Being joyful is a feeling that is expressed through gladness. It is deeper than being happy, which is momentary, and a little shallow compared to being joyful. Real joy penetrates our inner being placed there by something that stirs our hearts and doesn’t fade over time as quickly as a happy occasion. Most of us experiencing joy can testify that it does seem to slip away on occasion. We may or may not know why, but it is evident that something happens to remove the joy we had. Are there steps we can take to prevent losing our joy? Is God concerned when our joy is slowing fading like the evening sun? Yes, there are steps we can take, and God cares enough that He gave us instructions in His Word how to restore our joy.
The psalmist writes, “How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands.” (Ps.112:1 nlt) Here are two steps to consider if we are not putting them into practice. Do we have the reverence for God we should have? The creator of all things of which there would not be anything if He didn’t create, gave us life and He is worthy of our praise and reverence. We would not be here without Him. The second step we can take to not lose our joy is to obey God’s commands recorded in the Bible. And that is easier said than done.
Rest assured God knows our make-up. He knows we are dust; He created us. We are fallen creatures in Adam’s sin incapable of doing good without His help. If you have lost your joy, ask yourself, how would you answer the previous questions. You may just find the reason why. The Lord wants to restore our joy that has been slipping away due to sin in our lives and by not showing Him reverence. Let us pray along with King David when he said, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (Ps.51:12 nlt)
“When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess it……… seven nations greater and stronger than you.” Deuteronomy 7:1 NASB.
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Have you ever had the opportunity to do something great? You have been promoted in your job due to your skill set and work ethic, but your new job description is way over your head. You feel intimidated as you examine the scope of your new assignment, but those who put you in there have the confidence you will succeed and have paved the wave for an easy transition. You proceed with hesitation going where you may not want to go.
The nation Israel was about to enter the Promised Land where seven nations that were much stronger than they were resided. The Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, each one greater than Israel, knew the land well due to their long history of living in the land. Israel was promoted to go into the land with detail job descriptions of their assignments. The first and most important one was to trust in God who had been leading them for forty years. The Lord promised that they would be successful in their new position, “When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess and clears away many nations before you.” (Dt.7:1 nasb) The Lord is going to clear away the obstacles in their first assignment through their trust in Him. Israel will still do the work, but it will be the Lord working through them.
You are no different than the nation Israel when God gives you an opportunity for advancement and to glorify His name. You may be overwhelmed by work and the accountability involved, but the Lord will clear away and help you deal with anything over your head. He will give you comfortability and assurance that you can handle the job He assigned you to. Just trust God! You may not have wanted to go, but once you’re there you’ll be glad you did.
“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’” Mark 4:38 NLT
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Our study this week in the book of Mark reveals an undeniable truth. Jesus is both a man and God the Son. Believers, unbelievers, and theologians have debated for centuries including our current day the deity of Jesus. There are many people of faith who insist Jesus was a good man, a prophet, a teacher, a miracle worker, healer, and a man of love, but He was not God. Perhaps, you may be one with such beliefs. Hopefully, this short passage of scripture will change your mind, or get you thinking through it with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We will see Scripture presenting the truth of who Jesus really is. It’s undeniable!
After a full day of teaching with His disciples by His side, Jesus suggests they go across the lake to the other side. The eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee was the area of the Gerasenes. There were no large cities in that region which meant fewer people. No doubt, Jesus was looking for some much-needed rest. I’m sure the disciples were mentally exhausted from all of Jesus’ teaching as one listening to a college professor’s lectures for hours. The disciples took Jesus’ advice and headed for the boat but take note some people followed them. “So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).” (Mk.4:36 nlt)
Scripture says a fierce storm came up shortly after their departure. Violent storms were not uncommon on the Sea of Galilee. The lake was 690 ft below sea level surrounded by mountains. Warm humid air rising from the lake collided with the cool Mediterranean air making its way through the narrow mountain passages causing a whirlwind effect much like a hurricane. Mark is very descriptive as he captures the effect of the hurricane like winds, “High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.” (Mk.4:37 nlt) Even for experienced fishermen, which some of the disciples were, this was a storm that would sink their boat.
