“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?

“Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there was a ruby” (Exodus 39:10)

February 15, 2011

Every time I read this description of the breastplate for the high priest, I try to determine which stone goes with each tribe. There are many opinions, but I believe that this first stone symbolizes the tribe of Judah, David, and Jesus. Both its first place and red color point to our Lord and Savior.

“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19)

February 14, 2011

God never promised a trouble-free life. But He did promise to be with us through them and to deliver us from them all.

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4)

February 13, 2011

Fleeing from Saul into the lands of the king of Gath, David was beset by fear on every side. So David sought the Lord. Are you anxious and afraid today? Seek the Lord and He will deliver you.

“No one is to appear before me empty-handed” (Exodus 34:20)

February 12, 2011

God’s instruction to Moses and the Israelites concerning how they should come to worship Him. You’re not just going to a worship service. You are to bring your worship with you!

“When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock” (Exodus 33:22)

February 11, 2011

– What God said to Moses. “Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.” – What I’m singing this morning.

“But Peter followed him at a distance” (Matthew 26:58)

February 10, 2011

When Jesus was arrested, Peter, one of the Twelve, tried to blend in as one of the crowd, following Jesus from a distance. This, after following so close was unbearable. Are you trying to follow Christ from a distance?

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41)

February 9, 2011

Trials and temptations often come in pairs. We can’t avoid the former, but we can watch and pray, so that we don’t fall into the latter. Be alert to that which tempts. Pray in advance for strength so you won’t be led into its trap.

“My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15)

February 8, 2011

David trusted the Lord knowing that the time of his birth, death, and every appointment in between was in God’s hands. Who’s in charge of your schedule today?