February 19

Leviticus 7:28-9:6, Mark 3:31-4:25, Psalm 37:12-29, Proverbs 10:5 



Pray: Whom have you excluded? Most people have a tendency to reject or even demonize any who are different. You don't have to search far to see evidence of this in our world today. Where you placed the check mark in the ballot box (perceived or real) either means we are friends or we are enemies. My, how far we’ve strayed from God’s plan for humanity. Jesus says, “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:34). Even if we don’t agree with someone, we can still be civil and offer respect. Whom have you excluded? Ask the Lord to help you see past the differences (while not compromising the truth) and treat others as Jesus has treated you.

Read: In the Old Testament we read of Aaron and his sons being ordained as priests. It was quite the ceremony! It set them apart for the work of a priest. Then, Jesus speaks one of the most widely known parables: the farmer scattering the seed. A popular children's song is written about His next parable. You may know it as “This Little Light of Mine.” The psalmist, once again, speaks of the wicked and the evil in our world and how God will always care for His children. He also reminds us of some practices in which those who honor God should be engaged. Proverbs gets us away from the television and smartphone to work much more productively.

Edify: I preached a message once entitled, "The Spiritual Heartbeat.” Imagine the line going across a heart monitor and how it goes up and down with each beat of the heart. A healthy heart has a continual rhythm to it. What I’ve found in many new Christians and more seasoned followers who have recently had a mountaintop experience is their “spiritual heartbeat” looks normal for a couple of weeks. Then, the peaks and valleys get more shallow. Some even spiritually flatline. Sadly, many churches seem to be filled with spiritual flatliners. I think Jesus knew something like this would happen. That's why He explained part of a parable this way: “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word” (Mark 4:16-17). How deep are your spiritual roots? It's not how long you've been a follower. Those are vastly different questions! Are you going deeper into God’s Word, deeper into Christian community, deeper into service, deeper into generosity, deeper into Christ?

Practice: If you’ve ever tried to sell a house, you understand the importance of lighting. You need to have all bulbs working. If there is a showing, all lights should be turned on and all blinds/curtains open. You don’t want dark rooms. Even if a room seems bright enough and a lamp doesn’t seem to add anything at all, you still turn on the light. It may make real estate sense to do this. It does not make spiritual sense to do this. Yet, far too many Christians keep the light of Christ burning, but only among other light-bearers and only in already-brightened places. Dark places exist in our lives, our homes, our communities, and our world. Jesus asks, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine” (Mark 4:21). The light of Christ in you is not meant to be contained to bright places or hidden from the world. It is meant to shine so bright it brings all that is hidden into view. Where and how is God leading you to shine brighter for Him?

February 18

Leviticus 6:1-7:27, Mark 3:7-30, Psalm 37:1-11, Proverbs 10:3-4 



Pray: Read or watch the news for very long and you can’t help but be filled with anxiety. Our world is filled with evil people doing evil things. To make matters worse, those things seem to be getting closer to home. Yet, in the midst of all that we decide if it is worth worrying over. We read from David, “Don't worry about the wicked…they soon fade away…they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good" (Psalm 37:1-3). Give the Lord your anxieties, your worries, your concerns. He’s ready to listen and ease your heavy burdens. Pray.

Read: We continue reading the very important instructions given to the people regarding sacrificial offerings made to the Lord. These sacrifices, remember, were essential for the salvation of the people. The blood of the animals covered the sins of the people. When we move to the Gospel of Mark, we find crowds of people flocking to Jesus. Perhaps if pastors spoke more of Jesus, and spoke of Him accurately, we would have the same thing today. Jesus also chooses the 12 apostles and makes a case against accusers who say He is possessed by Satan. The Psalm addresses, head-on, a multitude of human emotions. It speaks of worry, delight, stillness, patience, anger, rage, and peace. The way through them all? Trust. Then, Proverbs gives us a word of encouragement followed by a word of challenge.

Edify: Accusations. Jesus faced many of them during His time on earth. He still endures them today. In Mark 3, Jesus, the Son of God, is accused of being possessed by Satan because He casts out demons! Jesus responds, “A kingdom divided...will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart” (v. 24-25). Who is your enemy? If you're married, remember the words of Scripture: “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one” (Ephesians 5:31). When you fight with your spouse, you fight with yourself...if we take the Word of God seriously. Your spouse is NOT your enemy. Satan may be trying to destroy your family by creating issues, causing arguments, and working division. Don't allow it! Even if you’re single, you have relationships that Satan will absolutely try to destroy by any means possible. He came after Jesus by way of the religious leaders! He won't grant you an exemption. How do we work through our issues, deal with conflict, and come out of it better? The answer is found in Mark’s words from verse 27, “Only someone even stronger” than our troubles and our conflicts has the power to heal all wounds and mend our relationships. His name is Jesus!

