Vita Dinamica: Dynamic Life

Tag: faith

  • 11 Lowered to Grace

    11 Lowered to Grace

    The Courage to be seen.

    Mark 2:1–12

    One of the most quietly revolutionary episodes in all of Scripture is in the second chapter of Mark’s Gospel. There were no bright lights or loud voices from the skies. A small, crowded house in Capernaum, and the sound of a roof being ripped off.

    Jesus is teaching down here. Four friends are lowering a disabled man into His presence above. The room goes quiet. Then Jesus speaks. It’s not a command to walk, but something much more personal and disarming:

    “Son, I forgive you for your sins.”
    —Mark 2:5

    What comes next is more than a miracle. It is an invitation to the kind of spiritual freedom that changes lives, not just for the man on the mat, but for all of us who know what it feels like to be stuck.

    When Movement Comes to a Halt

    We all have a mat. A spot where we’ve stopped moving. Fear is what some people feel. Some people feel guilt, tiredness, self-doubt, or a wound that has been hidden for too long. We often don’t get to Jesus on our own, but because of the gentle charity of those who help us through friendship, prayer, or just not letting us give up.

    “Sometimes the first step toward healing isn’t walking; it’s being willing to be carried.”

    In this case, the man who was crippled didn’t say anything. He didn’t say he was sorry. He didn’t say a prayer. He just let people see him. That was all it took.

    The Healing That Came Before the Miracle
    Jesus doesn’t talk about the man’s physical condition right away. Instead, He talks to his soul directly.

    “Son…”

    It’s more than simply a greeting; it’s a way to get your identity back. Jesus heals the self before he heals the body.
    He gives a sense of belonging before action.
    Before change, He offers acceptance.

    “To be known in your weakness and still be called beloved—that is the beginning of true healing.”

    We frequently think that being strong will help us be seen. But in this case, Jesus changes the story. Being completely open and honest is what draws His attention and opens the door to grace.

    The More Serious Conflict

    Of course, not everyone in the room was okay with this form of healing. The religious experts, or scribes, were shocked. They asked each other in silence, “Who can forgive sins but God?”

    They were right. But they weren’t ready for the answer either.

    Jesus, who knows their hearts, doesn’t argue with them; instead, He asks them a question:

    “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’?”

    And then He urges the man to get up to show that He is in charge. And he does.

    He picks up the mat that once held him and walks away, complete, restored, and living.

    A Question for Us

    This chapter gives us a challenge that goes beyond religion and into the heart of personal change:

    Are we okay with being seen as we really are?

    Can we agree that grace comes before doing well?

    Are we ready to move into a life that is in line with the truth, both physically and spiritually?

    This is when being real and accepting others completely come together. Not the shallow type of self-acceptance that doesn’t want to change, but the profound kind that says, “I am not condemned, even here and now.” They are calling me.

    “Being real is what brings healing, not getting everything right.”

    A Way to Get Ready for the Journey
    Try this peaceful practice the next time you feel stuck in one part of your life:

    Be still.
    Put your hands on your heart.

    Take a breath and say, “I am seen.”
    Let go of your breath and say, “I am forgiven.”

    Let the words sink in.
    Picture Jesus standing in front of you, not asking you to walk yet, nor pushing or correcting you. Just calling you “Child” and letting that be enough.

    Willingness is the first step to wholeness.
    You don’t have to go up on the roof.
    You don’t even have to say anything.
    You only have to say yes to being lowered—into grace, truth, and healing.

    Jesus is still here.
    Still making space in the mob.
    Still bringing back the ones that can’t move on their own yet.

    And still saying,

    “Get up.”

  • 10 He touches the untouchables (Mark 1:40-45)

    10 He touches the untouchables (Mark 1:40-45)

    Jesus Heals the Leper

    Jesus has just left a time of prayer and continues His mission, proclaiming the kingdom of God throughout Galilee. His fame is spreading, His words draw crowds, and His authority over sickness and demons astonishes many. Then, a solitary man approaches—not from the crowd, but from the edges of society—someone no one else would dare touch.

    The Leper’s Desperation

    This man is not only sick—he’s an outcast. In the ancient world, leprosy was more than disease; it was a life of isolation. Lepers lived outside cities, avoided all contact, and cried “Unclean!” if anyone came near. They were treated as the living dead, cut off from community, worship, and hope.

    Yet this man dares to approach Jesus, breaking every social rule. He shouldn’t be near healthy people—especially not a teacher or holy man. But his desperation outweighs his fear.

    He doesn’t demand healing or presume a response. He kneels and says, “If you will, you can make me clean.”
    There is no doubt that Jesus can—only uncertainty about whether He will.

    This captures the heart of human suffering: We believe in God’s power, but we struggle with His willingness.
    Does He see us?
    Does He care?
    Will He answer?

    And then—Jesus moves.

    The Compassion of Jesus

    Mark says Jesus is moved with pity (Greek: splagchnistheis)—a deep, gut-level compassion.

    Jesus doesn’t hesitate. He reaches out and touches the man, then says, “I will; be clean.”

