Tag Archives: Jesus Christ

Grape arbor - green leaves and purple grapes

Lent Day 20 – The True Vine

grapes on the vine with a sunset glow

Image by Felix Wolf from Pixabay

Lent Devotions
Lent Week Three – for Catch up.
Lent Week Four started March 5, 2018, March 23, 2019, and Feb 22, 2023

Lent Day Twenty
The True Vine

Music

You are the Vine – True Vine Music

Scripture Passage

John 15:1-19

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.

Devotion

Actually, we are going to discuss John 15:1-19.

  • 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper.
  • 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches.
    •  Jesus is speaking, so HE is the true vine.
  • 2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.
  • 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[a] My disciples.
    • Branches are to produce fruit
  • 4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.
  • 5 …The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.
    • Branches need to remain in the Vine
  • 2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes,
  •  6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 
    • Not remaining in Him is disastrous.
  • 4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.
  •  7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 
    • There are benefits to remaining in the Vine

How do we ‘get into’ the vine?

Romans 11: 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root[b] of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.

Romans 11: 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Romans 11:24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

Yes, the Romans passages are talking about an olive tree, and the John passage is talking about a Vine, but I believe they are talking about the same concept.

  • There were those that were part of the Vine/Tree.
  • The disobeyed/unbelief
  • The vinedresser, husbandman found other healthy branches
  • They were grafted in

Now – just as in the John passage, if you don’t remain in the Vine you will be cut out, there is the warning to these branches that if they, the grafts, were to fall into unbelief, they would not be spared the outcome of the natural branches.

Once we are engrafted into the Vine or tree, it is our responsibility to remain in the vine/tree.  IT IS OUR CHOICE!

How do we remain in the Vine?

In yesterday’s Lent, Day 19, we looked at how believing was a condition for receiving the Spirit of Truth.

Romans 11:20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith.

In The Itty Bitty Bible Study Ephesians 2, I talk about how

Ephesians 28 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

This bears repeating:

Romans 11: 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

We are IN the Vine/Tree because of God’s grace!

We love because HE first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Lent Day 19 talks about how we show our love to God  – John 14 15 “If you love me, keep my commands.

And then, we produce much fruit.  John 158 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[a] My disciples.

Matthew 1323 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We have been given the opportunity to be engrafted into the Vine, by grace through faith so that we can do good works and produce much fruit.  It’s up to us to stay there – to remain – to abide.

There’s one more point – but I don’t know how to make it fit into this devotion. I do want to point it out.  Jesus says:

John 15 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

YOU ARE ALREADY CLEAN because of the word I have spoken to you!

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word,27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

This says that husbands should follow Christ’s example, loving the church, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.  If there’s no earthly husband, we have the heavenly Bridegroom that will still wash us, as we go to Him in prayer and study.

Let’s stay engrafted!

Let’s stay clean!

Worship

I am the Vine – ILP Music

Remain in Me, I am the Vine – Steve Angrisano

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Marching into Mark Chapter 7

Marching into Mark Chapter Seven

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman

Marching into Mark Registry,
the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 75, March 16 )

On Facebook, you can join us at Itty Bitty Bible Study Group.

Passage
Mark Chapter Seven

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

The Images that I use are from Knowing Jesus and are available as downloads in every format that I can imagine for screen savers and wallpapers.

  • Mark 7(With cross referencing to Matthew 15)
    • Mk 7:1-23 – What causes defiling
    • 1 The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Him.
    • They observed the disciples eating with unclean hands which went against the teachings of the Leaders
    • 5 Then the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why don’t Your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders, instead of eating bread with ritually unclean[b] hands?”
    • Jesus calls them on their hypocrisy
    • 8 Disregarding the command of God, you keep the tradition of men.”[d] 9 He also said to them, “You completely invalidate God’s command in order to maintain[e] your tradition!
    • The leaders had made it  so that a son could say his wealth was for God and therefore didn’t need to take care of his parents, invalidating Honor your Father and Mother command.
    • The point –
    • 15 Nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.
    • 18 And He said to them, “Are you also as lacking in understanding? Don’t you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? 19 For it doesn’t go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated.”[i] (As a result, He made all foods clean.[j])
    • That which proceeds out of the man is what defiles the man
    • What actually defiles
    • 20 Then He said, “What comes out of a person—that defiles him. 21 For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, 22 adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, promiscuity, stinginess,[k] blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a person.”
    • Mk7:24-30  Greek woman asking for healing
    • Jesus – “…because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
    • Woman – “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
    • Jesus –  “Because of this reply, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.”
    • Her faith wouldn’t take a NO answer, and it seems she understood the heart of God.
    • Mindfully Meditating in Matthew Chapter 15
    • Mk 7:31-35 Deaf man with a speech difficulty
    •  35 Immediately his ears were opened, his speech difficulty was removed,[o] and he began to speak clearly.
    • Mk 7:37 They were extremely astonished and said, “He has done everything well! He even makes deaf people hear, and people unable to speak, talk!”

