A little compromise goes a long way. Achan witnessed the amazing destruction of Jericho. Rather than worship God for his stunning victory, Achan wrongly believed that God was not enough to satisfy him. He lusted after what God had forbidden and cursed. For a handful of money and a robe, Achan not only lost his life, but also brought judgment on his entire family and the nation. Think of it: one man’s fall into temptation impacted an entire nation. “Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies” (7:11-12). When I sin, I am not the only one who suffers; everyone I love and everyone I relate to is negatively impacted. My compromise limits God’s protection and provision; my sin hastens spiritual failure. Whatever is pulling you away from God – it is not worth the price you will pay. Confess your sin and return to the Lord.

Quiet. Jesus was enduring one false accusation after another. His enemies wanted him dead and the verbal assaults would soon be followed by physical beatings. How would Jesus respond to this injustice? “Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed” (Mark 15:4-5). Defending oneself is a basic instinct. It is only natural to want to present your side of the story, correct inaccuracies and put your accusers in their place. In this case, Jesus chose not to defend himself. Though the accusations were completely unjustified (even Pilate sniffed out the Pharisees’ envy of Jesus), he remained quiet. How can a person remain quiet while facing verbal abuse and personal injustice? Quietness is the result of the heartfelt certainty that God has all things under control. Jesus was confidently quiet on the outside because he was secure and at rest on the inside. He had entrusted himself to God’s plan for his life. Jesus knew the day would come when God would right every wrong; when every injustice would be corrected. In the moment, Jesus chose to focus on God’s greatness rather than the pettiness of his enemies. There are certainly times it is appropriate to clarify the facts and set the record straight. But there are also times when you need to turn your concerns away from your accusers and focus instead on God’s greater purposes. Try remaining quiet next time your authority is violated, your counsel is distorted, or your intentions are misrepresented. Guard your thoughts from anger or bitterness; choose to be quiet and enjoy the comfort God alone can give. Quietness reflects your awareness that God is your defender. When have you attempted to defend yourself and it did not resolve well?

Denial. Even though Peter had emphatically declared he would never fall away from Jesus, the circumstances changed when questioned by a servant girl. “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.’ Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.’ And he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:71-72). Just as Jesus told Peter he would do, Peter had denied three times even knowing him. While Jesus was authoritatively proclaiming truth, healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the thousands and raising the dead – it was easy to identify with him. Everyone was enamored by this powerful and popular leader. To be included in the inner circle of Jesus was intoxicating for Peter, until now. Peter’s dreams of greatness had all come crashing down and he lost his confidence. His insecurity was revealed when even the slightest of challenges (questions from a slave girl) caused Peter to feel threatened. When he realized what he had done, Peter wept bitterly with regret. Denial followed by regret. Peter shows us what we are like: one moment, a passionate committed follower of Christ who is ready to conquer the world with him; the next moment, a weak and cowardly person who is so fearful of what others think we shun our Christian identity. Maybe our denials are not as dramatic as was Peter’s, but we deny Christ nonetheless. How do we deny him? Any time you are embarrassed to mention your loyalty and love for Christ in a conversation with co-workers or neighbors; anytime you shun identifying with passionate and committed believers; anytime you feel relieved when you blend into the non-Christian world; anytime you compromise what you know is biblically right – all of these are expressions of denying your faith in Christ. May we urge one another on toward faithfulness to Him who has been abundantly faithful to us. How have you ‘denied’ knowing Christ in the past?

Next Generation. The older generation of Israel had experienced the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, water from the rock, and Tabernacle worship. They had every opportunity to trust God and fulfill the vision and purpose he had planned for them. But sadly they died in unbelief. Their children were growing up watching the poor example of their parents with a determination not to repeat those mistakes. God would teach these sons and daughters to live by faith. They would have to learn to depend on Him completely, not trusting their own ability. God commanded a serious ritual to reinforce this truth: “So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised” (5:7). Circumcision is the cutting away of flesh – a symbol of removing all confidence in sin-tainted personality, gifts and strength. Before a new generation could possess the Promised Land, they would have to remove all trust in themselves. Only God would be able to birth something supernatural through them. Put aside all the old sinful habits and unbelief. Allow God to cut away whatever hinders your white-hot love and trust in Christ (Rom.2:29). He has an awesome vision for your life and this generation!