We all go through storms in life, some of them with the potential to sink us. Storms occur even when we are following the Lord’s leading. It seems unlikely, at least in our minds, that God would lead us into a storm, but He did just that leading His disciples into a storm as they left for a mini vacation across the lake. Storms are a part of life in a fallen world, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. (Jn.16:33)
Imagine trying to sleep during a violent storm in the middle of a lake. There is loud thunder and streaks of lightning, and the boat is rocking from side to side with water splashing over filling the boat with water. The Bible says Jesus was asleep. Mark notes our Lord’s humanity. “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion.” (Mk.4:38 nlt) Jesus was so tired and exhausted that even a violent storm couldn’t wake Him. But frantic disciples fearful for their lives were able to wake Him. Jesus heard the cries those who needed Him, His disciples, His followers. We too can be comforted knowing that Jesus hears our cries when we call out to Him.
When awaken, Jesus immediately rebukes the storm and says to the waves to be still. ‘Silence, Be still!’ He silences the storm, and the waves dissipate at once. There was no gradual clearing of the skies as the cold front moved through. No, it was immediate. So miraculous and terrifying was this event the disciples were more afraid now than during the storm, saying to each other, “Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mk.4:41 ntl) The Ryrie Study Bible notes, “Though not comprehending fully who Jesus was, they knew He was greater than they thought.”
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Jesus did rebuke the disciples for not having faith. Though Jesus was sleeping, if the disciples had faith in God, they had no reason to fear. God the Father was aware of their troubles and God the Son was with them in the boat. Jesus proved His power over nature by calming the storm to nothing. He is Lord over all creation. The apostle Paul writes, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.” (Col.1:15 nlt) Jesus did indeed proved His deity by showing He is Lord over all creation. He proved His humanity by His need for rest when wearied from exhaustion while on this earth, giving us encouragement that He not only understands our needs but is able to care for them because He is God.
One tragic lost story not being reported by most of the world’s news media is the persecution of Christians in Ukraine. This had been a reality since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine three years ago. Some may argue since Ukraine has been predominately Christian for centuries, an attack on the Ukrainian people would be an attack on Christians, that may be true, but it goes much deeper than that.
It is not surprising that Russia, still influenced by their Communist atheist past, although supportive of the Russian Orthodox church, would be persecuting Christians in Ukraine. Russia is actively persecuting their own Christian citizens today in their country. “In 2024, the United States Department of State designated Russia as ‘a country of particular concern’ due to its repression of religious freedom and believers within its borders.” (1) In an opinion piece at ‘The Christian Post’ on February 26, 2025, Steven Moore and Colby Barrett write, “Russian forces have killed 49 faith leaders in occupied Ukraine, while dozens more are being starved and beaten in Russian prison camps. More than 630 places of worship lie in ruins in Ukraine — shelled, looted, or destroyed. The Russian security services have shut down every church in occupied Ukraine they do not control and are imprisoning believers simply for holding Bible studies in their homes.” (2) ‘The Church Times’ reported on January 10, 2025 “that Christians who do not belong to the Moscow-affiliated Orthodox Church are being forced to become ‘underground believers.’” (3)
Linda Burkle Ph.D., states on ‘persecution.org’, that Christians in Ukraine are not only suffering from persecution from Russia but from their own government. Burkle writes, “Under the pretext of the war, the Ukrainian government has targeted religious organizations that are considered to have ties with Russia, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, and by default, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Legislation known as Law 3894, codified in August 2024, will be fully enforced on May 24 and effectively ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and any affiliated groups deemed to be Russian-influenced or sympathetic to Russia. Members of the UOC condemned the Russian invasion, many are serving on the front lines and raising money and support for their soldiers.” (1) For the government of Ukraine to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church when their stand on the war is well-known being in full support of their solders is nothing but an evil attempt to silence the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
This may be the most underreported story of the Russia Ukraine war, but it has not escaped the knowledge of the Lord God. He is intimately aware of every detail of what His children are going through. Our God is a righteous and just God, and He will make all things right in His timing. May we as the church be praying for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia who are suffering persecution during this time. Let us thank the Lord for those news outlets who boldly report the truth, and may we be praying for a soon end to this unprovoked war.
“You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” Deuteronomy 2:3 NASB
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Life has a way of having us going in circles. We find ourselves engaged in several tasks at the same time. So many things to do and not enough time. Some things are left undone or put on the shelf until a more convenient time which almost never comes. Failing to reach the goals we have set for ourselves is on-going. We start over and repeat the process again and again. Like a dog chasing its tail, we run around in circles. That’s life!
