Today's Verse: Mark 3:14

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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 Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Albert Einstein:
"The real problem is in the hearts and minds of men. It is not a problem of physics but of ethics. It is easier to denature plutonium than to denature the evil....."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'The Gathering Storm'
"Dear Disciple, If you have been following along with My story in the gospels, you know that I am headed for Jerusalem. You also know that I am on a....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Please Stay!' (Jn. 4:40-41)
"When [the Samaritans] came out to see [Jesus], they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Giver of Life, Grower of Grace' (1 Co. 3:8-9)
"Dear Father, growth-giving God, Both the planter and the waterer are equal and shall receive their wages according to their labor. But you give life!..."

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