    This is radical. He could have healed with a word, as He’s done before. But He chooses to touch the untouchable.

    It may be the first human contact the leper has felt in years. No one else would come near—but Jesus moves toward him.

    In this moment, Jesus is doing more than healing a disease—He’s restoring a person.
    He removes suffering and restores dignity. He doesn’t just heal; He embraces.

    Immediately, the man is made clean.

    Obedience and Disobedience

    Jesus gives a clear command:

    “Say nothing to anyone, but go show yourself to the priest and offer what Moses commanded.”

    Why? Because only a priest could declare someone clean and allow them back into society (Leviticus 14). Healing wasn’t enough—he needed to be officially restored.

    But the man disobeys.
    He spreads the news freely, overwhelmed by joy after years of pain and shame.
    Understandable—but it has consequences.

    Jesus can no longer enter towns openly. He remains in desolate places, the very spaces lepers once occupied.

    In a way, Jesus trades places with the man.
    The leper is restored to society; Jesus is pushed into isolation.

    This foreshadows the ultimate exchange—when Jesus will take on all human sin and suffering at the cross, so we might be free.

    What This Means for Us

    Jesus is willing. That’s the core truth here. The leper didn’t doubt Jesus’ power—just His desire.
    Jesus’ response makes it clear: I do want to.

    We ask the same today. We believe God can—but we wonder if He wants to.

    This story says yes. He touches what others avoid. He embraces what’s rejected.
    He steps into our suffering, to heal and restore.

    If you’ve ever felt unwanted, unworthy, or too broken for grace—this is for you.

    Jesus isn’t repelled by your wounds or ashamed of your scars. He’s moved by them. He wants to make you whole.

    True healing restores more than the body.
    Jesus didn’t just remove disease—He gave the man his place back in the world.
    He restores identity, dignity, and belonging.

    Grace Disrupts

    The man’s disobedience changes Jesus’ ministry. Grace is rarely tidy—it spreads, disrupts, and transforms.

    But in the end, it always points us back to Jesus.

    And so, we find ourselves where the leper once knelt, saying:

    “If you will, you can make me clean.”

    And Jesus, without hesitation, reaches out and says:

    “I will; be clean.”

    The question is never His willingness—only our readiness to receive.

  • Reading together the book Acts of the Apostles: Daily Reflections for Easter-Pentecost 2025

    Easter 2025

    Welcome to the Journey!

    The Book of Acts narrates the events that occur after the resurrection. It tells what happens not just to Jesus’ followers, but to the world. Over the next 50 days, you’ll walk with the earliest Christians. They learn to live in the power of the risen Christ.

    This study is designed to help you:

    • Read Scripture deeply
    • Reflect personally
    • Engage in discussion
    • Grow in spiritual boldness, service, and love

    Each unit includes:

    • 📖 A short Scripture reading
    • 🔍 Reading comprehension questions
    • 🧠 Key vocabulary
    • 🗣️ Group discussion prompts
    • ✍️ A journaling question for personal reflection

    Whether you’re working through this on your own or with a group, this is more than just a workbook. It’s a training ground to live the resurrection every day. From the upper room to the ends of the earth, God is still writing the story—and you’re part of it.

    So grab a pen, a Bible, and an open heart.
    Let’s begin.

    📚 Table of Contents

    UnitTitleScripture
    1The Promise of the SpiritActs 1:1–5
    2The Ascension of JesusActs 1:6–11
    3Praying in the Upper RoomActs 1:12–14
    4A New Witness is ChosenActs 1:15–26
    5Pentecost – Filled with the SpiritActs 2:1–13
    6Peter’s Bold ProclamationActs 2:14–41
    7A Devoted Resurrection CommunityActs 2:42–47
    8Living the Resurrection TogetherReview: Acts 1–2
    9Healing at the Beautiful GateActs 3:1–10
    10Peter Speaks to the CrowdActs 3:11–26
    11Boldness in the Face of OppositionActs 4:1–22
    12The Church Prays for BoldnessActs 4:23–31
    13One Heart and SoulActs 4:32–37
    14Ananias and SapphiraActs 5:1–11
    15Signs, Wonders, and Unstoppable WitnessActs 5:12–42
    16Called to ServeActs 6:1–7
    17Stephen’s Bold WitnessActs 6:8–15
    18Stephen’s Final MessageActs 7:1–53
    19Stephen’s Death and Saul’s RoleActs 7:54–8:3
    20Scattered but Still SpeakingActs 8:4–25
    21Philip and the Ethiopian OfficialActs 8:26–40
    22Saul Encounters the Risen ChristActs 9:1–19
    23Saul Begins to PreachActs 9:20–31
    24Aeneas is HealedActs 9:32–35
    25Tabitha is Raised to LifeActs 9:36–43
    26When God Redefines the BoundariesActs 10:1–33
    27Resurrection Life in a New CityActs 11:1–18
    28When the Church Suffers—and PraysActs 12:1–19
    29When Power Falls and the Word RisesActs 12:20–25
    30Sent by the SpiritActs 13:1–12
    31The Promise FulfilledActs 13:13–52
    32Persevering with Resurrection BoldnessActs 14:1–7
    33Redirecting the GloryActs 14:8–20
    34Strengthening the Souls of the DisciplesActs 14:21–28
    35Grace Is EnoughActs 15:1–21
    36The Joy of Grace Made ClearActs 15:22–35
    37When Resurrection People DisagreeActs 15:36–41
    38Guided and Connected by the SpiritActs 16:1–5
    39When God Redirects the JourneyActs 16:6–10
    40Open Hearts and a Riverside RevivalActs 16:11–15
    41Singing in the DarkActs 16:16–40
    42Revival and Resistance in ThessalonicaActs 17:1–15
    43Known by the Unknown GodActs 17:16–34
    44“Do Not Be Afraid—I Am With You”Acts 18:1–17
    45Strengthening What God Has StartedActs 18:18–23
    46Teachability Is Resurrection StrengthActs 18:24–28
    47When the Word Takes RootActs 19:1–20
    48A Life Poured OutActs 20:17–38
    49Resurrection at the Heart of the StormActs 21–28
    50You Are the Next ChapterReflection & Prayer
  • The Gospel of Mark 09

