(It's been a long time since i last blogged. But I'm only blogging now so that I can write down my reflections after reading the book of Mark)

I've read Ryan's and LiangZhi's blogs just now. They have been blogging about lessons learnt from the daily readings of each chapter of Mark. And i feel that i should do that too! I'm actually writing in my journal as well as on this blog. haha. Takes up quite some time. Oh well..
I've been reading one chap per day. (hooray!) and i hope it will continue not only for 15 days, but until the moment i can't read anymore.
'It takes 7 days for a habit to form.'
It has been 8 days since Pastor Aaron gave this challenge to us. And i'm very glad that i went for church camp that night, or else i would have totally missed out on this challenge. It must have been the work of God. (Thank you!)
I have to admit- i don't quite understand some of the stuff in Mark, so can't exactly know what God is trying to tell me. oh well..i'm sure God will teach me through people and other ways, like the internet. haha.

Jesus feeds the Four Thousand
I see this part as one of the kind deeds Jesus had done for the people around him. I'm not sure whether it is the correct interpretation. Jesus is always ever so compassionate, showin concern for others, helping others. Furthermore, all those he had helped, are merely strangers. How many times will we stretch out a helping hand to a stranger? Well, truthfully, i think maybe not more than ten times. Most of the time we see people in need of help, would just simply ignore and pretend not to notice it. Such an attitude is utterly disgusting, and is nothing compared to the compassion Jesus has showed all of us. We should be more like Jesus, by showing love and compassion to those around us, yes, even strangers, for they too are created by God.
These few days, I have been giving up my seat to the elderly. And I feel good about it. A small little act of compassion to others, may actually brighten up their day. i can't remember what other deeds i have done. But i will definitely make more effort to help others.

For Jesus said this,
"I have compassion for these people..." (Verse 2)


I just went onto the internet to do some research..
(hope that this is a reliable source- http://atheism.about.com/od/biblegospelofmark/a/mark08.htm)
It says that the eighth chapter is the center of Mark's gospel. And from this point on everything leads directly to Jesus's eventual passion and ressurrection.
It is significant that Jesus describes his eventual death as "necessary"- he "must" suffer many things before being killed and rising again.

This is the first time i did research for any of the chapters!
So cool! haha.
I think i've learnt quite a fair bit. =) Maybe most of the things which i have interpreted weren't the important stuff. But they are still my genuine thoughts and feelings after reading this chapter.
I'm feeling happy now.


Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes
To the things unseen
Show me how to love
Like You have loved me
(Hosana Hilsong)