Preparing for Easter: The Gospel of Mark

In the weeks that led up to Easter last year, our family read and discussed the Gospel of Mark in our family devotions. Along with that I read Tim Keller's newly released (at that time) Kings's Cross, the Story of the World in the Life of Jesus, which was inspired by Keller's sermon series from the Gospel of Mark. My heart was so filled with encouragement and joy from reading the Gospel of Mark, along with King's Cross, that I decided to read them again this Easter season.




Mathematician, philosopher, and Christian apologist, Blaise Pascal wrote that Christians should “make good men wish that Christianity is true, and then show them that it is.” Tim Keller does this he writes about the actions and words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Keller says of his book:

"It is an extended meditation on the historical Christian premise that Jesus's life, death, and resurrection form the central even of cosmic and human history as well as the central organizing principle of our lives. Said another way, the whole story of the word--and how we fit into it--is most clearly understood through a careful, direct look at the story of Jesus. My purpose here is to try to show, through his words and actions, how beautifully his life makes sense of ours." (p. x)"

A gifted apologist, Keller's writing encourages the heart of one who has already believed, prompting her to rejoice again and again in the GOOD news of Jesus Christ, who came to this earth to reveal the Father's love and accomplish all that was necessary that we might join him in enjoying the fellowship of the Father and the Holy Spirit. I don't read many books more than once (though I wish I did). Highly recommended.

Devoted to the Word

If I had to pick the one thing about my Husband that I most appreciate and that has been the most important in our marriage and life of our family, it would be, without hesitation, his diligence in intentionally and regularly bringing our family together around God's Word, and by it, faithfully shepherding us and guiding us.

I know that it is this is not an easy role to fulfill for many parents, and indeed, we have not always made Dear Husband's job a joy and delight. I've spoken to a number of parents that have a desire to lead their children in regular times in God's Word, but they don't know quite where to begin or how to do it, so whenever I find a worthy devotional guide I am glad to recommend it.



Lord, Have Mercy: Discovering Jesus in the Days Before Easter, a Family Devotional Guide for Lent, by Amy Edwards

I recently downloaded this Lenten season/Easter devotional guide, now available as an e-book for only $2.99. Written by cyber-friend and fellow homeschooling mother, Amy Edwards, this book looks to be a wonderful resource for families with younger through middle-school aged children. Features that makes this devotional guide especially accessible for parents are numerous questions provided, some simpler comprehension questions, and some broader discussion questions AND thoughtfully written answers.

From the introduction:

My prayer is that this book of family devotions will help your family prepare for a glorious Easter and help you succeed in bringing your family together in the Word. Rather than observing Lent as a set of rules and regulations, let’s make it a time to fix our eyes on Jesus. Lent should be Christ-centered, not me-centered. What a wonderful opportunity Lent gives us to focus on Jesus and His earthly ministry and the meaning of the Gospel.

It isn’t easy to maintain a family devotional habit. Evening activities rush us, leaving little time to gather. Differences in the ages of our children make it difficult to keep everyone engaged in what we are reading. Inevitably, at least one of the kids tunes out. Worst of all, sometimes our kids complain about our attempts to have devotions. Devotions are a time devoted to worship, Scripture, and prayer. These things are not always entertaining, and some kids lose patience and complain of boredom. For parents who yearn for their kids to know and love God, this is crushing. May this devotional help you overcome these challenges.