Important elements of Mark 9:

• Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John.  His Heavenly Father’s voice is heard by the disciples in a revelatory manner.  At His request, they had followed Christ to the top of a mountain to be alone with Him.  Does this not encourage us to get alone with Him to experience a closeness and fresh empowerment by His Spirit?
• Later in the chapter, He clarifies the importance of welcoming children in His name, in His behalf, warning adults not to cause them to stumble.  It is a high honor to work with children in God’s Kingdom, and merits our devoted energy and earnestness.  It is challenging at times, but will be rewarded greatly.  (Dan. 12:3)

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, strengthen me to conduct myself in a manner that brings honor to Your name.  Apart from You  I can do nothing, but with You, I can do all things!

DAILY READING:  Num. 20-22;  Mark 9

Although an Old Testament concept, most Christians practice the principle of giving a tenth of their increase to the Lord as the tithe.

Malachi 3 clarifies that God will rebuke and nullify the “devourer’s” impact on our finances when we are faithful to tithe.  Believe me!  The devourer is alive and well.

Who do we want to get our money, God or the devourer?

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, I want to be faithful to You in every area of my life.  My money is Yours.  My life is Yours.  Thank You for Your blessing in my life.

DAILY READING:  Num. 17-19;  Mark 8

The disciples neglected to wash their hands before eating on one occasion.  My recent experience with an absent immune system (during my stem cell transplant) made me acutely aware of the importance of hand washing.  When challenged by the religious leaders about the unwashed hands, Jesus proceeded to focus on the heart issues people have that defile them rather than mere dirty hands.

Both are important … clean hands for eating, but most important, a pure heart for a life that pleases the Lord.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, as the Psalmist said, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight.”

DAILY READING:  Num. 14-16;  Mark 7

Generally, God hates it!  Except when it’s directed to Him, and not humans.

Go ahead, tell Him all about it.  Pour out your complaint like David did, or Moses.  If we complain to God, He will bring a solution.  When we complain to friends, co-workers, family members etc., we don’t get solutions.  We are then guilty of sowing discord.  God hates that too.

“Bring your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.”  Package it as a prayer and watch the Lord bring solutions and answers.  He is able.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, forgive me for my complaining.  I trust You.  Help me put a guard on my lips so I don’t sin against You.  Thank You, Jesus.

DAILY READING:  Num. 11-13 ;  Mark 6

Jesus spoke these words to people at the home of Jairus, the synagogue leader.  His daughter was dead, and they felt it was no use inquiring of Jesus.

We need to run to Him, no matter what.

Bring your death to Him today, and allow Him to say, “Talitha koum.”  Little girl, get up.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, forgive us for being doubters.  Speak to our need today.  We believe!

DAILY READING:  Num. 8-10;  Mark 5

God seems to love them.  When reading Numbers 7, we see His detail nature by recording the offerings of the Israelite leaders in the wilderness.

More important than the quantity or substance of our offerings is the attitude of our heart.  God loves a cheerful giver.

LIfe is so much fuller and richer when we discover the joy of giving.  It’s the Father’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom.

DAILY PRAYER;  Lord, I want to be a cheerful and gracious giver.  You have given so much to me.

DAILY READING:  Num. 7;  Mark 3,4

That’s the harsh reality.  If you plant corn in the ground, you’ll reap some corn until its growth cycle is over and you replant.  Sin can be forgiven, but it is impacting.

God’s principle is “You reap what you sow.”  However, He also says if we “Sow to ourselves in righteousness, we will reap mercy.”

Let’s be good farmers today, and sow good seed rather than bad.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, draw my attention to how and what I sow today.  Forgive my sin, and lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.

DAILY READING:  Num. 4-6;  Mark 2

When God told Moses how to configure the Israelites around the Tabernacle when they were encamped, they soon realized that from above, their placement had the appearance of a cross.

God was very specific when he detailed to Moses how the Tabernacle was to be built, and what responsibilities each Israelite, especially the sons of Levi, would carry out.  This all pointed to a God of order.  It all pointed to Christ Jesus.

Christ fulfilled the law, and obedience to the leading of His Spirit reveals God’s loving order and how it all fits together to accomplish His overall purposes in our daily lives.

DAILY PRAYER:    Lord, we are in awe when we see Your hand in our lives, skillfully leading us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.  Lead me today.

DAILY READING:   Num. 1,2;  Mark 1

When meeting with the Jewish leaders in Rome, Paul reasoned with and did his best to explain clearly and fully to them how Jesus Christ was the Savior.  From morning til evening he faithfully did his best to open their eyes to the truths of God’s Kingdom.  However, their calloused hearts couldn’t accept it.

As teachers, parents, and leaders, we can take note of his outstanding example of faithful persistence to be an “Ambassador of Christ.”  Don’t give up presenting, praying, and making yourself available to those God has put you before.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, renew us and fill us today with Your Holy Boldness and sensitivity to others to represent You as we pray, share, love, and model the Christian life.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 26,27;  Acts 28

Today we celebrate the life of Rebecca Bryan, who faithfully served lunch and other meals to the Trinity family since 2003.

Rebecca has a place in many hearts because of her cheerful service and good food.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted in the the Main Campus gym at 2:00 p.m.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, strengthen Mark and Abigail during the loss of Rebecca.  Teach us all to liberally give Your love to those around us while we have them.

DAILY READING:  Lev. 23-25;  Acts 27