All posts by Dee

Pastor Dee Loving‑Tackitt is a follower of Christ, devoted wife of forty‑three years, mother of three, and grandmother of five grandsons. She is the founding and Lead Pastor of The House of Prayer, a Spirit‑led ministry focused on grace, intercession, outreach, and creative discipleship. Her work includes international prayer initiatives, two national podcasts, street preaching, ministry in retirement communities, and Creative Discipling Classes for Women. She authors a daily Christian blog with an international readership. A lifelong worshiper through music, she sings with the Sweet Adelines, Hub City Harmony, and the Singing Women of Texas, West Chapter. Pastor Dee is pursuing her Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Studies at Liberty University, where she also earned her Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. She also holds a Bachelor of Music Education from West Texas A&M University.
Mark at the Writing Center

A Second Visit to the Writing Center

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Mark 1:2–3

Mark Returns

I imagine Mark showing up at the Writing Center again this week—scroll tucked under his arm, sandals dusty, eyes bright with that same urgency he had last time. He sits down across from me, unrolls his parchment, and says, “I’ve added the next part. Can you look at it?”

Of course I can.

So I read:

“As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make His paths straight.’”
(Mark 1:2–3)

Back at the Writing Center

And once again, I slip right into tutor mode.

“Mark,” I say, “we talked about this last time. You wrote ἐν τῷ Ἠσαΐᾳ τῷ προφήτῃ—‘in Isaiah the prophet’—but your first line is from Malachi. I know why you did it. In your world, you name the major prophet even when you blend texts. That’s normal. That’s expected. That’s how your people cite Scripture.”

He nods, as if to say, Of course. Everyone knows that.

“But modern readers don’t,” I continue. “They’ll think you made a mistake. So if you were turning this in for an English class, I’d suggest something like:
‘As the Scriptures say—first in Malachi, then in Isaiah…’”

He raises an eyebrow.
I shrug.
“Different century. Different expectations.”

The Voice in the Wilderness

Then we move on to verse 3.

“Now this part,” I say, tapping the line with my finger, “this is where your heart shows. φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ—‘a voice crying in the wilderness.’ You didn’t soften it. You didn’t polish it. You didn’t modernize it. You let Isaiah thunder straight through your pen.”

Mark grins.
He knows exactly what he’s doing.

What Mark Emphasizes

“And look at what you emphasize,” I continue. “Not the wilderness. Not the voice. Not even the messenger. You emphasize the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make His paths straight.”

I lean back in my chair.

Not Just a Story—An Announcement

“Mark, you’re not just writing a biography. You’re announcing an arrival. You’re telling your readers that the God who spoke through the prophets is stepping onto the stage of history. No wonder your Greek feels urgent. No wonder your sentences run like they’re out of breath. You’re not trying to impress us—you’re trying to wake us up.”

He smiles again, and I realize something:

Mark doesn’t need my help with grammar.
He needs my help with translation—not of words, but of worlds.

The Gospel Doesn’t Whisper

Because Mark writes like a man standing on tiptoe, shouting across centuries, “He’s here! The Lord is here!”

And sometimes, in our careful, polished, modern world, we forget that the gospel didn’t arrive quietly. It arrived like a voice in the wilderness—loud, raw, unignorable.

Walking the Prayer Path

Maybe that’s the deeper lesson for us on this prayer path. We don’t prepare the way of the Lord by perfecting our sentences.
We prepare it by opening our hearts.
By clearing the clutter.
By making straight the paths where He wants to walk.

What a Beginning

Mark reminds us that the gospel is not a literary exercise.
It is an announcement.
A summons.
A beginning.

And what a beginning it is.

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You are the One we prepare for—and yet You are the One who prepares us.

Clear the paths of our hearts where they have become cluttered and crooked. Remove the fear, the pride, and the distractions that keep us from seeing You clearly. Teach us to listen for Your voice, even when it comes like a whisper—or like a cry in the wilderness.

Help us not to polish our lives for appearance, but to open them fully to Your presence. Make us ready—not just in word, but in spirit—to receive You and to follow where You lead.

And when You call, give us courage to respond quickly, just as Mark wrote—with urgency, with joy, and with the certainty that the Lord has come.

We love You, Jesus.
Prepare us for Your work.

Amen.

A Resource for Going Deeper

If you find yourself curious about Mark’s urgency, his use of Scripture, or even the texture of his Greek, here are a few trusted resources that open up his Gospel in meaningful ways:

For understanding Mark as a whole:

  • James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark (Pillar Commentary)
    This is a wonderful, readable commentary that explains the flow of Mark’s story and highlights his urgency and theological focus. It helps you see exactly what Mark is emphasizing—and why it matters for us today.
  • R.T. France, The Gospel of Mark (New International Greek Testament Commentary)
    This one goes deeper, especially into how Mark uses Scripture (like Isaiah and Malachi in Mark 1:2–3). It’s especially helpful for understanding why Mark blends passages and how his original audience would have heard it.