But perhaps going in circles is your own doing. Perhaps you’re running around in circles due to disobedience to God. Most of our troubles stem from the bad choices we make in life. God gives us free will to make choices, but He also expects and desires us to make choices that please Him. Now, there is a difference between a deliberate sinful choice and an honest miscalculation in a choice we made. Unfortunately, we need to deal with the consequences just the same, and the Lord is aware of the circumstances. He will see us through them with grace and a lesson learned. But there are times when the Lord will allow us to wander for a while due to our bad choices.
The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years for their choice in not obeying God to go forward into the Promised Land. This too was for a season, a long one, but it did come to end by God’s grace. The Lord told them, “You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” (Dt.2:3 nasb) So too, however long you’ve been going in circles for whatever reason it will come to an end. You can count on it. Trust God. You’ll soon hear, turn north!
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up… A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!” Proverbs 12:25, 15:23niv
Christians could speak the kindest words above everyone else, but we often fall well short of it. I’m sure we all know of people who have given Christianity a bad name, perhaps even the person in the mirror. Yes, we all fall short. We encounter people every day who need a kind spoken word to them. If we are living by the fruit of the Spirit, which includes kindness, we will never miss an opportunity to be kind.
By truly walking in the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23), Christians are always ready and prepared to share kind words. Those individuals who approach our space with anxiety, depression, fright, family circumstances, job related issues, or just having a bad day are not in front of us by accident. It is a divinely appointed time to speak kind words.
Our demeanor, if we are properly walking by the Spirit, will portray a calming reassurance that our words are sincere. The Holy Spirit will teach us and guide us along to find the right words to say. These opportunities will open trust to share the gospel with those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their savior. For our Christian brothers and sisters, this is part of being in the family of God to encourage one another with kind words, and what a privilege it is.
There is also great joy in sharing a kind word with one who needs it, especially when the time is right, and it is needed the most. May we be careful not to fall short in the opportunities set before us to share kind words. The time is always right.
The greatest news of all to the world today is that God’s grace brought salvation to all people. Salvation is not restricted to a certain class of people, but is available to every person regardless of race, gender, ethnic group, age, or social class. Satan uses his influence in our fallen world to divide people, while God through the Holy Spirit unites people together and to Himself. Living the Christian life in a fallen broken world is not easy, but the Lord gives us instructions on how to live in today’s world as we look forward to that future day of the Lord.
The first thing Christians are to do is to throw off our old ways we engaged in before we accepted Christ. Admittedly this is not always easy, but it is necessary. God refers to them as ungodly living and sinful pleasures. Scripture also says Christians are a new creation in Christ with the old ways gone and new ways beginning. (2Cor.5:17) The apostle Paul writing to Titus says, “We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” (Titus 2:12 nlt) All three things Paul instructs us to do are doable through the Holy Spirit we received as a new creation in Christ.
The fact that we live in an evil world is even more reason to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us. The Spirit will help us remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Pr.1:7) We can only live in righteousness (doing right on a consistent basis) through the Holy Spirit. And when our lives are totally devoted to God it will keep our focus where it needs to be and not on the pleasures of this world.
The evil one does not give up in his attempts to influence us or divide us once we have committed our lives to Christ but will ramp up his efforts. But if we’re living with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God we can live free from his tactics.
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job 23:10 NLT
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Have you experienced deep challenges that caused you to ask yourself, is this a test? I’ve had many, mostly in my retail management career. Things begin to go wrong, slowing me down when I’m approaching a deadline. Projects pile up and the pressure is coming from all sides. Can you relate? Then it’s time to ask the question, is this a test? It may not be, but take it from one who knows, most likely it is, and coming from the Father above.
You might ask, does God test us? Indeed, He does. Does God tempt us? Never! But He does put us to the test. Testing from the Lord is a spiritual check-up that is like our yearly physical check-ups, only they are not scheduled in advance, at least to our knowledge. Knowing when our physical check-ups are due, we look at our weight and make sure we are taking all the medications that are prescribed. Following the doctor’s orders is now a priority until the check-up is over.
We cannot cram for a spiritual check-up as we would for our doctor’s visit, or for studying for an exam which tests our knowledge. We need to always be prepared. The Lord will test us when we least expect it to test our faithfulness and obedience to Him. The test will reveal our attitudes in how we respond. Do we have a Christ-like demeanor? Will others be encouraged in how well we handle the challenge? The purpose in testing us is to make us more like Christ and bringing glory to God.
