“When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God'” (Mark 12:34)

March 5, 2011

Have you met one like this? One who has the Kingdom in his eyes, but not yet in his heart? No need to argue, just encourage them to believe. Tell them it’s only a matter of time. Say it with a smile. You know something that they soon will too.

“On the east, toward the sunrise, the divisions of the camp of Judah are to encamp under their standard” (Numbers 2:3)

March 4, 2011

Of the 12 tribes, Judah is given first position. They are to camp under their tribal flag emblazoned with a lion (Gen.49:9), situated due east, so that they are the first to rise with the sun. This is the tribe of the Messiah, whose return through the Eastern Gate is prophesied.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

March 3, 2011

Dial down the noise. Come away from your worry and busy-ness. Listen for the Whisper. And know.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43)

March 2, 2011

Unlike worldly leaders, Kingdom leaders descend to greatness by serving. Jesus calls us to be servant-leaders. Are there jobs in your family, workplace or church that are beneath you? Good. Start there and do them wholeheartedly. Faithfulness in the little things comes first.

“The lips of the righteous nourish many” (Proverbs 10:21)

March 1, 2011

Do your words build others up or tear them down? The righteous speak words that edify others. Their words are like food to those who hear them.

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19)

February 28, 2011

The more talk, the greater likelihood for sin. Hold your tongue. Rein it in, and listen more. People who talk too much have to offer more apologies. Give someone the gift of listening to them today.

“Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God” (Psalm 43:4)

February 27, 2011

Today, we will go to worship. We will proclaim Your Word and the Gospel concerning Your Son. We will praise you with the Taylor acoustic, with the Stratocaster, and with the drums. We will lift our hands and hearts to sing with joy!

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35)

February 26, 2011

The paradox of playing it safe in life- pursue comfort and self-satisfaction and lose. Choose self-denial and following Christ and live.

“On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work because on this day atonement will be made for you” (Leviticus 16:29-30)

February 25, 2011

In Hebrew, “Yom Kippur,” the Day of Atonement, when a substitute was offered for the redemption of the people’s sin. Jesus is the fulfillment of this day. And He still asks His disciples to “deny themselves” and follow Him.

“Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin” (Proverbs 10:14)

February 24, 2011

The wise man listens and reflects. The fool blabs on and on without thinking. How can wisdom increase without hearing? He that hath ears let him hear. Be still and know.