Thursday, August 21, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Mark 14

When we accept Jesus as our savior, we are anointed with his Spirit. This anointing means we all have access to the truth. Scripture reminds us we don’t need to live in fear of being deceived because the Holy Spirit’s voice is steady and sure, giving us confidence to walk in truth and grow in faith no matter what we face.

John 14:26
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Although we all have access to the truth, we must abide, or remain in the Spirit, to access it. However, the world is deceptive; it will constantly try to convince us to turn away, give up, or disbelieve. When we hold the truth in our hearts, we cannot be deceived.

I’ve had prayers that weren't answered the way I’d hoped, and thought, “God doesn’t care about me!” Only to realize that God knew my heart was askinUng for selfish desires that couldn’t be satisfied. He cares about my heart and doesn’t want me to carry hurt or hang up.

I’ve seen people leave the faith for similar reasons. A prayer that a loved one would be healed, yet they died. A partner that would stay, yet they left. Disasters that wipe out hundreds of innocent people. Wars that seem to never end.

I left my former church because I wasn’t being “fed” by the pastor there. Yet the Spirit showed me that’s not his job. The pastor’s role is to walk with us, inspire us, and equip us. It’s staying in God’s Word and doing the work of the Father that feeds.

At CedarCreek, we are fortunate to have excellent pastors who inspire us with words from Scripture. But there are other opportunities to help us grow as well. There are Groups that offer fellowship and help us find freedom from what we struggle with. GrowthTrack helps us identify our gifts and ways to use them to bless others. The Daily offers opportunities to be in God’s Word, to pray for others, and to know that we aren’t on this path alone. All of these help abide in God’s truth, and it’s in his truth that we are set free from the deceptions of this world.

Questions:
If you could sit down and speak directly to God, what would you say? Are you carrying any hurt or hang-ups that hold you back from experiencing a relationship with Jesus?

Next Steps:
Walk alongside others in the Faith. Remain in fellowship. Ask questions, give of your finances, and strengthen your relationship with Jesus. Find your growth opportunity.

Prayer: 21 Days of Prayer - Day 18
Lord, I pray for my enemies who have hurt me or wronged me in any way. I ask you to forgive them and to bless them with your grace and mercy. I pray that you would soften their hearts and open their eyes to see the truth of your love. I pray that you will heal the wounds and bitterness that have been caused by our conflict. I pray that you would help me to forgive them as you have forgiven me, and to love them as you have loved me. Lord, I pray that you would make us both instruments of your peace and reconciliation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 16:11
You will show me the way of life,

    granting me the joy of your presence

    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

This post was written by Julie Estep, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.