VERSE: Mark 7:9–He was saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.” TRUTH: Of all the things to be an expert at, this is not a good choice. The Pharisees had become experts on their own traditions, but as a result they were lacking severely in obedience to the commands of God. As we look at our life today, are we setting aside obedience just to hold on to or protect the “things we’ve always done?” Let go of traditions if they are standing in the way or taking the place of true obedience to God. RESPONSE: Lord, I…

VERSE: Mark 6:34–When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. TRUTH: When we see people lost and hurting, we are to have two responses. First, we are to have compassion on them. Second, We are to teach them about Jesus. That is how Jesus responded to hurting people. He didn’t just share because He felt He was supposed to, and He also didn’t just feel sorry for them without giving them hope and sharing with them a better way.We must do both in order to truly help…

VERSE:Mark 5:36–But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” TRUTH: Our lives are full of “noise” every day. We can start our day seeking Jesus, but then get distracted by everything and everyone else around us. This synagogue official faced this same challenge. He asked for Jesus’s help and Jesus came. Then he started hearing the “noise” coming from those around him. Jesus reminded him not to be afraid, but just to believe. Jesus reminds us of the same thing today. RESPONSE: Father, no matter what the “noise” in my life says, I will continue to place my…

VERSE: Mark 4:38–Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushions; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” TRUTH: It can be easy to feel that way sometimes. We look around us and can’t see God’s plan or purpose, but just see our pain and fear. We feel that somehow God has forgotten us or abandoned us. Yet God is still always right there, no matter how we are feeling. The truth of situations is that He loves us and He is still over everything, even when we can’t see it. We just need to come to Him and…

VERSE: Mark 3:35–“For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.” TRUTH: Jesus is speaking and trying to help those gathered around Him to understand what it means to be part of God’s family. Jesus indicates that the family of God is made up of people who do the will of God and have the same goal and purpose that He does. Are we part of the family? Are we acting like we are part of the family on a daily basis? RESPONSE: Father, Your family is vast and You open up Your arms for more. If people are willing to lay down their…

VERSE: Mark 2:17–And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” TRUTH: Jesus came to seek those who needed Him. He came for the sinners so that He would be able to provide the way of forgiveness and salvation. Since we are all sinners, we are all in need of Jesus. Are we also helping to seek out the hurting to share the love of Jesus with His message of forgiveness and salvation? RESPONSE: Father, Your message is for everyone. We are to be following Your…

VERSE: Mark 1:17-18–And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. TRUTH: In our lives, there is a call of Jesus to follow Him. He promises to make us into something that we were not before and couldn’t have become on our own. Simon and Andrew heard His call and followed immediately, without hesitation When we hear the promptings of the Spirit, do we obey immediately? Anything less than immediate obedience is disobedience. RESPONSE: Lord, You have a plan and have called me with a purpose. Occasionally I hesitate, thinking that I need to ask…

VERSE: Ruth 4:14–Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.” TRUTH: The people praised God for how He had provided for Naomi. He had given her a redeemer who had taken what was lost and forgotten and given it purpose again. Jesus is the Redeemer who does the same for us in our lives. Even when we are desolate and feel forgotten and alone, Jesus has redeemed us and given us purpose and value. RESPONSE: Father, because of You and Your redemption, You have made life meaningful. You are worthy of…

VERSE: Ruth 3:1–Then Naomi her mother-in-law said the her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?” TRUTH: Naomi has made great progress in this short time. She went from believing that she had nothing to offer Ruth, to creating this plan that would provide security for Ruth. When we are sad, depressed, and full of grief, often the best thing we can do is turn our attention to helping others. We have lots to offer to other people, even if it’s just advise and counsel. The Lord has a plan and purpose for each one of us. RESPONSE: Lord, no matter…

VERSE: Ruth 2:2–And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after one in whose sight I find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” TRUTH: Naomi and Ruth were poor and had essentially nothing. However, instead of sitting around and wallowing in self-pity, Ruth decides to go and see what she can do to help out their situation. Nothing good ever comes from self-pity. God wants us to do the things we know to do and allow Him to work through it. Are we getting up and doing what we know to do each day?…