Day 52: Right Relationships

Reading: Proverbs 5:15-23

It seems that there is a lot of cheating in today's society when it comes to marriage. This reading is pretty straight forward about what kind of position we should take in our marriages and with our spouses. It is so easy to get tangled up in the temptations and patterns of the world, especially in this area of morals. It seems so acceptable now to sleep around and to have an "open" marriage or relationship, when it is clear in God's Word to be thankful for the spouse you are blessed with. Whether you are married, or want to be married one day, you need to decide now the type of person you will be to that future person. The decisions you make when you are single can tell a lot. Why disrespect your future spouse by sleeping with other people now? The whole "try before you buy" argument is shallow to me personally. If your relationship is based solely on sex and how it makes you feel and you are basing your chemistry on that alone, you will be one disappointed person once you both start to age. Respect your spouses, even before you know who they are.

What is your opinion on sex before marriage? Why?



What decisions do you regret when it comes to relationships? Which ones are you thankful for?




Reading: Mark 6:6b-29

Jesus was all about relationship. He proves that you don't have to be married to have companionship, as He sends out His disciples in pairs to go carry out the ministry. Doing God's work with others is always a great blessing. It's a way to stay accountable, have someone to bounce ideas off of, and to pick you up on those days that ministry is frustrating. We can learn something from this concept of going out in pairs or teams. Having others in support around us makes our work more efficient and easy as you both experience the same things. Jesus encourages good relationships with good people.
Yet we also see how a bad relationship works in this reading. Because of Herod's relationship with his brother's wife, he makes a decision that he regrets in taking John the Baptist's life. He makes a vow to Herodias' daughter, and she orders John to die. Immediately, Herod regrets this, but in fear of looking bad in front of everyone at his party, he orders it to be done. This relationship, as John told Herod many times, was unhealthy and immoral. Though it left Herod perplexed, he still liked to listen to John and kept him around. But because of this immoral relationship, Herod is wound up in it enough to take orders from the woman's daughter and make a horrible decision.
Good companionship is highly praised and encouraged by Jesus, but immoral relationships and bad companions come with a price. Choose who you surround yourself with carefully.

Who are your closest companions? Are they good or bad for your relationship with Christ?



Is there someone in your life that is causing you to make poor decisions? What can you do about it?




Reading: Exodus 29:1-30:38

Similar to what we read yesterday in meeting with God, a relationship with Him is just as important and majestic. We can never be worthy of His relationship. Jesus, as we talked about yesterday, provided that way for us to have a straight relationship with God and to come to Him without all the sacrifices and rituals. A relationship with God is indeed the most important one you can have, and His relationship better be the one you put first. Enjoy His presence and be thankful to Jesus for creating that opportunity to come to Him.

How would you describe your relationship with God?



What relationships in your life are you putting first?



Relationships will happen in this life, whether they are healthy ones or horrible ones. God's Word tells us how to live in right relationships with those around us, whether they are with the person you are married to, will be married to, companions, coworkers, fellow Christians and most importantly, with Himself. Putting God number one in our relationship categories will help us to have healthy relationships with all the others around us. Choose your relationships carefully, and be sure they aren't coming before your relationship with God. 

Day 51: His Holy Presence

Reading: Psalm 24:1-10

Coming into the Lord's presence is much bigger a deal than we make it out to be at times. This Psalm lays out just how great and holy He is. It answers the question on who is worthy to come into the presence of the Lord, and that is those with pure hearts and clean hands, as well as those who do not trust in idols or other things more than Him.
Though these standards sound impossible, Jesus has made the way for us to meet with God. He has closed the gap that between us and God that exists because of His holiness and our imperfections. We can rejoice in Him for making this way for us, for coming into the presence of the Lord is surely an incredible honor.

How do you live your life in thanksgiving to Jesus for closing the gap between us and God?



What about your heart do you need to examine as you come into God's presence?




