‘Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him”‘ (Mark 12:17 ESV). Even Christ’s enemies “marveled at Him” when He answered their question about paying taxes. Jesus displayed amazing wisdom with such brevity and fulness. He wasted not a
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 ESV). The psalmist spoke of three divine attributes of God that we can rely on in times of trouble. He said that we can look to God as our “refuge,” our “strength,” and our “very present help.” Looking to God as
“The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise” (Mark 10:33-34 ESV). As
“And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you” (Leviticus 25:10 ESV). Every seven years the Israelites were to keep a Sabbath for the land. God promised to bless their land with such abundance in the sixth year that it
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV). It’s Leap Day and there is no OYB reading for
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19 ESV). The more one talks, the greater the likelihood of sinning. The wise man “restrains his lips,” keeping silent and actively listening to others before carefully choosing words of response. Try talking less and listening more today. Ask
“This is my beloved Son; listen to him” (Mark 9:7 ESV). Peter couldn’t keep quiet in that holy moment on the mountaintop when Jesus was transfigured and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. So, a cloud overshadowed Peter, James and John, and the voice of the Father was heard saying, “This is my dearly loved
“Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2 ESV). God explained to Moses the purpose behind the laws of personal conduct for the people of Israel, namely: Holiness. The Hebrew word for “holy” is “qadosh”
“So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 18:30 ESV). Leviticus 18:1-30 essentially expands on the 7th commandment, which is “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Ex. 20:14). Much of the book
“Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat” (Leviticus 16:2 ESV). The Lord told Moses to tell his brother, Aaron,