Today's Verse: Mark 3:14

Sunday, March 14, 2004

He appointed twelve — designating them apostles — that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
— Mark 3:14
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While there are many intriguing and fascinating thoughts in this sentence, the one phrase that touches my heart is this one: "... that they might be with him ...." This reminds me of that great passage: "[The leaders of the Sanhedrin] recognized that [Peter and John, his apostles,] had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). Now I know that we can't "be with" Jesus in quite the same way the twelve apostles were. However, we do have the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell his story and invite us to follow Jesus, too. As we pursue Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit transforming us to become like him (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, when was the last time you sat down and read one straight through? When was the last time you read a Gospel and asked Jesus to make himself and his will known to you? Why not spend some time with Jesus this week? (Here is a link to the Gospel reading plan.) Who knows, maybe someone around you will recognize that you have been with Jesus!

My Prayer...

Holy Father, thank you for the Scriptures. Thank you, especially for the Gospels that tell the story of your Son. Please forgive me for not spending more time getting to know him better. As I recommit myself to seek your Son, please bless me with a genuine sense of his presence and a more obvious knowledge of his will, love, character, righteousness, and compassion. O, Father, I want others to recognize that I have been with Jesus! In his name, I ask for this grace. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Apostles
Illustration of Mark 3:14
Inspirational illustration of Mark 3:14 -- 14He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.
The Purpose of the 12
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Then [Jesus] appointed twelve of [his disciples] and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach,..."
Beyond the sacred Page
Article by Phil Ware
How can Jesus be real to me and not just someone I read about on the pages of the Bible? Phil Ware continues his series on The Yearning, our need and desire and longing for Jesus to be real to us and close to us and experienceable in our daily lives.
Creating a Movement
Article by Rick Brown
How in the world did they do this? Rick Brown talks about how we can accomplish the Great Commission in our world today, the same as they did it long ago.
See All 5 Related Resources about Mark 3:14

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 3:14 — He appointed twelve — designating them apostles — that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, March 14, 2004

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Worthy of the Calling' (Ep. 4:1-4)
"Dear Father, You have called me to your kingdom and glory! Help me to live a life worthy of the calling I have received from you. Help me live the..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Life-making' (Jn. 6:63)
"[Jesus said,] "The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don't make anything happen. Every word I've spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Awakening Paul to Jesus' Call on His Life'
"[As Paul recounted his conversion to Jesus as Messiah and Lord, he shared these words:] "Then [Ananias] told me, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Will Help You Escape' (Ps. 124:6-8)
"Thank the Lord, who did not let them sink their teeth into us. We escaped like a bird caught in a hunter’s trap. The trap was broken, and we escaped....."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse