“The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught.  And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)  They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves” (Mark 6:30-32).

Our Lord knows all that we need.  Sometimes we so wrap ourselves up into all that is happening that we do not take time to take care of ourselves.  Jesus withdrew the disciples for a time of retreat.  The disciples reported to Him all that had happened.  The needs of the people were constant and continuous.  All things that need doing will never be completed by us during this age because they are continuous.

Lord, help me to see that I can do only what I can do, that there are limits, and time is needful to decompress.  Teach me to come to You and, in prayer, share all that I have done.  You already know, but I need to unload the things that have been going on.  Teach me also that I can never do all that needs doing.  There will always be more to do.  Guide me, Lord, so that I live into the life You have set before me.

Lord Jesus, You have shown me how to live.  There are times to be busy and times to rest.  Every time is time for prayer.  Guide me so that I live a temperate life which does not live on the edge, but in the balance and peace which You provide.  Help me now and always to humbly abide in You as You abide in me.  You alone are the One who can lead me to live according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

“Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard about this, they came and took away his body and laid it in a tomb” (Mark 6:27-29).

Regardless of how we may have felt in the moment, the regrets are overcome by the obligation which pride created.  Pride is strong and it hammers at us all.  We each do what we do, but how often do we think about what we do?  The Lord calls us to constant prayer and communion with Him.  We are to be aware not only of what we are doing, but also of our attitude and motivation.

Lord, I sometimes do things without thinking about them.  I put myself into situations where my own obligations drive me to do even things I do not want to do.  Help me so that I live according to Your word and not according to the things of this world or the pressures that it puts on me.  Teach me to be guarded concerning my promises.  With all things, help me to think through what I am saying and doing.

Lord Jesus, without You, I would not even know the extent of the difficulty I have with pride, let alone have a way out.  My Savior, lead me through these things so that I learn how to live loving You and my neighbor.  Teach me how to properly behave in all circumstances.  Aid me to live a life of praise of You whose work alone endures forever.  Through Your word, Lord, may I be guided into all goodness.  Amen

“Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”  And although the king was very sorry, yet because of his oaths and because of his dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her” (Mark 6:25-26).

The scheming and plotting of this world is constant.  It never stops.  We fall into the traps of our own making and we are remorseful.  Avoid the remorse and learn how not to fall into the trap.  No matter our position, we too can fall for the traps that are set by the wicked one.  Pride goes before the fall.  If that happens, repent, confess, come before the Lord, and learn the lesson.  Be led by the Lord alone.

Lord, You know what is in store for me.  You know what will happen.  I pray that You will help me learn the lessons You teach me without my falling into the pits of temptation that are around me.  Kill my pride and help me to learn how to humbly live with You as the One who guides me.  Through all things, may I learn from You how to live a life filled with righteousness.

Thank You Lord Jesus for saving me.  Through all the dangers and tribulations that will come in this world, be the One who leads me.  Guide me according to Your goodness and mercy so that I am quick to learn, slow to anger, and living out the love You are giving me.  Guide me into the depth of the faith You have given me so that I may become more like You each day.  Amen.

“And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you; up to half of my kingdom.”  And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist” (Mark 6:23-24).

Do not make a prideful oath.  It is not that we cannot swear allegiance or pledge the truth, but that we ought not promise when we do not know what the outcome will be.  You know this story.  You know what is going to happen.  Do not make a pledge that will trap you into sinning proudly and harming your ability to do what is right.  Be led by the Lord alone and be on the guard lest pride cause you to act with unrighteousness.

Lord God, You know how many times I have made an oath that led me down the wrong path.  I know that I am saved by grace. But keep me from making the same mistakes over and over again.  Open my eyes to see more clearly so that I may begin to understand the path that is before me. Help me see the pits that are alongside the trail which may tempt me.  Teach me how to be in constant prayer, seeking Your counsel.

