168th BDS – July 12, 2025

Scripture Reference: Mark 4:35, Mark 5:1-2, John 21:3-6

There are always at least two sides to everything, I think we can all agree in part to that. We choose to do either evil or good, we choose to hold grudges or to forgive, we choose either a life in GOD or, a life in sin and we choose to love or hate, just to lay out a few of them. JESUS repeatedly throughout the Scriptures pointed to “the other side”, where He could show those around Him a better way of doing things, a greater purpose for living and the need for faith and belief in GOD through Him.

So let’s dive in!!!

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

JESUS purposely gave a specific directive to His disciples that they should go over to the other side of the lake (to some the Sea of Galilee, Lake Tiberias and/or Lake of Gennesaret) knowing that a storm would arise. Why would He do that, you may ask? He knew that they lacked faith and moreover belief in Him, so in the midst of the storm He inquired of their faith and then demonstrated His power over the wind and the sea.(Mark 4:41) Even after JESUS calmed the storm, they still did not believe in Him. Sound familiar?

“And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Shortly after while on the journey to the other side of the lake, there was another purposed encounter. JESUS already knew why He initially made the suggestion to go the way that He pointed out to his disciples. His meeting with the possessed man was of no coincidence, just as our first encounter with JESUS (was for some and will be for others) is not by chance. Just as He again demonstrated His power in casting the evil spirit out of the man, He too shows His power to us daily wanting us to get to the other side of unbelief where our faith meets His Word and allows constant changes to take place within us.(Ephesians 4:21-24, Philippians 2:5, Romans 12:2)

Final Thought: (John 21:3-6) Simon Peter and others decided to go fishing one night and ended up not even catching one fish.(vs. 3) When daybreak came JESUS was standing on the shore, and his own disciples didn’t recognize Him.(vs.4) JESUS already knowing what the answer would be, asked if they “had any meat” or in other words if they had caught any fish, to which the disciples replied no.(vs. 5) JESUS then gave them a specific directive to “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.”

(vs. 6) Be encouraged that JESUS is ever present with you (and me), GOD’s Word was written to lead, guide, correct and direct us all, no exceptions. I pray with and for those yet to meet JESUS and for those who have, continue to hold on because glory awaits ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!

-Minister Marchand, Founder and Overseer of JESUS IS GLOBAL MINISTRIES-JIGM and JESUS IS GLOBAL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY-JIGMIA