Body. It was the night before his crucifixion; Jesus was anticipating the severe persecution and separation from his father he would suffer. He sought out his father in earnest prayer, requesting his disciples to support him with their concern. However, the disciples soon fell asleep. Jesus challenged them: “Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mark 14:37-38). The purposes of God often contradict with the appetites and desires of your body. Your body is created by God and is a beautiful expression of his love and creativity. However, in its sinful state, your body can be an enemy of your spiritual growth: lust, gluttony, covetousness, etc. God wants you to bring your body under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. When God’s Spirit dominates and your body cooperates, the result is self-control. Jesus warned his disciples to watch out for temptation because their bodies were weak. Guard against the tendency to indulge your physical appetites; follow the leading of the Spirit and offer your body as a living sacrifice to Him. How have your physical appetites and lusts hampered your spiritual growth?

Finishing well.  Though Moses did have his struggles, he was a man of great humility and faith.  His costly mistake meant he forfeited the privilege of entering the Promised Land.  Nevertheless, God enabled him to see it from the top of Mount Nebo.  What an amazing finish!  You climb the mountain and see the reality of your lifelong vision and struggle.  As he dies, the epitaph is striking: “No prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face…” (34:10).  If you were to die today, what would be said about how you have spent your time on earth?  Clearly the most important feature of a person’s life is the quality of their relationship with God.  Far more important than your achievements, assets or titles is the depth of relationship you enjoy with Jesus Christ.  Your faith, hope and love is the greatest legacy you pass on to those you love.  People remember how you spent your life and how you finish.  Give thought to how you are spending this brief time on earth…other people are counting on you.

When God writes a song.  “Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them” (31:19).  Knowing that Israel would enter the Promised Land, find prosperity and promptly turn away from God to idols, God wrote a song.  Israel was to write a song and teach it to their children.  The day would come when the future generations would rebel, suffer consequences and be broken.  When that day came, God had a song for them.  His song would enable Israel to acknowledge their failures, but also return to his forgiving grace.  They would sing their way back to God.  God knows your life journey from beginning to end.  He knows all the times you will fall, the times you will rebel, the times you will long for his comfort.  In those times of brokenness, remember God is waiting for you.  He will mark the trail that leads you back to Him with reminders of his undying love for you.  

Waste. A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head. The disciples rebuked her harshly for wasting something of this much value on Jesus. But Jesus affirmed her act of love and worship, “She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Mark 14:6). “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:9). This woman’s action will forever accompany the gospel – because this is what the gospel is intended to produce. The gospel reveals what and who is truly valuable! The disciples thought the perfume should be sold and the money spent on the poor rather than ‘wasted’ upon Jesus. But the woman recognized that Jesus was most valuable and precious; she gladly poured out upon Him that which was of greatest worth to her. Knowing Jesus and receiving his good news transforms you. You are transformed from one who clings to this life out of fear into one who gladly “wastes” all that you are upon Jesus. The gospel liberates you to freely surrender all you are to Jesus. The depth of love and devotion the woman had for Jesus was misunderstood and rebuked – I’m wondering when was the last time I was misunderstood or rebuked by others because my devotion to Jesus was so intense…

Fork in the Road.  You would think that if God presents two paths – one with tremendous prosperity, the other with destruction and hardship – the choice would be an easy one, right?  Like a loving father, God wanted to prosper and bless his children in a profound way.  But the children had to follow his lead.  They had to make the personal choice to trust and obey Him, in order to receive his blessing.  “I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.  For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess” (30:16).  What makes choosing complicated is that the wrong path looks so appealing to our sinful nature.  The road of rebellion deceives you into believing that this is the highway of good times.  But make no mistake – resisting God’s lead always results in misery and pain.  Choosing wisely requires trusting in God’s goodness.  God’s intentions for you are always best – always.  Your daily decision to “trust and obey” or “rebel and indulge” impacts not only your life, but everyone you love, everyone with whom you work, every task or project in your life.  Do you hear the passion in God’s voice?  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life…” (30:19-20)  Choose now to trust Him.