A place to see the four gospels compared is from Synoptic Gospel Parallels.

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Mark 7:37
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 37 They were extremely astonished and said, “He has done everything well! He even makes deaf people hear, and people unable to speak, talk!”
  • HE has done everything well! He even makes deaf people hear,
  • He HAS done everything well!
  • He has DONE everything well!
  • He has done EVERYTHING well!
  • He has done everything WELL!

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Songs for Meditation

All Things Well – A’Men Quartet

This is the Kingdom – Elevation Worship

We Declare that the Kingdom of God is Here – Ron Kenoly

Coloring – I use coloring to help me focus on the fullness of a verse.

Mark Coloring page – Ministry to Children – simple enough to finish in an hour or less

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.  Some thoughts to dig deeper.

  1. Why do you think Jesus went from talking about unclean hands to talking about honoring your Mother and Father?
    1. GotQuestions answers what is CORBAN?
  2. Why did Jesus call the woman a dog?
    1. GotQuestions discusses this from the Matthew account.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Marching into Mark Chapter Six

Marching into Mark Chapter Six

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Marching into Mark Registry,
the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 73, March 14 )

 

On Facebook, you can join us at Itty Bitty Bible Study Group.

Passage
Mark Chapter Six

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

The Images that I use are from Knowing Jesus and are available as downloads in every format that I can imagine for screen savers and wallpapers.

  • Mark 6 (cross referenced to Matthew 9, 10 and 14)
    • Mk 6:1-6 Rejected
      • Hometown Boy – Nazareth
      • Preached – they dismissed him
        • 2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom given to Him, and how are these miracles performed by His hands? 
        • 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t His sisters here with us?” So they were offended by Him.
        • They also probably remembered the whole mess about Mary’s pregnancy – but that’s not Bible.
      • And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. Mark 6:5
      • Because of their unbelief – few miracles were done there.
        • 5 So He was not able to do any miracles[a] there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He was amazed at their unbelief.
    • Mk 6:7-13 Commissioning the Twelve
      • 7 He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs
      • and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
      • 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a walking stick: no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts.
      • 9 They were to wear sandals, but not put on an extra shirt.
      • 11 If any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
      • 12 preached that people should repent.
      • 13 And they were driving out many demons,
      • anointing many sick people with olive oil, and healing them.
    • Mk 6:14-29 Death of John the Baptist in Detail
      • 29 When his disciples[i] heard about it, they came and removed his corpse and placed it in a tomb.
    • Mk 6:30- 34 The Apostles returned
      • Come ye yourselves into a desert place, and rest awhile.
      • and Jesus tried to get them to a quiet place
      • People found them and surrounded them
      • 34 So as He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then He began to teach them many things.
    • Mk 6:35-44 Feeding the 5,000
      • Got late
      • Master – send them away so they can eat
      • 37 “You give them something to eat,” He responded.
      • What DO you have?
      • five loaves and two fish
      • Jesus sat the people down in an orderly fashion
        • 41 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke the loaves. He kept giving them to His disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.
        • 42 Everyone ate and was filled.
        • 43 Then they picked up 12 baskets full of pieces of bread and fish. 
        • 44 Now those who ate the loaves were 5,000 men.
    • Mk 6:45 -52 Sent the Apostles ahead in a boat
      • 46 After He said good-bye to them, He went away to the mountain to pray.
      • 48 He saw them being battered as they rowed,[l] because the wind was against them.
      • Around three in the morning[m] He came toward them walking on the sea and wanted to pass by them.
      • 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified.
      • Immediately He spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
      • 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded,
    • Mk 6:53 – 56 Healings all around
      • 56 Wherever He would go, into villages, towns, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him that they might touch just the tassel of His robe. And everyone who touched it was made well.