    The Gospel of Mark 09

    Withdrawing to Pray, Moving to Preach

    — A Reflection on Mark 1:35–39

    After a full night of healing the sick and casting out demons, Jesus does something unexpected. While the town still sleeps, before the sun even rises, He quietly leaves the house of Simon and Andrew. The crowds are growing, His name is spreading, and the demand for His presence is intensifying.

    And yet, Jesus withdraws.

    “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

    The Solitude of Jesus

    Mark’s Gospel is known for its urgency. Everything happens “immediately,” everything moves fast. Yet here, Mark pauses. And in that stillness, we catch a rare glimpse of Jesus’ inner rhythm: He steps away from the crowds, the miracles, and the demands—and He prays.

    It’s early. It’s dark. The healings of the night before still hang in the air. But Jesus chooses not to remain where others expect Him. He chooses stillness. He chooses communion with the Father.

    Jesus was fully divine—but also fully human. And as a human, He needed solitude. He needed stillness. He needed time alone with God.

    In our world, where productivity is often mistaken for purpose, Jesus offers a radically different example: He stops. And He shows us that prayer isn’t a break from mission—it is its very foundation.

    His strength didn’t come from applause or activity.
    It came from alignment with the Father.

    Urgency vs. Clarity

    Meanwhile, the disciples wake up to find Jesus gone. They search frantically, and when they find Him, they say:

    “Everyone is looking for you.” (Mark 1:37)

    They speak with urgency. They feel pressure. There’s more healing to do, more people to see. But Jesus doesn’t rush back. He doesn’t return to yesterday’s miracles. Instead, He replies:

    “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” (Mark 1:38)

    He doesn’t stay where He is admired. He moves forward—because His mission isn’t comfort or popularity—it’s proclamation.

    This moment is full of clarity. If Jesus had stayed where He was successful, He would not have fulfilled His deeper purpose.

    Prayer didn’t slow Him down. It clarified His calling.

    Not Every Need Is Your Calling

    This brief passage invites us into a larger truth: not every good opportunity is your assignment.

    Yes, there were still sick people in Capernaum. But Jesus knew His purpose was bigger than one town’s expectations. He wasn’t guided by pressure—He was rooted in purpose.

    Can we say the same?

    Too often, we’re shaped by the needs around us, the opinions of others, the urgency of everything and everyone. But if we don’t step away and listen, we risk living from noise instead of from truth.

    Jesus’ time alone with the Father shows us:

    • Prayer brings clarity.
    • The urgent isn’t always the important.
    • Saying yes to God often requires saying no to others.

    What This Means for Us

    This passage isn’t just about Jesus—it’s about us.

    How often do we confuse movement with meaning? How often do we let ourselves be pulled by expectations instead of led by calling?

    Jesus offers another way:

    • Step away. Even when demands are high.
    • Listen deeply. Let prayer show you the deeper purpose.
    • Move forward, not where you’re most comfortable, but where you’re most called.

    He wasn’t led by public demand. He was led by the voice of the Father.

    And that made all the difference.

    The Invitation Still Stands

    Maybe you’re feeling stretched thin today. Maybe expectations press in from every direction. Maybe you’re successful in what you’re doing—but you wonder if it’s what you’re truly called to.

    Jesus invites you to stop.

    To pray.

    To listen.

    And then—to move forward, not from pressure, but from purpose.

    The most important moments don’t come from busyness, but from stillness.
    The truest calling doesn’t rise from applause, but from presence.
    And real progress may require leaving behind what’s working—so you can follow what’s true.

    The invitation still stands.
    Will you make space to hear it?