Watch. What will be taking place on the earth just before Christ returns from heaven? The Temple will be destroyed; there will be false preachers doing false miracles, international wars, famine and earthquakes. It will be a terrible season as governments and family members will persecute true believers; the antichrist will rise to prominence. Into this worldwide chaos Jesus will return to bring justice and rescue his elect. The obvious question all would ask, ‘when will this happen?’ “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch” (Mark 13:32-34). We are to live as if Jesus will return right away. Knowing the precise day and time is not important; knowing the season of his return is vitally important. Those who love Jesus will be living as if the day of his return is soon; they will be watching for him. How foolish it is to waste your life trying to make yourself as comfortable on this earth as possible. Be on guard and at high alert – Jesus is coming to take you away with him forever! That’s what matters most. What would change in your life if Jesus were coming tomorrow?

Busyness has become a value in our culture. But could it be possible that a person’s constant motion is simply a cover for a tired and empty soul?  God prescribed a weekly day to rest and renew your soul by thinking upon Him (Mark 2:28). How might a day of spiritual renewal reduce the stress of your life?

Crazy Generosity. A poor widow goes to the Temple and contributes two small copper coins worth only a fraction of a penny. Though many wealthy people are dropping significant sums of money, none of those impress Jesus. He singles out the poor widow’s gift as the greatest: “This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44). I don’t think Jesus is rebuking people for giving some and saving the rest. I do think he is highlighting the faith and love that should motivate all our giving. The big lesson here is how God evaluates giving and generosity. He said the widow gave “more” than all the wealthy people. Dollar to dollar, that isn’t true. One hundred dollars is more than a penny. But evidently God doesn’t measure currency as we do. To God, the total amount is only a part of the picture. His greater concern is our motive – how much we treasure him! Jesus was aware of how much she had left (nothing). The widow’s trust and love for God was extraordinarily greater than her love for money. This is what God is seeking: people who give generously out of a heart of love and trust in God. Generosity is somewhere after knowing you have reserves in your pocket. If my giving does not adjust my living, I have not given generously. So put your trust into action and give in a way that reflects your value of God. He is leading you to be “crazy” generous. How does this example stretch you?

God and fashion.  “Make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, so that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes” (Num.15:38-39).  God knew how people tend to forget what matters (His Truth) and squander time on things that ultimately don’t matter (fashion).  Since people get dressed everyday, God gave the ‘tassels’ as a daily reminder of all of his beautiful commands.  The blue cord of each tassel was symbolic of the stream of life running through the commands of God.  God is truth and life.  Apart from him, we have nothing but spiritual lifelessness.  His point is that the truth protects us from falling into the deceptions that destroy us.  The lusts of my heart and eyes scream to be indulged.  Feeding that lust brings but a brief buzz, but then I crash back into lifelessness.  But there is powerful prevention – God wants your focus to be on his life-giving commands; his truth that sets you free.  Get dressed in his truth everyday!

Ownership. The question to Jesus from the Pharisee was, ‘should I pay taxes to the government?’ The simple answer was, ‘yes’, but Jesus gave a broader application. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). Not only was the question a chance to trap Jesus in his words, it could also be motivated by a desire to cling to money. Given the Jewish frustration concerning Roman oppression, disagreement with a variety of government policies and a sense of religious entitlement, it would be easy for them to make a case to refrain from paying taxes. However, Jesus affirmed the simple (but very difficult to practice) principle of submitting to authority: pay taxes to the government as required. But a more significant issue is beyond money; it involves giving one’s whole self to God. Jesus refused to trivialize; what matters to God is people. He wants and deserves that which he has created in his image. We do not have the right to withhold ourselves from him; we belong to him both by creation and redemption. He owns you. He has a claim on everybody! But God has given each person the opportunity to choose him (though he has already chosen all who respond). We are to encourage all people to give themselves to the God who has created them and redeemed them. How have you progressively ‘given’ yourself to God?

