Let's lift up these needs in Jesus' Name:
Let's pray together! 
, the only believer in their family, against plots and spiritual warfare. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph 6:12). Pray for God's protection and deliverance. "No weapon forged against you will prevail" (Isa 54:17). Trusting God's shield and victory! Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: ...
—Mark 4:1-2 NLT
I find it interesting when a good preacher or Bible teacher is criticized for telling too many stories. Yes, there are some speakers who go only for the emotional tug on people's hearts by telling one story after another. On the other hand, not only do we need to pay attention to WHAT Jesus taught, but we also need to notice HOW he taught it! Jesus engaged people's imaginations and made everyday events, images, and experiences into hooks on which he could hang God's truth about the Kingdom. One of the reasons that he attracted large crowds involved his miracles. But, Jesus was very careful not to allow himself to become "The Miracle Man." Interestingly, he was not called the Healer, but the Teacher! His words were powerful because they were true. His teaching was influential because it carried with it the ring of heaven's truth. But let's not forget that his teaching was popular because he knew how to engage people's hearts, minds, and imaginations when he taught. One of the ways he did that was telling stories. Amazingly, these stories still speak to us today!
Loving Father and Almighty God, please help me grow in my ability to teach the truth of Jesus. I want to teach it through the example of my life. I want to communicate that truth to those around me in my sphere of influence. Father, I also offer myself to be used by you to teach others about Jesus in any fashion you choose. And when my opportunities to teach your truth come, please help me know what to say and how to teach in ways that engage the hearts and minds of those I'm trying to reach. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 4:1-2 NLT
Key Thought
I find it interesting when a good preacher or Bible teacher is criticized for telling too many stories. Yes, there are some speakers who go only for the emotional tug on people's hearts by telling one story after another. On the other hand, not only do we need to pay attention to WHAT Jesus taught, but we also need to notice HOW he taught it! Jesus engaged people's imaginations and made everyday events, images, and experiences into hooks on which he could hang God's truth about the Kingdom. One of the reasons that he attracted large crowds involved his miracles. But, Jesus was very careful not to allow himself to become "The Miracle Man." Interestingly, he was not called the Healer, but the Teacher! His words were powerful because they were true. His teaching was influential because it carried with it the ring of heaven's truth. But let's not forget that his teaching was popular because he knew how to engage people's hearts, minds, and imaginations when he taught. One of the ways he did that was telling stories. Amazingly, these stories still speak to us today!
Today's Prayer
Loving Father and Almighty God, please help me grow in my ability to teach the truth of Jesus. I want to teach it through the example of my life. I want to communicate that truth to those around me in my sphere of influence. Father, I also offer myself to be used by you to teach others about Jesus in any fashion you choose. And when my opportunities to teach your truth come, please help me know what to say and how to teach in ways that engage the hearts and minds of those I'm trying to reach. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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