Reading: Mark 5:21-6:6a

It takes faith to come into the presence of God. We read many faith-filled and faithless stories here as Jesus proceeds with His ministry.
First, as Jesus is making His way through the crowds, a woman who truly believes just touching Him can heal her does. Jesus knows right away, despite the hoards of people around Him. He knows this woman's faith, and because of her faith, she is made well.
We also read about Jesus bringing a little girl back to life, even though her loved ones thought it was too late. Jesus shows them that if they just believe, she can be made well, and she is brought back to life.
We also get a look at the flip side of faith as Jesus experiences the lack of faith and rejection from His own town. Because of this lack, He couldn't do much healing for the people there, except for a few sick. Faith is key to experiencing the power of Christ and His ability to do anything in your life.
If you're facing a problem or illness, have faith. We see the amazing things it can do. And yet, we also see what lack of faith does for us as well.

In what area of your life do you need have more faith in Christ for?



When have you seen faith move?




Reading: Exodus 27:1-28:43

We can't fully appreciate coming into the Lord's presence without realizing the work and intricacy it took before Jesus made it possible for us to do so. We read about the work and details that went into the Israelites building a special meeting place for the Lord, the Tabernacle. We can get an idea of the majestic holiness of God through the vibrant details of His meeting place.
Though today, we don't need to find God in a fancy building or in high terms, it is still important to know how special meeting with Him is. Jesus came and created a way for us to connect with Him, and we can easily access God with all of our concerns and worries today.

What about God do you admire most?



How often do you come to God in a day?



It is a very big deal to come into the presence of the Lord. Jesus has created a way for us to do just that. But we must never take for granted the importance of coming to Him and realizing just how holy He is. It takes faith to fully experience His presence in our lives, and we can come to Him with faith that He will take care of us. Be sure to go to Him daily and with every concern and worry you have. Praise Him for His presence in your life.

Day 50: The Greatness of His Intimacy

Reading: Psalm 23:1-6

I'm sure many of us have heard this passage read at some point or another, most likely at a funeral. But when we really dive into this Psalm, we can see the personal message it sends. When it states the Lord is MY Shepherd, we are meant to take that in a very personal way, and carry that closeness throughout the passage. God knows exactly what you need in this moment and exactly what you are struggling with. He is your Guide, your Comforter, your Protector, your Host. When we face those awful times, whether it be a death of a loved one or the death of a dream, He provides us with comfort and direction. God is a very personal friend to you. He knows you inside and out and longs to take care of you, as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Take joy in this powerful, very personal, relationship with Him. Allow Him to bless you in the way you need each day and celebrate that relationship by radiating to those around you.

When have you experienced God in a very personal, close way?



How can you walk in closeness with Him and carry Him close in your life?




Reading: Mark 4:30-5:20

We see many contrasts of God here, starting out with a small mustard seed. Jesus tells how the Kingdom of Heaven is like that seed, starting out small and then expanding into a huge plant by comparison. We also see how Jesus is powerful enough to calm a raging storm that has the disciples (many who are experienced fishermen) shaking. How many times in our lives do we face huge storms that leave us trembling? Jesus, however, calms this storm with simple, firm words, proving His power and greatness.
We also read of a man who is overtaken by many evil spirits. All are afraid to go near him and chaining him up doesn't even hold him. Jesus, however, approaches this man and casts out the many spirits. Jesus knows this man deeply, and feels compassion on him, as He does for us when we are overtaken by life's demands. This act and miracle causes the man to go and share this great news with everyone in his town, bringing many to Jesus. A small act from a man who probably thought he had nothing great to offer in this world, becomes a powerful testimony, proclaiming God's greatness! Don't hold back the small things in your life, as God can make them great!
We can gather the complexity of Jesus from these readings. He is small enough to know us intimately, yet powerful and big enough to take down the most debilitating storms in our lives. It's incredible to serve and feel the love of such a great, intimate God!

How has God turned a small thing in your life into a huge difference for Him?



What huge storms have you endured in life? How has God used those to proclaim His greatness?