Practice: Do you feel restless? Never content? Most have felt this at some point. Some, however, live with it as a constant companion. What misery that would bring. I am reminded here of the addict who can't seem to wait for the next and better high. It’s the alcoholic who doesn’t really know how to function without the drink in his/her hand. To be sure, it doesn’t stop there. It's the sexual addiction that drives the person from a loving, intimate relationship with their spouse to searching web pages, then personals, and even affairs and beyond! Why? The Lord, “refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked” (Proverbs 10:3). If what you crave does not honor the Lord, you will never be satisfied. Further, if you crave anything other than the Lord, you will not be satisfied. It is only He who can meet the deepest needs of your soul and mine. Your restlessness, your discontent…they are warning signs along the road to destruction. Turn! Now! Turn to Him.

February 17

Leviticus 4:1-5:19, Mark 2:13-3:6, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 10:1-2



Pray: I used to hear my dad say, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it.” I’m certain he didn’t make this up, but as a young boy, that didn't matter. My dad was teaching me quite an important life lesson. We read of that very thing in our Old Testament lesson today. Though the people were unaware, they were still guilty of the sins they had committed. They needed a sacrifice and they needed forgiveness. You and I have the sacrificed Lamb of God, Jesus the Christ. Pray to the Lord and ask for an awareness of your own sin. It’s there, of that you can be sure. He’s ready to forgive, of that you also can be sure.

Read: Sit up straight! Don’t slouch! Posture is important, I’ve been told. If not given the right attention, the lasting result can be quite painful. One must pay careful attention to physical posture. If physical posture is so important, it shouldn't surprise us, then, that spiritual posture is even more important. That’s what the Hebrew people were working on in the Old Testament lesson. They couldn’t present themselves at all before the Lord unless their sins had been forgiven. Then, they would be spiritually upright. Levi/Matthew shows us a spiritual posture of obedience. Jesus says, “Follow me.” Matthew goes! The religious people had a posture of self-righteousness. The Pharisees had a posture of rule-keeping. David had a posture of praise to the Lord, even though he recognized the wickedness and evil around him. Solomon writes about postures of wisdom, foolishness, and right-living. Our posture before the Lord is quite important. How do you stand before the King?

Edify: Our Old Testament lesson may not be one you think applies much today. Yet, what I see in God’s Word as spoken in Leviticus 4 and 5 is absolutely essential…not just to theology, but to salvation. There is the issue of sin. All categories of people are covered here. That says to me that none are exempt from sin. Then, if that be the case, what does one do with sin? A sacrificial offering to the Lord must be made. Blood must be spilled, but not just any blood. There is a specific prescription of how the blood must be applied. Only after the blood is applied and the Lord accepts the sacrifice is forgiveness granted. If this sounds familiar to the Christian, that's a good thing! For, it is precisely what we find in Jesus. We have a sin-debt. The only way to pay that debt is through a spotless lamb. Enter Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Through His death on the cross, He does just that…takes away your sins and mine. It's not a different sacrifice for different classes of people or different types/degrees of sins. The cross of Christ levels the field of humanity. It's an Old Testament lesson that applies to the new life we find in Christ. For that, I am thankful!

Practice: I don’t look forward to doctor’s appointments, unless I’m sick and I know they’ll make me well. I don’t like dentist’s offices, unless my tooth hurts and then I’m grateful they worked me in. I feel the same way about truth-tellers. I don’t much care for them, until after the Lord has confirmed that what they’re saying is good and right for me. Leviticus 5:1 says, “If you are called to testify about something you have seen or that you know about, it is sinful to refuse to testify, and you will be punished for your sin.” This is truth-telling. You and I need someone to be truthful with us, even when we would rather hear anything else. We also need to be truth-tellers ourselves. Too often, we shy away because “it’s not our place to say anything.” If we know the truth, it is always our place to speak the truth, but we do it…always in love. What do you need to come clean and be truthful about today? Do you need to seek out someone who will always be honest? Now's the time.

February 16

Leviticus 1:1-3:17, Mark 1:29-2:12, Psalm 35:17-28, Proverbs 9:13-18 



Pray: Jesus healed lots of people in Biblical times. We see just a few examples in our New Testament lesson today. Perhaps, like many do, you have a tendency to read about these healings and say to yourself, “Well, that’s what happened in the Bible, but it just doesn’t work that way anymore.” If that’s you, sadly you’re not alone. Let me remind you of something you already know: the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He still wants to heal. Pray to Him and bow down before Him and watch what the Lord can do.

