October 1
Give Him
Read John 12 – 13
John 12:3 Then Mary took a whole pint of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The sweet smell of the perfume filled the whole house.
QUITE a gift; quite an honor. Mary’s attitude has changed a good deal since her disappointment in her Lord not showing up to heal Lazarus. Jesus came to Lazarus, to Martha and now to Mary with the fullness of life. Now it is time to say, “Thank you, Lord.”
It is a thank you from the heart. Mary takes an expensive pint of perfume and uses it all to anoint her Lord with honor and worship. In the perfume is her love, and she wants Jesus to know that he is worth far more than any price that is on that bottle of perfume.
Judas is the disciple who complains the perfume is wasted. Yes, it could have been used for the poor; it could have been used for Mary’s own household. I doubt they had much money. She could have bought food for her family.
Instead she honored Jesus. She now understood Jesus as the source of all life, of all that comes from life and into life. Jesus is the great Provider, the loving giver of himself.
How do we model that in our lives? What do we give – our time, our talents, our love, our encouragement – to our family, friends, neighbors, church family? Do we sacrifice some things we want in order to give to others?
Yes, that is living in trust of the Savior’s life. May hearts respond with worship and honor to Jesus. Share his resurrection gift. Give him to others who need his tender care.
Pause and Consider: how you may anoint Jesus with your possessions.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
September 29, 2010 God Sent You Here
September 29
God Sent You Here
Read John 8 - 9
John 8:29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.
ARE YOU SENT? Have you ever thought that where you are at a particular moment of any day is because God has sent you there? Do you know you are reading this because God sent you here? Where he sends you can be for your benefit or for others’—and always for His.
For example, you may be in a grocery store, and a mother is having trouble with two toddlers. She could use a hand for a moment to get organized. Do you say, “May I help you?”
What happens when you do help? You give her relief. You are there for a special purpose. God has sent you into that store at that time to be of service to someone in need.
Now you have an opportunity. When she says, “You’re so kind.” You say, “It’s not me. It’s really my Lord Jesus in my life. The bible tells me Jesus was very kind to people in need, especially women. I simply am doing what he would do. It’s really not me. It’s him.”
Yes, you are sent some place each day to do God’s work. Joyfully go where he sends you, and be a messenger of the great love Jesus showed you as he went to where the Father sent him.
Pause and Consider: how God sent Jesus to an ugly, deadly cross to bring his beautiful life to you.
God Sent You Here
Read John 8 - 9
John 8:29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.
ARE YOU SENT? Have you ever thought that where you are at a particular moment of any day is because God has sent you there? Do you know you are reading this because God sent you here? Where he sends you can be for your benefit or for others’—and always for His.
For example, you may be in a grocery store, and a mother is having trouble with two toddlers. She could use a hand for a moment to get organized. Do you say, “May I help you?”
What happens when you do help? You give her relief. You are there for a special purpose. God has sent you into that store at that time to be of service to someone in need.
Now you have an opportunity. When she says, “You’re so kind.” You say, “It’s not me. It’s really my Lord Jesus in my life. The bible tells me Jesus was very kind to people in need, especially women. I simply am doing what he would do. It’s really not me. It’s him.”
Yes, you are sent some place each day to do God’s work. Joyfully go where he sends you, and be a messenger of the great love Jesus showed you as he went to where the Father sent him.
Pause and Consider: how God sent Jesus to an ugly, deadly cross to bring his beautiful life to you.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
September 28, 2010 Hate or Love Jesus?
September 28
Hate or Love Jesus?
Read John 7
John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.
PEOPLE HATE Jesus. And I’m not talking about the “unchurched”. Many who walk into a sanctuary each Sunday hate the Lord of Life.
Ugh. How can I say that? Who am I to judge? Actually, I’m not judging. I’m observing. And I am grieved.
I am grieved because I see people who are too willing to put Jesus aside. I know what that’s like. Oh, yes. I used to “hate” Jesus. I stayed away from his church. I spoke harsh language. I spent no time with him in prayer and in God’s Word. I lusted after things I didn’t have. I saw the world through the lens of “me”. And I tried to fill that empty space in my heart with more work. I thank Jesus he used his church, his people and his Spirit to speak into me, to pray for me and to awaken me into a deep love for him.
Yes, people in the culture and in the church do hate Jesus because he requires specific obedience to his teaching. People reject commitment to Jesus because he commands obedience. People reject his love because loving him back means they have to change their lives. “Don’t tell me how to live.” “I have my own way to heaven.” and other hateful speech, effectually says, “I am Lord of my life. How dare Jesus ask me to change my life to fit his way?”
Let’s pray that we truly love the truth, that we give up the “I” way to make way for Him, that we love the Lord Jesus. After all, he has invited us into his truth for all eternity.
Pause and Consider: how your lifestyle or your words may be “hate” speech against Jesus.
Hate or Love Jesus?
Read John 7
John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.
PEOPLE HATE Jesus. And I’m not talking about the “unchurched”. Many who walk into a sanctuary each Sunday hate the Lord of Life.
Ugh. How can I say that? Who am I to judge? Actually, I’m not judging. I’m observing. And I am grieved.
I am grieved because I see people who are too willing to put Jesus aside. I know what that’s like. Oh, yes. I used to “hate” Jesus. I stayed away from his church. I spoke harsh language. I spent no time with him in prayer and in God’s Word. I lusted after things I didn’t have. I saw the world through the lens of “me”. And I tried to fill that empty space in my heart with more work. I thank Jesus he used his church, his people and his Spirit to speak into me, to pray for me and to awaken me into a deep love for him.
Yes, people in the culture and in the church do hate Jesus because he requires specific obedience to his teaching. People reject commitment to Jesus because he commands obedience. People reject his love because loving him back means they have to change their lives. “Don’t tell me how to live.” “I have my own way to heaven.” and other hateful speech, effectually says, “I am Lord of my life. How dare Jesus ask me to change my life to fit his way?”
Let’s pray that we truly love the truth, that we give up the “I” way to make way for Him, that we love the Lord Jesus. After all, he has invited us into his truth for all eternity.