Suggested Scripture Readings

To understand the fuller story behind Mark’s opening, these passages connect beautifully:

  • Isaiah 40:3–5 — The original “voice in the wilderness”
  • Malachi 3:1 — The promise of the messenger
  • Luke 3:1–6 — Another account of John preparing the way
  • John 1:19–23 — John the Baptist’s own testimony
  • Psalm 24:7–10 — Welcoming the King of Glory
Mark at the Writing Center

When Mark Came to the Writing Center

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 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
 who will prepare your way, Mark 1:1-2

Today, I found myself smiling at a funny little thought while working on my commentary on Mark’s Gospel. I imagined Mark himself sitting across from me at the Writing Center—scroll unrolled, ink still fresh—sliding his opening lines in front of me and asking, “Does this sound right?”

So I read his words slowly:

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet…”

And I couldn’t help it—I slipped right into tutor mode.

“Mark,” I would say gently, “your ideas are beautiful. Truly. But you’re writing like a first-century Jewish author… and my job is to help modern English readers understand you.”

First, I’d point to that opening sentence. “Friend,” I’d smile, “you don’t have a verb here. Now, in Greek, that works just fine. It’s powerful, almost like a bold title carved into stone. But in English, it reads like a fragment. If this were a paper, I’d just ask you to add one simple word: is.”

And suddenly the line breathes a little differently:

“This is the beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

Clear. Direct. Complete.

Then we’d move on to the second line. “Mark,” I’d continue, “you’ve written ‘as it is written in Isaiah,’ but your first quotation actually comes from Malachi. Now, I know why you did that. In your world, you name the major prophet even when you blend passages. That’s a perfectly acceptable practice in your time. But modern readers might get confused.”

So I’d suggest something like:

“As the Scriptures say—first in Malachi, and then in Isaiah…”

And then I’d lean back, smile, and say, “You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re just writing from your own time, your own tradition, your own rhythm. And it works—it really does.”

Because the truth is, Mark’s Gospel doesn’t begin with careful, polished explanations. It bursts onto the page. It feels like someone who can’t wait another second to tell the story of Jesus. There is urgency in his voice. There is movement. There is life.

And maybe that’s the deeper lesson for all of us walking this prayer path.

Sometimes we worry so much about getting every word right, every detail perfect, every sentence polished… that we forget the joy of simply telling the good news. Mark reminds us that the gospel is not primarily about flawless grammar—it is about a living Savior.

He doesn’t linger long in introductions. He doesn’t slow down for perfection. He simply begins:

“This is the beginning of the good news…”

And what a beginning it is.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the writers of Scripture, who spoke Your truth with passion, urgency, and faith. Thank You for Mark, whose words remind us that the gospel is living and powerful, not confined to perfect sentences but alive in every heart that receives it.

Help us not to hold back out of fear of saying things imperfectly. Give us courage to share the good news boldly, joyfully, and faithfully. Teach us to love Your Word deeply, to understand it responsibly, and to speak it with grace.

And Lord, let our lives themselves become part of that unfolding story—evidence that the good news is still being written today.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Prayer Path, Scripture Reflections

Amazing Grace

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Scripture, Doctrine, and the Church Family

📖 Scripture

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1

Living Free in Christ: Baptist Doctrine

Bernie and I recently joined First Baptist Lubbock, and in this season, we have been intentionally studying Baptist doctrine together. As I’ve leaned into that—especially as a doctoral student in Biblical Studies at a Baptist university—I’ve found something that has deeply encouraged my heart… something I am truly thankful for.

As I studied the doctrine, this is what I found:

At its core, Baptist theology carries a beautiful truth for struggling Christians: receiving new mercies is part of the Christian life —the steady rhythm of God’s grace.

This truth is deeply reflected in Baptist doctrine.

  • Salvation by grace reminds us that we are not defined by our past, but justified through Christ.
  • The priesthood of all believers tells us we can come directly to God—boldly and immediately
  • Soul competency reminds us that we stand personally before God, responsible to Him above all.
  • Sanctification reminds us that growth is ongoing… and stumbling is not the end

And I found myself thinking:

This is amazing grace.

📖 What Does Scripture Say?

As a Bible student, I had to ask:

What does Scripture actually say about living in ongoing renewal without shame through the steady rhythm of God’s grace?

From the very beginning, we see that shame entered through sin.

In the Garden, Adam and Eve didn’t just feel guilty—they hid. Shame whispered, “This is who you are now.” It shifted identity.

But the Gospel tells a different story.

Jesus meets people in their shame—and He restores them.

He does not define them by their failure.
He redefines them through His grace.

In John 8, when the woman was brought before Him, Jesus had every right to condemn her… but instead, He extended mercy, called her out of sin, and lifted her from the shame that once held her. And, He told her to go and sin no more.

What We Are Reminded of in Scripture

  • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” (1 John 1:9)
  • “As far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us.”(Psalm 103:12)
  • ““Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Here is the truth:

Shame may enter through sin, but it is broken through the finished work of Christ.

When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He wasn’t just paying for sin—He was breaking the power of sin and removing the guilt that once defined us, restoring our identity in Him.

Doctrine and Scripture Together

When I compare what I found in Baptist doctrine with what I found in Scripture, they align so beautifully:

  • Doctrine says we can come boldly → Scripture says there is no condemnation for those in Christ.
  • Doctrine says we have access to God → Scripture says we are cleansed and made new for those in Christ.
  • Doctrine says growth is ongoing → Scripture says grace is sufficient for those in Christ.

And this is what I am most thankful for:

Being made new is a natural part of the Christian life—the steady, faithful rhythm of God’s grace.