  • Gospel of Mark 08

    Gospel of Mark 08

    Mark 1:29–34: Healing at the Doorstep

    Jesus exits the synagogue, where He had just cast out an unclean demon, and enters the home of Simon and Andrew. It is a shift from public to private. It changes from a big display of authority in a hallowed venue to a quiet, intimate setting at home. But His influence does not diminish when He leaves the synagogue. The same authority that hushed the devil now extends into the intimate and mundane—to illness, suffering, and the daily difficulties of human life.
    Mark informs us:

    “And he quickly left the synagogue and entered Simon and Andrew’s house, accompanied by James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was now unwell with a fever, and they promptly informed him of this. And he came and grabbed her by the hand, pulled her up, and the fever subsided, and she began to serve them.”

    Healing That is Personal

    The scenario is simple, but powerful. Simon’s mother-in-law is ill, and they rush to Jesus for help. There is no lengthy explanation or complicated plea, just a simple acknowledgment: she is ill.
    Jesus reacts instantly. He does not doubt her worthiness for healing. He does not wait. He does not make a spectacle out of the situation. He merely stretches out His hand, raises her up, and the fever subsides.

    There is something really human about this moment. No grandiose gestures. There will be no bombastic proclamations. Just a hand extended, a compassionate touch, a simple restoration.

    And how did she respond? She begins serving them.
    This is more than just a duty; it represents complete healing. She is not only recuperating; she is completely healed, with strength to act and energy to serve. Jesus doesn’t merely cure her fever; He brings her back to life.

    Healing Beyond the Household

    However, this is merely the beginning at Simon’s house. As soon as the Sabbath concludes, the entire village rushes to the door, bringing their sick, suffering, and possessed.

    “That evening around sundown, they brought to him everyone who was ill or plagued by demons. And the entire city was gathering at the entrance. And he healed numerous people suffering from various ailments and threw out many devils.”

    The entryway becomes a point of transition. What began as a simple act of healing in a home turns into a deluge of need at Jesus’ feet. The entire city is now at the door, seeking restoration, relief, and hope.

    Jesus greets them all.

    He doesn’t turn them away. He is not tired of their cries. He touches, heals, and delivers. His authority is not confined to words spoken in a synagogue. It is not limited to private miracles performed in a home. It extends to anybody who comes to Him.

    Authority over sickness and oppression.

    Mark creates a distinction. Jesus cures the sick and expels devils.
    Physical suffering exists, as does spiritual persecution. Both are real. Both are hefty loads. Jesus has authority over them all.

    He not only teaches about the kingdom, but also represents its strength.
    Everywhere He goes, darkness retreats. Sickness is undone. Oppression is silenced. God’s kingdom is more than simply a distant hope; it is already present in the earth. But, despite this exhibition of might, there remains a quiet sweetness. There is no indication that Jesus heals to prove anything. There is no performance or spectacle. Only kindness.

    Healing: A Sign of the Kingdom

    Throughout Jesus’ mission, healing is more than just a return to health. It is an indication of something more.
    The prophets said that God would heal His people: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; the lame man shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.” (Isaiah 35:5–6)
    Jesus is fulfilling this promise. Every healing is a glimpse of the kingdom, a proof that God is repairing what was broken, reversing what was lost, and making everything new.

    Nevertheless, He does not allow the devils to speak.
    “He would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.”
    Why? Because Jesus’ purpose extends beyond simply performing miracles. He isn’t just a healer or exorcist. His power is real, but His identity has to be revealed in God’s time and way.
    The people see His marvels. But do they really comprehend who He is?

    What Does This Mean for Us?

    This text is not only about the past; it also applies to our current existence.
    Jesus meets us wherever we are. He is present in both sacred and mundane settings. He does not only carry out miracles on great platforms; He also works in the quiet moments, personal hardships, and locations that no one else sees.

    Healing is more than just alleviating misery; it is also about restoration. Simon’s mother-in-law is not only healed; she is restored to life, vigor, and purpose. True healing is about becoming entire, reclaiming our true selves.

    The door is still open. The entire village came at Simon’s door to seek healing. We are still at that barrier today. The invitation stays. Jesus still greets people who come, extends His hand, and mends what is broken.

    Will we come to Him? Will we bring to Him what is weighing us down? Will we believe that His touch can still make everything new?

    The door is open.

    The Healer is nearby.

    Will you come forward?

  • Lent 2025 School of Prayer

    Day 7: Using the Psalms to guide your prayers

    “My soul pants for you, my God, just as the deer pants for streams of water.” — Psalm 42:1

    With its unvarnished and honest pleas that convey joy, sadness, trust, fear, praise, and repentance, the Psalms are frequently referred to be the Bible’s prayer book. The Psalms provide us with phrases to present to God when we are at a loss for words. They serve as a reminder that prayer is about coming as we are, not about saying the correct things.

    In every stage of life, David, the poet of several Psalms, gave his all to God. He cried in times of sorrow (Psalm 13:1-2), asked for pardon in times of failure (Psalm 51:1-2), and gave thanks in times of triumph (Psalm 18:1-3). Whatever he had to deal with, he prayed about it all to God.

    Pick a Psalm that speaks to you today; it could be one of trust, lament, or gratitude. Take your time reading it and use it as a private prayer. Allow the words of Scripture to lead you to a closer relationship with God.

