“Jesus said to him, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God'” (Mark 12:34)

March 5, 2012

Who do you know that is near unto the Kingdom? Can you see the Kingdom in their eyes? They need only be introduced to the King. But someone must make the introduction. Would you be willing to introduce them to King Jesus?

“Jesus said, ‘give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God'” (Mark 12:17)

March 4, 2012

We have dual citizenship. We are born into Caesar’s kingdom, but born again into God’s. We are to live at peace with the temporal king, while proclaiming the imminent return of the Eternal One. When the two kingdoms are at odds, we bow only to King Jesus!

“Each tribe of Israel will camp in a designated area with its own family banner” (Numbers 1:52)

March 3, 2012

Every family had an assignment from God. Each according to the 12 sons of Jesse, who was renamed Israel by the Lord Himself. Do you think God still gives out family assignments? What banner does your family serve under?

“The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22)

March 2, 2012

Striving for riches, we often find suffering instead. But when we follow Jesus, seeking first His Kingdom, He meets our needs along the way. Following is better than striving. When we drink from His cup, it may burn on the way down, but it leaves no bitter aftertaste.

“Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God” (Mark 10:27)

March 1, 2012

In what hope or dream from God have you given up? Does it seem impossible to you now? Pray and cast all your cares on Him. All things are possible with God. He exposes our unmet needs, so that we understand that He alone can meet them.

Leap Day Entry (OYB doesn’t have a Feb. 29th)

February 29, 2012

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need” (Psalm 23:1).
The LORD is all that I need. All of my deepest needs are met in Him. All of my lesser needs are met as I follow Him. He alone is the focus of my following. My needs are met without worrying about them as I seek Him and His Kingdom first.

“I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies” (Psalm 44:6-7)

February 28, 2012

Not my bank acct or credit card. Not according to my reason or resources, but according to God’s. I will place my trust in Him today for the enemy I face.

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’ The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:23-24)

February 27, 2012

We have divided minds and hearts. We even have divided believing. But trusting Christ for everything we become undivided in our devotion and in our believing. Exercised faith grows.

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mark 8:35)

February 26, 2012

What have you given up for the Gospel? Time? Money? These represent symbols of your life, but have you yet bled for it? Most have not. Have you risked anything yet? Stop just hanging on. Give it up for Jesus!

“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble” (Psalm 41:1)

February 25, 2012

This joy speaks of what Jesus said about giving: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Today, our church is hanging food bags to ask our neighbors to partner with us in feeding the hungry. Come experience the joy with us!