Lord Jesus, You were in constant communion with the Father.  You have told me to pray without ceasing.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I too learn how to constantly be in prayer.  You are my Savior and I need to be saved.  Help me this day to follow closely where You lead.  Show me the temptations that come my way so that I do not fall for them.  Through all things, aid me learn what it means to be righteous.  Amen.

“A strategic day came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his lords and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee; and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you” (Mark 6:21-22).

Never make a bargain with the devil.  In our sinfulness, we may be tempted to be charitable but if it is done with pride, it may well become a devil’s bargain.  Herod placed himself in the position of having to be generous because of all the guests.  Showing off is never a good idea.  Learn from folly, yours and others, and seek to do what is best in every situation.  Be guided by the Holy Spirit and not by your pride, for “pride goes before destruction.”

Lord, there are times when I do things I think are good, and they are not.  There are times when pride rules me.  Be the One who guides me in how I live my life and direct the things I do.  Where there is pride, slay it.  Where there is false generosity, humble me.  Help me to see myself as I am and not fall prey to the plotting and scheming that happens in this world.  Be the One who guides my heart.

Lord Jesus, how many times have You seen this kind of thing play out?  Regardless of the times I do anything like this, help me to follow Your example and seek at all times and in all ways to please the Father.  Be the One who is leading my life.  Guard my mouth and mind so that I may learn humility and hear clearly when Your Holy Spirit speaks.  Guide me, dear Savior, into the way of righteousness.  Amen.

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

Pastor: Happy Epiphany, Sammy!

Sammy: Epiphany? What’s that, Pastor?

Pastor: That’s the time in the church year when we celebrate the Wise Men going to see Jesus. They recognized that Jesus is God.

Sammy: What was so wise about these men?

Pastor: Well, they were astronomers, which means that they studied the stars. The wise men understood that even though they were wealthy, smart men, there was one who was greater than them–that’s Jesus. They also knew not to return to King Herod to tell him about Jesus.

Sammy: I heard that the Wise Men also brought gifts to Jesus. 

Pastor: Boys and girls, what gifts do you think the Wise Men brought to baby Jesus?

Sammy: I know! A wool blanket!

Pastor: That’s a great gift from a sheep to baby Jesus, but that’s not the right answer. What did the Wise Men bring to Jesus?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: The Wise Men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

Sammy: Those are expensive gifts, and strange gifts for a baby. What were they thinking? Are you sure they really were Wise Men?

Pastor: I’m sure of it, Sammy. These gifts show everyone that Jesus is a prophet, priest, king, and God. 

Sammy: I still think a wool blanket is a good idea, Pastor. 

Pastor: You know what’s neat, Sammy? Jesus was wrapped in a blanket made for lambs that were supposed to be for sacrifice. Jesus died on the cross, and he is the Lamb of God sacrificed for us all.

Sammy: That’s the best gift ever!

Pastor: Yes it is. Boys and girls, would you please pray with me? Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, thank you for special gifts. We thank you for being the best gift. Help us to love you more and more each day. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death and could not do so; for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him” (Mark 6:19-20).

If the sin confronting you is spoken of by another, kill the other.  That does not get rid of the sin, but it does keep the reminder away.  Or does it?  Whether small or large, our sinfulness does not like being confronted.  The righteous and holy will remind us that the Lord is calling us to righteousness and holiness.  Some are perplexed by the truth, but others hear the truth and rejoice.

Lord, help me to hear Your word and rejoice in the truth You have spoken.  Guide me in Your goodness to always abide by what You have spoken.  You have given me truth and called me to walk in that truth all the days of my life.  Help all the faithful to live into the life for which You sacrificed Your own.  Lead the church according to Your goodness and mercy.

Lord Jesus, there are those in this world who would silence my voice.  Whether You allow me to speak or have my voice silenced, which is Your judgement, help me to always be faithful.  While it is day, help me to speak the truth You have revealed.  Guide me to seek righteousness and live into the call to become like You.  Help me by Your grace and mercy to be forthright, honest and faithful.  Amen.