A place to see the four gospels compared is from Synoptic Gospel Parallels.

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Mark 6:50
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
  • HAVE courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.
  • Have COURAGE! It is I. Don’t be afraid.
  • Have courage! IT IS I. Don’t be afraid.
  • Have courage! It is I! Don’t be afraid.

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Songs for Meditation

Little is Much if God is in It – Bible Baptist Church

This is the Kingdom – Elevation Worship

We Declare that the Kingdom of God is Here – Ron Kenoly

Coloring – I use coloring to help me focus on the fullness of a verse.

Mark Coloring page – Ministry to Children – simple enough to finish in an hour or less

Jesus Walking on the Water – SuperColoring

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.  Some thoughts to dig deeper.

      1. Why do you think that Jesus was rejected by his hometown?
        1. is this the answer”
          1. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his household.”
      2. How can we apply Jesus asking the disciples What do YOU have? YOU feed them?
        1. Got Questions discusses it from both Matthew and Mark.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Marching into Mark, Passage, Meditation, Coloring, Music and Video

Marching into Mark Chapter Five

Marching into Mark Chapter Five

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman

Marching into Mark Registry,
the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 72, March 13 )

On Facebook, you can join us at Itty Bitty Bible Study Group.

Passage
Mark Chapter Five

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

The Images that I use are from Knowing Jesus and are available as downloads in every format that I can imagine for screen savers and wallpapers.

  • Mark 5 (some cross referencing in Matthew 8 and 9)
    • Mk 5:1-20 Gadarene or Gerasene Demoniac
      • vs 1-2 Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 As soon as He got out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs and met Him. 
      • Description:
        • 3 He lived in the tombs. 
        • No one was able to restrain him anymore—even with chains
        • 4 because snapped off the chains and smashed the shackles.
        • No one was strong enough to subdue him.
        • 5 And always, he was crying
        • out among the tombs and in the mountains
        • and cutting himself with stones.
        • recognized Jesus
        • 8 For He had told him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”
        • 7 “What do You have to do with me,[b] Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg[c] You before God, don’t torment me!”
        • named Legion
      • Negotiation
        • begged to be send into a herd of pigs – about 2000
        • Pigs, demon possessed, committed suicide.
      • Results
        • The pig herders ran off and told the town
        • ex-possessed man now dressed and in his right mind, next to Jesus.
        • eyewitnesses repeated the story
        • townsfolk 17 Then they began to beg Him to leave their region.
      • He did not let him, but He said to him, Go home to your people and report them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you. Mark 5:19
      • The rest of the story
        • the man who had been demon-possessed kept begging Him to be with Him.
        • given a mission – go back and tell
        • 20 So he went out and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed.
        • Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Chapter 8
    • Mk 5:21-24, 35-42 Jairus’s daughter healed
      • Jairus came and begged Jesus to come and heal his daughter
      • 24 So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd was following and pressing against Him.
      • “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher anymore?”
      • 36 But  Jesus  said, , “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.”
      • 42 Immediately the girl got up and began to walk. (She was 12 years old.) At this they were utterly astounded.
    • Mk 5:24-34 Women that touched His garment
      • 24 So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd was following and pressing against Him.
      • Woman suffering for 12 years (issue of blood made her unclean)
        • 26 had endured much under many doctors.
        • She had spent everything she had
        • and was not helped at all.
        • On the contrary, she became worse.
      • 28 For she said, “If I can just touch His robes, I’ll be made well!”
      • Immediately healed
      • 30  Jesus said, “Who touched My robes?”
      • 34 “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well.[h] Go in peace and be free[i] from your affliction.”

A place to see the four gospels compared is from Synoptic Gospel Parallels.

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Mark 5:28
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 28 For she said, “If I can just touch His robes, I’ll be made well!”
  • IF I can just touch His robes, I’ll be made well!
  • If I CAN just touch His robes, I’ll be made well!
  • If I can JUST touch His robes, I’ll be made well!
  • If I can just TOUCH His robes, I’ll be made well!

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Songs for Meditation

He Touched Me – Joey + Rory

This is the Kingdom – Elevation Worship

We Declare that the Kingdom of God is Here – Ron Kenoly

Coloring – I use coloring to help me focus on the fullness of a verse.

Mark Coloring page – Ministry to Children – simple enough to finish in an hour or less

Coloring pages for Jairus’s daughter story by Connect Us

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.  Some thoughts to dig deeper.

