Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23 The Pharisees and some of the experts in the law came from Jerusalem and gathered around Jesus. 2They saw some of his disciples eating bread with unclean (that is, unwashed) hands. 3In fact, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they scrub their hands with a fist, holding…
Isaiah 42:14–21 14 I have been silent for a long time. I have kept still. I have restrained myself. But now, like a woman giving birth, I will scream. I will gasp and pant. 15 I will dry up mountains and hills. I will make all their grass wither. I will turn rivers into islands.…
After these events the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. He said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2Abram said, “Lord God what can you give me, since I remain childless, and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3Abram…
All Jesus is asking for is 1st Commandment loyalty: “We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” God must always be first. Jesus is God. Jesus has told us that following Him has costs. He’s also told us that following Him has indescribably wonderful rewards. He’s asking all of us to be COMMITTED TO HIM THROUGH THICK AND THROUGH THIN.