Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24 Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24

Week Five

By now you have read enough of the Gospel of Mark to know the writing style is completely different than that of Matthew’s. Because much of it is written in short action packed vignette type scenes, some scholars think this gospel may have been used to act out in plays. Imagine what it would be like to watch these scenes being acted out on an ancient stage in a whole other culture and time. It might be easier to see our lives in the text if we can visualize a scene.

Another important factor about this gospel is the number of times the Greek word euthys is used, 42 to be exact — more than any other gospel or anywhere else in the New Testament. In the NIV, the word is translated as “immediately” 41 of those times. Although the first time it is used in Mark 1:3 it translated “straight.” Do you remember the verse? “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight (immediate) paths for him’.”

There is so much sense of immediacy in Mark’s gospel. As you read this week, consider that sense of urgency and ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into what was behind that when it was written. Then ask, ‘where should I have a sense of urgency and immediacy?’. Are there things I haven’t seen that the Lord is doing RIGHT NOW? Immediately? Straight away? How can I join Him? Where am I in today’s great story of the best news ever?

You can reach me at mrightmire@crnaz.com

January 30, 2025 Mark 6 NIV, Ps 30:title–31:9 NIV
January 31, 2025 Mark 7 NIV, Ps 31:10–24 NIV
February 1, 2025 Mark 8:1–9:1 NIV, Ps 32 NIV
February 2, 2025 Mark 9:2–50 NIV, Ps 33 NIV
February 3, 2025 Mark 10 NIV, Ps 34 NIV
February 4, 2025 Mark 11 NIV, Ps 35:title–4 NIV
February 5, 2025 Mark 12 NIV, Ps 35:5–13 NIV

Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24 Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24

Week Four

How’s it going with the two lists? Have you thought about it? Last week I asked you to start two lists. The first list is what you’re learning about the character of God. The second list is about your identity in Christ. What do you learn about God and yourself through reading the Bible? Is one list easier than the other? Most of us can easily pick out character traits of God, but it is far more difficult for us to listen to what he has to say about who we are because of him.

I’m going to keep talking about these two lists because they’re so important in learning to abide in Christ. We must know who God is, but equally important is knowing who we are in him. This week I challenge you to find 15 to 20 minutes to sit with God in quiet. Take a sheet of paper or your electronic device and write out this question: “What does the Spirit of God say about me?” And then pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what he has to say about you. Maybe spend a few minutes reading the word before you pray. But be sure to stop and listen. And then write what you hear. Don’t question what your heart tells you. Don’t be afraid about what you hear. It’s only Jesus, the Spirit of the living God. He is compassionate and caring. He will never dishonor you. He will not shame you, and he will not condemn you and he is not holding anything against you. If you begin to hear things that sound like shame, guilt, or condemnation, you know that is not of God. Stop writing and rebuke those evil thoughts and center your heart on Jesus again. If you need help understanding the way Jesus will talk to you, read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Everything he says will fit into that criteria.

Let me know how this goes. I’d love to hear from you. I am praying that God will give you great revelation about who you personally are in him and it will strengthen your faith and your ability to abide. You can reach me at mrightmire@crnaz.com

January 23, 2025 Matt 26:57–27:26 NIV, Ps 23 NIV
January 24, 2025 Matt 27:27–28:20 NIV, Ps 24 NIV
January 25, 2025 Mark 1 NIV, Ps 25 NIV
January 26, 2025 Mark 2 NIV, Ps 26 NIV
January 27, 2025 Mark 3 NIV, Ps 27 NIV
January 28, 2025 Mark 4 NIV, Ps 28 NIV
January 29, 2025 Mark 5 NIV, Ps 29 NIV

Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24 Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24

Week Three

We are already well into Matthew’s gospel and have read a LOT about Jesus! This week, I want to challenge you to begin to keep TWO LISTS. One list will be things you learn about the character of Jesus and the Father. This list reflects timeless truth's about God. For example, when it was said about Jesus in Matthew 9:36 that He had compassion on the people “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” What does that tell you about Jesus’ character? You might say, he has compassion on those who are harassed, helpless, and without guardianship. The title of this list is Jesus’ Character. And I just gave you your first entry!

The second list is about US. Who are we to Jesus? The title of this list is My Identity in Christ. Using the same story as above I might add to my list that I am someone Jesus has compassion for. Unlike the crowd who gathered, as a believer and disciple, I could write, “I am a sheep with a good Shepherd who takes care of me. I am no longer harassed, helpless or without guardianship.” Try to keep this list in the positive tone because this is who you are in Christ.

Two lists: Jesus Character and My Identity in Christ. We’ll add to these lists each day and keep them through to the end of the New Testament. I am looking forward to how we all grow in recognizing Jesus and ourselves in Him.

You can do this! Pray for the Holy Spirit to grant you ears to hear and eyes to see what He is saying. I know He will answer your prayer!

January 15, 2025 Matt 19 NIV, Ps 18:9–18 NIV
January 16, 2025 Matt 20:1–21:17 NIV, Ps 18:19–33 NIV
January 17, 2025 Matt 21:18–46 NIV, Ps 18:34–50 NIV
January 18, 2025 Matt 22 NIV, Ps 19 NIV
January 19, 2025 Matt 23 NIV, Ps 20 NIV
January 20, 2025 Matt 24 NIV, Ps 21 NIV
January 21, 2025 Matt 25 NIV, Ps 22:1–13 NIV
January 22, 2025 Matt 26:1–56 NIV, Ps 22:14–31 NIV

Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24 Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24

Week Two

Thanks for following along and making it to week 2! It is my prayer that as you read you are open to hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying. Imagine with me that when the Christian church first began after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, all the new believers had was the Apostles teachings and the Holy Spirit. The Apostles would gather people together in a particular location, share the gospel, teach them a little bit about what it means to follow Jesus and then they would move on to do it again. The groups of new believers had no choice but to rely on the counsel of the Holy Spirit to continue to grow in their faith. They would get an occasional letter from an Apostle, but they did not have the privilege we have today of being able to open a book and read the scriptures at will.

Is it possible for me and you to rely this heavily on the Holy Spirit to teach us? He hasn’t changed. His whole purpose is to counsel and teach. Once again, I remind you to pray every time before you read that the Holy Spirit will be your teacher. He will teach if you will open your heart and eyes to what He wants to show you.

Thanks for such strong participation in week 1! I love that so many of you are commenting on what you are hearing from the Lord and what is interesting or challenging. Let’s keep doing that!

I am praying for all of us as we read this week.