Gerald C. "Jeb" Monge

The Inside of the Cup: a Devotional Based on Mark's Gospel Gerald C. "Jeb" Monge

The Inside of the Cup is a book of devotional readings. They are one to two pages long and include one thought for the reader to consider and reflect on. Monge has translated and studied the texts from Mark?s gospel for a half a century and explains them very well. He also makes the devotionals relevant to life today. The strength of this devotional is the profound insights which Monge perceives. He makes it clear that Jesus came not only to proclaim the good news of God to humans, but that he himself is the good news. To understand that and to comprehend how that makes a difference in one?s life is an exciting adventure. You can expect your faith to mature throughout this process, and it is a process. Evolution takes time. Reading and applying the message of the devotional creates fear because the reader will be broadening his/her life. The process enables the reader to deal constructively with fear which is the greatest threat to a person?s life. Fear limits, and faith enhances. This is no magic potion. Reading about and practicing your faith involves struggle. But the richer life gradually becomes healthy and fun. Adventuring in faith causes healthy anxiety which further draws the reader to rely more on Christ as the Gospel/Good News. Then that encourages the reader to read more and envelop the message in his/her life. Monge says that he continues to study Mark?s gospel. Each time he reads and reflects upon the message, his own faith is broadened. That does not mean that he is immune from the devastating effect of fear. The daily growing in faith is called sanctification. Gradually one?s life becomes richer as he/she struggles with fear. The Inside of the Cup has been written with the reader in mind. All of us struggle with our faith. The Twelve disciples lived with Jesus for a few years and were confused throughout. When Jesus was arrested, the Twelve went into hiding, completely abandoning their Lord in his time of need. If they were confused, so will we, and that is the purpose of this wonderful book. It helps the reader leave first base and begin an adventure which is ended when he/she breathes his/her last breath. If you consider your life to be a bore now, The Inside of the Cup will definitely make it more interesting and satisfying. That is the reward of reading it and living its message each day. Monge has another devotional: Dancing with God which will be published the end of 2013. He is currently working on a devotional which is based on the profound Book of Job which will come out in 2014.