Thoughts on Today's Verse

 "He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again." Mark 8:31

Thoughts on Today's Verse by Phil Ware

Knowing Jesus is God's Messiah is one thing. Following Jesus as our Lord is quite another. Getting our minds, hearts, and lives to line up is always a challenge. Once Jesus' disciples confessed him as the Christ, he knew he had to teach them the real road to glory.

Each of the Gospels reminds us that this road led to the cross of agony before it led to the crown of glory. The early church captured it in a song that reminded them that they, too, must walk that same road (see Philippians 2:5-11).

We are a heaven-bound people, but we can be sure that we will encounter potholes and bumps along the road and even steep hills to climb as satan tries to derail and defeat us. Our Savior, however, has already walked this road, and he is our great reminder that the path leads us to share in his glory, too.

My Prayer...

Dear Father, I know many believers are struggling to follow Jesus faithfully. Please, dear LORD, I ask that you give them the strength and the courage to endure, and I ask that you use your people to encourage them and to help them through the dark times in life.

I ask you to touch the hearts of your people people to pray and beseech your help in delivering those who suffer.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.