Sabbath Challenge -- Day 103

Today's Scripture: Luke 11:1-23
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

It's Sunday. Every Sunday morning we pray this scripture we know as the Lord's prayer. If I'm honest there are times I'm just going through the motions. The words spilling forth without much thought. Let's take some time to give it more thought today.

Begin with praise. "Father, hallowed be your name." Continue to praise Him a little while longer. Tell Him who He is to you, what you love most about Him.

Surrender. "Your kingdom come." Let go of your own agenda, your own way. Place your plans at the altar in surrender.

Ask for provision. "Give us each day our daily bread." Ask God for those things you are trusting Him to provide.

Repent. "And forgive us our sins..." Ask Him to show you specific sin in your life, those attitudes and actions you justify and defend. Come into agreement with Him regarding your sin.

Forgive. "...for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us." Don't allow bitterness to take root in your soul. Forgive...

Ask for protection. "And do not bring us to the time of trial." Ask Him to open your eyes to the places, relationships, and circumstances which make you vulnerable. Ask Him to steer you clear of these areas.

Thank Him for all He has done... all He is going to do.

Amen.

The Challenge -- Day 102

Today's Scripture: Luke 10:17-42
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

The stained glass window in the back of our sanctuary portrays the story of Mary and Martha. There are times I look at it and ask myself, "Who are you today? Mary or Martha?"  I've heard a lot preached on this text, many giving Martha a bad rap. It is true, Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better thing, but I'm not sure he meant for us to sit around all day either. I'm convinced Jesus was talking about the condition of Martha's heart... not what she was doing. Martha was serving Jesus and the others. She was using her gifts of hospitality to serve the Lord. The problem was her heart just wasn't in it. Her attitude was... well... stinky.

Sometimes when I look at the window I'm Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus. Sometimes I'm Martha serving so others can sit at Jesus' feet. My desire is, whether listening or serving, to do it with right attitude and a joy filled heart.

Father God, teach me to check the motive behind my actions,

whether I'm listening or serving. Help me to bring wrong attitudes to You

for healing and forgiveness. Remind me not to judge others, 

for only You see what's in a heart. Bless me with grace for myself and others.

And whatever you do, in word or deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 101

Today's Scripture: Luke 9:57-10:16
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Jesus paints a pretty dismal picture when it comes to following Him.

...the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.

...Let the dead bury their own dead.

...no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom.

My sweet friend once said before she became a follower of Jesus she was pretty sure she didn't want any part of His way. She saw how it ended for Him and it wasn't good. I guess when you look at it from that perspective I would have to agree.

Jesus laid it all out for those who wanted to follow Him. Look guys, this ain't gonna be easy. You won't have a place to call home, no time to grieve, and no looking back. Do you still want to follow me?

What about you? Do you still want to follow Him?

Lord, Your way seems very hard when I think about it from an earthly perspective.

I'm very grateful You've given me glimpses of the eternal. Continue to teach

me to walk in the power of the Spirit, experience Your blessings,

and hope in the only future that really matters.

Thank You for capturing my heart. 

Thank You for doing the hard things for me.

The Challenge -- Day 100

Today's Scripture: Luke 9:28-56
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

"Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down and consume them?" James and John asked. It made me smile when I read it. Really? Asking for fire to consume Samaria. Feels a little dramatic don't you think? They remind me of two boys trying out their new power. Jesus wasn't about using power for power's sake. He never used it to bend others to His will... make them believe or love Him.

Jesus could have demanded obedience. He could have called fire down from heaven on all those who refused His message. Instead he carried a cross, climbed up on it, and paid the ultimate price. Let's make this day a day of thanksgiving for the price paid to set us free.

Father God, thank You for sending Jesus,

so I can see Your heart of love, mercy, and compassion.

Continue to work in me, so I can love others like You do,

especially those who do not measure up to what I think

they ought to be.

The Challenge -- Day 99

Today's Scripture: Luke 9:7-27
(No bible handy? Just click on the link to read the verses for today.)

Make a mental list. What do people say about Jesus, today?

Now imagine Jesus standing in front of you and asking...

Who do YOU say that I am?

What does your answer to this question reveal about who Jesus is to you?

Lord, who are You to me?

Do I live life as if I really believe You to be

the Son of God?

the Savior of the world?

the Life Everlasting?

Lord of lords and King of kings?