    Thought: Which Psalm resonates with you right now? In what ways might the Psalms enhance your Lent prayer life? Think about committing a verse to memory so you can pray it all day long.

    Fasting and Giving: Give your time to someone in need. Call a lonely friend or visit someone.

    Here is an organized list of Psalms by Topic to guide your prayers:

    ✨ Praise (Worshiping God’s greatness and majesty)

    • Psalm 8 – The glory of God in creation
    • Psalm 19 – The heavens declare the glory of God
    • Psalm 29 – The power of God’s voice
    • Psalm 47 – God reigns over all the earth
    • Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord, O my soul
    • Psalm 150 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord

    💔 Lament (Crying out to God in pain or distress)

    • Psalm 13 – How long, O Lord?
    • Psalm 22 – My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
    • Psalm 42 – Why are you downcast, O my soul?
    • Psalm 77 – I cried out to God for help
    • Psalm 88 – A cry from deep suffering
    • Psalm 130 – Out of the depths I cry to You, Lord

    🙏 Gratitude (Thanksgiving for God’s blessings)

    • Psalm 9 – I will give thanks to You, Lord
    • Psalm 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd
    • Psalm 30 – You turned my mourning into dancing
    • Psalm 34 – Taste and see that the Lord is good
    • Psalm 92 – It is good to give thanks to the Lord
    • Psalm 136 – His love endures forever

    🛡️ Trust (Confidence in God’s guidance and protection)

    • Psalm 16 – You will not abandon me
    • Psalm 27 – The Lord is my light and my salvation
    • Psalm 46 – God is our refuge and strength
    • Psalm 56 – When I am afraid, I will trust in You
    • Psalm 91 – He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    • Psalm 121 – My help comes from the Lord

    🌑 Absence of God (Feeling distant from God)

    • Psalm 10 – Why, O Lord, do You stand far off?
    • Psalm 42 – As the deer pants for streams of water
    • Psalm 43 – Why have You rejected me?
    • Psalm 63 – My soul thirsts for You
    • Psalm 77 – Has His love vanished forever?
    • Psalm 89 – Where is Your faithfulness, O Lord?

  • 06 Mark 1:16-20 The Call To Follow

    Jesus does not build His kingdom alone.

    From the very beginning of His ministry, He calls others to walk with Him, to learn from Him, to become part of something greater than themselves. His mission is not just about proclaiming truth—it is about forming a community, a people who will embody His message long after He is gone.

    Mark tells us the story simply:

    “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.”

    There is something disruptive about this moment. These men are not idle. They are not searching for a teacher. They are fishermen, doing what they have always done, tending to the daily work of survival. And yet, when Jesus calls, they drop everything.

    A Call That Interrupts

    Jesus does not wait for Simon, Andrew, James, and John to come to Him. He goes to them. He meets them in their ordinary lives, in the midst of their routines. They are casting nets, mending gear, preparing for another day of work—until Jesus steps in and everything changes.

    We often imagine that life-changing moments come with preparation, with time to consider, with warning signs leading up to them. But in Mark’s Gospel, the call of Jesus is sudden, urgent, and immediate. There is no space for hesitation.

    And yet, there is something about Jesus that compels them to follow. He offers no roadmap, no security, no certainty about what will come next. All He says is, “Follow me.” And they go.

    Perhaps that is how real transformation works. It comes not when we are ready, but when we are willing. It does not always come with full understanding, but with an openness to step forward even when we do not know what the future holds.

    Leaving Behind the Nets

    What Simon, Andrew, James, and John do next is astonishing.

    “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”

    Their nets were not just tools; they represented security, identity, livelihood. To leave them behind was to step into the unknown, to release the only life they had ever known.

    James and John leave behind not just nets, but their father. Their departure is not just a career shift; it is a radical severing of ties, a complete reordering of priorities.

    Jesus’ call is not a casual invitation—it demands a response that costs something. To follow Jesus means to let go, to release what is comfortable, to step away from what is familiar.

    And yet, they do not hesitate. Why? Because what Jesus offers is greater than what they leave behind.

    Fishers of Men: A New Purpose

    Jesus does not just tell them to follow Him—He redefines their identity.

    “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

    He does not say, Follow me, and you will be my students. He does not say, Follow me, and you will find deeper spiritual peace. Instead, He speaks in their language, through their experience.

    They were fishermen. This was what they knew—casting nets, waiting, gathering the catch. And now, Jesus takes that same skill, that same patience, that same endurance, and transforms it into something eternal.

    “I will make you fishers of men.”

    Their skills are not erased; they are redeemed for a greater purpose. They will still cast nets, but now for hearts and souls. They will still wait, but now with the patience of those who bring good news. They will still gather, but now into a kingdom that will never fade.

    God does not call us to abandon who we are—He transforms what we already know into something new. The gifts, talents, and experiences we have do not disappear when we follow Jesus. They are redirected, reshaped, repurposed for something greater than we ever imagined.