🤍 Why the Church Family Matters

From my heart, I want to say this:

This is why being part of a church family matters so much.

Yes, we can come to God individually—and that is a beautiful truth.
But we were never meant to walk this out alone.

We need a place where:

  • grace is spoken out loud
  • Truth is lived in community
  • restoration is seen
  • And people remind us who we are when we forget

The church becomes living proof that starting again is possible… not just once, but daily.

🌸 Living This Out

In our home, in our church, and through The House of Prayer, this is what Bernie and I are learning to live: Daily priesthood means daily renewal
Daily renewal means we keep walking forward—restored, renewed, and covered in grace.

🙏 Prayer

Father,
Thank You for the gift of grace that continually renews us in Christ.
Thank You that in Christ, we are not defined by our past or our sin, but made new in Christ.

Teach us to come boldly to You—not hiding, not hesitating, but trusting in Your mercy.
Help us receive Your forgiveness fully and walk in the new identity You have given us.

Strengthen us to keep growing, keep turning, and keep trusting You.
And thank You for the gift of the church—for people who speak truth, extend grace, and walk alongside us.

Let our lives reflect the rhythm of Your grace—again and again.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Scripture Reflections

Green Grass in a Desolate Place

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Jesus our Shepherd Who Provides

Psalm 23: A Psalm of David. (NIV)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.3 He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Mark 6:30-44 (NIV)

30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late.36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Jesus, Our Shepherd Who Provides

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
—Psalm 23:1

There are some words Scripture places so deeply in our souls that they surface without effort. Psalm 23 is one of them. We whisper it in hospital rooms and at gravesides. We carry it through uncertain seasons. It is a psalm for those who know what it is to walk through shadows—and still dare to trust.

Another familiar story meets us in Mark 6: the feeding of the five thousand. Five loaves. Two fish. A crowd too large and resources too small. At first glance, these passages may feel separate—one poetic, one narrative. But when we slow down and listen closely, we begin to hear the same voice.

Jesus is the Shepherd of Psalm 23—now standing among His sheep.

Mark is not offering a coincidence. He is revealing fulfillment.

Sheep Without a Shepherd—Until Jesus Appears

When Jesus steps ashore, Mark tells us He sees the great crowd and is moved with compassion, because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34).

That phrase is heavy with meaning. Throughout Israel’s history, God’s people suffered under failed leaders and were repeatedly described as scattered sheep. Psalm 23 answers that ache with a promise: The LORD is my shepherd.

In Mark 6, that promise takes flesh.

Jesus does not distance Himself from the language of shepherding—He embodies it.He stays with the crowd. He teaches them. He takes responsibility for their hunger and their formation. Before bread is broken, lives are gathered.

The Shepherd has come.

Green Grass in the Wilderness

Then Mark tells us something surprisingly specific. Jesus commands the people to sit down on the green grass.

Green grass—in a desolate place.

Psalm 23 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Sheep only lie down when they feel safe, when fear loosens its grip, when trust settles deep.

Here, in the wilderness, Jesus creates that same safety. Where the Shepherd stands, the wilderness begins to resemble pasture. Scarcity no longer gets the final word. The kingdom of God often comes quietly—placing rest beneath weary bodies and life where barrenness once ruled.

A Table Prepared by the Shepherd

The disciples see the math and panic. Jesus sees a table.

Psalm 23 declares, “You prepare a table before me…”
Mark tells us, “They all ate and were satisfied.”

Not barely enough.
Not rationed.
Satisfied.

This is shepherd abundance. When the true Shepherd provides, there is not only enough—there is overflow. Twelve baskets remain, a sign that nothing placed in the Shepherd’s hands is ever wasted.

Just before this story, Mark records another meal—Herod’s feast. That feast is shaped by power, ego, and fear, and it ends in death. Jesus’ feast is marked by compassion, simplicity, and trust, and it ends in life.

Two tables.
Two kingdoms.
One Shepherd who gives Himself for His sheep.

Still Waters and a Fearless Walk

Immediately after the meal, Mark leads us onto troubled waters. The disciples struggle. The wind resists them. Then Jesus comes—walking on the sea.

Psalm 23 rises again:
“He leads me beside still waters… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”

The Shepherd who feeds is the Shepherd who protects. The Shepherd who gathers on the hillside is the Shepherd who stands between His people and chaos. Mark tells us the disciples did not yet understand about the loaves. In other words, they were still learning who Jesus truly is.

He is the Shepherd.

The Shepherd Still Walks With Us

Revelation gathers Psalm 23 once more and carries it forward: the Lamb who is also the Shepherd, no more hunger, no more thirst, God wiping away every tear.

What Jesus does in Mark 6 is not only history—it is promise. Psalm 23 is no longer only poetry. It is prophecy fulfilled in Christ.

So if today feels desolate,
if you come weary,
if you arrive hungry—body or soul—

Jesus, your Shepherd, sees you.

The table is set.
The grass is green—even here.
And the new creation has already begun.

A Prayer for the Path

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for giving us Jesus, our Good Shepherd. In places of weariness or uncertainty, help us recognize His presence and trust His care. Teach us to rest where He leads, to receive what He provides, and to walk without fear, knowing He is with us.
May Your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, as we dwell in Your presence.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Continuing on the Prayer Path

Five Scriptures for Prayer and Reflection

John 10:11 — “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
→ Sit with the truth that Jesus does not just guide you—He gives Himself fully for your care and salvation.

