Writing Mark 14:32-72 (3/3/23)
Good morning. It took me 2 days but I got this chapter finished. Today is a bit calmer than it was yesterday. No schedule means I can take my time doing things today.
In finishing up this chapter, I am reminded of ‘Influence’. We are influenced by everything whether we like it or not. Some things we can control and some things we cannot. In the garden we see the influence of the disciples falling asleep. It was not just one, it was all three. When we look at those who were against Jesus, we see how just a few men influencing the crowd turns it into a mob of angry people. And even while Peter stands at a distance looking on, the influence of others allowed him to deny Jesus three times.
The things I watch on tv, the things I read, the people I surround myself with, influence the things that go through my mind. That is why it is so important to do my bible study and to watch what else I do. It is so easy to get caught up in things before I even realize it.
I remember a long time ago, I was watching a lot of movies on the ‘Lifetime’ channel. Next thing I know, I was a bit paranoid about people and locking my doors. I realized it was just because of what I was watching. So I had to stop watching that channel.
If I need to refocus my mind, I like to think of what Paul wrote to the Philippians in chapter 4 verses 8-9:
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
If I refocus on Scripture I can never go wrong.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day and weekend!!
