I’m very excited to feature Deep-Rooted: Growing Through the Gospel of Mark by Kathy Howard for this month’s book drawing. Kathy is a powerful Bible teacher and I personally 
gained much from this book.
Here is a sample from Deep-Rooted to whet your spiritual appetite.
Hope in the Most Desperate Times
by Kathy Howard
Desperate people do desperate things. This real-life observation plays out in the 2002 movie “John Q Public.” Denzel Washington stars as John Quincy Archibald, a desperate father struggling to help his dying son. The boy needs a heart transplant but the insurance company denied the surgery. So, in desperation, John takes the emergency room staff and patients hostage, demanding the doctors save his son.
Have you ever been that kind of desperate? In that place where you’ve tried everything and you’ve got nothing left but last resorts and hail Marys?
The fifth chapter of the Gospel of Mark, tells the story of two people with nothing in common but desperation. A frantic father trying to save his daughter. And a demoralized outcast with nothing left to lose. Both driven to do something they wouldn’t normally do.
Jairus, a respected leader in the local synagogue, humbled himself before Jesus, the controversial Teacher, to beg for his daughter’s life.
Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” Mark 5:22-23, ESV
And the woman. Plagued for more than a decade by a condition that drained all her financial resources and marked her “unclean,” risked public shame to simply touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.
She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” Mark 5:27-28, ESV
Two very different people, but both exercised faith in Jesus.
Nothing in Scripture is coincidental or haphazard. Mark intentionally wove together these two personal stories to double the impact. Both these miracle-seekers felt fear, grief, discouragement, and hopelessness. Then through faith they both experienced hope and new life. A miracle within a miracle, all wrapped in the power and authority of Christ.
Jairus’ daughter lay on her deathbed, but Jairus believed Jesus could heal her. He had heard stories. The woman had suffered from constant vaginal bleeding for twelve years. According to Jewish Law, her unclean status prevented intimacy in a marriage relationship, denied her access to corporate worship, and severely limited her social interaction. She had nothing to lose. But so much to gain.
On Jesus’ way to heal the girl, the woman reached out in faith and experienced His healing power. Jesus knew who had touched His robe, but He sought out the woman for her sake. She needed more than mere physical healing. And Jesus met those needs – peace, community restoration, and a name that showed her worth. “Daughter.”
And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Mark 5:34, ESV
Seemingly, the delay prevented Jesus from healing the girl in time to save her. But God is never late; the delay had purpose. And the girl’s death was no obstacle for Jesus.
Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. Mark 5:41-42, ESV
Although the girl’s death inflicted deep grief on her parents, it also provided an opportunity for God to bring more glory to His Son. Jesus worked two miracles that day. Healing for brokenness. Life for death.
With what seemingly insurmountable obstacle do you need to trust Jesus today?
Lord Jesus, with You no problem is insurmountable, no desperate situation lost. I place my faith in You as the One who is always able, the One who brings hope to the hopeless, and the One who overcomes death with life. Amen.
Here’s more about Kathy’s book…
If you want to experience regular spiritual nourishment from the Bible, it is possible! Deep Rooted, a 40-day devotional journey through the life and ministry of Jesus, will show you how to interact with and apply Scripture, not just read it. These meaty, daily devotions use a simple study framework designed to help you:
- Develop a regular habit of spending quality time in God’s Word
- Know Jesus more fully and intimately
- Learn how to dig into Scripture on your own
- Be transformed by God’s Word, not just informed
- Practically live out the truths you discover in Scripture
To enter your name into the drawing for Deep Rooted, make a comment on my blog post. The drawing ends Sunday March 14, 2021. Only USA addresses can win. UPDATE: VICKI IS THE WINNER OF THE DRAWING. CONGRATULATIONS, VICKI!
Let me introduce Kathy Howard…
A former “cultural Christian,” Kathy Howard now has a passion for God’s Word that’s contagious. With more than 30 years of experience, Kathy has taught the Bible in dozens of states, internationally, and in a wide range of venues including multi-church conferences and large online events. Kathy, who has a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, is a devotional and Bible study author. She also writes for multiple online magazines and devotional sites. Kathy and her husband live near family in the Dallas/Ft Worth. They have three married children, six grandchildren, and two accidental dogs. Kathy provides free discipleship resources and blogs regularly at www.KathyHoward.org
After meeting Kathy and hearing her teach at a conference, I know this new book, “Deep Rooted” will be a blessing to everyone.