Ezekiel 34:15–16 — “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep… I will seek the lost.”
→ Pray with gratitude that God personally comes after His people, especially in places of weakness or wandering.

Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
→ Bring your weariness honestly to Jesus and receive the rest only the Shepherd can give.

John 6:35 — “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.”
→ Reflect on where you seek satisfaction and ask Jesus to nourish the deeper hungers of your soul.

Revelation 7:16–17 — “The Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd.”
→ Rest in hope, knowing the Shepherd who feeds you now will one day wipe away every tear forever.

Prayer Path

Consider the Lilies: Walking the Prayerful Path of Trust

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Matthew 6:28

I spent a beautiful afternoon with the Lubbock Christian Women’s Connection, and from the moment I walked in, I knew it would be special. One of our fearless leaders greeted me with such kindness, looked straight into my eyes, and said, “Dee Ann, we need you to be a table hostess.”

Now I will be honest with you—there is an old fear that sometimes tries to rise up in moments like that. It grabs hold of my words and makes them want to dance into a stutter. For just a second, I felt it coming. But instead of letting fear speak, I quietly reached for Jesus’ hand and said, “Of course.”

And oh, how the Lord provides.

Karen Wood became my buddy for the day. By God’s grace, I managed to get us both safely to the Country Club, and we were ready to celebrate sisterhood. But what meant the most was this—Karen leaned in and said so gently, “I’ve been a hostess before… we can do it together.”

Isn’t that just like Jesus?

I whispered a quiet thank-you to Him in that moment—for a sweet friend, for His steadying presence, and for the courage to step into a responsibility I might have once avoided.

The afternoon itself was rich with beauty. Lindy Woods filled the room with songs that seemed to settle right into our hearts, preparing us for what God had in store. Then we heard from Leana Neagle of Willis, Texas, whose message, “On the Heels of Grace,” felt like holy ground.

Her story of miraculous healing was truly unforgettable.

After surviving a horrific wreck—something she should not have lived through—she faced the very real possibility of losing her legs. Doctors doubted. Healing seemed uncertain. Even walking again felt out of reach. And yet, in that place of deep trial, she encountered a word she had never fully understood before: testify.

Through the power and mercy of God, not only did she keep her legs, but she went on to do what once seemed impossible—she walked a marathon. And there she stood before us, whole, strong, and full of faith, declaring the goodness of God.

It was more than a testimony—it was a living picture of grace in motion.

The theme of our gathering was flowers, and as I sat at the table, my heart turned to Scripture:

“And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin.”
— Matthew 6:28

At Table 4, we gathered as women carrying responsibilities, hopes, and even quiet burdens. And Jesus, knowing hearts like ours, pointed us to something as tender as a flower to teach us about trust.

Throughout Scripture, flowers quietly preach truth:

God’s Provision
Lilies do not strive or strain, yet God clothes them in beauty. If He tends to something so fleeting, how much more will He care for you?

Human Frailty
We are like flowers of the field—here for a moment, then gone. Yet the Word of our God stands forever.

Restoration and Hope
God causes deserts to bloom again. Dry places are never beyond His reach.

Love and Delight
Flowers in Song of Solomon remind us that we are not simply sustained—we are cherished and delighted in.

Flowers bloom for a season, but they return again and again. Their rhythm mirrors our own lives—flourishing, fading, and blooming again through the faithful hand of God.

And after hearing Leana’s story, those flowers seemed to say even more:

God restores what seemed lost.
God strengthens what seemed broken.
God brings life where there was once only fear.

So as I looked at the flowers on our table—and at the women gathered around it—I sensed the Lord gently whispering:

You are seen.
You are sustained.
You are deeply loved.

To the Lubbock Christian Women’s Connection, thank you for such a lovely afternoon, for your warm welcome, and for creating a space where faith and sisterhood bloom so beautifully.

May we all continue walking this Prayerful Path… learning to trust the One who tends every petal.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

thank You for the gentle lessons You place all around us. In flowers, in friendships, and in testimonies of grace, You remind us that You are always at work.Help us to trust You the way the lilies do—without striving, without fear, simply resting in Your care. Thank You for stories like Leana’s that remind us You still heal, You still restore, and You still call us to testify to Your goodness.For every woman reading this, let Your peace settle deeply.
Where there is weariness, bring rest.
Where there is fear, bring courage.
Where there is dryness, bring new life.Teach us to bloom in every season and to walk faithfully wherever Your grace leads.We love You, Lord.
Amen.

Scripture Reflections

The Moment Good News Broke In

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The House of Prayer Bible Commentary

Bernie and I are so excited to begin a new journey together—we are writing a Bible commentary for The House of Prayer. We’re starting where our hearts always seem to go first: the Gospels, and especially the fast-moving, powerful account of Mark. What you’re reading here is a “commentary on the commentary,” a glimpse into our very first entry, Mark 1:1. Our prayer is that these reflections will not only inform but draw others closer to Jesus as His Word comes alive line by line.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Mark 1:1

Some beginnings simply introduce a story, but others announce that everything is about to change. Mark wastes no time easing his readers in. With striking clarity and urgency, he opens: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). In a single line, he sets the tone, declares his purpose, and invites us to step into something far greater than a narrative—a divine revelation unfolding in real time.