Pause and Consider: how your lifestyle or your words may be “hate” speech against Jesus.
September 27, 2010 Healing Help
September 27
Healing Help
Read John 5 – 6
John 5:7-9 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
WITH one command, Jesus changes our lives—forever. This poor crippled man was without friends and with no one around him to help him into the pool that might heal him.
Where was the compassion of strangers? Would no one help him for the 34 years he lived in this misery? Their own desires, apparently, came first. But Jesus came, and his love and healing powers changed a life.
What do we learn from this? It is essential to know Jesus, so you may trust him to “heal all your diseases” (Psalm 103:3). What does this mean? We all know that everyone dies from some disease. How can this be true?
Disease is physical and it is spiritual. We must trust that Jesus is able to heal all physical diseases, and we must pray in faith for those healings. He can heal them, and my experience is that he will heal some people. All disease is in the hand of the One who saves.
Disease also means here the spiritual weaknesses that cripple us. We trust his healing mercy to care for those in need. We trust his healing love to bring health to family relationships. We trust his healing truth to guide us to the right way of living. “Disease” is anything that keeps us from being whole with our Lord.
Yes, go, “stir the water” of Jesus’ love. Offer his healing words. Pray for those who are sick. Care for the broken and the hurting. Make a difference. Bring healing to a broken world.
Pause and Consider: how physical healing is one way Jesus heals.
Healing Help
Read John 5 – 6
John 5:7-9 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
WITH one command, Jesus changes our lives—forever. This poor crippled man was without friends and with no one around him to help him into the pool that might heal him.
Where was the compassion of strangers? Would no one help him for the 34 years he lived in this misery? Their own desires, apparently, came first. But Jesus came, and his love and healing powers changed a life.
What do we learn from this? It is essential to know Jesus, so you may trust him to “heal all your diseases” (Psalm 103:3). What does this mean? We all know that everyone dies from some disease. How can this be true?
Disease is physical and it is spiritual. We must trust that Jesus is able to heal all physical diseases, and we must pray in faith for those healings. He can heal them, and my experience is that he will heal some people. All disease is in the hand of the One who saves.
Disease also means here the spiritual weaknesses that cripple us. We trust his healing mercy to care for those in need. We trust his healing love to bring health to family relationships. We trust his healing truth to guide us to the right way of living. “Disease” is anything that keeps us from being whole with our Lord.
Yes, go, “stir the water” of Jesus’ love. Offer his healing words. Pray for those who are sick. Care for the broken and the hurting. Make a difference. Bring healing to a broken world.
Pause and Consider: how physical healing is one way Jesus heals.
September 26, 2010 A Quenching Drink
September 26
A Quenching Drink
Read John 4
John 4:7-8 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”
THERE IS much written about this chapter. Jesus’ extraordinary love is richly exposed here as he, weary in travel, stops to talk to a woman weary in soul.
“Will you give me a drink?” our Lord asks.
This is such an incredible question! Here the Living Water requests a drink from a woman thirsting for peace in her life. Why?
It’s always a bit scary to ask, “Why?” of God, but I’ll venture an answer. Jesus’ greatest desire is not to soothe his dry tongue but to wash over the woman’s dry soul. And to do this, he wanted the woman to focus on him. He introduced himself with a common question in an uncommon circumstance. Jewish men never talked to Samaritan women.
But the Perfect One opened himself to the thirsty woman, and he, in effect, said, “Come serve me and see what I give back to you. Trust that what I have to give you is more than ordinary water. It is the water of life—for you—forever.
Are you thirsty for love, joy, peace and gentleness in your life? Then trust your Lord. Turn to him and serve him with your heart, mind and, yes, even with your hands.
When you do, he will quench your thirst. Be filled with a drink from the Living Water.
Pause and Consider: how refreshing it is to drink a cold glass of water on a hot day. Jesus daily refreshes you that way.
A Quenching Drink
Read John 4
John 4:7-8 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”
THERE IS much written about this chapter. Jesus’ extraordinary love is richly exposed here as he, weary in travel, stops to talk to a woman weary in soul.
“Will you give me a drink?” our Lord asks.
This is such an incredible question! Here the Living Water requests a drink from a woman thirsting for peace in her life. Why?
It’s always a bit scary to ask, “Why?” of God, but I’ll venture an answer. Jesus’ greatest desire is not to soothe his dry tongue but to wash over the woman’s dry soul. And to do this, he wanted the woman to focus on him. He introduced himself with a common question in an uncommon circumstance. Jewish men never talked to Samaritan women.
But the Perfect One opened himself to the thirsty woman, and he, in effect, said, “Come serve me and see what I give back to you. Trust that what I have to give you is more than ordinary water. It is the water of life—for you—forever.
Are you thirsty for love, joy, peace and gentleness in your life? Then trust your Lord. Turn to him and serve him with your heart, mind and, yes, even with your hands.
When you do, he will quench your thirst. Be filled with a drink from the Living Water.
Pause and Consider: how refreshing it is to drink a cold glass of water on a hot day. Jesus daily refreshes you that way.
September 25, 2010 A Miracle for You
September 25
A Miracle for You
Read John 1 – 3
John 2:18 But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.”
IN THE early days of Jesus’ ministry, the political and religious leaders around him based their belief in Jesus on the miracles he would do. Time after time they wanted him to prove himself.
What happened as he performed more miracles? They condemned him for healing on the Sabbath. They claimed he could drive out demons only because he was possessed by the devil. The more they saw, the more excuses they used to deny his authority. They became jealous of him as the crowds gathered and believed.
In truth, the miracles were not enough. They became reasons for the hard-hearted to mistrust him, to condemn him and to kill him.
Belief in Jesus comes when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see his truth. Seeing is not necessarily believing until we see with eyes that trust the authority of Jesus’ words and miracles are from God, the Father.
As you learn from Jesus’ words and see his ways, open your heart to his wonders and rejoice in him. Be of faith and trust his teaching is for you.
The miracle of the ages is “God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whomever believes in him will have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
That is all the miracle we need to know to trust Jesus is Lord.
Pause and Consider: God’s great love gift for you.