I want to know You more.

I want to live a life that reflects who You really are.

Amen.

The Challenge -- Day 98

Today's Scripture: Luke 8:40-9:6
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Have you ever taken a trip and not packed a single thing... no money, no bag, no toothbrush? I don't even go out for the day without my backpack full of stuff I might need. Jesus sent the twelve out instructing them to take nothing.

How would it feel to leave on a trip with nothing? Would it be difficult for you to trust God to provide the necessary things to sustain you on the trip?

Father God, You alone have provided everything I have.

You promise to continue to provide all I need.

Grow me to trust Your provision in all things.

Teach me to let go of the things I don't really need for the journey.

The Lord is my Shepherd,

I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1

The Challenge -- Day 97

Today's Scripture: Luke 8:19-39
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Did you read verses 38 and 39? The man Jesus healed wanted to go with Him... literally begged to get in the boat. Jesus told him "No." He had a different purpose for the man at this point: "Go and proclaim what God has done for you."

Some say God answers prayer in three ways...Yes...No...Wait. How do you respond when Jesus says no? Are you the two year old who throws a fit, or the teen who tries to convince Him your way is right? Maybe you are the young adult who decides to do it your own way no matter what Jesus says. No matter what our age, we do not like to hear "No." Sometimes Jesus says No because He has another plan.

Lord Jesus, may I receive Your "No" with grace.

Remind me that Your plan and purpose in a "No"

will lead to something far greater than I could

ever dream or imagine.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him..."

1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV84

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 96

Today's Scripture: Luke 8:1-18
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

It's Sunday and maybe we have a little more time to contemplate His word. I read once our hearts have each type of soil in them. Let's consider the soil of our hearts today.

Consider the soil of a path or dirt road. The ground is hard, compacted, not easily broken up. People have helped to make it hard by driving along this road. Do you have a hard place in your heart? Somewhere that has been compacted by the heavy traffic of hurt? Is it possible God's word has bounced like a seed on a path in this area? Consider turning over this area to God. Allow Him to break up what has been hard for so long.

Consider rocky soil. The seed sprouts with much joy but has no root. Heat and harsh weather easily make it wither. In order to grow roots we must remove the rocks. What are the rocks that prevent you from digging deep into the soil?

Consider the thorns. What's choking out God's plan and purpose for you? What life circumstance seems overwhelming, or unchangeable? Are there many small things that choke out God's work in you? Maybe its time to trust the unchangeable to Him. Could it be you need to create some margin in your life?

Consider the good soil and give thanks. Praise Him for roots growing deep and transformation. Be grateful that He has not left you withered or eaten up. Give thanks for the fruit He is producing in you.

Father God, You're Word says that the secrets of Your Kingdom

are given to Your disciples. I place my heart within Your Kingdom, 

reveal its secrets to me. You know my heart better than I, 

why I do what I do. You know the wounds, hurts, and lies 

that keep me from growing in faith. I'm ready to listen,

please speak to me about my heart and spirit.

The Challenge -- Day 95

Today's Scripture: Luke 7:18-50
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

John the baptizer wasn't sure Jesus was the one, so He sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the one or should we wait for another?" It seems strange in a way. Jesus and  John were cousins. Why was John unsure? He needed confirmation... some assurance.

At times, we do too. We wait and pray. We know the Savior is on His way. And when He shows up it might leave us wondering. Is this for real? Is He the one? Who better to ask than the One who confirms and assures all things.

Lord, bless me, today, 

with confirmation of Your presence

and work in my life.

The Challenge -- Day 94

Today's Reading: Luke 7:1-17
(Click on the link to read today's verses if you don't have your bible close by you.)

It seems the centurion was well loved by the people. They were willing to interrupt Jesus on the centurion's behalf. They were willing to interrupt Jesus' day of work to get help for this man. It sounds a lot like intercessory prayer.

That's all praying for others is really. Taking the needs of someone straight to the throne of God. Asking on their behalf because maybe they can't or won't themselves. Take time to pray for someone today.

Father God, remind me of the importance of bringing others to You in prayer.

You paid such a high price to make the way for me to come to You,

remind me to take time to pray for others as You call me to.

The Challenge -- Day 93

Today's Scripture: Luke 6:27-49
(Click on the link for today's verses.)

The definition of the word lend means to give temporarily... to give with the condition that it will be returned. Jesus said, "Lend expecting nothing in return."