What kind of warriors would God select for the army of Israel?  He only wanted soldiers who had a fearless desire to fight.  Officers were directed to filter out the fainthearted.  A minimal excuse could get a reluctant soldier a pass: building a new home; planting a new vineyard; engaged to be married or simply fear of fighting.  Why would God willingly reduce the head count?  Wouldn’t every soldier contribute?  Apparently not.  If someone does not have his heart in the cause, they were to “Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too” (Deut.20:8).  God was preparing to do the fighting for Israel.  Therefore, the greatest attribute of a soldier was not military acumen, battlefield experience or weapon skills.  The most important characteristic of a man God uses is faith.  In this setting, the distracted soldiers were sent home because their lack of faith would infect the zeal of those fully committed.  Never underestimate the influence of your peers!  God can do more with a few who are full of confidence in his ability, than a massive army that relies on their own strength.  Don’t give in to discouragement today.  Trust the Lord, and join with those whose faith is ablaze.

Crickets for lunch.  Israel was definitely on a diet.  They had to test and evaluate everything on the menu.  Meats must be from animals that both chew their cud and have a split hoof.  Seafood must have fins and scales.  Be careful about birds and flying insects.  Forget about reptiles.  Why all this selectivity?  “You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean” (11:47).  Beyond the dietary benefits, the spiritual issue was one of separation.  The people of God are special and unique.  They don’t live like everybody else.  Their uniqueness was reinforced in their diet, their government, their laws, their business practices, their schedule – everything about them reminded them that they were the special people of God.  Sometimes you may feel like God restricts or limits you from what others seem to enjoy.  When you see others “getting away with sin” without punishment and it irritates you more than it saddens you – you have a problem.  Believing that whatever God forbids must be enjoyable, entertaining, satisfying – is evidence that you have been deceived.  Only Jesus satisfies.  When I live a life out of control (eating whatever, watching whatever, saying whatever, doing whatever), I eventually crash into disillusionment and emptiness.  Nothing satisfies your soul but God.  Choosing closeness with Him over the thousands of lesser options in this world brings love, joy and peace. 

Believe. Do you have complete and total confidence in God to do what seems impossible? Listen to Jesus explain what faith looks like: “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:23-24). Faith changes what I think, what I say, and what I receive from God. Jesus says that faith is becoming convinced God will do what is consistent with his will – with no doubt remaining. Since I am convinced, I can speak confidently to the situation that is contrary to God’s will (even a mountain). I continue to stand firm my “God confidence” regardless of circumstances or apparent delays. The key is my attitude in prayer – I should believe that I receive the moment I ask, as if I have it now. Prayer is not about begging God; if I’m begging, it’s likely that I’m not confident he can or will do what I am requesting. Faith changes the way I think about God – I adjust to him, his intentions and purposes. Knowing his plans, I simply ask him to do it; then rest in the confidence that he will do it in his perfect time. I will wait without worry or doubts; God will do it. While I am waiting, my prayers become increasingly filled with praise (rather than my worries) because my confidence continues to grow in God’s ability (rather than my pleadings). Stop doubting. Believe God. He can do it! What mountain do you need to speak to today?