A Miracle for You
Read John 1 – 3
John 2:18 But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.”
IN THE early days of Jesus’ ministry, the political and religious leaders around him based their belief in Jesus on the miracles he would do. Time after time they wanted him to prove himself.
What happened as he performed more miracles? They condemned him for healing on the Sabbath. They claimed he could drive out demons only because he was possessed by the devil. The more they saw, the more excuses they used to deny his authority. They became jealous of him as the crowds gathered and believed.
In truth, the miracles were not enough. They became reasons for the hard-hearted to mistrust him, to condemn him and to kill him.
Belief in Jesus comes when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see his truth. Seeing is not necessarily believing until we see with eyes that trust the authority of Jesus’ words and miracles are from God, the Father.
As you learn from Jesus’ words and see his ways, open your heart to his wonders and rejoice in him. Be of faith and trust his teaching is for you.
The miracle of the ages is “God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whomever believes in him will have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
That is all the miracle we need to know to trust Jesus is Lord.
Pause and Consider: God’s great love gift for you.
September 24, 2010 A Moment for You
September 24
A Moment for You
Read Luke 24
Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
THE DISCIPLES are hiding in a room, uncertain about their future, likely wondering if they, like their Master, will soon be crucified or stoned. Fear grips them in the gut!
Then their loving Master appears to remove their fear. He is indeed the risen Son of God. As he speaks with them, they for the first time truly trust that Jesus is the one who saves.
How often had the disciples heard Jesus teach the Scriptures? Many times they had heard his message; and yet, they did not comprehend. Only when the resurrected Jesus opened their eyes did they know.
Have you heard Jesus’ message but still hold back from trusting him, especially with the big things in life? Let go of your doubt. You can trust that Jesus’ truths will remove life’s gut-gripping fears.
Yes, he enters into your presence in the midst of life’s most awful moments and says, “I’m here to save you. Don’t be afraid.”
That moment changed the disciples’ lives. Fear disappeared and trust entered their hearts. That same moment awaits you and will change your life, too.
Pause and Consider: how good it feels to trust someone completely. You can trust Jesus that much
A Moment for You
Read Luke 24
Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
THE DISCIPLES are hiding in a room, uncertain about their future, likely wondering if they, like their Master, will soon be crucified or stoned. Fear grips them in the gut!
Then their loving Master appears to remove their fear. He is indeed the risen Son of God. As he speaks with them, they for the first time truly trust that Jesus is the one who saves.
How often had the disciples heard Jesus teach the Scriptures? Many times they had heard his message; and yet, they did not comprehend. Only when the resurrected Jesus opened their eyes did they know.
Have you heard Jesus’ message but still hold back from trusting him, especially with the big things in life? Let go of your doubt. You can trust that Jesus’ truths will remove life’s gut-gripping fears.
Yes, he enters into your presence in the midst of life’s most awful moments and says, “I’m here to save you. Don’t be afraid.”
That moment changed the disciples’ lives. Fear disappeared and trust entered their hearts. That same moment awaits you and will change your life, too.
Pause and Consider: how good it feels to trust someone completely. You can trust Jesus that much
September 23, 2010 Give It Up
September 23
Give It Up
Read Luke 22 - 23
Luke 22:5-6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
WHAT HAPPENS when you want to do something a “little” wrong? I’ve been dieting lately, and today I ate something for breakfast I shouldn’t have. I ate alone when “no crowd was present” and I can get away with it if I choose.
But wait! There is evidence in the cupboard. Some food is gone that was there yesterday! I’d better hide it. But someone will wonder, “Where are the muffins?” The truth is, I can’t really hide it. The truth is, God sees everything I do. And if this were truly a sin to keep secret, He would still know.
Judas had something on his conscious. He knew he was acting secretly against his teacher who raised the dead, spoke what people were thinking and calmed the storm. Did he really think Jesus wouldn’t know what he was doing?
He must have known Jesus knew. Judas’ conscious was telling him, “You are so wrong, Judas.” But Judas was gripped with deceit for his own purpose. Judas stepped into sin’s darkness. And he never saw Jesus’ light again.
Often I talk with people who years ago went to a place their conscious said, “Don’t go.” But they went anyway. Now, they can’t escape the sin. People know. They feel the pain and the darkness of those steps. Their lives are encased in guilt because they’re too ashamed to go to Jesus, the Light of the world, and say, “Forgive me. I have sinned.”
Please, you never want to go so far you feel too ashamed to come to Jesus’ light. If you do feel that shame—give it up. Let go of the shame and turn to the Name of Jesus. His salvation will release you!
Pause and Consider: how important it is to always do what’s right.
Give It Up
Read Luke 22 - 23
Luke 22:5-6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
WHAT HAPPENS when you want to do something a “little” wrong? I’ve been dieting lately, and today I ate something for breakfast I shouldn’t have. I ate alone when “no crowd was present” and I can get away with it if I choose.
But wait! There is evidence in the cupboard. Some food is gone that was there yesterday! I’d better hide it. But someone will wonder, “Where are the muffins?” The truth is, I can’t really hide it. The truth is, God sees everything I do. And if this were truly a sin to keep secret, He would still know.
Judas had something on his conscious. He knew he was acting secretly against his teacher who raised the dead, spoke what people were thinking and calmed the storm. Did he really think Jesus wouldn’t know what he was doing?
He must have known Jesus knew. Judas’ conscious was telling him, “You are so wrong, Judas.” But Judas was gripped with deceit for his own purpose. Judas stepped into sin’s darkness. And he never saw Jesus’ light again.
Often I talk with people who years ago went to a place their conscious said, “Don’t go.” But they went anyway. Now, they can’t escape the sin. People know. They feel the pain and the darkness of those steps. Their lives are encased in guilt because they’re too ashamed to go to Jesus, the Light of the world, and say, “Forgive me. I have sinned.”
Please, you never want to go so far you feel too ashamed to come to Jesus’ light. If you do feel that shame—give it up. Let go of the shame and turn to the Name of Jesus. His salvation will release you!
Pause and Consider: how important it is to always do what’s right.
September 22, 2010 What Is Rich?