I find this hard at times. I don't even do something for one of my children without expecting a Thank you.

When we give and do with expectation, is it really giving? Pay attention today when you expect something in return for what you give.

Father God, so much of what You teach through Jesus is upside down to the ways of the world: Love your enemy... do good to those who hate you... bless those who curse you... take another slap on the cheek... don't ask for things back that have been taken from you (as in stolen)... Your love and Your way takes a lot of dying to self and a changing of perspective from all I've been taught by my parents, family, friends, teachers. Teach me to see things differently, not only in my expectation of giving, but in everything I do.

The Challenge -- Day 92

Today's Scripture: Luke 6:6-26
(Click on the link for today's scripture reading.)

And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.--Luke 6:19

All. Of. Them. I find this amazing. No verbal request. No plea for healing. You just needed to be part of the crowd pressing in to touch him. The presence of Jesus brings healing for body, mind, and spirit.

Everywhere we go we present Jesus to someone. Keep that in mind as you go about your business today.

Lord, use me to bring healing to someone today, 

with a touch or a smile, a kind word or generosity,

a prayer or a truth spoken in love.

Help me to understand what it means to be Your light

in a dark world.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand,

and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light

shine before others, so that they may see your good works and

give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ..."

---Jesus's teaching to those who were listening.

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 91

Today's Scripture: Luke 5:27-6:5
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Questions. So many questions. Why do you eat with sinners? Why don't your guys fast and pray? And why are your disciples working on the Sabbath? I don't think the questions came from curiosity or a heart honestly seeking truth. Still Jesus answered with truth.

The scripture says, "Ask and you shall receive." What question would you ask Jesus, if he were sitting on your couch with you? Why not ask him now.

You already know every question, doubt, and fear in my heart, Jesus.

Bless me with the boldness to speak them to You in prayer.

Open my ears to hear the answer, rebuke, or encouragement.

Prepare me to receive Your truth wholeheartedly.

The Challenge -- Day 90

Today's Scripture: Luke 5:1-26
(Don't have a bible handy. Just click on the link to read the scripture.)

Peter and the man with leprosy have something in common. They both realized who they were in the presence of Jesus. How do I know you  might ask? Take a look at how each reacted when they became aware of who Jesus was. Peter fell to his knees. The man with leprosy fell on his face.

I wonder if we realize who we really are without the presence of Jesus? Would we fall to our knees, even as low as putting our face to the ground?

Maybe today is the day to get on our knees.

Lord, Your Word says every knee will bow at Your name.

Bless me with the vision to see You as You really are,

 and the humility to get on my knees before You, today.

Prayer Challenge:

Physically get on your knees or bow down to the ground in front of Jesus, right now. (If you are not in a private place, wait until you are if that is more comfortable.) If you are physically unable to get on the floor, bow as low as you are able in your chair.

Praise Him for who He is: Savior, Great, Good, Healer, Judge, Friend, Counselor...

Whatever you need from Him today, praise Him for that aspect of His character.

Or perhaps you will be moved to confess and repent, once you are on the floor.

Simply getting on the floor before Him is an exercise of faith: faith that He is with you where you are right now, faith that He is who He says He is, faith that He will see and bless your efforts to worship Him.

Note: I was challenged by this spiritual discipline in a Beth Moore study. It was difficult to bring myself to the floor the first few times. But it is an exercise I return to over and over, when I feel Him calling me to bow before Him. It is a proper posture to take before our Savior and King. One that helps keep things in proper perspective.

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 89

Today's Scripture: Luke 4:31-44
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

This is Sunday... a day of rest. A day to practice not only reading His word but meditating on it.

Read the passage through just to become familiar with where we are. What the story is about.

Read it once more. What word or phrase seems to stick out to you? Does it leave you wanting clarification... more information? Go ahead... Google it.

Now take a moment to make the connection between what you were looking for... and what God is trying to teach you. Ask him... Lord, what are you saying? What do you mean? Sometimes the answer comes quickly. Other times it may take a while.

Now... rest. Rest in the knowledge that his timing is perfect. Rest in the reality of knowing... or not knowing. Rest in the One who promises to answer when we ask.

"Be still, and know that I am God. ..."

Psalm 46:10 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 88

Today's Scripture: Luke 4:1-30
(Click the link to read today's scripture.)

