Mark – Page 21 – The Arnold Journey

Fear Driven Silence

Mark 9:30-32 Have you ever been so afraid of someone’s reaction that you kept silent? You had something to say, but you didn’t say it. You had a need or a want that you wanted to express, but you knew the reaction was not worth the answer. We see this so much in marriages.Continue reading “Fear Driven Silence”

Just Enough Information

Mark 9:30-37 I purchased a small item of electronic gear the other day. The instructions were in that strange language that looks like English, but it doesn’t make much sense. The item was made in China and the person doing the English instructions was also made in China. I wonder if they have GoogleContinue reading “Just Enough Information”

Prayer’s Powers

Mark 9:28-29 Sometimes we look at prayer as our last resort tool, the tool we pull out when we have tried everything else and don’t know what to do. We act like praying is equivalent to rubbing the magic lamp hoping the genie will materialize and grant us three wishes. The more we prayContinue reading “Prayer’s Powers”

Formulaic Religiosity

Mark 9:25-27 Abracadabra! Presto change! Reset! Ctrl/Alt/Del! Have you ever noticed that when people tell you they have a quick way to solve your problem, it often isn’t that quick or that easy! The reality is that most things in life are not quick and easy. Let me give you an example. DeclaringContinue reading “Formulaic Religiosity”

The Big “IF”

Mark 9:22-24 “If” is such a big word wrapped up in such a little word. It has similar power as the word “but” when it is used in almost any sentence. I love you, but …. I would help you, but …. This medicine will help you, but …. The “but” negates everything saidContinue reading “The Big “IF””

Just the Facts, Ma’am

Mark 9:19-21 In a world filled with doubt, it can be hard to believe. Ever since Eve ate from that fruit tree, doubt has been part of the human experience. And most often, doubt has the upper hand over belief. Biblical belief is something we do every day. But so is biblical doubt. Continue reading “Just the Facts, Ma’am”

Diagnosis Seizure

Mark 9:17-18 Our modern world is filled with professions that diagnose problems. We often give them the label of Consultant. Their job is to figure out what is going wrong, or what could be done better, more efficiently. They are an outside set of eyes, hopefully able to see with a fresh perspective thingsContinue reading “Diagnosis Seizure”

Rejoining

Mark 9:14-16 Have you ever had to come back for a really great vacation and start back into work? You spent time away relaxing and taking in a totally different environment, and then you have to step back into the humdrum of life. You shift from parasail to diaper-sale, sun block to Desitin, mountainContinue reading “Rejoining”

Belief V Unbelief

Mark 9:14-29 There is often a struggle deep inside most human beings and that struggle centers around belief. Not simply belief in the spiritual realm. I’m talking about belief in others and belief in one’s self. This plays out repeatedly throughout our days. Can I trust them? Am I getting this right? MostContinue reading “Belief V Unbelief”

Check Boxes, Mile Markers

Mark 9:11-13 Back before GPS navigation you actually had to pay attention when you drove someplace new. You would have the map open and you would be looking for specific roads and intersections. If it was totally unfamiliar territory, you paid even closer attention to the points between you and the next turn. WhenContinue reading “Check Boxes, Mile Markers”