September 22
What is Rich?
Read Luke 20 - 21
Luke 21:1-6 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” 5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
HERE we see great contrast between what God perceives as wealthy and what man perceives. The poor widow receives Jesus’ praise because she gave nearly all of her earthly goods. She was a “heart giver”. She gave of herself in love and devotion to God. Even though it looked weird to the world, her gift was beautiful to her Lord.
Then the disciples praised the beauty of the buildings. But Jesus viewed the future. He knew the structures would fall against God’s judgment, and the beautiful stones and adornment would symbolize destruction.
This contrast in Jesus’ words shows us how vital our heart offerings are to God. Heart offerings are those things we give to God when we sacrifice. We give, and others say, “That’s weird.” It may be our time, spiritual gifts, talents, or money. When we “heart-give” to God, our offerings will make an eternal difference for our lives and for those we serve.
Go ahead. Give back to God what he’s given you. Trust God with all you have—even if it looks weird to the world.
Pause and Consider: how willing you are to trust God with even a little of what you have.
What is Rich?
Read Luke 20 - 21
Luke 21:1-6 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” 5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
HERE we see great contrast between what God perceives as wealthy and what man perceives. The poor widow receives Jesus’ praise because she gave nearly all of her earthly goods. She was a “heart giver”. She gave of herself in love and devotion to God. Even though it looked weird to the world, her gift was beautiful to her Lord.
Then the disciples praised the beauty of the buildings. But Jesus viewed the future. He knew the structures would fall against God’s judgment, and the beautiful stones and adornment would symbolize destruction.
This contrast in Jesus’ words shows us how vital our heart offerings are to God. Heart offerings are those things we give to God when we sacrifice. We give, and others say, “That’s weird.” It may be our time, spiritual gifts, talents, or money. When we “heart-give” to God, our offerings will make an eternal difference for our lives and for those we serve.
Go ahead. Give back to God what he’s given you. Trust God with all you have—even if it looks weird to the world.
Pause and Consider: how willing you are to trust God with even a little of what you have.
September 21, 2010 In His Time, In His Will
September 21
In His Time, In His Will
Read Luke 18 - 19
Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
DO YOU wonder “Why pray if God has everything planned?” Yes, God has his plans: Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
You see, God will give you what you desire, but it may not look like what you desire. Jesus’ point here is that as we pray, God will gradually answer your requests in the way it benefits you within his plan for you.
For example, if a child comes to you requesting a treat before “treat time” you will say, “Not now. But at 10 o’clock you can have a piece of fruit.” You have a plan to nourish your child. But you will not put your plan into action if he doesn’t ask.
Now he’s asked. You, as the all-knowing adult give to the child in order to answer his request within your plan to care for him. The child’s treat may not be as he originally wanted. But it will be an answer to his request. And it will be a gift to the child within your view of what’s good for him. Even if you say, “No, wait until lunch time.” you will still answer his request for food.
In a like manner, God plans good things for you in his timing and in his purpose for you. He wants you to participate in his giving by requesting from him, so you see him as a loving Father in his giving to you.
He may not give you what you want when you want. But Jesus says to persevere in your prayer and trust God’s answer in his time and in his will.
Pause and Consider: how wonderful it is that your Creator God desires you pray and seek his will for you.
In His Time, In His Will
Read Luke 18 - 19
Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
DO YOU wonder “Why pray if God has everything planned?” Yes, God has his plans: Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
You see, God will give you what you desire, but it may not look like what you desire. Jesus’ point here is that as we pray, God will gradually answer your requests in the way it benefits you within his plan for you.
For example, if a child comes to you requesting a treat before “treat time” you will say, “Not now. But at 10 o’clock you can have a piece of fruit.” You have a plan to nourish your child. But you will not put your plan into action if he doesn’t ask.
Now he’s asked. You, as the all-knowing adult give to the child in order to answer his request within your plan to care for him. The child’s treat may not be as he originally wanted. But it will be an answer to his request. And it will be a gift to the child within your view of what’s good for him. Even if you say, “No, wait until lunch time.” you will still answer his request for food.
In a like manner, God plans good things for you in his timing and in his purpose for you. He wants you to participate in his giving by requesting from him, so you see him as a loving Father in his giving to you.
He may not give you what you want when you want. But Jesus says to persevere in your prayer and trust God’s answer in his time and in his will.
Pause and Consider: how wonderful it is that your Creator God desires you pray and seek his will for you.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
September 20, 2010 Inspred to Tell?
September 20
Inspired to Tell?
Read Luke 16 - 17
Luke 16:24 “So (the Rich Man) called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’”
I KNOW. You don’t need a description of Hell to inspire you. Life is troubled enough without this agonizing scene from the Good News of Luke.
But maybe it is just what you and I need to be inspired. How many times have we warned someone about a danger or awful consequence if they do something wrong? “You’ll lose money if you gamble.” “Drinking and driving will kill you.” “Don’t text and drive, you’ll kill someone.” “Exercise, or you’ll get fat.”
We say these things because consequences are real. We know absolutely that if people purposely do bad things, bad things will happen to them.
So, why don’t we tell people, “Believe in Jesus, or you’ll suffer the agony of unending thirst in hell.”
Don’t we trust that the consequences of rejecting Jesus are really, really, really horrible?
Are you inspired to tell someone?
Pause and Consider: what inspires you to take action.
Inspired to Tell?
Read Luke 16 - 17
Luke 16:24 “So (the Rich Man) called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’”
I KNOW. You don’t need a description of Hell to inspire you. Life is troubled enough without this agonizing scene from the Good News of Luke.
But maybe it is just what you and I need to be inspired. How many times have we warned someone about a danger or awful consequence if they do something wrong? “You’ll lose money if you gamble.” “Drinking and driving will kill you.” “Don’t text and drive, you’ll kill someone.” “Exercise, or you’ll get fat.”
We say these things because consequences are real. We know absolutely that if people purposely do bad things, bad things will happen to them.
So, why don’t we tell people, “Believe in Jesus, or you’ll suffer the agony of unending thirst in hell.”
Don’t we trust that the consequences of rejecting Jesus are really, really, really horrible?