    1. Why do you think the demons did not want to be sent out of that region?
      1. I didn’t find great references to that, but I found GotQuestions starts by addressing why only one of two(spoken of in Matthew) and if you go to the additional resources, you can find more information about this account.
    2. Why did Jesus know power had gone out of Him?
      1. GotQuestions has  some insight into the Women with the Issue of Blood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Marching into Mark Chapter Three

Marching into Mark Chapter three

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Marching into Mark Registry,
the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 65, March 6)

On Facebook, you can join us at Itty Bitty Bible Study Group.

Passage
Mark Chapter Three

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

The Images that I use are from Knowing Jesus and are available as downloads in every format that I can imagine for screen savers and wallpapers.

  • Mark 3
    • Mk 3:1-6 Healing on the Sabbath and the consequences
      •  4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent.
      • Hand is Healed
      • 6 Immediately the Pharisees went out and started plotting with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.
    • Mk 3:7-12 Ministering from a boat
      • 10 Since He had healed many, all who had diseases were pressing toward Him to touch Him.
      • 11 Whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, those possessed fell down before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God!”
    • Mk 3:13- 19 the 12 apostles
      • 14 He also appointed 12—He also named them apostles[b]—to be with Him, to send them out to preach,
      • 15 and to have authority to[c] drive out demons.
      • names all twelve
    • Mk 3:20-21 Family opinion
      • 21 When His family heard this, they set out to restrain Him, because they said, “He’s out of His mind.”
    • Mk 3:22 – 26 Casting out Demons
      • 22 The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul in Him!” and, “He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons!”
      • 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
    • Mk 3:27 – 30  Blaspheming the Holy Spirit
      • 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”[j]—
    • Mk 3:31-35 Finishes the topic about his family
      • 31 Then His mother and His brothers came, and standing outside, they sent word to Him and called Him.
        • Remember – 21 When His family heard this, they set out to restrain Him, because they said, “He’s out of His mind.”
      • True Family of God
        • 33 He replied to them, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” 
        • 34 And looking about at those who were sitting in a circle around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 
        • 35 Whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”

 

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Mark 3:35
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 35 Whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”
  • WHOEVER does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.
  • Whoever DOES the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.
  • Whoever does THE will of God is My brother and sister and mother.
  • Whoever does the WILL of God is My brother and sister and mother.

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Songs for Meditation

The Family God – Bill Gaither

This is the Kingdom – Elevation Worship

We Declare that the Kingdom of God is Here – Ron Kenoly

Coloring – I use coloring to help me focus on the fullness of a verse.

Mark Coloring page – Ministry to Children – simple enough to finish in an hour or less

no other coloring pages, I’m sorry

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.  Some thoughts to dig deeper.

  1. What was so important about healing on the sabbath?
    1. GotQuestions has an excellent discussion on this.
  2. Why did Jesus tell demons to be silent?
    1. No one really knows, but there are some great discussions on Biblical Heremuetics
    2. I refer to Mark 1:45 as a reason.
  3. What was Jesus saying about family when He pointed to everyone around Him?
    1. There is a great, deeper dive into this at Understanding that will enlighten and challenge you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Marching into Mark Chapter Two

Marching into Mark Chapter two

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Marching into Mark Registry,
the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 65, March 6)

Passage
Mark Chapter Two

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

The Images that I use are from Knowing Jesus and are available as downloads in every format that I can imagine for screen savers and wallpapers.

  • Mark 2 (cross referenced with Matthew 9)
    • Mk 2:1-12 – Paralytic Man comes through the roof
      • When He entered Capernaum again after some days, it was reported that He was at home.
        • 2 So many people gathered together that there was no more room,
        • 3 Then they came to Him bringing a paralytic, carried by four men.
        • THEY CLIMBED ON THE ROOF, TORE IT OPEN ENOUGH FOR A MAN AND A MAT AND LOWERED HIM DOWN!!!
        • 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
      • Scribes and Pharisees got upset
        •  7 “Why does He speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
        • IT WENT AGAINST EVERYTHING THEY WERE TAUGHT
        • 10 But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” He told the paralytic, 11 “I tell you: get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
    • Mk 2:13 Levi called – went immediately
    • Mk 2:15-17 Dinner at Levi’s – snooping Sadducees and Pharisees
      • 16 When the scribes of the Pharisees[e] saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat[f] with tax collectors and sinners?”
      • “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do need one. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
    • Mk 2:18- 22 Why don’t they fast?
      • 18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees[g] were fasting. People came and asked Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees’ disciples fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”
      • “The wedding guests[h] cannot fast while the groom is with them, can they? As long as they have the groom with them, they cannot fast.
      •  20 But the time[i] will come when the groom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.
        • Then the wineskin analogy – hitting the OLD religious ways again.
    • Mk 2:23-28 What’s the Sabbath about
      • disciples pick some grain on the sabbath –
        • 24 The Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”
      • Jesus brought up the AMAZING KING DAVID – and reminded them he ate the bread for priests.
      • 27 Then He told them, “The Sabbath was made for[k] man and not man for[l] the Sabbath. 
      • 28 Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