I also love Kathy’s teaching, speaking and writing. I’m glad to put your name into the drawing.
Hi Penelope! I hope we all get together in person again soon!
Yikes! And yes please!
Thanks Kathy.
Mona.
Hi Mona. So glad you’re a part of the drawing!
Hi Mona! Keep digging into God’s Word!
Ohhh this sounds like a good one!!!!
Yes, indeed it is, Nicci. So glad you are entering the drawing and knowing about Kathy’s book.
I learned so much studying to write the book. The Gospel of Mark is a great book!
Do the urgent things in your life keep pushing out the important?
Jesus showed us how to prioritize God’s purposes for us. Check out Mark 1:35-45. Deep Rooted Day 3
#deeprooteddevo #gospelofmark #dailydevotional #biblestudymethods
Julie, thank you so much for sharing that quote from Kathy’s book. I found many! valuable insights and quotes also. I’ve put you into the drawing.
Julie, thanks for all your help in the launch team!
Sounds like a book I need to get rooted in !
I love your comment Mary! You have a way with words. 🙂 Thanks for entering the drawing.
I so enjoyed my own study of Mark!
I believe, but deeply rooted? Love to win!
Terrie, I hear ya. And for every Christian, there’s always room for more growth and more deeply rooted. So thank you for entering the drawing.
Hi Terrie, I pray God will root you deeply in His Word!
Interested in the book. May be a good book study for my church.
Paul, I’m so glad you see the value of Kathy’s book. I know you’ll be very pleased to see your congregation grow because of studying Mark as Kathy offers great discussion questions and wise commentary. I’ve put you into the drawing.
Paul, it would make a great study for a church or group. One church just used it for a Lenten study!
I would love to win this book. I am always searching for more understanding of the New Testament.
Hi Linda, I know you’ll find more understanding by studying Kathy’s book. I’ve put you into the drawing.
Linda, I love Mark’s perspective of Jesus’ life and ministry!
I would love to read this book . Always looking for a new book and new author
especially Christian based.
Thanks for commenting and entering the drawing, Margaret. You will love all of Kathy Howard’s marvelous books.
Margaret, “Deep Rooted” is a great hybrid of devotional and Bible study!
I would love to do this study! Thank you!
Thanks Beth. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
This sounds like a wonderful read
Thank you Danielle, but stopping by! Your name is in the drawing.
This book sounds like it would be very inspiring! This past year it has been hard for me to get into Studying the Bible.
Lynette, we all can relate to having times when studying the Bible is harder than other times. Be assured the Holy Spirit will draw you back as you call upon Him. He wants to have fellowship with you. I’m praying for you and I know all my readers are also. We care. Thank you for entering the drawing. You have made an important choice.
Lynette, this has been a hard time for all of us. I was writing Deep Rooted when COVID first hit and studying God’s Word really encouraged me.
This looks like a very intriguing book to begin A new study and daily discipline for myself.
Hi Vicki. “Intriguing” is a great description for Kathy’s book. Thank you for entering the drawing.
Vicki, I hope you will find Deep Rooted helpful. The format really works to help instill some solid Bible study habits.
Congratulations, Vicki! You are the winner of Kathy Howard’s book! I’ll connect you with Kathy by email. Thank you again for dropping by my blog.
I have been desperate while struggling myself and watching my daughter struggle as well. This book could really help. Thank you for letting me enter!
Hi Kim, I’m glad to put your name into the drawing. As others have indicated, we all have times when it’s harder than others to concentrate on the Bible. So take heart and take little steps. God is patient!
Kim, I am so sorry to hear that you and your daughter are going through such difficulty. May God strengthen you and provide for all your needs.
I am currently studying the New Testament. I would love to read Kathy’s book about Mark. I believe it will enhance my study.
Thanks for entering the drawing, Judy. What a great combination this can make. I hope you’ll consider purchasing Kathy’s book even if you don’t win it.
Judy, I love Mark’s running theme of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God. I hope you find the study helpful!
Growing up as a P.K. I’m interested in learning about this Author and reading her blog posts.
Hi Sue. Thanks so much for participating and dropping by. I know you will love Kathy’s book whether you win it or buy it.
I love the title of your blog – a heart change says so much!
Thank you Linda for your encouragement about the theme of my ministry. God is continuing to give me a heart change and I love to help others along that journey. Thank you also for commenting. I’ve put your name into the drawing!