Reading: Exodus 25:1-26:37

Though this section feels like you are just reading a heavy, detailed description of the Tabernacle (and you are), there is so much more behind the meaning of the Tabernacle and what it meant. God had the people work together to make this so that He could have a tangible presence among them. He wanted intimacy and closeness with them. And while God is always close to us, there is something about being in a holy place that solidifies the feeling of being near to Him. We don't need to be in a church or holy place to be near to Him, but to come to Him in reverence and awe can happen in such a place for the Israelites. This is to set Him above them and help them remember His presence and majesty. God is close to us in the same way, no matter where you are. He longs to be the center of your world and to have a majesty in your life. Set aside that holy reverence for Him each day, and come to Him in awe.

What is a tangible presence of God in your life?



How do you come to Him in reverence and awe each day?




God is both big and small. Big in the sense that He knows all and is powerful enough to calm the most debilitating storms in our lives. He is big enough to be revered and worshiped. Yet God is small enough to know you personally from the inside out, even better than the people closest to you. He longs to have a deep relationship with you and provide for your personal needs. God knows where you need comfort, what you struggle with, what you are needing this very moment. Let Him do great things in your life through the small ways He reaches you.

Day 49: Keeping up the Mission

Reading: Psalm 22:22-31

There is much to celebrate in Jesus. He has given us victory over darkness and sin, and we can come to Him freely and openly with our cries. Psalm 22 starts out in such hopelessness and darkness, reflecting forward to the day that Christ was put to death. However, it ends in great victory over the darkness as this Psalm does. We have a great hope in Christ and through Jesus. One day every knee will bow to Him. When darkness comes in your life, hang onto the light that comes in the end. Remember the wonderful plan God carried out after His Son was put to death of us. His plan is always good and always the best.

Are you facing a dark time right now that feels like it is hopeless?



How can you celebrate the victory you have in Jesus today?




Reading: Mark 3:31-4:29

Hearing and embracing God's Word is highly important in carrying out His mission in our lives. Jesus wants us to live in a close relationship with Him, as He states when He calls us all His brothers and sisters. He emphasizes many times throughout this reading to listen closely to His Words, and the emphasis is still there today. When we allow God's Word to embed into our lives, we will be able to bring it to many others and cause a great harvest for Him. Yet others will hear the Word, and just let it bounce off of them, as their roots are not deep enough to sustain the relationship with Him.
Making sure we are deep in God's Word throughout our lives will help us to gain the wisdom and knowledge He intends for us, as well as to be empowered to take it to others. It is important to find the time to get into His Word and listen for His instruction through prayer on a daily basis so that we can continue to carry out the work He has for us.

What does it mean to be a brother or sister in Christ to you?



How can you continue to grow your life closer to Him and His Word?




Reading: Exodus 23:1-24:18

Just like God wanted a close covenant with the Israelites, He wants to be in close covenant with us with the New Covenant. We remember this New Covenant with Christ when we partake in communion and remember what He did for us on the cross to close the gap between us and Him. Christ sends us out to be the message to the world for Him, and He says He will be with us as we do this. The same went for Moses and his people with their covenant. God kept an angel to keep watch on them, guiding them along their way. Christ promises to be with us and never to leave us or forsake us when we are carrying out His will in our lives. Sticking to His path and remember His great sacrifice for us will get us far in the mission. Don't fear what's around the corner, for God is with us.

When do you feel closest to God?



How can you serve Him and carry out the mission He lays before you?



We are called to be messengers for Christ, carrying out His mission around the world. Even when it seems dark and uninviting, as it was for Christ going to the cross, we need to remember the great light and plan that came about because of Christ's suffering for us. When we stay in His Word and embed it in our lives, we can be better prepared for what's ahead and carrying His Word to all. We have nothing to fear as we go out because He will be with us every step of the way.

Day 48: Wisdom in Right and Wrong

Reading: Proverbs 5:1-14

There is a good reason we are told to strive to get wisdom. Knowing the ways of the Lord will help us to live a life free of regret and falling into temptation. We read about the temptations that lurk around every corner in this section. We are told to be aware and to prepare for it. When we can guard our hearts against the enticing things of the world, we'll be able to walk a better path in life. Letting our guards down and not caring about what happens with our lives will leave us looking back later and wondering what we were thinking. When we have the wisdom to decipher between what is right and wrong for our lives, we can truly walk closer to God.

What kinds of things tempt you?



