- And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Mark 13:5 – For guys who have been struggling to understand the most basic of parables and who were worrying about having enough food to eat immediately after Jesus fed the 5000, hearing the words of Jesus in the chapter must have been overwhelming. Jesus goes deep into what was, and still is, to come. We see talk of the antichrist, the tribulation, and Jesus’ glorious return. We see Jesus talk about all the things that are going to unfold on the earth before He returns, and it’s not pretty. While likely an overwhelming message to take in, Jesus words at the start truly set the tone. Don’t let anyone lead you astray. That in the unfolding of all that God has promised will happen, there will be many whose sole purpose is to get people to stray away from their faith in the Lord. While we can certainly understand the importance for us personally to not stray away from the Lord, we must understand too how essential us remaining steadfast for Jesus in these times are when it comes to other people. For Jesus is returning, and we need to be introducing people to the salvation He can give them. Yet if we are “led astray,” having our heart not about the Lord and people following Him, then people will not hear the message that will save them from the coming doom. When we’re lead astray, people will be walking to their death…so be sure no one leads you astray. We are living in the end times, waiting for Jesus to return. Don’t let sin or the enemy turn your heart away from the Lord. Too many people need Jesus for us to be led astray. Stay on track and stay protected from the workings of the enemy on your life. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3104
- And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake. Mark 13:37 – If I told you there was a deadly snake loose in your house, I can pretty much guarantee you wouldn’t relax till the snake was found or till you got out of the house. Why would you relax, you never know when it could come out and you want to be ready for it at all times. See that’s what Jesus is sharing with us when He says stay awake. Not that we can never go to sleep again, but to always be ready and watching. Always be doing what we can to prepare for His return. That looks like sharing the Gospel whenever possible or making sure we aren’t stepping into areas of sin. Jesus wants us to not waste the time we have. We don’t know when He’ll return, but we do know He will return. So in whatever time we have, make the most of it rather than wasting it by “sleeping.” How can you take advantage of this day God has given us to prepare yourself and those around you for His return? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 468
- And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. Mark 13:10 – Okay then, let’s go! What can we do today to begin having the gospel proclaimed to all nations? Yup, you can grab a plane ticket to Uganda to go share. I looked it up and there’s a plane leaving close to where I am at 2pm. It’s that’s easy! You also could go to Walmart today and share with the person in the cereal aisle. You also could pray for the missionaries in Uzbekistan today. You don’t know where Uzbekistan is and you don’t know any missionaries over there by name? Doesn’t matter, I promise you there is someone in Uzbekistan sharing Jesus somehow today that could use your prayers. My point is let’s not complicate this. People simply need to hear about God’s love and plan, we simply need to tell them. However you do it, do it. Have coffee with them and tell them, serve them at a shelter and tell them, maybe write a daily devotion and post it on social media. Let’s get after it and start helping people meet Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1622
Daily DEVO 