, every day, which of the two we are going to be. We are the fig trees, and Jesus has the ongoing right to draw from us richly.

Loving Father and gift giver, we praise Your name for the coming of Jesus to be our Savior and King. May we sing as believers did when He entered Jerusalem: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord…” Indeed He is blessed, and He is a blessing to all who believe in Him. Help us to bear fruit by His power and for His glory. Lead us to be prayerful, to ask forgiveness when our branches grow bare, and to give Him the authority and the right to draw from us things that please Him.

Thought Questions:

- The plant imagery is helpful. If you are a fig tree that belongs to Jesus, how does that impact the nourishment and growth you pursue daily?

- Jesus was deeply offended that the temple of God was infiltrated by greed. Is there a sense in which that has meaning for us in His church?

- There is instruction on prayer in this chapter. Why does Jesus call us to forgive “anything against anyone” before we seek God’s forgiveness?

Mark 10 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 26, 2025

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This chapter is packed with events: the Pharisees question Jesus about divorce and the rich young ruler turns from Jesus when asked to sell all he has. Jesus speaks of how difficult it is for the rich to be saved. The apostles have given up everything, but they struggle to understand that the mission will cost Jesus His life and theirs as well. James and John ask for positions of glory, but Jesus informs them that great sacrifice will be required first. A blind beggar approaches asking Jesus to heal Him. The disciples try to silence him, but Jesus heals him because of his faith. There is a common thread of love and mercy throughout all these stories. Everyone needs to learn that the kingdom is about caring for others.

The Pharisees asked about divorce. But that was not God’s will, because it would be unloving and consequential for the wife who was sent away. The rich man was asked to sell his goods and give them to help the poor, but he did not have the heart to do it. The apostles sought places of honor because they struggled to see the mission as being about others. They even tried to prevent a blind man from being healed. Jesus came to earth because He loves us and wants to provide blessings for us. His followers will make decisions based on how they affect other people. We are here to love God and love our neighbor with sacrificial love.

Wonderful Father of love, please soften our hearts to feel more love and compassion for others. It was Your love for us that brought Your Son to come and die for our sins. Whether it is our spouse, the poor among us, or fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, help us to make decisions that reflect care for them. Selfishness is dangerous and hurtful. Cleanse our hearts and make us more like Your Son. Give us the wisdom to see the blind around us looking for sight and develop in us the Christ-like compassion to show Jesus to them.

Thought Questions:

- What would happen to divorce in our country if everyone prioritized selfless love and service for the person they chose to marry?

- How would the poor and homeless be affected in our area if all believers extended charity to them in the likeness of Jesus’ kindness to us?

- Will you take some time today to look around at people, all people, and see them with the same love and compassion that Jesus does?

Mark 9 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 25, 2025

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Jesus is transfigured on the mountain, as Peter, James, and John look on. They see Elijah and Moses appear, and they hear the Father say: “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” This is a great moment of honor for the Son. Afterward, however, many seem to lack full trust in Him. The disciples lack the faith to cast a demon from a boy, and Jesus must step in and do it. Jesus later tries to teach the disciples more about His coming death, but they are enamored with a discussion of who among them is greatest. Jesus emphasizes the greatest to be the one who serves. He then teaches about not causing others to stumble, and instead making sacrifices to serve them. Hell is reserved for those who refuse.

The comforting part about the imperfect faith of the disciples is that we can relate. He had shown them so much. And He was counting on them to shine so brightly. Yet, they sometimes were not prayerful enough and lacked the power to do great things. They often got sidetracked about places of honor and personal greatness. We know too well those same shortcomings and emotions. And yet, Jesus came to save us. He came to patiently teach us and help us grow in understanding. He warns us of the possibility of hell if we are prideful and hurt others, but even that warning is an act of grace to help us yearn and strive for greater faith.

Holy, heavenly Father. We know You sit in a place of eternal glory. Thank You for sending Jesus to this earth to lead us home to You. Thank You for testifying of His glory in wonderful ways. We lack the faith You deserve. Lord, we believe; but we ask you to help our unbelief. Help us to make time to pray, and to commit to a closer walk with Christ. May that extend beyond just loving Him and cause us to be more loving and committed to the people You put in our lives, careful to not make them stumble.

Thought Questions:

- The Father said, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” How do those words affect you? What are some things Jesus said that you must hear?

- Jesus was upset when the man said, “If you can do anything, take pity on us.” How does faith require more than just asking “if” Jesus can help?

- To cause tender souls to stumble is highly offensive to the Lord. How far are you willing to go to keep someone from being discouraged?

Give It Time - How praying for the patience to wait provides blessings beyond imagination. Feb 24, 2025

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Thank you. Thank you for listening. I appreciate your patience with me. Thank you for your love and kindness. It wasn't easy to decide to revisit the document from last February. I trust you understand that I do not intend to shift focus onto someone else or mount a defense. That's all in the past. But it has been a year. Time has been a valuable asset, and I want to use a specific event to illustrate how God is at work. Please receive this with that intent—an example of God’s grace in my life. And thank you once again for your friendship.

Mark 8 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 24, 2025

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Jesus has a compassionate heart. This leads him to feed thousands because He sees that they are hungry. This is a sign of His power and love. However, the Pharisees come asking for more signs. For them, nothing Jesus does will be enough to believe. It is this hard-heartedness He warns the disciples to avoid. Jesus then heals a blind man. This physical sight given by faith is set in contrast to the Pharisees who think they see and yet remain spiritually blind. Jesus then asks His disciples who they believe Him to be. They say, “You are the Christ.” This faith would be crucial, as their faith would be tested by His arrest and death, as well as the extreme sacrifices they would be called to make in His name.