Have you ever been on a retreat or trip... some experience that changed you in some way? "Then Jesus, filled with the Spirit returned to Galilee..." Jesus must have felt changed on the inside. He had defeated temptation and been filled in a new way. Still the people of his home town didn't get it. To them he was the same ole Jesus. He was rejected by those he had grown up with, worked with, hung out with. They would have killed him that day...

How do you deal with rejection? Does it scare you so bad you refuse to take risks... make you angry and bitter? Do you just keep going?

Take a look around your community today. Are there people and places that seem rejected? Pray for them.

Lord, when I feel rejected for following You, remind me it is an opportunity to identify with You. When I am tempted to reject others or come across those who have been rejected, remind me those are the ones You came to save. 

The Challenge -- Day 87

Today's Scripture: Luke 3:23-38
(Click on the link above to read today's verses.)

Luke gives a list of Jesus' ancestors and I think of all God did to prepare the world for Jesus.

My daughter has been working on a genealogy project for one of her classes. She's been spending time with family members asking questions about our family history. As I listen to her talk about the things she's learning about us, it reminds me of the ways God has moved to bring me to this point in my life.

Think about your own history... how God has woven all of it to bring you to this moment in time. Who has he used to prepare your world for Jesus?

Maybe you could drop them a note today just to say thank you for pointing you towards "The Way."

Thank You for the lengths You went to in my life, Father God,

to prepare me to receive Your Son. Thank You for Your patience,

mercy, kindness, and love. Thank You for the generations of my past

and the ones to come in the future.

The Challenge -- Day 86

Today's Scripture: Luke 3:1-22
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

John spoke to people about sharing their wealth with those who are in need. He encouraged tax collectors to only collect what the law required. He told the soldiers to refrain from extortion.

Imagine you were part of this crowd asking the question, "What should I do?" What would John say to you?

Father God, where am I deceiving myself when it comes to Your Word?

Prepare my heart to receive Your answer. 

Bless me with the faith to respond with humble obedience.

The Challenge -- Day 85

Today's Scripture: Luke 2:22-52
(Click on the link for today's scripture.)

"This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed --- and a sword will pierce your own soul too." If I were in Mary's sandals, this prophecy would have me all tied up in knots. It is pretty ominous. The text doesn't say how she felt about it... how Joseph reacted to the words of Simeon.

We are surrounded by ominous words. News infiltrates our lives through all types of media. Even when you don't watch it... or listen to it... it finds a way of creeping up on you.

"What's the world coming to?" is something I often hear.

I have an answer..."The world is coming to Jesus!"

It was the answer the day Mary heard the prophecy. It is the answer this very moment.

How can you help someone take one step closer to Jesus today?

Lord Jesus, I praise You as the Savior of the world.

Nothing is ominous to You, nothing catches You off guard.

Help me to come nearer to You today, to know Your peace and presence,

so I may show others the steps to take, to come to You.

The Challenge -- Day84

Today's Scripture: Luke 2:8-21
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

All along God shows favor to the disfavored. The shepherds were an outcast group and were in a worse situation than Mary and Joseph. Yet God chose them to hear the first words of the good news. God chose them as the first visitors to the child.

God often chooses someone that the world would never choose. What has God chosen you to do? Do you feel unqualified? Are you using that to delay action?

Take the first step today in doing what God has chosen you to do.

Lord, the idea that You might choose me to be a part of Your work is overwhelming.

Bless me with the faith and boldness to step out when You call.

The Challenge -- Day 83

Today's Scripture:  Luke 1:67-2:7
(Click on the link to read today's lesson.)

Did you notice God used an Emperor to bring about his plan? Sometimes we believers forget God has power and authority over all things... everything... even those who do not believe. If that's the truth, and it is, what's there to worry about?

Take notice today of your worries. Could it be you are worrying over something God has taken care of... made a plan for... worked out for your good?

Father God open my eyes to Your sovereignty over EVERYTHING!

Help me to remember You are in charge and all things flow into my life

through Your grace, mercy, and love.

Who has spoken and it came to pass,

unless the Lord has commanded it?

Is it not from the mouth of the Most High

that good and bad come?

Lamentations 3:37-38 ESV

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 82

Today's Scripture: Luke 1:46-66
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Mary's visit with Elizabeth confirms all the angel said. Elizabeth says, "Blessed is she who believed..." Mary is moved to praise.

