Living On Purpose In Christ | Journaling Prompts, Biblical Encouragement, Aromatherapy, Devotions, Affirmations, God's Peace

92 | Longing for Deeper Faith? How the Gospel of Mark Leads You Closer to Jesus

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Struggling to maintain consistency in your faith walk? Feeling spiritually stagnant amid life's demands? The Gospel of Mark offers exactly what your soul craves—an action-packed, urgent invitation back to authentic discipleship.

Mark's gospel cuts through religious noise with refreshing directness. Written by John Mark, who likely traveled with Peter, this shortest gospel wastes no time with lengthy introductions. It plunges immediately into Jesus' ministry with a pace that perfectly matches our hurried lives. When Jesus calls his first disciples by the Galilean shore, they drop their nets "immediately"—a word appearing repeatedly throughout Mark, emphasizing that following Jesus demands urgency, not someday intentions.

What "nets" are you clinging to? Perhaps it's the net of control—wanting to manage every detail rather than surrendering to God's direction. Maybe it's comfort—hesitating to step into the unknown despite Christ's call. Or approval—fearing others' opinions more than embracing your true identity in Christ. The disciples' immediate response challenges us to examine what prevents our wholehearted commitment.

Mark's gospel speaks powerfully to those feeling spiritually isolated. When Jesus' own family thinks he's "out of his mind," he redefines family as "whoever does God's will." This offers profound comfort if you're navigating faith alone—perhaps with an unbelieving spouse or resistant children. You're never truly spiritually isolated; in Christ, you belong to a family transcending biological connections. Even in your spiritual journey's most challenging moments, remember the father who honestly cried, "I believe; help my unbelief!" This prayer perfectly captures the tension many experience—faith mixed with doubt, certainty with questions.

Ready to rekindle your spiritual walk with fresh urgency? Join me for a personalized Aroma of Christ coaching hour at paulabehrens.com/coaching. Together, we'll develop practical strategies to make your devotional life consistent, meaningful, and transformative again.

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Paula Behrens:

Feeling like your faith has gotten too comfortable, wondering how to bring consistency back into your walk with God. The Gospel of Mark shows us how to follow Jesus with urgency, starting today, not someday. Mark's fast-paced Gospel cuts through the noise and calls us back to what matters most walking daily with Jesus. But first funny story. When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices. Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day. I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

You want to grow closer to God. But let's be honest your days are full, your mind is busy and your devotional routine feels more like a struggle than a sanctuary. That's exactly why I created the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour. This one-on-one session is designed to make deepening your relationship with God simple, peaceful and personal. No pressure, no overwhelm, just a guided, spirit-led approach to help you reset and reconnect with Jesus in a way that truly fits your life. You won't leave empty-handed either. You'll walk away with everything you need to continue your journey, including a printable Devotional Planning and Tracking Guide to help you stay consistent, a beautiful Gospel Reading Plan that walks you through the life of Jesus, a downloadable Prayer Journal to reflect, process and pray intentionally, and practical guidance on how to use essential oils to quiet your mind and invite peace into your spiritual practices. You don't need fancy tools or hours of free time. You just need a doable plan and someone to help you make it real. So let's make your devotional life easy, meaningful and refreshingly Christ-centered. It's time to simplify your spiritual life so you can savor it again. Book your Aroma of Christ coaching hour today at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Look for a link in the show notes. All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

Are you struggling to fit God into your busy days, wishing your spiritual routine felt steady instead of scattered? In God's Word, we find simple, powerful lessons to build a faith that holds strong in real life. I'm so glad you're here with us as we journey through the Bible, book by book. Today, we're going to spend some time together in the Gospel of Mark, a book that moves fast, hits hard and calls us to follow Jesus with urgency and faith. Before we get into the text, let's pray. Lord as we open your word today. Open our hearts, speak to us through the pages of Mark's Gospel. Help us to hear your call with fresh ears and to respond with urgency and obedience. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Paula Behrens:

The Gospel of Mark isn't just a collection of stories about Jesus. It's a vibrant, action-packed invitation to step into a life of faith that feels alive and real, especially when life feels anything but. As a pastor walking alongside busy families, I know how hard it can be to carve out space for God in the middle of endless to-do lists, emotional ups and downs and the quiet ache of feeling spiritually alone. Maybe you're, like so many I've talked to, new to this faith journey, trying to figure out how to make Bible reading a habit when kids are pulling at your sleeves or your spouse isn't on board with church. Through the book of Mark, we'll uncover practical ways to make your faith a guiding force, one small, doable step at a time. So let's breathe deep, open our hearts and let these timeless truths speak to us right where we are.

Paula Behrens:

Mark's Gospel is like a brisk walk through the countryside. It's the shortest of the four Gospels, but it packs a punch with its urgency and immediacy. Written by John Mark, a young man who likely traveled with Peter, this book zooms in on Jesus' ministry with a sense of right now that can really resonate if you're a busy parent trying to juggle everything. It starts with a bang, the beginning of the good news about Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, Mark 1:1. No slow build-up here, it's straight to the point, just like how we need our spiritual routines to be, simple, straightforward and full of purpose. Early in Mark, John the Baptist calls people to repentance, preparing the way for Jesus. His message is clear, God wants transformation, not just activity.

Paula Behrens:

As a pastor who's guided parishioners through seasons of doubt and disconnection, I see Mark as a perfect blueprint for those early morning moments when you're sipping coffee, wondering how to fit God into your day without it feeling like another chore. I mean who needs that? Jesus comes to be baptized and as he emerges from the water, the Spirit descends and a voice from Heaven declares: You are my beloved, with you I am well pleased, Mark, Chapter 1, verse 11. That affirmation reminds us that our identity is secure in him, even when life feels hectic, and that we can approach God confidently knowing he delights in us. But here's the thing Mark isn't meant to be conquered in one sitting. It's meant to be savored one step at a time, helping you build that consistent routine you've been searching for. If that sounds good to you, I suggest that you treat Mark's Gospel like it's a conversation with a friend. Read a short section, maybe just a few verses about Jesus healing someone or calling his disciples, and then pause and ask yourself, what does this say about God's heart for me today? Small steps add up and before you know it, that routine could very well become your anchor.

Paula Behrens:

One of the first things that jumps out in Mark is Jesus' call to his first disciples. Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and says to Simon and Andrew: Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people, Mark 1, 17. They leave their nets immediately. The word immediately appears over and over in Mark, emphasizing the urgency of responding to Jesus. Even in the middle of a busy day, demanding life, God calls us right where we are.

Paula Behrens:

If you're balancing work, family and that inner tug towards spiritual growth, start small. Perhaps read Mark, chapter 1, verses 14 through 20, during your quiet morning time and then ask yourself, What nets am I holding on to that I need to drop? What fears, doubts or distractions could I lay aside to follow him more closely? Let's make this more practical. Imagine you're folding laundry and the phone rings. It's your child or your spouse or a dear friend in crisis. You wouldn't say, I'll get back to you in an hour when I finish folding. You'd drop everything and respond. That's how the disciples responded to Jesus' call, immediately, without hesitation. So let me ask you what nets are you holding on to? Maybe it's the net of control. You want to plan everything, manage every detail and you're afraid to let God redirect your path. Or maybe it's the net of comfort. Life feels stable right now and you're hesitant to step into something unknown. Or maybe it's the net of approval. You're afraid of what others will think if you fully commit to following Jesus. But when Jesus calls, he doesn't just call us to leave something behind, he calls us into something much, much greater. He says, I will make you become fishers of men. That means your life will have eternal impact.