Testing from God is not always pleasant, but it is an important part in our Christian Walk. When we pass the test, we are better for it. The Lord goes before us, leading the way and preparing us for more challenges ahead. As Job says, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” (Job 23:10 nlt) We are also guaranteed to come out purified by fire in a crucible as gold. So let the testing begin!
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
Our world has become a mobile society. People move about freely moving from one place to another. There are many circumstances behind someone’s decision to move on. Some we may know of, but there are times we do not know the reason why. Modern means of transportation and the advancement of face time communication on our cell phones have made it easier to accept when a relative, a dear friend, or a close neighbor moves away or leaves your church, workplace, or organization you belong to. You’ll miss them and perhaps feel abandoned, even though no one’s at fault. It’s called life, and doing what is best for all involved.
Christians have a unique bond with one another, or at least we should, in that as brothers and sisters in Christ even when we’re apart, we are together in Christ. We also have the assurance that God is always with us through the Holy Spirit, and we have His promise He will never leave us or forsake us. (Heb.13:5) It’s hard to see those we love to move away due to job transfers, seeking different employment, or needing a bigger home for a growing family, to a growing list of any number of concerns leading them to move on. But we can encourage each other as we both go through this process of moving on.
As Christians we pray for each other in God’s leading and for His hand of protection on us. We continue to encourage each other that we are one in Christ, and He is with every one of us simultaneously. We pray for God to use us through the experiences we shared together until we see each other again. So, it’s ok to move on, and it’s ok to miss one another.
Last Sunday in our study in the book of Mark we looked at one of many of Jesus’ parables, the Parable of the Farmer’s Seed. This week we review three rather short parables, one which is a continuation from lasts week. We noted last week that Jesus’ teaching was to instruct His disciples. His teaching was not revealed to the crowds because they would not understand. But this week, Jesus says after one of His parables, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Mk.4:24-25 nlt)
Jesus is telling them and us to pay close attention and listen to His words. For us, we have His written words in Scripture to pay attention to. Although Jesus’ teaching may be hard to understand along with the rest of the Bible, we are not to neglect reading it and should take in what we can. Reading carefully, prayerfully, and paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s guidance will reveal truths you haven’t seen before. You can trust Jesus when He says, the closer you listen, the more you will understand, and you will receive even more understanding through the Holy Spirit as you dive into His Word.
The first parable of our three this week is the ‘Parable of the Lamp.’ Jesus asks the question; would anyone light a lamp and hide it so no one would see the light? Obviously, the answer is no. The lamp is to be placed appropriately on the lampstand to bring light into the home. Here Jesus is saying He is the light of the world and will one day be revealed as such. Jesus then says, “For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.” (Mk.4:22 nlt) Who Jesus is going to be revealed. During Jesus’ time on earth many things were not in view but will be uncovered beginning with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus tells those listening to Him and to us, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mk.4:23 nlt)
Our second parable picks up where last week’s left off. It is the Parable of the Growing Seed. The book of Mark is the only place where this parable is recorded. Last week’s parable concentrated on the soil and peoples’ responses to the gospel message. This parable’s emphasis is on the power of the seed which is the gospel message. The seed of the Word of God planted in peoples’ hearts will begin to produce fruit. Jesus’ illustration is as follows, “The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.” (Mk.4:28 nlt) The Word sown in a receptive heart will always grow. The power of the gospel is in the seed. Sometimes growth is slow, but it is sure to produce fruit. It works in a person’s heart through the Holy Spirit until salvation occurs by accepting Christ. (Mk.4:29)
Our third and final parable is the Parable of the Mustard Seed. This parable along with the first two describe bringing about the kingdom of God. “Jesus said, ‘How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?’” (Mk.4:30 nlt) Jesus told a story of the mustard seed in parable form. The mustard seed was one of the smallest seeds in the Palestinian region. The mustard plant will grow to 10-12ft high. It is not unusual to reach a height of 15ft. The point is what is starting out small with only Jesus preaching along with His disciples will flourish and spread rapidly across the world and at rapid speed. “It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” (Mk.4:31-32 nlt)
Jesus always spoke in parables in His public teaching throughout His ministry. His illustrations were in the simplest terms of everyday life so that the people could relate. They were earthly stories but had a heavenly meaning. As Jesus would say, ‘those with ears to hear, and hearts turned towards God, should listen, pay attention and understand.’ A lesson for us in understanding His Word by having our hearts committed and dedicated to the Lord and His purposes advancing the kingdom of God.
Word for the Soul 