February 27

Leviticus 20:22-22:16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalm 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18

Pray: Today’s reading is full of powerful imagery of God inviting us to be and remain faithful, or to be more exact, to “be full of faith”. One miracle Jesus performed which He said later could not be done without prayer. So, let us pray for God’s revelation: “Dear God, as we spend time with You today to hear from You through scripture, we ask the dear Holy Spirit to reveal truth, and give us direction. Lastly, to have the courage to live out what You do reveal.” Amen.

Read: Our O.T. lesson gives us the reason for living the faith with healthy boundaries, making clear what our “non-negotiables” are in our lives and that of our family. When God says, 2 “You must keep all my decrees and regulations by putting them into practice; otherwise the land to which I am bringing you as your new home will vomit you out.”, it is clear that God doesn’t want His people to be just like the people whom have inhabited the land. God wants His people to be “set apart”, in not only what they say but how they live. If your home is clear about your “non-negotiables” like honesty, respect, putting God first in everything, then when someone or yourself tries to drift away, the DNA of your home, the DNA of your faith will “vomit you out”, or call you on the carpet. Healthy organizations are clear about their “non-negotiables” in building a healthy culture. Should followers of Jesus do any less?

Edify: Jesus wanted His inner core of Peter, James and John to share a sacred moment with Him. This reading reveals the power of God revealed in Jesus. This passage underscores our basic Christian teaching on who Jesus is as He is 100% human and 100% divine. Peter wants to “do something” out of nervousness and build an altar. Jesus wants him to be personal and support him in this moment realizing who Jesus actually is. So often we get busy “doing ministry” that we fail to “encounter Jesus in the ministry”. As my mentor Bill Hybels has said, “There have been times when doing the work of ministry was killing the work of God in me.” We should serve from grace, not trying to earn it nor establish it…the grace and love of God is already abundantly available. 

Practice: Jesus wasn’t trying to impress the disciples. In fact, Jesus wants His followers to succeed in being faithful. However, sometimes we seek to “cook up ministry” out of seeing the need instead of allowing God to simmer the faith within us over time. When Jesus said, “this kind can be cast out only by prayer” He was saying, “you can’t cast out this kind of evil unless there is some kind of holiness living within you.” So, practice holiness today by spending time, as you are, reading the scriptures and applying them to your life daily. Pray for God’s presence to be with you throughout the day. Look for the Holy Spirit’s revelations and seek to love your neighbor. Over time, holiness will grow within you so you can do battle against the evil around you.