Overturned. Jesus enters Jerusalem nearing the conclusion of his earthly ministry. People had had adequate opportunity to respond to his teaching, preaching, miracles and call to discipleship. Sadly, the vast majority of people only superficially believed; there was no genuine faith. Though the crowds had outward signs of religion, there was little genuine faith. Jesus enters the city as the most popular figure since King David with a public parade of praise. Yet within days, most of those same people will be calling for his crucifixion. On the way into town, they pass a fig tree in leaf but find no fruit. Jesus cursed the tree with permanent fruitlessness – he expected fruit but found none. Once in Jerusalem, they approach the Temple – again expecting to find fruit but instead found none: “Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those selling doves…he taught them, ‘Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers’” (Mark 11:15-17). There should have been God-directed prayer and worship (spiritual fruitfulness) in the Temple; instead there was man-focused greed and selfishness (fruitlessness). Maybe Mark presents these experiences to help us understand what is important to God? God seeks spiritual fruitfulness of faith and obedience in our lives. When there is none, a ‘house cleaning’ is needed to remove from our lives whatever interferes with our spiritual growth. On occasion God has to powerfully ‘overturn’ issues in my heart that have become impediments to my spiritual fruitfulness. This type of house cleaning is painful, messy and effective – overturning fixtures of fear, moral compromise, greed and bitterness. But his cleansing reveals his goodness and love toward me, that I might be free to follow him. What has God ‘overturned’ in your life?

Outcast.  What a bummer to have leprosy.  Because it was contagious, the illness meant certain isolation and dishonor.  “The person with an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp” (13:45).  Leprosy gives a striking analogy to spiritual illness.  Sin is contagious.  It infects those around you. It leaves you as a filthy, pathetic, unclean mess.  It alienates you from others and from God.  It makes you an outcast.  Have you recognized just how true this is of you?  I am a spiritual leper (sinner) and I cannot heal (save) myself.  How awesome is the saving grace of Jesus Christ?  He takes a diseased outcast like me and brings healing, cleansing and acceptance!

Boss. Funny how a title gives people a sense of power and importance. We all tend to maneuver and even manipulate situations in order to find a place of significance. In a twisted sense of insecurity, we believe that we are better off if we are ‘in charge.’ Jesus dealt with this universal issue as his disciples are seeking places of honor. “You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around,’ he said, ‘and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave” (Mark 10:42-44). Shocker! Greatness comes by serving; prominence in God’s Kingdom begins at the back of the line. Am I willing to serve others and meet their needs even if no one notices or I never receive a ‘thank you?’ Am I willing to remain happily and productively under the authority of others even if they are rude, bossy, insecure, arrogant, condescending, insensitive, power-hungry, control-freaks? If you are counting on a title or role to make you feel important, you will never experience the greater honor of simply being a child of God and a friend of Jesus. What could give your life more significance than that? Since you have Christ, you are honored and valued far more than any title this world can offer. Knowing the dignity God has bestowed upon your life makes it relatively easy to stoop down and serve others, even without a title or affirmation. Next time you find yourself getting incensed about your ‘place’, reflect on what Jesus has done for you. He gave his life for you – isn’t that enough to make you feel significant?

Misusing sex. God created sexual relations for a husband and wife as a powerful expression of unity, affection, reproduction and love within a marriage covenant. That which God creates, Satan seeks to pervert. Godless nations surrounding Israel were ruining sex, perverting it into a self-serving opportunity to satisfy lust: adultery; prostitution; incest; homosexuality; bestiality. God knew the effects of sexual perversion would destroy a nation. “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled” (Lev.18:24).

Misusing sex defiles the person and defiles the land. It warranted the death penalty. Beware of the allure of lust. It brings defilement to you and everyone and everything for which you are responsible. This is an enemy you must conquer. Guard your thoughts, attitudes, and interactions with great vigilance. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit and pursue purity with all your might. He is your Purity and Freedom.

Slavery was a reality in the ancient world.  Not only did it provide cheap labor, it was a symbol of power for a nation to make slaves of its foreign neighbors.  However, when a Hebrew national was destitute, he would be forced to sell himself into slavery.  God’s merciful provision was for the owner to allow six years of labor, but release his fellow Hebrew with provisions in the seventh year.  One exception: the slave by personal choice could decide to remain with his owner for life.  “If your servant says to you, “I do not want to leave you,” because he loves you…then take an awl and push it through his ear lobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life” (Deut.15:16-17).  The pierced ear represented the love and complete devotion the slave had for his or her owner.  God, as your creator, could require your obedience – you owe your existence to him.  Yet, he wants relationship based on love not law.  The wonderful truth about God is that the more you know him, the more you love him.  The more you love him, the more you want to serve him.  Have you experienced his grace in such a way that you gladly choose to remain with Jesus forever, whatever the cost?