Jesus demonstrates His glory and His right to be called the Christ. We must choose whether to believe in Him or not. But this cannot be done halfway. His call to disciples is extreme. It starts with demanding we understand that His Lordship would require His death. Peter struggled with this. More than that, He demands allegiance from us for His glory. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. We must lose our life in devotion to Him to see the salvation of our lives in eternity. Many will want to give everything to be saved in the judgment and will have nothing to give. We must serve Him now, confessing His name courageously in this world.

Great Father, we thank You for your lovingkindness and the compassion that Your Son has for us. We know that His ability to help us is only limited by the borders of our faith. Help us to expand our trust and surrender our entire lives to Him. We sometimes fall into pride, blindness to truth, and even doubts about Your will. But great God, we believe Your Son is the Christ sent to die for our salvation. Forgive our failings and restore us to commitment and strength and to never be ashamed of our Lord.

Thought Questions:

- Do you believe Jesus sees you and feels for you in times of struggle? How do you trust in that, even when results do not come right away?

- The Pharisees had things in their hearts that blinded them to Christ’s glory. What has He done in your life to keep your heart from hardening?

- What does it mean to lose your life for His sake? And what would it profit you to keep your life and gain the world but not have Jesus?

Mark 7 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 21, 2025

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The Pharisees show up making accusations against Jesus’ disciples for not properly washing their hands. Jesus quickly confronts them about enforcing their traditions on others, while at the same time, neglecting actual commandments! Jesus then explains to His disciples that these accusations are matters of the heart. If the intentions of the heart are selfish, prideful, and bitter, then it will show up in a merciless view and application of God’s law. Following the educated Pharisee’s sinfulness, we are introduced to a Gentile woman who pleads for Jesus’ help to cure her demon-possessed daughter. She begs for His help, and He rewards her faith. Jesus also heals a deaf man. The leaders who know the law are condemned, and those who do not know it well, but have humble hearts, are blessed!

The contrast between the characters in this chapter is potent. It opens with the Jewish leaders accusing, being unkind, and enforcing their own rules. They neglected important laws of mercy, like caring for their parents. In comparison, the Gentile woman is utterly humble before the Lord so that she can save her daughter! She is entirely motivated by love and unrelenting in her pursuit of Jesus. We must be constantly checking our hearts, especially as we grow in knowledge. We will never be any more worthy than the Gentile woman or the deaf man. We must approach Jesus for help and be willing to carry His spirit of compassion to everyone around us, including our parents.

Dear Lord, we call upon You to examine our hearts. Your Son teaches that the intentions of the heart represent the true nature of a person. Cleanse us of all pride, evil thoughts, deceit, and ungodly anger. Help us understand how to know Your law and teach it, but with a spirit of kindness, patience, and love. May we never be as foolish and misguided as the Pharisees. Instead, teach us to be like the Gentile woman and the deaf man, who humbly pursued Jesus. We call upon Him for blessings in our lives and for those we love.

Thought Questions:

- Knowledge can lead to pride. How are you careful not to bind your interpretations of scriptures on others unlawfully as the Pharisees did?

- How do you check your heart? Jesus says that is the key to everything. What is the process of making sure your heart is pure and undefiled?

- A man prayed for his ears to be cleared and His tongue mended. In a spiritual sense, how can you pray for similar things today?

Mark 6 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 20, 2025

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Jesus returns to His hometown but is not greatly honored there. He does few miracles because of their unbelief. He then summons the twelve apostles and sends them out in pairs to work miracles and teach people to repent of their sins. They have wonderful success in the ministry. Following this, Jesus works two large-scale miracles: He feeds the 5,000 followers with five loaves and two fish. And after sending the disciples across the sea in a boat, He approaches them walking on the water! The disciples are astonished because their hearts are not yet fully softened to understanding the glory of Christ. Between these events, the author Mark records the story of John the Baptist being beheaded by Herod at the request of the daughter of Herodias.

This chapter shows the challenges Jesus faced in His ministry. He was the perfect Teacher, and yet people in His hometown doubted Him. He sent out the apostles and they did well, but at other times they didn’t understand His power to feed the people or control the water on the sea. Added to this, Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist died at the hands of evil men, and this brought Jesus great sorrow. Two lessons emerge. First, Jesus never gave up. He stayed patient and committed and kept going and teaching. Two, we must carry His spirit into our daily walk. Some will doubt us, while others support us. Some may leave us. We must keep going in Christ.

God of patience and grace, it is hard to imagine people seeing Your Son in the flesh and doubting His worthiness. And yet, He faced an assortment of doubters and disappointments. We praise Him for His endurance and limitless love for people. Thank you for feeding us and calming the seas, even when we do not have the depth of faith that we should. May Your Son’s work in our lives open our eyes to His nearness and give us the courage to live each day in confidence. And please send us out on the mission of sharing His great name!

Thought Questions:

- If Jesus received less honor in His hometown, what can you expect from the people who have known you the longest? How will you react to that?

- John the Baptist lost his life in service to God. How does his story give you the resolve to be strong in truth even when others do not approve?

- Jesus was not always pleased with His disciples, but He never stopped mentoring them. Do you believe He has that same patience with you?

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