Is there a better day than Sunday to give God praise? Maybe we have a little more time today... to remember... to recall... to rejoice...

...give praise for a time when God showed you favor.
...give praise for some great thing he has done for you.
...give praise for the mercy he has shown those you love.
...give praise for the times he has fed your hunger.
...for his helping... his strength... his power.

...give praise for the promises he has made and kept in your life.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits...

Psalm 103:2 NIV84

The Challenge -- Day 81

Today's Scripture: Luke 1:26-45
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Can you imagine what was going through Mary's mind after her angelic visitor left? Have I lost my mind? Was it a dream? There was only one way to confirm the message she received. And so she went to see Elizabeth, whose rounding belly could confirm what the angel said.

Receiving a word from God... a message... a leading... often leaves us just like Mary. How do we confirm what we feel God is speaking to us? How do we know we didn't dream it up ourselves? Mary's faith and wondering pushed her to take a journey to Elizabeth's. She could have waited around to see if her own predicted pregnancy was real. She could have pushed it to the back of her mind... considered herself "off."

What journey is God leading you to take? Sometimes exercising faith is taking the first step to follow where the Spirit is leading. What step can you take today?

Lord, You know what You've been speaking to me.

You know what I've been reluctant to hear and

You know the reason why I have yet to take the first step.

Bless me with the faith and encouragement to move, by faith,

on what I hear You speak, by faith.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for,

and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV84

The Challenge -- Day 80

Today's Scripture: Luke 1:1-25
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Go with me for a minute. I have seen this story on many children's videos. Most are very good and they depict Zechariah coming out of the sanctuary and writing down what he experienced so others could understand. What I realized today is... probably... most likely... that didn't happen. Times were different. Homes didn't have a dozen ball point pens and scraps of paper lying everywhere. Many didn't read... or write.

Now imagine Zechariah coming out of the sanctuary with no way to communicate. Going home and spending nine months in silence. Some call it punishment, and it was a consequence of his unbelief, still I wonder what listening all those months revealed to him.

How well do you listen to others... to God?

Purpose to listen more than you talk today.

Father God, teach me to be a good listener.

No longer finishing other's sentences,

or putting together my own response in my mind

when I haven't even heard all they have to say.

Put a guard over my mouth today.

Open my ears so I can hear.

The Challenge -- Day 79

Today's Scripture: Mark 16
[No Bible near? Click the reference above to read online.]

The women carried spices to anoint the body of Jesus. Surprisingly, they found the stone rolled away from the entrance. Angels announced to them: He is risen --- He is not here. The women were amazed. They were afraid. They ran from the place!

There were many sightings of Jesus after His resurrection. Those who saw told others, but they were met with unbelief. He even appeared to the eleven as they were eating a meal. Jesus told them to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.

The church still has the commission to take the Gospel to the whole world. His Spirit works in us and through us to accomplish this mission.

How have you filled this command personally?

Lord, the good news of the Gospel has been hard to believe from the beginning. Bless me with the faith to share this good news with others and not be discouraged when I'm met with unbelief. Forgive me for the times I've failed to share the Message out of fear. Continue to grow my faith beyond the fear and fill me with the joy of Your salvation.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners will return to you.

Psalm 51:12-13 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 78

Today's Scripture: Mark 15:21-47
[Click the above reference to read online.]

Just before His crucifixion, Jesus refused the drink that would have lessened His pain. He suffered to the fullest for our sins.

Jesus and two thieves were nailed to their crosses about nine o'clock in the morning. By late afternoon, He voluntarily gave up His Spirit. He breathed His last.

No doubt some of those who came to Jerusalem to keep Passover were forever changed by Jesus' death on the cross. Simon of Cyrene, for one, was forced to carry the cross for Jesus. How might this experience have changed him?

What has His death on the cross meant to your personal relationship with God?

Father God, without the death of Jesus I could not have a personal relationship with You. Please, don't let me take this truth lightly or complacently. Remind me over and over of the great price You paid so You and I could be close. Stir my heart, open my eyes to the emptiness of the worldly things I pursue. You alone satisfy the void in my life. You alone are my source of life.

The Challenge -- Day 77

Today's Scripture: Mark 15:1-20
[Read the Scripture in your Bible or online by clicking the above reference.]

And they clothed him in a purple cloak; 

and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him.