Are you inspired to tell someone?
Pause and Consider: what inspires you to take action.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
September 19, 2010 Even Above Family
September 19
Even Above Family
Read Luke 13 - 15
Luke 14:26-27 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters — yes, even his own life — he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
THIS IS a hard saying. It sounds so “anti-Jesus”. What is Jesus’ point?
Today I hear many people who are called to minister in a certain place say, “I’ve decided to stay where I am because of my family.” It’s as if the family has become an idol. They are saying to Jesus, “My family is more important than you.”
Ouch.
Yes, as difficult as it is, we are to give up everything, even our own family and put our Lord first in our heart. “Family first” means Jesus is less than first. Why does he require that much love from you?
First of all, he loves you that much. Yes, Jesus submitted to God’s will, and he gave himself to death on the cross for you.
Second, that “Jesus first” love puts you into a deep, passionate place with him. When you love Jesus that much you will experience his wonder wherever you go. What’s more, you will be with your first love, Jesus Christ, and that’s the most wonderful place in life now and forever.
Put Jesus first today. Proclaim your love for him and follow him wherever he invites you. Show the joy of his love to a love-lost world.
Pause and Consider: is anything more important to you than Jesus?
Even Above Family
Read Luke 13 - 15
Luke 14:26-27 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters — yes, even his own life — he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
THIS IS a hard saying. It sounds so “anti-Jesus”. What is Jesus’ point?
Today I hear many people who are called to minister in a certain place say, “I’ve decided to stay where I am because of my family.” It’s as if the family has become an idol. They are saying to Jesus, “My family is more important than you.”
Ouch.
Yes, as difficult as it is, we are to give up everything, even our own family and put our Lord first in our heart. “Family first” means Jesus is less than first. Why does he require that much love from you?
First of all, he loves you that much. Yes, Jesus submitted to God’s will, and he gave himself to death on the cross for you.
Second, that “Jesus first” love puts you into a deep, passionate place with him. When you love Jesus that much you will experience his wonder wherever you go. What’s more, you will be with your first love, Jesus Christ, and that’s the most wonderful place in life now and forever.
Put Jesus first today. Proclaim your love for him and follow him wherever he invites you. Show the joy of his love to a love-lost world.
Pause and Consider: is anything more important to you than Jesus?
Friday, September 17, 2010
September 18, 2010 Pray for Thousands
September 18
Pray for Thousands
Read Luke 12
Luke 12:1 Meanwhile the crowds grew until thousands upon thousands were milling about and crushing each other.
THE BIBLE has many, many recordings of miracles. But I think we miss this one. “Where’s the miracle?” you ask.
Well, when was the last time you went to church and couldn’t find a parking space, couldn’t get in the door, couldn’t find a seat, couldn’t wait to get there, couldn’t wait to hear the Word preached, couldn’t wait to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit pour into your heart the truth of God’s spoken Word?
Jesus spoke with no loudspeakers, no TV blitz, no radio campaign, internet or Facebook to announce his coming. But they came because nothing could stop them. Thousands came because they were hungry for the truth. Thousands came to witness signs and wonders. Thousands came to touch God.
My friends, this can still happen today. In Jesus’ day he spoke and ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who preach God’s Word today must speak in the Power of the Spirit. Those who listen must listen in the Power of the Spirit.
Pray for your own worship experience, that the Spirit will wrap your heart in love around God’s Word. Pray for your church, that thousands—yes thousands—will come. Pray for your minister that he or she will preach in the power of the Spirit.
Watch the signs and wonders happen.
Pause and Consider: praying for this week’s worship at church.
Pray for Thousands
Read Luke 12
Luke 12:1 Meanwhile the crowds grew until thousands upon thousands were milling about and crushing each other.
THE BIBLE has many, many recordings of miracles. But I think we miss this one. “Where’s the miracle?” you ask.
Well, when was the last time you went to church and couldn’t find a parking space, couldn’t get in the door, couldn’t find a seat, couldn’t wait to get there, couldn’t wait to hear the Word preached, couldn’t wait to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit pour into your heart the truth of God’s spoken Word?
Jesus spoke with no loudspeakers, no TV blitz, no radio campaign, internet or Facebook to announce his coming. But they came because nothing could stop them. Thousands came because they were hungry for the truth. Thousands came to witness signs and wonders. Thousands came to touch God.
My friends, this can still happen today. In Jesus’ day he spoke and ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who preach God’s Word today must speak in the Power of the Spirit. Those who listen must listen in the Power of the Spirit.
Pray for your own worship experience, that the Spirit will wrap your heart in love around God’s Word. Pray for your church, that thousands—yes thousands—will come. Pray for your minister that he or she will preach in the power of the Spirit.
Watch the signs and wonders happen.
Pause and Consider: praying for this week’s worship at church.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September 17, 2010 Use the Key to Knowledge
September 17
Use the Key of Knowledge
Read Luke 10 – 11
Luke 11:52 “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”
AS PEOPLE called to serve God, I pray we will never hinder anyone from entering the Kingdom. Hindering means we are too ready to condemn. Hindering is not listening to what people say. Hindering is moving forward with our own agenda, not God’s. Hindering is forcing people to look at God’s condemnation and not God’s grace. Hindering is removing hope from people’s lives. Hindering is not listening to God to do what he tells us to do.
Yes, we must be prepared to always give the gospel of Jesus Christ. Give it then, in love, in your actions, in your response to people, in your help to those in need, in your voice of compassion and in your love for Jesus.
Hold the Gospel, the key of knowledge, in your heart, mind and soul. Then be ready to give this knowledge to unhinder, to release and free people into the Gospel forever.
Pause and Consider: how freely Jesus has given to you.
Use the Key of Knowledge
Read Luke 10 – 11
Luke 11:52 “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”
AS PEOPLE called to serve God, I pray we will never hinder anyone from entering the Kingdom. Hindering means we are too ready to condemn. Hindering is not listening to what people say. Hindering is moving forward with our own agenda, not God’s. Hindering is forcing people to look at God’s condemnation and not God’s grace. Hindering is removing hope from people’s lives. Hindering is not listening to God to do what he tells us to do.