From the earliest words of Scripture, we see how powerful a beginning can be. Genesis 1:1 tells us who God is and what He has done with sweeping authority. Likewise, Mark follows this pattern of clarity, but with remarkable brevity. He answers the essential questions immediately. The “who” is Jesus Christ. The “what” is the gospel—the good news. Yet, even in this simplicity, there is depth that cannot be contained in one sentence. Mark does not aim to say everything at once; instead, he opens a doorway into a story that will reveal its fullness as it unfolds.

The phrase “the Son of God” carries both theological weight and a sense of mystery. Some early manuscripts omit it, yet the Gospel itself resounds with its truth. From the voice of the Father at Jesus’ baptism to the confession at the cross, Mark consistently reveals Jesus’ divine identity. Even when Jesus does not frequently speak the title Himself, His actions, authority, and obedience testify to it. He is not merely a teacher or prophet—He is the One through whom God’s power is made known, the obedient Son who walks the path of suffering and surrender for the sake of the world.

What is especially striking is Mark’s use of the phrase “the beginning.” This is not just a starting point in time; it is the launch of something eternal. It reaches back into the promises spoken by the prophets, now coming into fulfillment. It stands firmly in the present moment, where God’s redemptive plan is actively unfolding. And it stretches into the future, where the full impact of this good news will be realized. Mark’s beginning is not confined to a moment—it is the inauguration of a kingdom.

And then there is the word “gospel.” Mark introduces it without explanation, allowing its meaning to emerge through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The good news is not delivered as a definition, but as a living reality. It is seen in healing, heard in teaching, and ultimately revealed in sacrifice and victory. Mark invites us not just to understand the gospel, but to encounter it.

As readers, we are not positioned as distant observers. From the very first verse, we are drawn in. We are invited to recognize who Jesus is, to receive the good news He brings, and to follow where this beginning leads. Mark’s Gospel reminds us that when God begins something, it is never small. It carries the weight of eternity and the power to transform every life it touches.

This is where the good news begins—and it is where our salvation begins as well.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,

thank You for the power and clarity of Your Word. Thank You for sending Jesus, the Son of God, as the good news our hearts long for. Help us to see beyond the surface and recognize the depth of what You have begun. Draw us into Your story, and give us faith to follow where You lead. Let Your truth shape us, and let Your gospel come alive in our lives each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources:

Broadman Bible Commentary, vol. 8. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1969.

Rydelnik, Michael, and Michael Vanlaningham, eds. The Moody Bible Commentary. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2014.

Further Reading

  • Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
  • Isaiah 40:3 – “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord…’”
  • Malachi 3:1 – “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me…”
  • Mark 1:11 – “And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”
Scripture Reflections

Cast It Anyway: Trusting God in the Unknown

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by Dee Tackitt

Most mornings, I grind wheat berries and begin making homemade bread. It is a long process. The grain has been planted, grown, harvested, ground, mixed, and kneaded—long before it ever reaches my kitchen table. And even then, I still have to trust the process. I place the dough aside, not rushing it, not forcing it… just waiting.

There is a letting go in breadmaking.
You do your part—and then you trust what you cannot see.

Ecclesiastes 11 speaks to that same kind of faith.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

Ship your grain across the sea;
    after many days you may receive a return.
2 Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight;
    you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

3 If clouds are full of water,
    they pour rain on the earth.
Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,
    in the place where it falls, there it will lie.
4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant.
    Whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

5 As you do not know the path of the wind,
    or how the body is formed[a] in a mother’s womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
    the Maker of all things.

6 Sow your seed in the morning,
    and at evening let your hands not be idle,
for you do not know which will succeed,
    whether this or that,
    or whether both will do equally well.

🌊 Cast Your Bread (vs. 1)

“Cast your bread upon the waters…”

At first, it sounds like a loss. Like letting go of something valuable without a guarantee of return.

But this is not waste—it is trust.

The bread we cast is the Word of God.
The waters are the movement of the Holy Spirit.

And here is the quiet promise:
When the Word is released into the current of the Spirit, God carries it where it needs to go.

You may not see the result today.
You may not even recognize it when it returns.

But it will not be wasted.

🌱 Don’t Hold Back (vs. 2)

“Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight…”

Live open-handed.

Love more than feels safe.
Serve in more places than feel comfortable.
Speak truth even when you don’t know how it will be received.

Seven reminds us of God’s perfect work.
Eight reminds us of resurrection—new life where none seemed possible.

When we sow into the gospel—Jesus Christ and Him crucified—we are sowing into eternal life.

And you don’t know which seed will take root…
or if God will cause many to flourish at once.

🌧️ Trust Where It Lands (vs. 3)

“If clouds are full of water, they pour rain…
If a tree falls… there it will lie.”

Some outcomes are simply not yours to control.

Life does not always unfold neatly.
Ministry does not always land where you hoped.
People do not always respond the way you prayed they would.

And yet—God is not hindered by where things fall.

Wherever the seed lands,
wherever the rain pours,
God is still able to bring life.

🌬️ Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions (vs. 4)

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant…”

If we wait until everything feels certain, we will never begin.

