INTENTIONS

Today’s Reading: Mark 14

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

On the other side of this security fence is the region of the ancient town of Bethany. The fence was constructed in 2003 to protect Jerusalem from attacks from terrorists. This view is from Bethpage on the southeast side of the Mount of Olives.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Mark 14:29

Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.”

The INTENTIONS of JESUS were clearly revealed in His declaration that the Bread and the Cup were His Body and His Blood. His suffering and death in our place was about to take place. Nothing could turn Jesus away from this. On the other hand, there was Peter. His INTENTIONS were great, but his actions were so very human. In the courtyard of the High Priest, Peter could not stand up to the waitresses who identified him with Jesus (Mark 14:71-72). The Bible is totally honest. Peter was a man of God who became one of the leaders of the early Church. His example shows us that it is impossible to follow Jesus in our own strength. Oh, how we need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Fifty days later, after the Holy Spirit filled them on the Day of Pentecost, Peter was boldly proclaming Jesus on the streets of Jerusalem. That day, approximately 3,000 people became believers (Acts 2:41). The Holy Spirit enabled him to carry out his INTENTIONS!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, John the Baptist said of You, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11b). I need You, Lord Jesus, to baptize me now. I ask You for Your Power to come upon me (Acts 2:4). I wait in Your Presence, expecting the same outpouring of Your Spirit as on Peter and the others throughout the history of the Church.Thank You, Jesus! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I identify with Peter. Before Jesus baptized me with the Holy Spirit, I found it nearly impossible to stand before people to share Jesus. After, I was amazed at how bold I was. I preached on the street, on radio and on television. I saw open doors of opportunity everywhere. I was very aware that Peter had spent three years being taught by Jesus, Himself, and before that no doubt he had studied the Scriptures for years in the synagogue with the guidance of a rabbi. I surely needed Bible College studies. I started with a correspondence course and then enrolled in Eastern Pentecostal Bible College in Peterborough, Ontario (now Master’s College and Seminary). For me, a thorough knowledge of God’s Word and the Power of the Holy Spirit made all the difference. What a joy to serve the Lord Jesus Christ!

Yours for effectively sharing the Word of God in the Power of the Holy Spirit, the only way to effectively implement His INTENTIONS,

David