How do you guard yourself from those things?




Reading: Mark 2:18-3:30

There were many opinions floating around about who Jesus was, and there still are today. Even Christians can mix up what is right and wrong in the church and when it comes to the Sabbath. Jesus was all about becoming new and doing what was right, whether it was the Sabbath or not. Today, we can fall into this trap of putting things and rituals of the church ahead of what is truly important. Jesus made a point to tell the crowds, and especially those who were plotting against Him what is most important in following Him. We can't let the rules and rituals get in the way of what Jesus' ministry is really about.
This concept still drives people crazy. We can get busy focusing on the look of a church, rather than on the people who need to be there. We can get so wrapped up in the style of music and what version of the Bible is being used that caring about those around us becomes low priority. Ultimately, these are the type of people who led Jesus to His death. The rules and rituals got in the way of the love and relationship. Jesus taught and went about ministry with truth and grace, and we need to do the same when we reach out.
Make your mind up about Jesus. You can either do as He did, or do what you want.

What rules and rituals in the church can get in the way of what church is really about?



How do the rules get in the way of reaching out to others who have never even stepped foot in a church?




Reading: Exodus 21:1-22:31

Here we read a series of scenarios and rules that seem bizarre and out of place, but this was how the culture dealt with issues that arose. These rules were guidelines for judges when sentencing people. Many of these rules actually still apply today in different ways. God set these rules before the Israelites to keep chaos at bay and to promote loving your neighbor. Though the rules are different today, we still need to keep close to what God want of us in order to promote good and prevent evil. God cares deeply that we get along and love one another, and He cares deeply that we care for those in need, like the widows and orphans. When we can successfully follow through with His desire, we can live lives in harmony and be great examples for those around us in showing His love.

What rules have you found strange in the Bible? Why do you think God had rules like that?




What rules do we have today that promote loving each other?




Going through life, trying to do what is right and keeping ourselves in line with the wisdom God gives us can help us get through some sticky situations in life. When we simply strive to do what Jesus did in our churches and personal lives, we can share His love to those around us in great ways. Consider what it looks like to promote good and prevent evil in the world around you, then strive to live a life that does that. 

Day 47: Reflecting Priorities

Reading: Psalm 22:12-21

One of my favorite quotes is "He gave His life for you; live yours for Him." We are given plenty of reason to make God our number one priority in life. He sent His Son to die for our sins and take our punishment, even though He never did anything wrong. Making God our number 1 in life will direct us down paths greater than if we put other things in our lives first. He is our ultimate happiness and contentment. If we try to put anything over Him, we will find ourselves frustrated and disappointed in life. Look to Him and remember what He has done for us.

What things in life do you try to put before God?



When have you been disappointed by those things?




Reading: Mark 1:29-2:17

We can learn quite a bit about priorities when we look at Jesus' life and what He cared deeply about. We read here that He cared deeply for the sick and the lost. Jesus also wen to be alone with His Father to pray. As we read earlier, spending time with God should be our first priority and He should be the One who calls all the shots in our lives. As a church, we need to make sure that Christ is the head of the church, not a group of people or one person.
We read here though, that our next priority should be those who are lost, when it comes to the church anyways. Jesus makes quite a statement when He invites Levi to follow Him, even though Levi is a tax collector that many look down on. When Jesus eats with Him at his house, people question Him. Jesus states that He came for the lost, not those who are already saved. Why would a church only exist for those who are saved, especially when Jesus is pretty straight-forward about it here?
As a church, our first priority is Christ, then those outside of the church, and finally those inside. May we never lose sight of why Christ came.

How do you feel about people outside of the church?



What do you think we can do to reach people outside of the church?




Reading: Exodus 19:1-20:26

Rules are set by people who care deeply about something. When a parent cares deeply for their child, they set rules because they want so desperately for them to live happy, healthy lives. Many people misread the 10 Commandments as just a set of rules God sets down before us to take away our freedom, but this is definitely not the case.
God sets these rules before us because like a parent cares for a child, He cares for our well-being. And in all honestly, our priorities will be reflected by how we respond to these commandments. The first four come naturally if we put God first and love Him. The rest come naturally when we put others first and love them. It all reflects to the greatest commandment - Love the Lord, your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second greatest - Love your neighbor as yourself. When we put God first, the rules just come naturally. When we put others before ourselves, those rules also come with it. But when we decide to live a life of rebellion and simply view the rules as being there to stifle our freedom, we will find it very hard to do life without consequences.

