“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.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31)

February 23, 2011

What Jesus told his disciples after they returned from their “2 by 2” mission. Have you learned Christ’s rhythm of advance and retreat? The same Jesus who calls us to mission, also calls us to rest and recharge with Him.

“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life” (Psalm 39:4)

February 22, 2011

Recognizing the brevity of life should put a holy urgency in us, a desire to live life like we were dying. Yet most wallow and waste their minutes, hours and days as if there were an unlimited supply. If you knew Jesus would call you home tomorrow, how would you live today?

“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak” (Mark 5:27)

February 21, 2011

This with today’s reading in Lev.11-12 makes for a revealing juxtaposition. Lev. details how touching a dead body or a bleeding woman makes one unclean. Mark shows how a touch from the holy Jesus has the reverse affect- the bleeding woman is healed and the dead girl rises again.

“Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19)

February 20, 2011

What Jesus said to the demoniac He had freed from possession. When Christ saves us, He sends us first to our families then to the world.

“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19)

February 19, 2011

What is bearing fruit in your life? Worldly worry or the Word?

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil” (Psalm 37:8)

February 18, 2011

Anger and worry are a dangerous combination. Turn from it. Let God handle those who have offended you. Forgive and trust God for the outcome.

“Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners'” (Mark 2:17)

February 17, 2011

If you claim to be well, you will remain sick. If you admit your need, Jesus can heal you. What kind of church do you want? A hotel church for the healthy? Or a hospital church for the sin-sick?

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35)

February 16, 2011

How Jesus began His day. Do you have a place of solitude to begin your day in prayer?