For more information go to Mindfully Meditating in Matthew chapter 9

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Mark 2:5
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
  • SEEING their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, Son your sins are forgiven.
  • Seeing THEIR faith, Jesus told the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven.
  • Seeing their FAITH, Jesus told the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven.
  • Seeing their faith, JESUS told the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven.

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Songs for Meditation

This is the Kingdom – Elevation Worship

We Declare that the Kingdom of God is Here – Ron Kenoly

Coloring – I use coloring to help me focus on the fullness of a verse.

Mark Coloring page – Ministry to Children – simple enough to finish in an hour or less

Jesus heals the paralytic man by Connect Us

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

    1. Why did Jesus call the paralytic man Son?
      1. Biblical Hermeneutics has a very good explanation on this.
    2. What did Jesus mean with “I didn’t call the righteous but sinners”?
      1. BibleRef gives a clear observation as well as tying it back into the paralytic’s forgiveness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Marching into Mark, Passage, Meditation, Coloring, Music and Video

Marching into Mark Chapter One

Marching into Mark Chapter One

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman

Marching into Mark Registry,
the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 65, March 6)

Passage
Mark Chapter One

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

The Images that I use are from Knowing Jesus and are available as downloads in every format that I can imagine for screen savers and wallpapers.

  • Mk 1:1 What Mark is talking about
    • The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of GodJesus Christ the Son of God Mark 1:1
  • Mk1:2- 3 John the Baptist – Fulfillment of Prophecy
    • 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:[a]
    • Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You,
      who will prepare Your way.[b]
    • A voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
      Prepare the way for the Lord;
      make His paths straight![
  • Mk 1:4-8 What John Did
    • 4 John came baptizing[d] in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance[e] for the forgiveness of sins.
    • 6 John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist
    • and ate locusts and wild honey. 
    • 7 He was preaching: “Someone more powerful than I will come after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals. 
    • 8 I have baptized you with[f] water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
  • Mk 1:9- 11 John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan
  • He will Baptize you with the Holy Spirit
    • Heavens open,  spirit like a dove
    • A voice from heaven said:
    • You are My beloved Son;
      I take delight in You!
  • Mk 1:12-13 Temptation in the Wilderness
    • 12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 
    • 13 He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan. 
    • He was with the wild animals, and the angels began to serve Him.
  • Mk 1:14 Jesus to Galilee and John to Prison
    • 14 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news[h][i] of God:
  • Mk 1:15 FULFILLED
    • 15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!”
  • Mk1:16-20 Calling the Disciples
    • Simon and Andrew, James and John
    • immediately left their ships
  • Mk 1:21-21 Taught in the Synagogue
    • 22 They were astonished at His teaching because, unlike the scribes, He was teaching them as one having authority.
  • Mk 1:23-28 Dealing with an Unclean Spirit
    • 24 “What do You have to do with us,[m] Jesus—Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
    • Jesus said “Be quiet,[n] and come out of him!”  and he did.
    • 27 Then they were all amazed,
    • 28 News about Him then spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.
  • Mk 1:29-31 Healed Simon Peter’s Mother-in-law
  • Mk 1:32- 34 many delivered from unclean spirits, healed from diseases
    • But He would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
  • Mk 1:35-39 After praying, went to all of Galilee preaching
  • Mk 1:40-44 Jesus heals the man with skin disease (leprosy in other versions)
    • 42 Immediately the disease left him, and he was healed.
    • Tell no one, go, give the offering to the priests
  • Mk 1:45 He(the healed man) wasn’t silent
    • 45 Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But He was out in deserted places, and they would come to Him from everywhere.
  • the time is fulfilled, the Kingdom of God is here. Repent and Believe the Gospel
  • Mindfully Meditating in Matthew 3 or MMM3
  • MMM4

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Mark 1:15
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near.
  • THE time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near.
  • The TIME is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near.
  • The time IS fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near.
  • The time is FULFILLED, and the kingdom of God has come near.