How do you view the 10 Commandments in your life?



What rules do you set? How does this show what you care most about?




Our priorities should focus on God first, then others, then ourselves. In church, God is the head and comes first, then those outside, then the inside. Jesus lays this out quite bluntly, and as followers, we should do what He did. We shouldn't view His rules as ways to limit us, but as ways to set us free. When we are living lives that put God as first priority, those rules are seamless and just come with how we live without even thinking about them. Your response tells a lot about where your priorities lie. 

Day 46: Growth in Highs and Lows

Reading: Psalm 22: 1-11

Yesterday, we read about how a huge low in the followers of Jesus turned into a victorious high. We read many similarities here of David as it foreshadows the cross. Life can work much like this pattern at times. We experience this high and we're on top of the world at one point, and before we know it, it is crashing down around us. Or we are sitting in a deep, dark pit in life and suddenly we experience something marvelous. We see that even though David is facing this incredible low, feeling abandoned as Jesus did on the cross, he still  puts great trust in God to deliver him from this darkness. Jesus felt this low in a greater way, but in the end there was a huge plan of victory for all who follow and trust in Him. God uses those low times to make something good. Just put your trust in Him when those pits come, and before you know it, you'll be on a high.

When have you felt abandoned by God?



When has God turned a deep low in your life into a wonderful high?




Reading: Mark 1:1-28

Dealing with the spiritual highs and lows in our lives help build our confidence in faith. Jesus taught and spoke with authority, which impressed the people who listened to Him. We read how Jesus went through this amazing spiritual high in His baptism, hearing the words of His Father and being built up in ministry, and just after gathering His first disciples, we see a demon-possessed man challenge Him. Jesus, however faces him with authority and confidence. When we experience those high times in life, that is the perfect time for Satan to attack and knock us back down, causing us to lose our confidence. But we can see how Jesus battled these attacks and kept His composure in the focus of His mission.
Let those times that hit you hard and try to knock you down actually build you up. Gain strength and power from the Holy Spirit and allow Him to use you through those attacks. When you are sitting on a spiritual high in life, allow that time to build you up and help you to gain confidence in proclaiming the Good News.

When have you experienced a spiritual high in life that was attacked suddenly?



How do you gain confidence and strength from both the high and low points in life?




Reading: Exodus 17:1-18:27

When we experience those lows, we need to remember to turn to others to support us. Moses faced many lows as he led the people through the wilderness. Here we read about the complaints, quarrels, battles, etc. that he had to manage. Moses would turn to God and get advice from Him as to what to do with certain situations. When the battle against the Amalekites came about, we read how as long as Moses had his hands up with the staff, the Israelites had the advantage, but when Moses grew tired and dropped his hands a bit, the Amalekites would gain. But Moses also had the support of Hur and Aaron who helped him keep his hands raised so Joshua could overcome the Amalekites.
We also read how Moses' father in law gave him sound advice and encouragement as Moses learned how to manage the people. We were never meant to micromanage everything around us. Delegation is a very biblical concept, as we read here. Moses learns to delegate to good, honest leaders so he doesn't have to carry the load of the people alone. The key to delegation is good delegation, however.
Remember to look for support in those frustrating, hard times, as Moses did.

Where do you look for support when you face frustrating situations in life?



Do you delegate well, or is this something you could work on? How can you get better at it?




Life will be full of highs and lows, and many times they hit one right after the other. It is important to remember that God can turn the lows into good and He can grow us through both the highs and lows. We need to remember to grow ourselves through them, rather than simply wallowing in them. Growing can give you confidence in your faith to stand up to those inevitable attacks in life. We also need to remember that we don't need to endure those lows alone. Seeking God's advice and the advice and help from others can do us a world of good. Just make sure you are turning to the right people for that advice.