Ocala First Connection

Daniel 9:15-19 *Mark 9:14-32 * Romans 5:6-11 “A father begged Jesus, saying “If you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’“   ~Mark 9:22-24 The Perfection Expectation by Mary Beth Mutarelli I’ve tried so very hard, for so many years, to be perfect.   I can’t stand to make a mistake, say or think   the wrong thing, or act in the wrong manner.   I think this pointless quest probably began in childhood, and it has since become a life-long, harmful habit. A goal of always “doing your best” is good;   setting an goal that your best means absolute perfection is impossible. Any achievement, accomplishment or positive result won’t ever completely meet the mark, and won’t be acknowledged or enjoyed, even briefly.   It’s bee...

Exodus 34:29-35 *Mark 9:1-13 * Philippians 2:12-18 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them… and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’   ~Mark 9:2-8   After months of traveling with Jesus, months of watching him cast out demons and heal the sick, after months of asking each other 'who is this?' (and less than a week after Jesus point-blank asks them "Who do people say that I am?) the disciples witness a dazzling scene. The glory of God--the "shekinah"-- shines out of Jesus. He is marked by the Spirit and affirmed as the Son of God. It is an 'aha!' moment (or it should be, at least) where Jesus is recognized. A mountain-top experience which bring light into the world.   ...