There will always be:

  • One more reason to hesitate
  • one more unknown
  • one more “what if”

But faith does not wait for perfect weather.

Faith plants anyway.
Faith sows anyway.
Faith trusts anyway.

👶 Rest in the Mystery (vs. 5)

“As you do not know… how the body is formed in a mother’s womb…”

There are sacred things only God understands.

A baby growing in secret.
The movement of the wind.
The quiet work of God beneath the surface of your obedience.

You may not see it forming.
You may not feel progress.

But something holy is happening.

God is working—deep, unseen, and sure.

🌅 Keep Sowing (vs. 6)

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle…”

This is steady faith.

Not rushed.
Not anxious.
Just faithful.

Morning—sow.
Evening—sow again.

Pray.
Encourage.
Speak truth.
Show up.

Because you do not know which effort will bear fruit…

“…or whether both will do equally well.”

And sometimes—
in the kindness of God—
Both do.

A Prayer for the Path

Heavenly Father,

We come to You with open hands.
So much of what we do feels like casting—releasing what we love into places we cannot control.

Teach us to trust You in the letting go.

When we sow Your Word, remind us that it is never wasted.
When we feel uncertain, steady our hearts in Your promises.
When we are tempted to wait for perfect conditions, give us courage to act in faith.

Lord, we confess—we like to understand everything.
But You are the Maker of all things, and Your ways are higher than ours.

So help us rest in the mystery of Your work.

As a child is formed in the womb, unseen but full of life,
let Your purposes grow in ways we cannot yet see.

Give us diligence to sow in the morning and in the evening.
Keep our hands from becoming idle and our hearts from growing weary.

And when the harvest comes—whether soon or after many days—
remind us that every good thing has come from You.

We trust You with the seed.
We trust You with the outcome.
We trust You with the waiting.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Resources:

Beetham, Christopher A., and Nancy L. Erickson, eds. The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible. NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2024.

Everett, Gary H. The Book of Ecclesiastes. Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures. 2011.

Hale, Thomas. The Applied Old Testament Commentary. Colorado Springs, CO; Ontario, Canada; East Sussex, England: David C. Cook, 2007.

Scripture for Further Reflection

  • Proverbs 11:24–25 – The principle of generous sowing and return
  • Isaiah 55:10–11 – God’s Word accomplishing His purpose
  • Hosea 10:12 – Sowing righteousness and reaping steadfast love
  • Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23 – The parable of the sower
  • Luke 16:10 – Faithfulness in small things
  • 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 – God gives the increase
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 – Sowing generously
  • Galatians 6:7–9 – Reaping in due season
  • James 1:5 – Trusting God’s wisdom
  • Hebrews 11:1 – Faith in what we do not see

Seasons & Series

A Threefold Cord: A Prayer Path for Marriage

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by Dee Tackitt

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

April 17 marks Bernie’s and my 44th wedding anniversary.

Forty‑four years of marriage is not marked by perfection, but by perseverance. It is a sacred testimony to commitment, mutual care, and God’s sustaining presence. Scripture speaks directly to couples walking the long road of shared life, and few passages do so as practically and tenderly as Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 New International Version (NIV)

9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

This passage moves beyond romance into the enduring strength of authentic partnership. It describes marriage not as a fleeting feeling, but as a shared life—stronger, steadier, and far more resilient when God Himself is woven into the bond.

This prayer path invites you to pause, reflect, and pray through marriage—your own, or those you hold up before the Lord.

Step One: Gratitude for Partnership

“Two are better than one…”

Marriage begins with God’s design for partnership. From the first days, marriage is about shared work, shared burdens, and shared joy. Over time, the meaning of “together” becomes richer and more layered than we ever imagined.

Forty‑four years ago, Bernie and I said yes to a journey we could not fully see. Today, I understand more deeply what Ecclesiastes affirms: two truly are better than one—not because life is easier, but because it is shared.

Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for the gift of partnership.
Thank You for the one You have placed beside me—
to walk, to work, to endure, and to rejoice with me.
Help us never take for granted the strength that comes from walking together.
Amen.

Step Two: Spiritual Oneness as the Foundation

“…a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Marriage is more than physical union; it is a spiritual oneness formed as both husband and wife surrender to God and to one another. Scripture describes marriage as becoming “one flesh”—a union of soul, purpose, and direction.

Over decades, this oneness deepens. “Me and my” quietly shifts into “us and our.” Decisions, prayers, losses, and hopes become shared holy ground.

Prayer

God,
Bind our lives together with Your presence.
Teach us to be one in heart, in mind, and in purpose.
Where selfishness creeps in, replace it with surrender.
Be the third strand that strengthens and steadies our union.
Amen.

Step Three: Mutual Commitment Through Every Season

“If one falls, the other lifts them up…”

Lasting marriage is sustained by covenant commitment. Scripture teaches that the marriage bond endures until death, and couples who walk together faithfully often share this quiet resolve: we do not speak the language of escape.

Forty‑four years includes seasons of joy and seasons that test sincerity. Surviving those seasons does not diminish love—it proves its authenticity.

Prayer

Faithful God,
Thank You for the gift of commitment.
Help us stand firm when life is difficult
and gentle with one another when weakness shows.
Teach us to lift one another when one stumbles,
and to remain faithful in every season.
Amen.

