January 9 Genesis 19-20 & Mark 3:13-35

This world sometimes surrounds us with evil, or at least it feels that way. When this happens, we may be so overwhelmed that we give into it. We are at times very human. To offer to give his Guess over to the crowd or to offer his daughter to them was undoubtedly sinful. And those tempting us know our weaknesses as they did Lot's. He was an outsider, so they use that and mock his efforts to stop them. Lot and his family are faithful people, and that faith saves them. Obedience to the Lord is critical. Lot's wife did not obey, she looked back, she let evil in just a little, so she became a pillar of salt. Evil does not overcome a person in one shot. Little by little, it picks away at you. So it is essential to trust in God's guidance and not give in. God is God, and we do well to acknowledge that through our words and deeds. With God's help little by little we draw closer to him by the right things we do. What little things pull you away or to God? Jesus chose 12 disciples to become apostles. Jesus sent his apostles in his name to the ends of the earth. We know their names. We also see in Mark's Gospel at the very beginning that Judas Iscariot would betray him. Do you have a favorite Apostle? Why is he your favorite? Jesus suffered at the hands of others throughout his ministry. He also had those who stood by him. Meditate on the words of Jesus, "For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."