February 21

Leviticus 11:1-12:8, Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 38:1-22, Proverbs 10:8-9



Pray: Set the tone for today as a day where you have a hand extended towards Jesus. What’s your most intense pain? What’s your most desperate prayer for a loved one? Literally extend a hand out in front of you as you share these with a God who is able and willing.

Read: Christianity is a “word-shaped” faith and Christians a “word-shaped” people. We lean towards and extend a hand towards the Word of God which is sufficient to equip us for anything this life throws at us. John’s Gospel introduces Jesus as the living Word of God, the logos and the very mind and power of God. Let’s have the posture of the woman in the crowd and of Jairus who leaned into the Word made flesh, because they knew that’s where the healing power is found.

Edify: As a father, I get Jairus’ desperation with his dying daughter. It’s so humbling to allow myself to think about how very little I’m in control when it comes to my children. Seeing the endless possibilities of accidents or terrible diagnoses and the reality of these in the lives of so many in our communities; it’s easy to fall into fear and anxiety. Jesus our restorer and rescuer looks at us calmly in the face of calamity and says, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” (Mark 6:36b) Jesus sees us riddled with anxiety and desires that we would become amazed by His restoring work on our behalf. Jesus sees our desperation and fear and calls us to replace it with faith in Him. Press in through the crowd to reach out and touch His garment. Purposefully travel whatever distance it takes to fall at His feet. Because when Jesus, the Word made flesh, speaks: your situations, trials, and entirety cannot help but listen. When Jesus says, “your suffering is over,” then it is over. When Jesus tells what seems dead in you to “get up!”, then it cannot help but rise. Come to Jesus today and ask Him to speak into your life.

Practice: I want to share an ancient Christian practice of “breath prayers”. This is a practice of taking a phrase or verse from your Scripture reading and making it your often repeated prayer for the day. It must be short as it can be repeated throughout the day in only ONE breath. Let’s all have the same practice today as we teach our hearts Jesus’ words as we go throughout our day. 

With a heart pursuing Jesus, pray often…Inhale “Don’t be afraid” and Exhale “Just have faith.”