Step Four: Intentional Love in Daily Practice

“They have a good reward for their labour…”

Love that lasts is love that is practiced. Scripture reminds us to treat one another as we wish to be treated—to watch out for one another’s good, and to keep love active, not assumed.

Simple acts sustain great marriages:

  • time together
  • kind words
  • affection
  • forgiveness
  • laughter
  • remembering to say, “I love you”

These practices are not small; they are sacred.

Prayer

Lord,
Teach us to love intentionally.
Help us choose kindness, patience, and forgiveness every day.
May our words build, our actions protect,
and our love reflect Yours.
Amen.

Step Five: Growing Companionship Over Time

One of the quiet surprises of long marriage is this: your spouse becomes more interesting, not less. Shared history, mutual endurance, and God’s shaping work deepen companionship in ways no early romance can yet imagine.

Decades together reveal strengths, wisdom, humor, and grace that only time can uncover.

Prayer

God of all seasons,
Thank You for the gift of growing companionship.
Help us continue to see one another with curiosity, honor, and gratitude.
May time deepen our love rather than dull it.
Amen.

The Vertical Anchor: God at the Center

Marriage flourishes when the vertical relationship with God anchors the horizontal relationship between husband and wife. God promised to walk with us from the day of our vows. When we lean into Him together, our unity becomes steady and God‑honoring.

The threefold cord—your love, your spouse’s love, and God’s faithful presence—is indeed not easily broken.

Closing Blessing & Reflection

Forty‑four years of marriage testify to what Scripture promises:
that spiritual oneness, mutual commitment, intentional love, growing companionship, and God’s sustaining presence create something increasingly beautiful with time.

May every marriage placed before the Lord—young or seasoned—be strengthened by His grace, anchored in His truth, and woven together by His faithful hand.

Scripture Reflections

When Foxes Find a Home and Jesus Does Not

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Two foxes have made their home right here on 93rd Street in the middle of Lubbock, Texas. City streets, traffic, porch lights, barking dogs — none of it has discouraged them. They trot across our yards with confidence, slipping between fences as if they’ve lived here forever. And honestly, they probably have. (picture by Ricardo Martinez)

Foxes are astonishingly adaptable creatures. The red fox — the most widespread fox species in the world — thrives in environments ranging from Arctic tundra to deserts, and even in major cities and suburbs. They are small, swift, clever mammals with pointed ears, narrow snouts, and long bushy tails that help them balance and stay warm.

Watching Foxes in the Middle of the City

Watching them here, in the middle of a city, stirred something deep in me. Because Jesus once said something about foxes — and it wasn’t about their cleverness or beauty. It was about home.

“Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” — Matthew 8:20

Jesus and the Cost of Following

This statement wasn’t poetic sadness. It was a challenge — a response to a scribe who boldly declared, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus didn’t applaud his enthusiasm. Instead, He warned him: You don’t know what you’re asking.

Scholars note that Jesus wasn’t merely talking about physical homelessness. He was revealing the deeper reality of His mission — rejection by the very people who should have welcomed Him as Messiah-King. His lack of a place to lay His head was part of His humiliation as the Son of Man, the Lord of creation who walked the earth as a wanderer. Following Him meant embracing that same dispossession, that same reversal of worldly priorities.

Feeling Unmoored When Jesus Calls

And that’s where this touched my heart. Because when Jesus called my name, I didn’t feel homeless — but I did feel unmoored. The things that once felt important no longer held me. The places where I used to “lay my head” — emotionally, spiritually, socially — didn’t fit anymore. My heart started following Jesus in a way that loosened my grip on everything else.

So here I am, watching two foxes who have found a home in the middle of Lubbock, while the One I follow had none. And somehow, that makes sense to me.

What Home Really Is

Because the more I follow Him, the more I realize: Home isn’t where I live. Home is who I follow.

And like those foxes slipping through the fences on 93rd Street, I’m learning to move lightly through this world — not rootless, but free.

A Moment of Invitation

Maybe as you read this, something in your own heart stirred — the same way those foxes stirred mine. Maybe you’ve felt that gentle pull, that holy disconnection from what used to define you. Maybe you’ve sensed Jesus calling your name, inviting you into a life where “home” is no longer a place you build but a Person you follow.

If so, hear this clearly: Jesus still calls disciples the same way He always has — personally, directly, lovingly, and with purpose. He doesn’t ask you to clean yourself up first. He doesn’t ask you to prove anything. He simply says, “Follow Me.”

And following Him will change you. It will loosen your grip on what once felt important. It will reorient your priorities. It will give you a new kind of belonging — not rooted in geography or status, but in grace.

If you sense that call today, don’t ignore it. Open your heart. Say yes. Let Him lead you into the kind of life where even if you have “nowhere to lay your head,” you are never without a home.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We love you, Jesus. You are the One who calls us out of what is familiar and into what is eternal. You are the One who walked this world without a place to lay Your head, so that we could find our true home in You.

Today, I lift up every heart reading these words — the searching heart, the restless heart, the weary heart, the heart that feels the tug of Your voice. Draw them close. Speak their name. Give them courage to follow wherever You lead.

Loosen our grip on what cannot save us, and anchor us in the love that never lets go. Make us disciples who walk lightly in this world, but deeply in Your presence.

In Jesus holy name we pray,

Amen.