    The Cost of Following

    It is tempting to read this passage and admire the disciples’ immediate response without considering what it cost them.

    Simon, Andrew, James, and John did not just leave behind nets—they left behind their old way of defining themselves. Their work, their families, their sense of place in the world—all of it changed the moment they said yes.

    Following Jesus is never about adding Him to an already full life. It is about redefining life around Him.

    And yet, even in the leaving, there is gain.

    What they lost in security, they gained in purpose.
    What they gave up in familiarity, they received in calling.
    What they left behind in certainty, they stepped into in faith.

    Jesus does not call people to comfort. He calls them to Himself. And that is always worth whatever we must leave behind.

    The Call Today: Will You Follow?

    This story is not just about Simon, Andrew, James, and John. It is about every one of us.

    Jesus is still walking along the shores of our lives, still stepping into our ordinary routines, still speaking those two simple words:

    “Follow me.”

    The question is, will we?

    What nets are we holding onto that keep us from stepping forward? What security are we afraid to leave behind? What is Jesus calling us to step into, even when we feel unprepared?

    Following Jesus is not about having all the answers. It is about taking the first step.

    And like those first disciples, when we leave behind our old lives, we are stepping into something far greater than we ever imagined.

    The call has not changed.

    The invitation is still open.

    Will you follow?

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  • 05. Mark 1:14-15 The Time is Now


    Jesus does not start His work in a peaceful time. God doesn’t start His work when things are stable in politics or religion. Instead, He makes His formal announcement after John the Baptist is picked up. The person who made the way possible is now in jail, and the system that Jesus is about to face has shut them up.


    Mark simply says, “After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and preached the gospel of God. He said, ‘The time is over, and the kingdom of God is near. Turn away from your sins and believe the gospel.’”

    These words make you feel rushed. Things are moving. Jesus doesn’t think twice. His message isn’t careful. That’s not what he does to make it more comfortable. So, He goes ahead with His task and tells them something very important: “The time is fulfilled.”
    “The kingdom of God is at hand.”
    “Repent and believe in the gospel.”

    These words aren’t just from the past. They’re still living. People are still welcome to accept them.


    This is the right time: Being in the Kairos Moment

    Jesus doesn’t just mean that history has reached a certain point when He says, “The time is fulfilled.” The Greek word for “time” in this case is kairos, which is not the same as chronos, which means “clock.” Kairos is a turning point, a divine call, or a chance to do something.


    Jesus is telling people that something has changed. Now the wait is over. The long-awaited moment that the prophets spoke about has finally come. It’s not just another part of history; this is the turning point.

    How often do we wait for the ideal time to make a change, move forward, or start something new? When things are just right, when we feel ready, or when we are better ready, we tell ourselves that we will start. But kairos time doesn’t wait for us to be ready; it tells us to act right now.
    Right now is always a kairos moment. No matter what, God is always calling us to start over. The call to change is not something that might happen in the future; it is already here.

    The coming of God’s kingdom: Not an idea but a reality


    One of the most confusing ideas in Christianity is “the kingdom of God,” which is at the heart of what Jesus taught. When we hear the word “kingdom,” we might think of a country’s government, its land, or its people. But the kingdom of God is not a government on earth; it is God’s rule coming into the world.


    ἂγγβκεν (ēngiken, meaning “is at hand”) is a perfect tense word in Greek. This means that the kingdom has already come and is still there. Says Jesus, “The reign of God is not just coming; it is already here, taking shape right in front of you.”


    But if the kingdom has already come, then why is the world still broken? This is what the “already and not yet” means. The kingdom began with Jesus, but it will not be fully finished until the end of time. There it is, but it is still happening. Real, but still waiting to be fulfilled.


    And we are asked to live in this space between—to know that God’s rule is already here even as we long for it to be fully realized.

    We don’t just sit back and wait for the kingdom to come. Jesus’ words make us want to respond. We step into the kingdom, live into it, and become it. It is not a question of whether or not God’s reign has started; it has. The question is whether we will see it and take part in it.


    Don’t repent, but believe: a call to change

    Jesus doesn’t just say that the kingdom has come; He tells people to “repent and believe in the gospel.”


    No, the word “repent” (μετανoεῖτε) does not mean to feel bad or sorry. To change one’s mind is to go in a different direction or see things in a different way. It’s a call to realign, or change the way you live so that it fits with God’s plan.


    And believe (πιστεύετε, pisteuete) is more than just agreeing with something. It means to fully lean on the truth of the gospel, to believe it, and to make a promise.


    Jesus wants people to do more than just believe that the kingdom is close. He wants them to live as if it were true.
    Believing and repenting are not two different things; they are two sides of the same coin. It means to turn away from an old way of living and to think it means to start a new life. Jesus’ call isn’t just for small changes; it’s for a whole new way of living.

    Living in the Kingdom as It Really Is

    How should we live as if the kingdom were already here?
    What does it mean to choose to see the world through the lens of God’s rule instead of fear, lack, or power? It means choosing a life where love is more important than power, where humility is more important than pride, and where service is more important than being in charge.