Mark 15:17 NRSV

Pilot, the Roman governor who questioned Jesus, was amazed that Jesus refused to say a word. Pilot perceived Jesus as innocent and recognized the envy that turned the Jewish leaders against Him. But the leaders and crowd cried out, "Crucify Him!"

Pilot turned Jesus over for execution. The Roman soldiers in charge of the execution detail whipped Jesus as normal preparation for crucifixion. They were brutal and mocked Him before leading Him off to be crucified.

Who would you say was on trial, Pilot or Jesus?
Do we sometimes base our decisions on interests other than truth?

Lord Jesus, they clothed You in purple, but crowned You with thorns.

The world totally missed You. We treated You perversely.

Show me the places in my life where I mock You by perverting Your truth

and using Your name in illegitimate ways.

The Challenge -- Day 76

Today's Scripture: Mark 14:51-72
[Read the passage in your Bible or click the above reference to read online.]

When the testimony against Jesus did not seem to stand up, the high priest asked Jesus bluntly if He was the Son of God. Jesus clearly answered, "I am." The men who rejected Jesus called His response blasphemy. They condemned Him of being worthy of death.

It was not until the rooster crowed that Peter realized what he had done --- he even cursed to be more convincing that he was not acquainted with Jesus. Peter wept bitter tears when faced with himself.

What is your impression of the Message of promise from God? Are you willing to put your trust in Him and live a life of loving service to God? Is your faith more intellectual assent to facts or a heart faith response to God Himself?

Jesus, Your message made some so mad they killed You,

and even those who believed had moments of fear and doubt.

Help me to see myself in both the chief priests and Peter.

Where do You make me angry?

What about You makes me want to run?

I really do want real faith. Real understanding.

Grow me in Your grace.

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 75

Today's Scripture: Mark 14:26-50
It's Sunday again. Slow down. Find your Bible. Open it. Read.
[Clicking the reference will allow you to read online.]

The disciples accompanied Jesus in the darkness to an olive grove --- Gethsemane.

Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. He asked the disciples to pray. But three times He found them dozing and sleeping.

Jesus' hour had come. Judas came with armed Roman soldiers to arrest Him. A kiss of betrayal identified Jesus to the mob, and He was taken to the home of the high priest. His disciples all deserted Him and fled lest they be taken also.

How much we need to pray, watch, and be aware of our need to do the Father's will!

Are you prepared spiritually to remember God's blessings and share them with others?

Sabbath Challenge:

He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter,

"Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not keep awake one hour?

Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;

the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Mark 14:37-38

Put yourself in Simon's place for a moment.

Hear Jesus' words as if they were spoken to you...

"[Your name], are you sleeping? Could you not keep awake one hour?"

Consider: 

Have you been sleeping when it comes to your role in the Kingdom?

What things in your life cause you to be asleep spiritually?

How can you keep yourself awake spiritually so you may not come into the time of trial?

Ask God to bless you with the faith to keep awake. 

Confess the weakness of your flesh.

Profess a desire for the Holy Spirit to burn bright in you.

The Challenge -- Day 74

Today's Scripture: Mark 14:1-25
[If you don't have your Bible, click the reference above to read at BibleGateway.com.]

Mark gives us graphic details about the last two days of Jesus' life.

The Passover is a festival of remembrance to build an identity with God's covenant. It affirmed Israel's intimate link with God.

Jesus and the Twelve were sharing a Passover meal when Christ identified His betrayer and explained His broken body and shed blood as the institution of the long promised New Covenant.

Do you identify with Jesus' long promised New Covenant?

In your walk with Jesus, our Lord, does the Lord's Supper help in your realization of the special relationship we have with the Lord?

Father God, tomorrow is Communion Sunday.

Prepare my heart to identify with You in a new way,

through this sacrament.

The Challenge -- Day 73

Today's Scripture: Mark 13:24-37
[Open your Bible and read the passage, or click the reference to read online.]

"... Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

But about that day or hour no one knows, 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. ..."

Mark 13:31-33 NIV

We have no idea when Christ will return for His Church. The important thing is not watching the calendar but the building of character.

Will you be found doing His work when He comes?

Lord, don't let me get distracted by the things of this world

or the temptation to figure out what only the Father knows.

Teach me to trust You and to be faithful with whatever hours are left.

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,

but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 20:6 ESV