Read: We read in the Old Testament about how to make the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings. One thing that stands out in this reading is the importance of offering to the Lord our best (“no defects…choice flour”). What is the Lord speaking to you when you read this? Is it about what you offer to the Lord? Is it something else? In the New Testament we read of Jesus’ healing and preaching. It’s amazing to me the great lengths that people went to just to hear the Word of God and to receive healing from Him. How far are you willing to go for Him? The Psalmist cries out for help from God and he wants to honor those who have helped him: “…give great joy to those who came to my defense…” (v27). Are there people in your past, or perhaps even now, who should receive some honor? Proverbs warns us of danger. As you read today, allow this Word to sink deep into your heart and mind…memorize it! There will be a time when Folly will pass in front of us. If we're not careful and intentional, she may just get our attention.

Edify: “I never meant for this to happen.” “I don't know how I got here.” “I don't even know who I am anymore.” At this point, the offense(s) has already happened. People are in shock. But, we really shouldn't be so shocked...at least not if we took Proverbs 9:13-18 seriously. It is directly speaking of sexual temptation, but could easily be related to any type of temptation. Most troubling here is, “She calls out to men [and women] going by who are minding their own business” (v15). Evil, and his destructive sister, Folly, are not passive…they are aggressive! They wish to destroy good men and women, tear apart families, wreck careers, and bankrupt relationships. All who give in to their beckoning are “dead” (v18). Don’t give in to her, no matter how attractive she may make it seem. How do you resist? Keep reading the Scriptures! Pray! Be in fellowship with other Christians! Attend worship! Be generous! These things will help to keep you on guard.

Practice: Do you know someone who does not yet know Christ? What have you done to get them to Jesus? That’s the conviction I receive when I read Mark 2:1-12. A man who desperately needed to meet Jesus, luckily, had some friends. They knew the importance of getting their friend in front of Jesus. In fact, they must have been watching the DIY Network, because they tore the roof off of the house! That seems a bit extreme, doesn't it? Would you say it is extreme if the end result is your friend finally got to meet Jesus? What’s a roof when compared to an encounter with the Living Christ, the Son of God? These guys would stop at nothing because they had a friend who needed to meet the Lord. What is stopping you from getting your friend, your coworker, your spouse, your family member, or your neighbor in front of the Risen Christ?

February 15

Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12 



Pray: The readings today are so rich with meaning and depth. We have people using their talents and gifts for the Lord, spiritual authority, the Glory of the Lord, baptism, temptation, discipleship, calling, demon possession, engaging the enemy, and wisdom. Read through slowly. Digest today’s Word. Pray to the Lord, the Author of the Scriptures. Ask Him to reveal one or two things you may need to work on. Then, listen to His response. Don’t be quick to move on. Quiet yourself before Him and hear His voice.

Read: It is true that there are so many themes at work in today’s readings. There is one, however, that seems to connect the dots. We don't care much for spiritual authority, but it is found in many places of Scripture. Today, it is unmistakable. The people were making garments for Aaron to wear while in the Holy Place, and other priests were getting garments, too. They were the spiritual authorities. They brought the tabernacle to Moses for inspection…he was the spiritual authority. Moses set up the tabernacle because God, Moses’ spiritual authority, instructed him to do so. Then, and only then, did God’s glory fill the tabernacle. John the Baptist pointed the way to one who was greater than him, Satan was unsuccessful in tempting Jesus, the first disciples left everything to follow Jesus, evil spirits obeyed Jesus, God was called upon to fight against enemies…all perfect examples of spiritual authority in action. It’s not a dictatorship we’re talking about. It’s a covering of loving, healthy spiritual authority. Is the Lord speaking to you today about this subject?

Edify: David was a man after God’s own heart. At certain points, he has mine, too. His Psalm today is one of those times in which David captures where my heart should be, but often is not. When I am faced with enemies, my immediate response is to deal with them and the issue(s) at hand. I want to address it head-on…not in a violent sort of way, but direct. Not only does David not choose passivity, but he also does not choose self-reliance. Psalm 35 is a plea for help from the Lord. David asks that the Lord fight against David's enemies. Then, because he trusts that the Lord will indeed fight on his behalf, David offers praise to God. Who are your enemies? Is it an addiction? Is it worry/anxiety? Are there negative people in your life? Ask the Lord, the God of Heaven and earth, to fight on your behalf. David did it, and he was a man after God's own heart. Wouldn't you like to have that phrase after your name, too?

Practice: Are you under someone’s spiritual leadership/authority? I hope you are. The people built the tabernacle and brought it to Moses for inspection. I wonder what would have happened if he had said, “Start over, it’s not the right size.” I wonder, too, if John the Baptist had not redirected the attention from himself to Jesus, would he have been the one to baptize the Son of God? One can only speculate on such things, because of course, we know how they turned out. The people built as Moses commanded, and John did redirect. Do you struggle with spiritual authority? Many do. Yet, it is absolutely imperative if we are to live a life shaped by the Word. Again, not the authority of a tyrant, but someone who is loving enough to tell us the truth even if we don't want to hear it, and someone who may make some changes even if we are comfortable with the way things are. We must do our best to honor our spiritual authority, because in doing so, we honor God.