    It means being aware that every moment has the power to change things.

    Now is that kairos.

    Jesus’ words were important back then, and they are important now. The time has passed. The kingdom is almost here. You can turn away from your sins and have faith today, not tomorrow.

    So the question is: Will we wait any longer, or will we seize the moment? Will we see that God’s kingdom is moving among us, or will we keep living as if nothing has changed?

    You are welcome to join. Now is the time.

    Now is the time.

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  • Living the Present Moment … in time of Political and Social Stress

    Present, Not Panicked!

    For us Christians, one of the paths to encountering and loving God is through the present moment. The term “mindfulness” refers to a practice that enables us to grow in awareness of this very moment. Mindfulness helps us become fully conscious of the Present Moment, which is exactly where we meet God.

    Imagine the Stoic Emperor Marcus Aurelius writing in his personal reflections two thousand years ago, unaware that you would one day read his words. In his profound work “Meditations,” he captured an insight by quoting Plato:

    “How beautifully Plato put it. Whenever you want to talk about people, it’s best to take a bird’s-eye view and see everything all at once—gatherings, armies, farms, weddings and divorces, births and deaths, noisy courtrooms or silent spaces, every foreign people, holidays, memorials, markets—all blended together and arranged in a pairing of opposites.” – (Meditations, 7.48)

    Today, we live in a world more interconnected and tumultuous than ever, constantly inundated with news and opinions, often starkly divided and presented as opposites. Social media, news feeds, and even our phones offer an endless stream of information, distractions, and emotional triggers. Like Marcus Aurelius suggested, we must rise above it all in our minds, seeing the vast array of human experiences without becoming emotionally ensnared by them.

    As followers of Christ, how do we navigate this complex landscape without succumbing to anxiety, anger, or despair? How do we stay informed yet remain grounded in peace? The key lies in mindfulness—a practice that harmonizes beautifully with Christian spirituality.

    Mindfulness: Observing Without Judgment, Releasing with Trust

    Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, calmly observing thoughts, emotions, and external events without judgment, allowing us to gently release anxiety and attachment. Rather than quickly labeling political news or events as “good” or “bad,” mindfulness invites us to observe with calm discernment and entrust everything to God’s sovereign plan.

    Jesus himself embodied this mindful approach when He said in Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” His invitation was not toward passivity or ignorance but toward spiritual awareness that liberates us from worry. Jesus calls us to place our ultimate security not in human institutions or political outcomes but in God’s unchanging love.

    The Emotional Weight of Political Anxiety

    Political stress is a genuine concern for many people today. Constant exposure to negative or divisive news can trigger chronic stress responses, leading to anxiety, frustration, and hopelessness. From a Christian perspective, such emotional strain hinders our ability to embody Christ’s peace and love effectively. Instead of trusting in God’s ultimate sovereignty, we can find ourselves overly reliant on human efforts, causing our faith to waver.

    Embracing Mindfulness in Times of Political Unrest

    By incorporating mindfulness into our political and social awareness, we remain present without being swept away by negative emotions. Here’s how you can apply it:

    1. Observe Before Reacting

    Mindfulness trains us to pause before responding. When distressing news arises, take a breath, observe without judgment, acknowledge your emotions, and then respond with thoughtful prayer rather than immediate reaction.

    2. Mindful Media Engagement

    One major contributor to political anxiety is relentless media consumption. Practice mindfulness by:

    • Setting clear boundaries around news intake.
    • Selecting trustworthy, balanced sources.
    • Taking regular breaks from screens to reflect and pray.

    3. Ground Yourself in Prayer and Scripture

    In turbulent times, Scripture reassures us of God’s steadfast presence. Merge mindfulness with Christian practice by reflecting on verses like:

    • John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”
    • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything…”

    Meditate on these words to foster internal peace amidst external turmoil.

    4. Engage Compassionately

    Mindfulness reminds us to see beyond politics and recognize the humanity in others. Engage in political conversations with compassion, patience, and empathy, embodying Christ’s commandment to love our neighbors—especially those we disagree with.

    5. Surrender What You Cannot Control

    Feelings of powerlessness often accompany political anxiety. Mindfulness teaches us to discern our responsibilities and let go of what lies beyond our influence, entrusting it to God.

    Practice a simple breath prayer:

    • Inhale: “Lord, I trust You.”
    • Exhale: “I release my worries to You.”

    This act of letting go is not resignation but active faith.

    Conclusion: Embracing Peace Amidst Chaos

    As Christians, we are called to be a calming, constructive presence in the world. Mindfulness does not call us to ignore reality but empowers us to engage it from a place of trust and peace. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, take that bird’s-eye view—recognize the world’s complexity without becoming emotionally entangled.

    You have already chosen a path that will endure all of life’s fluctuations—weddings and divorces, births and deaths, turmoil and tranquility. The world is indeed busy and demanding, constantly pulling at your attention.

    Yet, you matter immensely, now and always. The world’s turbulence underscores the importance of embracing this moment. Waiting for a “better time” is an illusion.

    We never shall have any more time. We have, and we have always had, all the time there is.”