Yes, we must be prepared to always give the gospel of Jesus Christ. Give it then, in love, in your actions, in your response to people, in your help to those in need, in your voice of compassion and in your love for Jesus.
Hold the Gospel, the key of knowledge, in your heart, mind and soul. Then be ready to give this knowledge to unhinder, to release and free people into the Gospel forever.
Pause and Consider: how freely Jesus has given to you.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
September 16, 2010 God's Good Soil
September 16
God’s Good Soil
Read Luke 8 - 9
Luke 8:15 “But the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people. They listen to God's words and cling to them and steadily spread them to others who also soon believe.”
GOOD SOIL is so very important. We are blessed in America to have thousands and thousands of acres that are good soil. This good soil gives us an abundant harvest annually. The good soil gives us a reliable food source. Living in the United States, we can trust that we will always have enough to eat because the soil is good.
Jesus uses the good soil image because good soil managed properly is the foundation of wealth for a country. Good Soil in the Kingdom of God is the foundation for a rich life in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Good soil that grows crops is filled with organisms and nutrients that make it fertile. Good Soil in the Kingdom of God is filled with God’s fertile Word to grow faith, hope and love to enrich our lives.
Good soil is deep and can’t be easily washed away. God’s Good Soil is deep and cannot ever be removed. When we sink our soul’s roots into it, we can trust the Good Soil of God’s Word to anchor us in the winds of change and trouble. We are anchored in the Good Soil when heartache comes and uncertainty disturbs our hearts.
Plant the seeds of trust in God’s Good Soil. When others see God’s Good Soil in you, they will desire to be planted in Good Soil, too.
Pause and Consider: how you can be good soil to help someone grow more deeply into Jesus.
God’s Good Soil
Read Luke 8 - 9
Luke 8:15 “But the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people. They listen to God's words and cling to them and steadily spread them to others who also soon believe.”
GOOD SOIL is so very important. We are blessed in America to have thousands and thousands of acres that are good soil. This good soil gives us an abundant harvest annually. The good soil gives us a reliable food source. Living in the United States, we can trust that we will always have enough to eat because the soil is good.
Jesus uses the good soil image because good soil managed properly is the foundation of wealth for a country. Good Soil in the Kingdom of God is the foundation for a rich life in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Good soil that grows crops is filled with organisms and nutrients that make it fertile. Good Soil in the Kingdom of God is filled with God’s fertile Word to grow faith, hope and love to enrich our lives.
Good soil is deep and can’t be easily washed away. God’s Good Soil is deep and cannot ever be removed. When we sink our soul’s roots into it, we can trust the Good Soil of God’s Word to anchor us in the winds of change and trouble. We are anchored in the Good Soil when heartache comes and uncertainty disturbs our hearts.
Plant the seeds of trust in God’s Good Soil. When others see God’s Good Soil in you, they will desire to be planted in Good Soil, too.
Pause and Consider: how you can be good soil to help someone grow more deeply into Jesus.
Monday, September 13, 2010
September 14, 2010 Be Happy, Cause Change
September 14
Be Happy, Cause Change
Read Luke 5 - 6
Luke 6:22 What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear your name because you are mine!
HERE LUKE records some of the “Sermon on the Mount”, more commonly referred to in Matthew 5-7. This is one of Jesus’ “be happy” sayings or Beatitudes. It doesn’t fit our thinking of popularity does it?
Have you ever felt left out or even abused because you talked about Jesus and stood for what was right? Then be happy about it!
Yes, that is what Jesus is teaching. And it is a wonderful lesson to learn. One of the most difficult places to come to in our lives is the place of “eternal view”. In other words, when we decide what to do or say, we need to understand how our words and actions will affect our eternal view or someone else’s eternal life.
For example, if you are ostracized because you take a stand for Jesus and are sad about it, no one will care. If you have a smile on your face and show joy amid trouble, someone will say, “What makes you so happy?”
And you can say, “Jesus makes me happy, and here’s why.” In your response you have the opportunity to affect someone’s eternal life. You show them in your attitude that you really believe Jesus’ words.
Yes, be happy in Jesus and you will affect eternal change in people’s lives.
Pause and Consider: how your attitude can change someone’s life—perhaps your own.
Be Happy, Cause Change
Read Luke 5 - 6
Luke 6:22 What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear your name because you are mine!
HERE LUKE records some of the “Sermon on the Mount”, more commonly referred to in Matthew 5-7. This is one of Jesus’ “be happy” sayings or Beatitudes. It doesn’t fit our thinking of popularity does it?
Have you ever felt left out or even abused because you talked about Jesus and stood for what was right? Then be happy about it!
Yes, that is what Jesus is teaching. And it is a wonderful lesson to learn. One of the most difficult places to come to in our lives is the place of “eternal view”. In other words, when we decide what to do or say, we need to understand how our words and actions will affect our eternal view or someone else’s eternal life.
For example, if you are ostracized because you take a stand for Jesus and are sad about it, no one will care. If you have a smile on your face and show joy amid trouble, someone will say, “What makes you so happy?”
And you can say, “Jesus makes me happy, and here’s why.” In your response you have the opportunity to affect someone’s eternal life. You show them in your attitude that you really believe Jesus’ words.
Yes, be happy in Jesus and you will affect eternal change in people’s lives.
Pause and Consider: how your attitude can change someone’s life—perhaps your own.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
September 13, 2010
September 13
Strength in Knowing
Read Luke 3 - 4
Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
THINK BACK on Adam and Eve in the Garden. Satan tempted them amid perfection and plenty. He piled on lies. When the first couple believed the lies, sin entered the world.
Now Satan is talking to the Son of God, who in his human form has absolutely nothing—not even food. Satan tries to tempt Jesus in his human frailty and in a desert! And Jesus says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ What makes the difference?
Adam and Eve tried to deal with Satan on their own terms. They had a close relationship with the Father. But when Satan created doubt about God’s Law, they should have gone to God to ask, “Who’s right?”.
In their human mind, doubt was legitimate. They had never been lied to before. When God said, “No.” and Satan said, “Go.’ they should have checked back with the Law Giver.
