BIBLE READING PLANNER

Mark (John Mark) was a friend of Peter (1 Peter 5:13) and a companion of the Apostle Paul (Acts 12:12).

His record of the life of Jesus may have been the earliest. It is certainly the shortest and there is a note of URGENCY about the account.

Notice the frequent use of ‘urgent’ words such as: 'immediately' - 'straightway' - 'astonished' - 'forthwith' - 'amazed'.

The urgency and impact of the message will not be lost on us if we read earnestly and prayerfully.

Mark makes several references to demons' and evil spirits'. These are not evil gods. Devils (demons) are not supernatural beings. People with mental disorders were said to have 'evil spirits' - which means disordered minds. There is only one God. The supposed devils of heathen religions did not exist. (1 Corinthians 10:20; Acts 17:18 - strange gods = demons; Isaiah 45:5, 7).

DAILY NOTES

SUNDAY - Mark 1 - Jesus is the Son of God (verses 1,11). His compassion is great. The many miracles which Mark records underline these facts.

MONDAY - Mark 2 - Jesus can provide forgiveness (verse 10) but cannot help the 'self-righteous' - those who think they have no need of salvation (verse 17).

TUESDAY Mark 3 - 'Hardness of heart' (verse 5) is another great obstacle to faith. The apostles were chosen (verses 13-19).

WEDNESDAY - Mark 6 - John the Baptist was not afraid to speak out against wickedness and was faithful even to death.

THURSDAY - Mark 7 - Our own cherished ideas sometimes have to be dropped (verse 7). We must make sure our beliefs are Scriptural.

FRIDAY - Mark 8 - Jesus gave thanks for food (verse 6). Do we show the same gratitude for daily blessings?