(Translated version, original article written in Chinese by Pastor Mickey Hsiao)
Worship
By singing praises and hymns, awake your soul, open your heart to the Lord, and prepare yourself to welcome the presence of God and receive the Word of God that will be given to you.
Thanksgiving
Petition with thanksgiving to God for a wonderful day and pray sincerely for a focused Scripture reading time! (Do not rush into reading the Bible without starting with prayers!) (e.g., you may start with a simple prayer like this: “Dear Lord, what will you be speaking to me today?)
Scripture Reading
Get the following items ready in advance: your devotional notebook, paper, pen, and/or electronic devotional articles so that you can easily write down the Bible verses, questions, and thoughts you have noticed! You are encouraged to open your Bible and vocally read out the scriptures (Try to practice this reading method daily or once a week)!
Scripture Reading: Mark Ch. 1 (ESV)
Meditation
Take a moment to quietly reflect on today’s Scriptures. Through such exercises, let God’s Word be gradually written into our hearts and be inscribed to our mind.
Devotional
Read the devotional articles prepared by CBCLWA (*Read the Bible first before reading any devotional materials.)
(vv. 1-15) The overall recount of Jesus’s gospel ministry is much more fast-paced and action-packed in the Book of Mark than in the Book of Matthew. In the Book of Mark, there are fewer records of teachings from Jesus and there is no mentioning of the genealogy and the birth of Jesus. As if we were watching breaking news, the Book of Mark started with: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” – it reveals the protagonist of the gospel directly! Next, it introduces John the Baptist — a forerunner before Jesus. John is the messenger described by the prophet Isaiah to “prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” preaching a baptism of repentance in the wilderness. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the river Jordan and then be tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Fast-forwarding, this Chapter began the recount of Jesus’ ministry, referencing his preaching on the Kingdom of God in Galilee: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Brothers and sisters, what is the gospel of God? The gospel is the good news, the power of God – through the atonement of the cross of Jesus – to save all who believe in Him. Jesus said “repent and believe” – that is the most important and eminent message we must remember when we preach the gospel.
(vv. 16-34) Later Jesus met his disciples by the sea and asked them to follow him. Immediately, they submitted to him and put everything aside to follow him. In the synagogue, unlike the teachers of the law, Jesus taught with authority and people were astonished by his teaching. Jesus drove out an impure spirit from someone who was demon-possessed just by his commands. Simon’s mother-in-law was healed by Jesus. As soon as Jesus touched her hand and helped her sit up, her fever subsided and she got up to serve. All of these amazing powers of Jesus were testified through these recounts and his authority is from heaven. Such authority, like healing diseases and driving out impure spirits, was witnessed by his disciples and heard by many people.
At that time, Jesus’ reputation spread everywhere. Many people – sick and demon-possessed – all came to Jesus. He healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons.
Do you acknowledge the authority of Jesus? Today, pick one thing from your to-do-list and do it in such a way that shows your willingness to submit to Jesus! May you be blessed because of your obedience and may you witness what Jesus will do as a consequence of your choice.
(vv. 35-45) The scripture says that Jesus went off to a solitary place to pray very early in the morning. When Peter told him, “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus unexpectedly replied “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Jesus was eager to rise early to start his day with prayer, making himself ready to face people and everything he has to deal with that day. Jesus purposely avoided the crowds so he can focus on preaching the word of God, which was the reason why he came. He knew the priorities and order of the ministry, and his prayer set the best example for us. When we devote the best time of our day to the Lord, we put his word into our hearts — first seek His kingdom and His righteousness. God’s will then guide us throughout the day to help us deal with the people we meet or things we do or say. This way, we are able to make good use of our time, and will have no concerns for getting caught up in trivial matters that may delay other more important things. Those of you who have started daily devotions, have you started to experience the power of praying?
Pray
Give thanks to God for His enabling us to read the Scriptures and for our response for living out the Word of God today! (e.g., You may start with a simple prayer like this: “Dear Lord, what/where are you going to lead me to today?”)