Jesus, though, knew better. He knew that when Satan spoke, only lies came out of his mouth. (John 8:44
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies.) Even in his physical weakness, Jesus’ knowledge protected him to turn from temptation and to the truth.
You’re tempted with something, aren’t you? I know you are. We all are. All the time. Satan and his demons rear their ugly heads into our heads. How do you know what to do? Check with the Father’s Word, and you’ll know. Throughout the bible you see Satan’s destruction. And you see the Father’s love. Know the power of God’s love for you. Say, “No.” to the devil. And say, “Yes!” to your Lord.
Pause and Consider: how necessary it is to know God’s Word.
Strength in Knowing
Read Luke 3 - 4
Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
THINK BACK on Adam and Eve in the Garden. Satan tempted them amid perfection and plenty. He piled on lies. When the first couple believed the lies, sin entered the world.
Now Satan is talking to the Son of God, who in his human form has absolutely nothing—not even food. Satan tries to tempt Jesus in his human frailty and in a desert! And Jesus says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ What makes the difference?
Adam and Eve tried to deal with Satan on their own terms. They had a close relationship with the Father. But when Satan created doubt about God’s Law, they should have gone to God to ask, “Who’s right?”.
In their human mind, doubt was legitimate. They had never been lied to before. When God said, “No.” and Satan said, “Go.’ they should have checked back with the Law Giver.
Jesus, though, knew better. He knew that when Satan spoke, only lies came out of his mouth. (John 8:44
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies.) Even in his physical weakness, Jesus’ knowledge protected him to turn from temptation and to the truth.
You’re tempted with something, aren’t you? I know you are. We all are. All the time. Satan and his demons rear their ugly heads into our heads. How do you know what to do? Check with the Father’s Word, and you’ll know. Throughout the bible you see Satan’s destruction. And you see the Father’s love. Know the power of God’s love for you. Say, “No.” to the devil. And say, “Yes!” to your Lord.
Pause and Consider: how necessary it is to know God’s Word.
September 12, 2010 Prepared for Learning
September 12
Prepared for Learning
Read Luke 1 - 2
Luke 1:16-17 “Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
ON THE first day my twin granddaughters walked into school, they were in new surroundings and had a new “authority” person in their life. Their teacher began to guide them through lessons and habits to help them engage with her, with learning and with their classmates. It was a big change for them, or was it?
Really, it wasn’t. Essentially for the prior 6 years of their lives, their mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, Sunday school teachers and pre-school teachers had prepared them for that day. They had learned about authority and learned it really is fun to learn! They had been prepared. And as they entered school, they found learning to be a joyful experience under the authority of their teacher.
God wants you to joyfully learn about and from him. He prepared his people for his Messiah through centuries of prophecies and his authority in the Law. Then God sent John the Baptist to make final preparations for Jesus. Those who believed God, the prophets and John expected the Messiah.
As a result, they were ready for Jesus’ authority to teach, to heal, and to transform lives into salvation. And those who accepted his authority experienced salvation’s joy. They found learning of Jesus’ love and forgiveness to be a joyful experience under the authority of their Master.
Are you prepared to follow Jesus? Read God’s Word. Learn from others. Accept him as Lord. And you, too, will rejoice in his teachings under his loving authority.
Pause and Consider: your responsibility to be God’s authority in your family.
Prepared for Learning
Read Luke 1 - 2
Luke 1:16-17 “Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
ON THE first day my twin granddaughters walked into school, they were in new surroundings and had a new “authority” person in their life. Their teacher began to guide them through lessons and habits to help them engage with her, with learning and with their classmates. It was a big change for them, or was it?
Really, it wasn’t. Essentially for the prior 6 years of their lives, their mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, Sunday school teachers and pre-school teachers had prepared them for that day. They had learned about authority and learned it really is fun to learn! They had been prepared. And as they entered school, they found learning to be a joyful experience under the authority of their teacher.
God wants you to joyfully learn about and from him. He prepared his people for his Messiah through centuries of prophecies and his authority in the Law. Then God sent John the Baptist to make final preparations for Jesus. Those who believed God, the prophets and John expected the Messiah.
As a result, they were ready for Jesus’ authority to teach, to heal, and to transform lives into salvation. And those who accepted his authority experienced salvation’s joy. They found learning of Jesus’ love and forgiveness to be a joyful experience under the authority of their Master.
Are you prepared to follow Jesus? Read God’s Word. Learn from others. Accept him as Lord. And you, too, will rejoice in his teachings under his loving authority.
Pause and Consider: your responsibility to be God’s authority in your family.
Friday, September 10, 2010
September 11, 2010 Are You Crucifying Jesus?
September 11
Are You Crucifying Jesus?
Read Mark 15 - 16
Mark 15:32 “Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.”
THE CRUICIFIERS were mocking Jesus. They didn’t really believe he would come down off the cross. They even said they’d believe him if he came down off the cross, if he escaped the death and agony they had condemned him to suffer.
Guess what. He did “come down off that cross”. He left agony and death on his Resurrection Morning!
I wonder if any of the men taunting Jesus that day stood by their word and believed in him as their Lord when they heard he was no longer in the grave? I think some may have. It is true that in the early church were some who had been Pharisees.
I wonder if the Pharisee Saul was there that day watching Jesus die and mocking him? He would one day see the Living Lord “off the cross”. And Jesus transformed him into the Apostle Paul.
Yes, Jesus has come down off the cross to transform your life, too! Do you believe that? Or do you keep him “on the cross” preferring your way to his life transforming ways?
I’ve heard people say, “If God gets me that ____ I want, then I’ll believe.” Does that kind of comment mean we are crucifying our Lord? Does it mean we are saying, “I don’t really believe you can do what you say.” Are we spiritually hanging him on a cross, and we’ll only trust him if he “comes down” and does what we want?
Jesus is down off the cross. He is alive. His transforming power is for you. Believe this and live in him.
Pause and Consider: what you say and do—do you “crucify” your Lord, keep him on the cross, in any way?
Are You Crucifying Jesus?