February 14

Exodus 37:1-38:31, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10 



Pray: Did you get all the details? You may not remember the exact amounts of gold, silver, and wood that were used, but in those details we find something very important…a plan. It wasn’t hurried, it wasn’t thrown together, it didn’t just happen. A specific design and plan moved from thought to action, from imagined to reality. Please pray and ask the Lord to help you see His plan for your life. Then, take that plan and put it into action by working toward it, daily. Here’s a hint: a big part of God's plan for you is in today’s reading from Matthew 28:19-20.

Read: “They were frightened but also filled with great joy…” Matthew 28:8. Can one be absolutely terrified while also simultaneously being overcome with joy? It was so for the women who had met the angel at Jesus’ empty tomb. It was there that they received their assignment: “Go...and tell…”(v7). An assignment so great it came from a messenger of the Lord. Is it possible to be terrified and joyful at the same time? It might be wiser to approach the answer by observing that, perhaps, when we fully hear from the Lord and we rush to live into His calling, that is the only way it happens…terrifying because it’s such an enormous, eternal task; joyful because the Lord even considered us for His work. The women ran from the empty tomb, doing exactly as God asked. What will be said of you and me?

Edify: It seems almost rhetorical to ask, “Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?” (Psalm 34:12) Only the fool would wish to have a life cut short and filled with want. But, there is no rhetoric here. There is only a prescription. “If you want the long and prosperous life,” the psalmist says, “then do these things….” (paraphrase) He’s teaching us. In verses 13 and 14, we are told, “Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” It seems simple enough, yet it is rarely carried out by many good Christian men and women. We speak evil when we post without worrying whom we will hurt. We turn toward evil by watching movies and shows glorifying promiscuity and violence. We want peace, but few…very few…work for it. “Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?” Well, at least now you know how…

Practice: We label it “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19-20). It inspires and encourages men and women from all over the world and in all times of history to do the work of evangelism. And well it should! Somehow, along the way, we have shifted this all-important commission to apply only to those who travel abroad or have the title “Evangelist” somewhere around their name. God forgive us! This commission is to all who are disciples of Jesus…all Christians. Notice it begins with the word “go.” For some, that means go across the world and plant churches in remote villages. For others, it means moving their family to a village in South America. For still others, it means go across the street and have a cup of coffee with my neighbor whom I’ve not yet met. What does Jesus mean when He tells you, “Go”?

February 13

Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8 



Pray: Some brought cloth. Some brought wood. All brought something to honor the Lord in the building of His Tabernacle. What do you bring to God’s Church to honor Him? Be certain of this, you have gifts, you have talents…God has placed a dream inside you. God has a plan for you. Pray to the God in whose image you are created. Ask Him to reveal to you what He would like you to bring to help build His Church.

Read: Today’s Old Testament reading may seem odd and even insignificant to you at first. Stay with it. Don’t get burdened by the specifics, but see what is taking place. The people of God…ALL OF THEM…are practicing obedience and unity by bringing their gifts and talents together to honor God. In a culture where women were not seen as valuable as men, we are told “Both men and women came.” No matter what you’ve been told, no matter what you may FEEL, in the eyes of the Lord, you have value!

Edify: What do you do when things go bad? When life is difficult or even tragic, what is your response? As He hung on the cross in excruciating pain, listening to the insults, He cries out to God, asking a question that identifies how most people have felt at one point or another: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” At first glance, it seems as if God has suddenly become an absentee parent…He's abandoned His Son. In reality, Jesus does something remarkable here. In the middle of pain and agony most of us could never imagine, Jesus quotes Scripture! He goes back to Psalm 22 and recites those very words. Do you have any Scripture memorized? Start today! Difficult times lie ahead…of that we can be sure…it’s just life. Wouldn't you like to be reliant upon God's Word when those difficult times come? Jesus did, and so should we.

Practice: The Psalms offer us a glimpse into the full range of human emotion. Perhaps that is why many have a love/hate relationship with them. There are ones that we really like and can often quote. Then, there are others we would rather just gloss over. One thing that is undeniable about the Psalms, though, they’re honest. Today’s Psalm is a challenge for me, and perhaps for you, too. “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” All times? Constantly? When is the last time you spoke a praise of God to someone else? When is the last time you simply praised Him for His greatness? David reminds us here to be constant in our praise. It's a challenge, to be sure, but one we ought to embrace.