Today's Readings: New Testament -
Mark 4:21-41
1 John 2:12-17
Old Testament -
Job 10
Ezekiel 29-30
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Mark 4:21-25
21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
Insight:
When a light is lifted up and placed high, it illuminates the entire room. Hidden things are revealed. Things that would not have been seen or found are now "brought to light."
Jesus words are truth and light. The more they are lifted up in a person's life, the more they reveal. The higher they are placed, the more they disclose.
When Jesus words are known and understood and taken to heart, they bless the listeners with greater insight about themselves and greater understanding about the world they live in. The more we listen, the more we gain in understanding. If we refuse to listen, we will become even more confused and darkened in our minds.
Response and Action:
I want to listen closely to Jesus. I want his words of light to illuminate my life experiences and help me to know myself. I want his words to give me wisdom and understanding about my world and my place in it. I believe the truth of Christ's words can give me insight about my culture and my times. I will commit myself to knowing Jesus' teachings and give them serious thought. I will study the words of Scripture that they might be a light to my path and lead me into truth, purpose, and meaning.
O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to know your word and to hide it in my heart. Open my eyes to see the world by the light of your word. Help me to hold my life, my choices, and my actions up to the light of Jesus. Shine, Jesus, and show me who I am, and what you want me to be. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Resources:
Discipleship of the Mind: Learning to Love God in the Ways We Think
by James W. Sire
