“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe

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Listen to my song “Salvation” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Support my ministry by purchasing my songs and books at the links following the scripture reflection. Thank you!

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Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

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Jesus had been performing all sorts of signs and wonders, but the Pharisees wanted more.

Just when I was about to write a reflection blasting those religious leaders for their hardness of heart, it occurred to me that I do this myself!

I have experienced many signs and wonders, and yet I have found myself on occasion doubting whether God, or Spirit, or a Higher Power still cares about me.

If I only had one more sign, I tell myself.

So, yeah, I’m guilty too!

Some people might need some gentle and loving companioning to remind them that, despite some rough experiences, there has always been an underlying thread of Compassion carrying them.

Alas…getting back to the Pharisees…they had their preconceived ideas about the Messiah and Jesus did not fit their mold.

So, no matter what he said or did, it didn’t seem to matter.

For some, it will take more than a sign or two to soften their hardened hearts.

You can see Jesus’ frustration as the scripture says that he “sighed from the depth of his spirit.”

Then, he “went off to the other shore.”

Jesus knew it was not his job to change people’s hearts.

That was up to God or the Holy Spirit.

Jesus could only continue to carry out his mission to bring glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and let the oppressed go free (Luke 4:18).

He was constantly restoring wholeness where there was brokenness.

Jesus was calling all people to love each other, even their enemies.

We come from Love, are invited to be this Love, and then we will one day return to this Love.

It’s not our job to change others.

That’s up to a Higher Power.

Our job is to allow this Love to change us.

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Listen to the song of the day “Salvation” on the Live to Love album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!