Author: Bill Hall

I have a cold today.

Mark 4:22
   We might see this as simply a general statement of fact. But it is far more. It is a promise from God. Jesus was making a statement in regards to secrets of God. All of the mysteries will be revealed one day. But, it is God’s prerogative to conceal things in his time. There is much that we know even at this time, and yet there is much we don’t know.

Bible Reading: Genesis 38:1-40:23

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:19 “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your wisdom. Though your ways don;t always seem clear to us, we know that you are infinitely capable of running this creation of yours adequately. You have it all figured out, and the mysteries are simply your glory since only you may unravel them. Thank you for involving us in your works! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for our national leaders.

Journal Entry #15114

Mark 4:21
   We might think that a reminder such as this is unnecessary. However, Jesus understands human nature very well. He is helping us understand that we do have a tendency to set out to do something, and then do quite the opposite in the practice of it.
   But also, Jesus is speaking of the fact that the good news of the gospel had now come. And, it was time for it to be revealed to all the world. As such, it must be set forth for all to see.

Bible Reading: Genesis 36:1-37:36

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:18 “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the opportunity to be reflectors of your glory. When we live lives of humility and service to you, we can be glorious ourselves and yet not know it. When we depend upon you for everything, we can live with such joy and peace that all around us will know and understand that we know you. It is not our goal to be something great, but to be yours. For, to be ambassadors for Almighty God is a position of great privilege, though it is one of humble service. Thank you for letting us serve you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a man who has not been to church in a while. Pray for our missionaries.

Journal Entry #15113

Mark 4:20
   The Word of God is not ineffective. If it takes root in a person’s life, there will be fruit. Circumstances and opportunity will determine the volume of fruit, but there will be fruit. Indeed, the illustration from farming is quite appropriate in that one seed might produce so much fruit.

Bible Reading: Genesis 33:1-35:29

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:17 ” And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for using us. You make our lives worth so much. You take us from where we were lost in sin, and you make us whole and give us purpose. You guide our lives and show us the way to what is best for us. Thank you for your leading! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a man in the hospital.

Journal Entry #15112

Mark 4:19
   Often the cares and issues of this life will be a trial to people, and they will turn to the world’s answers. They will begin to think they can find security and happiness in riches and pleasures. And why does this choke the Word? Should not our security and happiness be important? Ah, but it is the Word that tells us where to find these, and it is not where the world finds them.

Bible Reading: Genesis 31:1-32:32

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know the trials we face in our lives. You know the hurt and pain in this life. You understand our problems. You know how to comfort us. You know how to help us out of all our trials. May we always turn to you for everything. The world will offer solutions, but they are only vanities. You have real answers. We can depend upon you! Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for two families that just lost loved ones. Pray for a woman with advanced cancer, and for another woman preparing to have surgery for cancer.

Journal Entry #15111

Mark 4:18
   It is quite understandable to assume that this group represents those who are genuinely saved, yet have been rendered ineffective. However, one must be careful here. The Scriptures give us great certainty that those who bear much fruit belong to the Lord. It does not do so with the rest, though there is the possibility ti make it ‘so as by fire’. In other words, we must respond to the Word and not be distracted, or it may be found we were not his to begin with.

Bible Reading: Genesis 29:1-30:43

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your work in our lives. You have made the gospel available to all. Thank you for that great mercy. To live for you is such a joy! You are glorious, holy, just, righteous, and faithful. May we never cease to make your Word known to the world. We need your truth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a man’s unspoken requests.

Journal Entry #15110

Mark 4:17
   We use the word ‘endure’ in English translations of this verse. However, do keep in mind that the short endurance of these folks is nothing like the endurance of true saints. The literal sense here is that they stay for a short season, and then are offended. The same offences that caused them to accept the truth quickly will often be the cause of their distraction.
   Having no root is as much as saying that they had not grown from the True Vine, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible Reading: Genesis 27:1-28:22

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:14 “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our lives will be spent understanding the full measure of your greatness. We think we understand so much about our world, and can decide how to measure you, but we need your help to even get a glimpse at the big picture. Our tendency is to put everything into our own mold, and not realize the intricacies of the variety of reality. You have made us, and not we ourselves. We cannot understand how you have framed the universe upon nothing, but we know by your Word that you have. May we live humbly and realize the awesome glory of your person. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for two women who are lost. Pray for a couple of young people who need direction in their lives.

Journal Entry #15109

Mark 4:16
   Being in difficult places, these persons immediately recognize the truth of the gospel. But, yet, they easily are drawn from it again for the same reason.

Bible Reading: Genesis 25:1-26:35

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:13 “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy to us. Your ways are far above ours, and you understand what we cannot. Give us the wisdom that only you can supply that we might have what we need for our lives. Thank you for guiding us on our way. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman who is not feeling well.

Journal Entry #15108

Mark 4:15
   We might ask how that the devil is able to take away the seed. Well, in every case but the last it is the devil that prevents the Word from having the proper influence. It is just that, in this case, the enemy is able to do it very quickly and easily. These are those who receive the gospel like they might a good piece of advice. It may be forgotten, confused, overshadowed by error, etc. The enemy works continually to ensure this, and this is the way he keeps many from the truth.

Bible Reading: Genesis 23:1-24:67

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:12 “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for us! You continue to supply this world with truth, even though so many will reject it. Thank you for your Word! You are able to do so much, and we can do so little. Yet, you use us to do much as well, by your power. You are worthy of all glory and honor! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman who may have cancer. Pray for a woman who is unsaved.

Journal Entry #15107

Mark 4:14
   This is the task of the church age. We must get the Word out to all the world. The seed sown is worth its weight in gold. Nothing is more important at this time.

Bible Reading: Genesis 20:1-22:24

Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:11 “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we live to sow the seed! give us a heart for the lost! Your Word is precious! It is alive and it will change hearts. Help us to know the truth and give it to others. We want to bring your praise to all nations. You are worthy to be known. Every mouth should sing your praise! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for missionaries all over the world as they distribute the Word of God.

Journal Entry #15106