Tight grip. A wealthy, righteous young man asked Jesus how to gain eternal life. After checking through six of the Ten Commandments, the man felt he was approved. One last requirement: “Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.’ The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go” (Mark 10:21-22). Deal-breaker; the stuff he owned would end up owning his soul. How difficult it is to release our grip on our possessions, relationships and roles. Sometimes we feel a sense of security or importance from our “stuff” (possessions, relationships and roles). The thought of releasing our control or ownership is beyond our comfort. Yet anything that interferes with our relationship with God is a net loss in our lives. Jesus was asking the young man to let go of his current treasures to take hold of something far more valuable – the treasure of Jesus Christ. The same is true for you. Why let your fear of what might happen if you ‘let go’ and ‘trust God’ cheat you from experiencing the abundant life? Releasing your tight grip on stuff and taking hold of Jesus is always the right step to take. Think hard about this: on what or whom do you have a tight grip? Do you take a sense of pride or security in that possession, relationship or role? Is it a house, a car, a boyfriend/girlfriend, an office, a title – that is of great importance to you? Let go of it; allow Jesus Christ his rightful place at the throne of your heart. He is worth far more than anything or anyone. What is it that you are struggling to let go of?

“Bloodshed pollutes the land” (Num.35:33). Like a masterpiece reflects the talent and skill of the artist, the created world is intended to reflect the glory of God.  When the created ones reject the will of the Artist, everything is tainted – every relationship, every project, even the land.  Every injustice causes tension against the justice and righteousness of God.  The more injustices are left unresolved, the more severe the pollution on a nation.  The whole world would be hopelessly lost were it not for the enormous act of justice and grace demonstrated by Jesus Christ upon the cross.  “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Rom.5:20).  Thank him that he has washed away all the pollution of your heart.

Competition. Jealous to guard the reputation of Jesus, his disciples tried to stop ‘outsiders’ from using his name in ministry: “Teacher,’ said John, ‘we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.’ ‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus said. ‘No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:38-40). The unknown minister was successfully helping people in Jesus’ name. The disciples wanted it stopped. Jesus corrected their misplaced zeal once for all, making it clear there is no competition in the kingdom: “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Sometimes in our zeal to maintain purity of doctrine, standards of behavior or genuineness of motive we can become quite judgmental. There are cases where biblical standards are being violated and should be challenged. But the overarching concern of Jesus is to avoid a petty, competitive attitude of pride. Be very slow to criticize or judge those who speak in Jesus’ name. People may not do ministry according to what you think is biblical, relevant or appropriate. But if they are your brother or sister in Christ, keep your critical or mocking opinions to yourself. Otherwise, you will find yourself opposing what Jesus approves. How has God corrected your critical attitude toward Christian leaders?

Quality leadership.  When the day would come that Israel would choose a king, God defined the type of leader they would need.  The king was to be from their faith community and he was to avoid excess (horses, wives, gold).  Acquiring more than was necessary would lead the king’s heart away from God.  He would trust his possessions and wealth for his security and fulfillment.  A monarchy would only be successful if the kings of Israel rejected pride and humbly yielded to the Ultimate King, the Lord God.  The plan God had to keep the king’s heart in the right place was a daily reading of His Law: “Read it (the Law) all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law” (Deut.17:19).  Governing a nation by the rule of law only works if everyone, including the king, submits himself to it.  Governing your life only works if you avoid excess (don’t waste your life always pursuing more and more).  Each of us should humbly yield to God daily by following the habit of kings: daily reading of God’s word.  Through the daily washing of God’s word, our minds are transformed and renewed to experience His wisdom, truth and love.