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Songs for Meditation

This is the Kingdom – Elevation Worship

We Declare that the Kingdom of God is Here – Ron Kenoly

Coloring – I us coloring to help me focus on the fullness of a verse.

Mark Coloring page – Ministry to Children – simple enough to finish in an hour or less

Jesus in the Desert Coloring page by Drawn and Creative

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. Who is the voice of one crying in the Wilderness?
    1. Got Questions discusses this from Isaiah and how it applies to our lives today.
  2. Why did Jesus tell the unclean spirits to keep silent?
    1. The Gospel Coalition goes into great depth about the whole concept of Jesus revealing AND concealing Himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Chapter 28 or MMM28

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Chapter Twenty-eight

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Catalogue , the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 57, Feb 26)

Passage Matthew Chapter Twenty-Eight

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 28 He is risen
    • Mt 28:1- 10 Mary and Mary head to the tomb
      • After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
      • Earthquake – Angel rolled back the stone
        • 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
        • 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
        • 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
      • He is not here, for he is risen just as He said. Come see the place where the Lord Lay.Angel Meeting
        • 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
        • 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
        • 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
      • Jesus Meeting and Mission
        •  9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
    • Mt 28:11- 15 Guards told to and paid to lie
      • 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’
    • Mt 28:16- 17 Another Jesus Meeting
      • 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
    • teaching them to observe everything I have commanded. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.Mt 28:18- 20 All Authority – The Great Commission
      • 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 
      • 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
      • I am with you always even to the end of the age20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matthew 28:6
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
  • HE is not here; HE has risen, just as HE said.
  • He IS NOT here; He has risen, just as He said.
  • He is not HERE; He has risen, just as He said.
  • He is not here, HE HAS risen, just as He said.

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Songs for Meditation

He’s Alive – Dolly Parton

Was it a Morning like This? – Sandi Patty

Coloring

Matthew the Book coloring page by Ministry to Children

Jesus is Risen – ColoringHome

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. What do you think about the guards going to the high priests?
    1. The chief priests devised a story to hide the facts.
      1. 2 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money,
    2. If they were known to sleep on their watch, they could be killed.
      1. 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
  2. Have you given your life to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords that rose from the dead?
    1. several tools are below to help you if you have not.
    2. Call out to Jesus
    3. Repent of your sins
    4. As for forgiveness
    5. and rejoice that you have been given new life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 27 or MMM27

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew Chapter Twenty-seven

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Catalogue , the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 58, Feb 27)

Passage Matthew Chapter Twenty-seven

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 27
    • Mt 27:1-2 to Pontius Pilate
    • Mt 27:3-8 Judas’ guilt, Priest’s guilt
      • Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
      • cast the silver on the temple floor
      • Priests used it to by a field
        • Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: They took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of Him whose price was set by the Israelites, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.[d]
    • Mt 27:9- 26 Jesus before Pilate
      • Are you the King of the Jews?
        • Jesus answered, “You have said it.”
      • Jesus or Barabbas
        • chose Barabbas
        • cried Crucify Him about Christ
        • claimed the responsibility of His blood
          • 25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
        • Jesus was flogged then handed over to the soldiers
    • Mt 27:27-31 Jesus and the Soldiers
      • 28 They stripped Him and dressed Him in a scarlet military robe.
      • crown of thorns- they twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and m9kec him saying this is the King of the Jews29 They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand.
      • Then they spit on Him, took the reed, and kept hitting Him on the head.
      • When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, put His clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.
    • Mt 27:32-44 Jesus’s Crucifixion
      • carried the cross – but when too weak
        • Simon of Cyrene
          • Cyrenian man named Simon. They forced this man to carry His cross.
      • wine and gall
      • cast lots for clothing
      • THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
      • 38 Then two criminals[n] were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.
      • Mocked
    • Mt 27:45-56  Jesus’ Death
      • 45 From noon until three in the afternoon[s] darkness came over the whole land.[
      • Elí, Elí, lemá[u] sabachtháni?”
      • 50 Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit
      • 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary[x] was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split.
      • Temples were opened when Christ resurrected
      • when the centurian and those who were withg Him saw truly this was the son of God54 When the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “This man really was God’s Son!”[y]
      • Women followed – Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of Jesus, and Peter’s Mom
    • Mt 27:57-61 Jesus’ Burial
      • when it was even8ing there came a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea, who himeself had become a disciple of JesusJoseph of Arimathea got the body, wrapped Him, and laid Him in His tomb.
    • Mt 27:62-66 Jesus’ tomb sealed and guarded

