The Parable of the Sower

I reviewed the parable of the sower found in Matthew 13 yesterday with our youth Sunday School class. This morning, I return to it for some personal reflection. The care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word of God. These things make the word of God unfruitful. How long have I …

Spiritual Renewal, Spiritual Strength

I’ve struggled to get on my feet this morning. So I did what I some times do, when I don’t have the capacity of mind or physical presence to focus on a few minutes of scripture study: I watched a bible video. This morning I actually watched three bible videos: The Widow of Nain, Jesus …

Of Mourning and Multitudes

Matthew 14 John the Baptist, through a terrible plot, is beheaded. When the news of his beheading reachs the Savior, Jesus crosses the sea and retires to a (remote) desert place. It appears that he is mourning and is looking for a place of solitude. However, he is not permitted to do so because immediately …

Progress of Commandments

Matthew 19:16-26 It is interesting to note the progression of the commandments that the Savior notes here in the conversation with the Rich young ruler. They are listed here in order of grossest offense to most exalted behavior. Thou shalt do no murder Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not …

“We never saw it on this fashion,” Mark 2:12

Mark 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. One thing that accompanied Christ at almost every turn of his ministry was a crowd. Fame was the undesired side effect of …

Mark 1

Mark 1 – Mark’s approach to documenting the Savior’s ministry is something of a populace approach. He talks of how Christ performed many miracles in healing the sick. This isn’t a bad thing, because repeatedly he is dealing with issues of logistics throughout this first chapter. First Christ goes into a synagogue in Capernaum. He …

“Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” Mark 4:37-41

Mark 4:37-41 The simple account of Christ calming the tempest reminds me that no matter the storm, with Christ in our ship, we shall not sink. It was hard for his disciples to understand that. It is hard for me to see that sometimes too. But faith and fear don’t reside in the same being …