For Monday, October 19, 2026:
Mark 1:15 NLT: “The time promised by God has come at last!” Jesus announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
Jesus said that the Kingdom of God was near, but listeners weren’t convinced. The Jews had been expecting God to liberate them from Roman rule, so that’s what they were looking for. They didn’t know God’s plan for their salvation. The dialog might have gone like this:
Jews: “Free us from Roman rule.”
Jesus: “Your sins are forgiven. I’ll make a place for you in paradise!” His solution didn’t fit their request.
The people were seeking political dominance, but Jesus offered them love and absolution. Grace and forgiveness were to take precedence over obedience to the Law. People needed to change their mindsets. The original language implies a change in direction, like if you’d been going south but repented and decided to head north. Rededication to God Almighty would be required to secure a place in the hereafter.
It’s kind of the same nowadays, although our enemy is no longer Rome. But a great many people in our country – even so-called Christians – are floundering with no real connection to the Lord. So first pray that your God-connection would be cemented into place. Irrevocable. Then pray that you would be given the words and the motivation to share that Good News with others. It’s what Jesus said to do!
Pastor Norton Lawellin
The Father’s House
Jesus In the City Fellowship
Truth & Freedom Church
