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God, fill me with bold courage to live for such a time as this! You have placed me exactly where I need to be and chosen me for a specific purpose. Free me from fear, guide my decisions, and give me the courage to speak up for the well being of others. Today, I want to represent you well. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE READING: DEUTERONOMY 23-25 MARK 14:1-26 REGULATIONS CONCERNING WORSHIP the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you. MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS When you go to war against your enemies, be sure to stay away from anything that is impure. “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin. 22However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow. 23But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God. JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” JUDAS AGREES TO BETRAY JESUS THE LAST SUPPER As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.” 23And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. 25I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.” 26Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

2 PETER 3:8-13 THE DAY OF THE LORD IS COMING he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. INSIGHT The apostle Peter, like other New Testament writers, was a student of the Old Testament. The book of 1 Peter contains several Old Testament quotes (see 1 Peter 1:24-25 [Isaiah 40:6-8]; 1 Peter 2:6-8 [Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14]; 1 Peter 3:10-12 [Psalm 34:12-16]; 1 Peter 4:18 [Proverbs 11:31]). And even though his second letter doesn’t quote from specific Old Testament passages, 2 Peter 3:8 is a clear allusion to Psalm 90:4: “A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” This psalm contains numerous references to time, contrasting God’s eternal nature with man’s transience. Because God loves us, we can rest securely, knowing that our times are in His hands and His timing is perfect.

By: Arthur Jackson

GOD'S TIMING Until 1967, units of time were scientifically measured by astronomical patterns: the spin of the earth and its revolution around the sun. But over the centuries, a problem emerged. The earth is actually slowing down in its orbit. Scientists discovered that the unit of the second is longer than it used to be. Gradual though this is, since the days of Christ, the world has “lost” a full three hours of measured time.

Of course, God created the ways we measure time: the astronomy of orbits and revolutions. Scientists’ calculations may be squishier than we’d thought, but we can stand firmly in Peter’s words: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years” (2 Peter 3:8). He is arguing against doubters who complained that Jesus hadn’t returned yet: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness” (v. 9). God works in His own time for His own purposes.

There’s more! God’s “timing” is born out of His love: “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (v. 9). Jesus will return, and God wants everyone to have the opportunity to come to Him. This is an expression of His love. Meanwhile, we’re to “make every effort to be found spotless” (v. 14).

Time, God, and love are linked together: In these last days God’s love is never squishy. It’s the one sure thing.

By: Kenneth Petersen

REFLECT AND PRAY How does thinking of God and time affect your own life? How might you live differently in light of this?

Dear God, it’s mind-boggling when we try to figure out the concept of time, but please help me embrace that my times are in Your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN A CATERING DISASTER What if you went into the post office and behind the counter, selling you postage stamps, was the President? You would probably wonder if there aren't more pressing issues for him to deal with. I mean, sure, mail is a government responsibility, but the President of the United States has bigger fish to fry. It would be like calling Microsoft because you're having problems updating your computer and you get Bill Gates on the phone—half the time I can't even get a human being, much less a CEO.

Today, we see Jesus handling some things we might consider outside His job description: the King of Kings is going to deal with a catering disaster. The Jews had been waiting for the Messiah for 4,000 years, since a promise given in the Garden of Eden. Finally He's here and there's no time to lose—only 3.5 years until He will be crucified. You might think He should be engaged in a fierce battle with Satan, or overthrowing the Roman Empire, yet here we find Him picking up the pieces from a poorly planned party. Time is money—He's on a mission to save mankind! So why does He take the time to go to a wedding?

Because He was invited.

Through this household miracle, Jesus showed His willingness to be a part of everyday life, not just emergency situations. Here we see Him perform his first miracle at a wedding and (spoiler alert) in a few chapters we'll see Him at a funeral. From altar to grave and everything in between, God is involved in our entire life. He cares about our little things. There's no miracle too big, or too small. Jesus is always willing. Remember that He wants to be a part of your life and invite Him into every moment.

Remember: Jesus wants to be part of your everyday life, not just emergency situations.