Paula Behrens:

As we move deeper into Mark, we see Jesus performing miracles and teaching with authority. One powerful story is the healing of a paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends. The crowd is so thick that his friends have to get creative, tearing through the roof to bring him to Jesus. Jesus looks at him and says Son, your sins are forgiven (Mark 2: 5). The man is healed. But the story goes beyond the physical. Jesus meets the deeper spiritual need. If you are feeling like your life is stretched thin, scripture reminds us that God sees every struggle, emotional burden and longing. Engaging in daily reflection or journaling prompts or even just asking, How does this miracle speak to my own needs for healing today, can make the gospel come alive in practical, transformative ways.

Paula Behrens:

In Mark, Jesus also addresses the tension of family and faith. When his own family thinks he's out of his mind, he reminds everyone: Whoever does God's will is my brother, sister and mother (Mark 3: 35). This teaches us that our ultimate identity is in Christ, not in the approval of others. Mark 3 tells us that even Jesus' family thought he was out of his mind. Isn't that comforting in a strange and unusual way? If Jesus himself faced misunderstanding from those closest to him, it makes sense that we might too.

Paula Behrens:

Some of you listening have husbands who don't share your faith. Others are raising children who roll their eyes at church and that can feel lonely. But listen to Jesus' words. He says, Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother. Friend, you are never spiritually alone. In Christ, you are surrounded by a family of faith. For me, that family sometimes looked like friends in a Wednesday night Bible study. They were my sisters and brothers when I felt spiritually isolated at home. So when you feel like your faith walk is misunderstood, remember you belong, you are part of God's family. Even when relationships are complicated or when those closest to us don't share our faith, Jesus is our anchor and our brothers and sisters in Christ are there to support us. Mark also teaches through parables like the sower, showing that seeds, the word of God, grow in different ways depending on the soil of our hearts.

Paula Behrens:

Life's busyness can feel like the thorns that choke spiritual growth. Yet intentional time in prayer, reflection or reading scripture cultivates good soil for faith to thrive. Jesus is the ultimate model for rest in prayer. After feeding thousands, he goes off alone to pray. Even the one who constantly gives of himself, prioritizes solitude and connection with the Father. Busy parents can take note. Intentional pauses, even brief, for prayer or reflection are vital. Perhaps a quiet walk, journaling, or five minutes of scripture before the day's demands begin can anchor peace and strength within you Throughout, Mark, the themes of faith, healing and transformation guide us. When a father cries out, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief (Mark 9, 24), it mirrors the journey of new believers striving to cultivate a consistent spiritual practice.

Paula Behrens:

The encouragement here is to aim for progress, not perfection. Ten minutes a day in scripture, a short reflection or prayer can steadily build a life of faith that endures. Mark's Gospel also carries us to the intensity of Jesus' final hours. On the cross, he cries: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? That's Mark 15, 34. This moment reflects the weight of human struggle and the feelings of abandonment, yet it is followed by Resurrection and Victory. Mark 16 reminds us that triumph comes even after the darkest hours, offering hope and perspective for every day, no matter how challenging. Sharing these stories with family, even briefly, can plant seeds of faith and hope that echoes across generations. And, wrapping up, remember that the book of Mark is not just a historical account. It's a living guide for today.

Paula Behrens:

By integrating Mark into your routine, you're not just checking a box. You're building a foundation for a consistent connection with God, strengthening your faith and shining his light in your home and family. If you've been feeling alone in your journey to create a consistent spiritual routine, know that God delights in the smallest gestures to draw near to him, and you don't have to walk this path by yourself. I invite you to join me for an Aroma of Christ coaching hour. Together, we'll help you find balance, restore peace and nurture a life overflowing with faith and love. Plus, for a short time, I'm also including a Peace RESET at no charge. So don't delay. Book your session now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching, where we can discover your personalized devotional rhythm and enhance your spiritual journey. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Picture yourself waking up each morning eager to dive into prayer and scripture, armed with resources that cultivate peace and purpose, allowing God to work profoundly within your life. I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Book your session now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. Do it now, while the Peace RESET is still on the table.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review. Just a quick review will be so helpful in getting the word out to other women just like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.