The Character of Jesus - READY

Read Mark 13:33-37.

"And what I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert.'" (v. 37)

Jesus traveled light--He didn't have a place to "lay His head"--so He could be spontaneous. He could obey God's promptings immediately--"Go here!"--"Go there!" He had no ties that slowed Him down.

I need to be available enough to obey God spontaneously. I do have the God-given responsibility of a family, but other than that, I should be "lean and mean"--able to go where He says quickly. Lord, help me to get rid of the extraneous stuff.

(1/30/99)

The Character of Jesus - SPEAKS OF WORTHY THINGS

Read Mark 13:28-32.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away." (v. 31)

Jesus certainly spoke of worthy things--so much that His words are scripture. He didn't waste time on trivialities and gossip. He even asked God about what to say.

I certainly will never say anything on par with scripture, but I ought to say things of consequence--things that matter. I want to lean on You, Lord, for what to say and how to say it.

(1/28/99)

The Character of Jesus - SPOKE FROM GOD

Read Mark 13:9-13.

"And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit." (v. 11)

Jesus modeled this all the time. He was constantly in communion with the Father asking what He should say. He said nothing that the Father had not given Him.

I need to see every opportunity to speak as an opportunity from God. I need to ask Him to give me the words and then to depend on the Holy Spirit for power in the midst of speaking.

(1/27/99)

The Character of Jesus - WARNING

Read Mark 13:3-8; 14-27.

"And Jesus began to say to them, 'See to it that no one mislead you.'" (v. 5)

Jesus warned His disciples of upcoming difficulties. He knew they would face them and wanted them to be prepared and expect them. These were hard sayings.

I need to warn others with hard sayings. There are difficulties in every situation and I must be bold enough--love enough--to ward those around me of them.

(1/25/99)

The Character of Jesus - FOCUSED

Read Mark 13:1-2.

"And Jesus said to him, 'Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down.'" (v. 2)

Jesus could not be dissuaded from His calling to important matters. A casual comment from a disciple was met with a sobering one by Jesus.

I need to be focused on the urgency of the message of the gospel. I cannot afford to just "busy" myself with inconsequential tasks. I must move everyday toward the goal and cause others to wake up to that fact as well.

(1/23/99)

The Character of Jesus - SELF-SACRIFICING

Read Mark 12:41-44.

"...for they all put out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." (v. 44)

Jesus observed who gave, why they gave and how they gave. He saw the widow, who gave until she had no more to give, as the model to follow. Jesus in fact followed this model Himself in giving His blood for our salvation.

I need to be self-sacrificing and give my time to God--to my children and to other people who need it. Open my eyes to see the needs, Lord.

(1/22/99)

The Character of Jesus - HUMILTY

Read Mark 12:38-40.

"And in His teaching he was saying, 'Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market place.'" (v. 38)

Jesus taught to not seek popularity or respect or honor or recognition. Yet, He had all these from certain people. He exemplified the antithesis of pride and self-seeking behavior.

I need to not see myself as "more" worthy than others. I need to NOT seek recognition by the work that I do. Keep me humble, Lord.

(1/11/99)