Related Scriptures

These verses echo the themes of discipleship, surrender, following Jesus, and the cost of leaving behind what once felt like “home.”

• Matthew 8:19–20 — Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

• Luke 9:57–62 — Jesus calls His followers to radical, immediate obedience.

• Matthew 16:24–25 —Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

• Philippians 3:7–8 — Paul counts all things as loss compared to knowing Christ.

• Hebrews 13:14 — “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.”

• 1 Peter 2:11 — Believers are “sojourners and exiles” in this world.

• John 10:27–28 — “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

• Psalm 84:1–4 — Blessed are those who dwell in God’s presence; He is our true home.

• Psalm 90:1 — “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.”

• Revelation 21:3 — God will dwell with His people; home is ultimately with Him.


Resources

Bruce, F. F. Hard Sayings of Jesus: The Hard Sayings Series. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2025.

Chamblin, J. Knox. Matthew: A Mentor Commentary. Ross-shire, Great Britain: Mentor, 2010. Boring, M. Eugene.

“The Gospel of Matthew.” In New Interpreter’s Bible, edited by Leander E. Keck, Vol. 8. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1994–2004.

Holy Week

Empowered, United, Sent

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When the Spirit Comes and the Church Goes…

Opening Scripture

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (ESV)

After Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, the disciples entered a new and unfamiliar season. They were no longer walking beside the Teacher they loved, nor hearing His voice face to face. Instead, they were told to wait.

Jesus instructed them to remain in Jerusalem for “the promise of the Father,” assuring them they would soon be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4–5). What they were waiting for was not clarity of plans, political restoration, or earthly power—but divine empowerment. The mission would continue, but not by their strength.

The Day Everything Changed

When Pentecost arrived, Scripture tells us the disciples were gathered together when “a sound like a mighty rushing wind” filled the house, and divided tongues of fire rested on each one of them (Acts 2:1–3). They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4).

What began quietly in prayer erupted into public witness. The sound drew a crowd, and the miracle of many languages proclaimed a single truth: God was doing something new. The Church was being born—not by organization or strategy, but by the Spirit’s power.

Peter stood and explained that what was happening fulfilled the ancient promise spoken through the prophet Joel—that God would “pour out my Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 2:16–18). Sons and daughters, young and old, servants and free—this gift was no longer limited to a few. God’s Spirit was now being poured out on all who believed.

From “With” to “In”

This moment did not happen without preparation. Jesus had spoken often about the coming Spirit. He promised the disciples a Helper—the Spirit of truth—who would be with them and, soon, in them (John 14:16–17). The Spirit would teach them, remind them of Jesus’ words, convict the world of sin and righteousness, and guide believers into truth (John 14:26; John 16:8, 13).

Pentecost marks the shift from temporary visitation to permanent indwelling. Where the Spirit once came upon select individuals for specific moments, He now took up residence in every believer. The Church’s identity was no longer tied to a location or a leader walking on earth, but to the abiding presence of God Himself.

One Body, One Spirit

This gift was not limited to Jerusalem. As the gospel moved outward, the Holy Spirit fell upon Gentile believers as well, confirming that God’s promise extended beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries (Acts 10:44–48). Scripture declares that “in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body”—Jew and Greek, slave and free (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Those who believed were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who became the guarantee of their inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:13–14). The Spirit did not merely empower the Church for mission—He united it, marked it, and secured it.

Living Clothed with Power

The same Spirit poured out at Pentecost dwells in believers today. We are not called to live the Christian life on memory alone—remembering what Jesus once did—but on power from heaven, alive and active within us.

The Church does not move forward by confidence in itself, but by surrender to the Spirit. We testify not because we are sufficient, but because God has made us His witnesses. Clothed with power, we live, speak, and serve for the glory of Christ who reigns.

Closing Prayer

Father God,
We thank You for the promise fulfilled at Pentecost, when You poured out Your Holy Spirit and birthed the Church. Thank You that we are not left to walk this life alone or in our own strength. Clothe us again with power from on high. Teach us to listen, to wait, and to walk in step with Your Spirit. Make us faithful witnesses—at home, in our communities, and wherever You send us. May our lives give evidence that Jesus reigns and that Your Spirit lives within us. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our risen and enthroned King.
Amen.

Bible Referenced

Acts 1:4–8
Jesus instructs the disciples to wait for the promise of the Father and promises power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses.

Acts 2:1–13
The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost with wind and fire, filling the disciples and marking the birth of the Church.

Acts 2:16–18
Peter explains Pentecost as the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all people.

John 14:16–17
Jesus promises the Helper, the Spirit of truth, who would move from dwelling with believers to living in them.

John 14:26
Jesus teaches that the Holy Spirit would teach believers and remind them of everything Christ said.

John 16:7–15
Jesus explains the Spirit’s role in convicting the world and guiding believers into all truth.

Acts 10:44–48
The Holy Spirit is poured out on Gentile believers, confirming their inclusion in God’s redeemed people.

1 Corinthians 12:13
All believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body, uniting them across divisions.

Ephesians 1:13–14
Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who serves as the guarantee of their inheritance in Christ.

References

Fruchtenbaum, Arnold G. The Messianic Bible Study Collection. Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1983. Pages 160:5–6.

Longenecker, Richard N. “The Acts of the Apostles.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: John and Acts, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, 231–352. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981. Page 271.