Title: It's One or the Other / Topic: Single-mindedness

Today’s Reading: Job 28, 29; Galatians 1, 2

Scripture: Galatians 2:10

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Observation: Paul is writing to confront the Galatians because they have veered away from the faith that Paul had delivered to them. They have been led onto a wrong path by false teachers and Paul is trying to persuade them to get back.

In verse 10, Paul makes a statement in his own defense that caught my heart. He points out a dichotomy: you can please people or you can please God -- it's one or the other. And he makes a strong definitive declaration. "If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Serving Christ and trying to please people are mutually exclusive.

Application: This is something I personally have to contend with on a regular basis. Likely rooted in my own insecurities is my hunger to be considered important in the eyes of others. Paul says this is inconsistent with being a servant of Christ. Here's what I believe on the subject: If you please God, it doesn't matter who you displease and if you displease God, it doesn't matter who you please.

Prayer: Lord I want to be single-minded in my pursuit of pleasing and serving you and you alone. Help me to find my security in your approval. I am your servant.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Get It Over With / Topic: Jesus' Thinking

Today’s Reading: Psalm 121; Mark 9, 10

Scripture: Mark 9:25-27

When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

Observation: Jesus is confronted by a father of a boy who is possessed by a demon. The boy is rolling on the ground, foaming at the mouth, in a demon induced convulsion. Jesus stops his conversation with the father. Notice the language: "When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit." Jesus took fast action to get rid of the demon because there was a crowd gathering to see what was going on. He wanted to get it over with before the crowd arrived. Most of us would wait, welcome the crowd, and milk it for extra effect (and a big offering): "OK, everybody stand back and witness the awesome power of God!"

Jesus doesn't seem to be interested in crowds. For example, after feeding the 5,000, he puts his disciples on a boat and disperses the crowd. Here, he intentionally does a quick deliverance to avoid a show, then gets alone with his disciples.

Application: In all of today's reading in Mark, what struck me was how Jesus' thinking and approach was so totally different from the disciples. They don't listen, they don't get it, they don't understand, they want the wrong things, etc. They are really clueless. This gives me hope. If Jesus can work with those 12 guys, just maybe he can work with me too. I hope so. I just want to think and be more like Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, that's my prayer. To think and be like you more and more.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.