Everything. A demon-possessed young man was battling for his life. His father had sought help from the disciples of Jesus, but it was too difficult a case. The father found Jesus and described their desperation at the hands of the demon: “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.’ ‘If you can’?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes” (Mark 9:22-23). Everything is possible with Jesus. There is nothing too difficult for him to resolve, heal, fix or change. He created the world with a word; he is life itself and he is the sovereign ruler of the universe – he can certainly take care of your need. The issue is never God’s ability; the issue is always my level of trust. Jesus challenges this father to simply trust. The father wavers and honestly confesses: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). We all struggle to completely trust that God is able and willing to help us. Yet for those who choose to believe, despite current facts or circumstances, there is tremendous reward. Jesus freed the young man and his life was restored; even better, his father learned that God could be trusted in everything. The margins of your faith are revealed by your worries, frustrations and negativity. Listen: you can trust Jesus Christ for everything you need. Everything is possible! What issue or circumstance has caused you to struggle in your faith?

Forfeit. Jesus can certainly be held up as a good example of ‘truth in advertising.’ With crystal clear clarity, he communicates exactly what is at stake in following him: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:34-36). It is an “either/or” proposition; you either follow Jesus or forfeit your soul. There are no other alternatives. To deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus brings a supernatural rebirth that lasts for eternity. To reject Christ and live for yourself in this life will cost you your soul for eternity. Far better to recognize the benefit of following Christ; he brings joy both now and into the next life. Living to please yourself and get your own way leads to misery and eventually spiritual death. Nothing this world offers is worth forfeiting your soul for. Chose the way of Jesus and find life.

Devoted.  To express special devotion to God, a person could voluntarily make “a vow of separation to the Lord as a Nazirite…” (Num.6:2).  The vow included avoiding grape products, no haircuts and no contact with the dead.  How would this help?  The Nazirite vow enabled a person to avoid distractions of amusement (wine) or over-attention on personal appearance (grooming) or an attachment to this world (corpses).  The emphasis was on leaving the typical pattern of life in order to live a new life, one devoted to God.  This type of vow could have possibly been an introduction to a later call by Jesus to those who would be his devoted ones: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24).  Devoting your life to Jesus Christ involves removing distractions from your life, in order to know him better.  He is worth it!

More or Less. The disciples have now participated in two of the most incredible miracles ever – multiplying a meal for a few into a feast for thousands. Jesus had them experience the miracles as faith lessons, to build their confidence in God’s ability to provide. Yet the disciples were struggling to understand. Jesus challenged them: “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?’ ‘Twelve,’ they replied. ‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?’ They answered, ‘Seven.’ He said to them, ‘Do you still not understand?’ (Mark 8:18-21). Five loaves multiplied to feed 5,000; seven loaves multiplied to feed 4,000. The point is that with God it takes less to do more. The less I have, the greater the opportunity for God to display his strength. It is never about how much I have (talent, education, experience, resources, skills, gifts). The key is to simply surrender what I have and who I am to Him. God takes that which is surrendered to him in weakness and miraculously multiplies it with his strength. So if you feel weak and insufficient to meet the need today, praise God! With God, it takes less to do more! What aspect of your weakness can you offer to God today?

Clean.  No words could describe the joy for an outcast leper to hear the pronouncement, “Clean.”  How did the priest confirm the leper was healed and permit entrance into the community of faith?  Two birds – one is sacrificed, the other remains alive.  The live bird is then bound to a piece of “cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dipped into the blood of the bird that was killed…Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the infectious disease and pronounce him clean. Then he is to release the live bird in the open fields” (Lev.14:6-7).  Where do you fit in this analogy?  Your sin makes you unclean, like the leper.  You were an outcast, hopelessly cut off from healing.  But Christ came to cleanse you!  He was bound (scarlet yarn) to a wooden cross (cedar wood), sacrificed his life (blood of the first bird) and was resurrected (living bird released).  What about the hyssop?  It is the plant of cleansing.  As Jesus hung on the cross, hyssop was used to give him a final drink and then he said, “It is finished” (John 19:29-30).  Though you were diseased and sick with sin, Jesus has made you clean.  His cleansing work is finished and complete.  Be glad!