    So, breathe. Observe. Pray. Let your faith guide you, knowing that in God’s kingdom, peace reigns supreme.

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  • 04 Into the Wilderness (Mark 1:12-13)

    Jesus does not linger in the moment of divine affirmation. He does not remain by the Jordan, basking in the voice that called Him beloved. Instead, Mark tells us that immediately He is driven into the wilderness. There is no delay, no transition—only movement. The Spirit that descended upon Him in peace now casts Him out into a place of desolation.

    “The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to him.”

    The Gospel of Mark moves quickly, always pushing forward, always emphasizing urgency. But in these two short verses, an entire spiritual reality is compressed into a moment: Jesus, freshly baptized, is sent into the unknown. The same Spirit that marked Him as the beloved Son now leads Him into a place of testing.

    The Wilderness as a Place of Preparation

    The wilderness is not a mistake. It is not a detour. It is part of the journey.

    Throughout Scripture, the wilderness is where God refines His people. Israel wandered for forty years, learning dependence on God. The prophets withdrew into the wilderness to encounter divine truth. And now, Jesus steps into the same reality—forty days of solitude, fasting, and trial.

    In Greek, the verb used here—ἐκβάλλει (ekballei), “drove out”—is forceful. This is not a gentle leading but a thrusting forward. It is the same verb Mark will later use when Jesus casts out demons (Mark 1:34, 39). The wilderness is not an invitation; it is a necessity. The Spirit compels Jesus forward, not because He is unprepared, but because this is what must happen next.

    The wilderness strips away comfort. It exposes. It reveals. It is a place of both danger and clarity, where everything unnecessary falls away, and what remains is only what is essential.

    Perhaps you have known your own wilderness. A season where you felt uprooted, uncertain, without direction. A place where the ground beneath you felt unstable, where you were confronted with fears you would rather avoid. If so, you are not alone. Even Jesus walked through the wilderness. Even Jesus faced the stripping away, the silence, the questions.

    Temptation and the Clash of Kingdoms

    Mark does not detail the nature of Jesus’ temptations as Matthew and Luke do. He gives us only a single sentence: “And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan.” But within that sentence lies a cosmic struggle.

    The presence of Satan signals that this is more than an internal battle; it is spiritual warfare. The Kingdom of God has broken into history, and now it is being opposed. Jesus stands in the wilderness where Adam once fell, where Israel once failed, and yet, He does not succumb. Where humanity has been weak, Jesus is strong. Where others lost their way, Jesus remains steadfast.

    Temptation is often misunderstood as a test of willpower, but at its core, it is a question of identity. In Matthew and Luke, Satan’s first words to Jesus are: “If you are the Son of God…” The enemy seeks to sow doubt, to twist the truth, to make Jesus prove what has already been declared.

    And is that not how temptation often works? Not as something obvious, but as a whisper of doubt. A questioning of who we are. A subtle pull toward forgetting what God has already spoken over us.

    But Jesus does not waver. He is already secure in His identity. He does not need to prove anything. He remains where Adam fell, where Israel faltered, and in doing so, He redefines what it means to walk faithfully with God.

    With the Wild Beasts, Among the Angels

    Mark includes a unique and striking detail: “He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.”

    This simple phrase carries layers of meaning. In the ancient world, wild beasts represented danger and chaos. They were the unknown forces beyond human control, the embodiment of the untamed world. To be among the wild beasts was to be exposed, vulnerable.

    But there is also another layer. Isaiah 11:6-9 speaks of a time when the Messiah will bring peace to creation—when “the wolf shall dwell with the lamb.” Could this be a glimpse of that reality? That even in the wilderness, Jesus brings harmony? That where He stands, even the chaos of creation begins to shift?

    And then, the angels. Silent, unseen, yet present. The wilderness is not empty. Jesus is not alone. The angels minister to Him, a reminder that even in the hardest places, heaven is near.

    How often do we forget this? In our own times of wilderness, we focus on the struggle, on the isolation, on the difficulty. We forget that even there, the angels are present. That even when we feel unseen, God is sustaining us. That we do not walk through the wilderness alone.

    Embracing the Wilderness in Our Own Lives

    Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness are not just an event from the past; they are an invitation for us to see our own wilderness differently.

    We often resist seasons of discomfort. We see uncertainty as something to escape, suffering as something to avoid. But what if the wilderness is part of the process? What if this is where clarity is born?

    If you find yourself in a season of waiting, of struggle, of questioning—take heart. Jesus has walked this path before you. He knows the wilderness. He has felt the hunger, the isolation, the weight of trial. And yet, He was not overcome.

    The Spirit does not lead us into the wilderness to abandon us there. The Spirit leads us to refine us, to strengthen us, to prepare us for what is next.

    So if you are in the wilderness, stay. Stay, knowing that this is not the end of the story. Stay, knowing that temptation does not define you. Stay, knowing that God is with you, even among the wild beasts.

    And when the time comes, you will step out—not broken, but strengthened. Not lost, but found. Not uncertain, but ready.

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