 

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 25:23
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

Today, choose your own scripture verse that helps you meditate on the crucifixion of Christ.

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Coloring

Matthew the Book coloring page by Ministry to Children

Crucifixion of  Christ by SuperColoring

Songs for Meditation

Broken and Spilled Out – Steve Green

Watch the Lamb – Ray Boltz

Watch the Lamb with official video

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. What was the significance of the thirty pieces of silver?
    1. GotQuestions explains how it relates to the prophet Zechariah.
    2. Crosswalk explains that and gets into personal application.
  2. Do you know how may prophecies Christ’s death fulfilled?
    1. Got Questions has a great chart with all of these.
  3. What were the words that Christ called out from the cross?
    1. when you pull all the gospels together, you get Seven Last words, and Crosswalk goes into the meanings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating In Matthew Chapter 25 or MMM25

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Catalogue , the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 56, Feb 25)

Passage Matthew Chapter Twenty-Five

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 25 Parables
    • girl in the dark with a lamp, in a long dress, with long hair.

      Image by lisa runnels from Pixabay

      Mt 21:1-13 Parable of the Ten Virgins

      • 10 had lamps
      • 5 brought oil
      • 10 fell asleep
      • all were awakened
      • 5 had oil to trim their lights, as time had delayed the groom, and their oil was running very low.
      • the other 5 did not have the oil, and had to go get oil
      • While out getting the oil – the groom came and the oily 5 went in
      • The “foolish” ones were not allowed entrance because they were not ready.
      • 13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.
    • Mt 25:14-39 Parable of the Ten Talents
      • Man of Means going on a journey
        • He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them. 
        • 15 To one he gave five talents;[c] to another, two; and to another, one—to each according to his own ability.
        • Then he went on a journey.
      • slave with 5 invested and got 10, slave with 2 invested and got 4,
        • 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
      • LOOOOOONG time went by – then the master returned.
        • The master said to him, Well done, good and faithful slave, you were faithful with a few things. I will put You in charge of many things. enter into the joy of your master.To the five made ten he said ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’
        • To the two made four he said ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’
        • The one with one:
          • ‘Master, I know you.
          • You’re a difficult man,
          • reaping where you haven’t sown and
          • gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 
          • 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground.
          • Look, you have what is yours.’
      • The Master said: ‘You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then[d] you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money[e] back with interest.
      • Master took the 1 and gave it to the one with 10 (most faithful?)
        • Master said: 30 And throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
    • Mt 25:31-46 Parable of the Sheep and Goats
      • when the son of man shall come in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory.31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels[f] with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 
      • 32 All the nations[g] will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
      • Sheep –
        • For I was hungry
          and you gave Me something to eat;
          I was thirsty
          and you gave Me something to drink;
          I was a stranger and you took Me in;
        • I was naked and you clothed Me;
          I was sick and you took care of Me;
          I was in prison and you visited Me.’
      • Goats – DID NOT
      • 40 “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
      • THE END TIMES – SEPARATION
        • 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
    • I have several great resources to go deeper into these parables in the QQ section below.

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 25:23
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’
  • KJV His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
  • WELL DONE, good and faithful servant….Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
  • Well done, GOOD AND FAITHFUL servant…Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
  • Well done, good and faithful SERVANT…Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Coloring

Matthew the Book coloring page by Ministry to Children

Parable of the Ten Virgins Coloring page by SuperColoring

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. What does the parable of the ten virgins mean for us?
    1. Got questions says this: Parable of Ten Virgins
  2. How does the Parable of the Talents apply to us?
    1. Got Questions discusses it a bit generally.
    2. CrossWalk goes into a bit more personal application
  3. What does the parable have sheep and goats mean for us?
    1. Got Questions does a great job of explaining the timing and purpose of this parable to us.

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Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

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