Read Mark 15 - 16
Mark 15:32 “Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.”
THE CRUICIFIERS were mocking Jesus. They didn’t really believe he would come down off the cross. They even said they’d believe him if he came down off the cross, if he escaped the death and agony they had condemned him to suffer.
Guess what. He did “come down off that cross”. He left agony and death on his Resurrection Morning!
I wonder if any of the men taunting Jesus that day stood by their word and believed in him as their Lord when they heard he was no longer in the grave? I think some may have. It is true that in the early church were some who had been Pharisees.
I wonder if the Pharisee Saul was there that day watching Jesus die and mocking him? He would one day see the Living Lord “off the cross”. And Jesus transformed him into the Apostle Paul.
Yes, Jesus has come down off the cross to transform your life, too! Do you believe that? Or do you keep him “on the cross” preferring your way to his life transforming ways?
I’ve heard people say, “If God gets me that ____ I want, then I’ll believe.” Does that kind of comment mean we are crucifying our Lord? Does it mean we are saying, “I don’t really believe you can do what you say.” Are we spiritually hanging him on a cross, and we’ll only trust him if he “comes down” and does what we want?
Jesus is down off the cross. He is alive. His transforming power is for you. Believe this and live in him.
Pause and Consider: what you say and do—do you “crucify” your Lord, keep him on the cross, in any way?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
September 10, 2010 Complete Worship
September 10
Complete Worship
Read Mark 14
Mark 14:6-7 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.”
A WOMAN pours out a jar of expensive oil over Jesus to honor him. But many think it is a waste, and they criticize her. Jesus, in his adept way of authority teaches her accusers two very important lessons.
One lesson is this: Honor your Savior. We honor him when we spiritually sit at his feet in prayer, when we listen to his voice and when we anoint him with our worship. We spend so little time, if any, doing these things. The perfume symbolizes a fragrant offering of complete devotion to our King. Give him your offering. Devote yourself to him.
The second lesson: Take care of the poor. Jesus said that we will always have the poor with us. This does not mean he wants people to be poor. He is condemning our selfish attitude. People criticized the woman for wasting the perfume. It could have helped the poor. But I wonder: Did they then go and work to relieve poverty and homelessness? Did they give a tithe of their income to people in need?
I don’t know. But I know we as people of Christ don’t tithe—give 10 per cent of our income to God as he instructs us to do. If we did, there would be more than enough money to care for people with legitimate needs. The welfare system would not exist as we know it. And more people would see Jesus in action and want to worship at his feet.
Let’s worship our Lord with our complete self and give to each other as there is need.
Pause and Consider: who among the poor do you need to help?
Complete Worship
Read Mark 14
Mark 14:6-7 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.”
A WOMAN pours out a jar of expensive oil over Jesus to honor him. But many think it is a waste, and they criticize her. Jesus, in his adept way of authority teaches her accusers two very important lessons.
One lesson is this: Honor your Savior. We honor him when we spiritually sit at his feet in prayer, when we listen to his voice and when we anoint him with our worship. We spend so little time, if any, doing these things. The perfume symbolizes a fragrant offering of complete devotion to our King. Give him your offering. Devote yourself to him.
The second lesson: Take care of the poor. Jesus said that we will always have the poor with us. This does not mean he wants people to be poor. He is condemning our selfish attitude. People criticized the woman for wasting the perfume. It could have helped the poor. But I wonder: Did they then go and work to relieve poverty and homelessness? Did they give a tithe of their income to people in need?
I don’t know. But I know we as people of Christ don’t tithe—give 10 per cent of our income to God as he instructs us to do. If we did, there would be more than enough money to care for people with legitimate needs. The welfare system would not exist as we know it. And more people would see Jesus in action and want to worship at his feet.
Let’s worship our Lord with our complete self and give to each other as there is need.
Pause and Consider: who among the poor do you need to help?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
September 9, 2010 Unchanging Word
September 9
Unchanging Word
Read Mark 12 - 13
Mark 13:2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.”
&
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
IN 2005 there was some enormous damage to property. In one area of the world, tsunamis and earthquakes destroyed large hotels and office buildings. In another part of the world, within hours, hurricanes tore down 300- year-old towns and cities.
The best in modern architecture and engineering could not cope with the overwhelming forces of God’s creation. It is disturbing to see so much destroyed so quickly. Life and property are at the mercy of many things, including the power of nature.
How do we cope with this uncertainty? We look to the certainty of God’s promise: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
God’s Word will not diminish. In fact, God’s Word will grow in power as God unleashes his power to his good purposes through his Word.
In Genesis we read of God’s Word coming forth and creating the world. Then God brought his Word into the world in Jesus Christ to ignite the transformational power of the Kingdom of God. Today the Holy Spirit continues to move in power and change lives as we see in many ways how God’s Word causes storms that disturb people to bring quiet into restless hearts. God’s Word is the power that moves the physical world and triumphs over all in the spiritual world. Be thankful that God’s Word never changes. You can trust its power forever.
Pause and Consider: how you can make God’s Word alive in someone’s life today—praying, helping, listening?
Unchanging Word
Read Mark 12 - 13
Mark 13:2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.”
&
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
IN 2005 there was some enormous damage to property. In one area of the world, tsunamis and earthquakes destroyed large hotels and office buildings. In another part of the world, within hours, hurricanes tore down 300- year-old towns and cities.
The best in modern architecture and engineering could not cope with the overwhelming forces of God’s creation. It is disturbing to see so much destroyed so quickly. Life and property are at the mercy of many things, including the power of nature.
How do we cope with this uncertainty? We look to the certainty of God’s promise: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
God’s Word will not diminish. In fact, God’s Word will grow in power as God unleashes his power to his good purposes through his Word.
In Genesis we read of God’s Word coming forth and creating the world. Then God brought his Word into the world in Jesus Christ to ignite the transformational power of the Kingdom of God. Today the Holy Spirit continues to move in power and change lives as we see in many ways how God’s Word causes storms that disturb people to bring quiet into restless hearts. God’s Word is the power that moves the physical world and triumphs over all in the spiritual world. Be thankful that God’s Word never changes. You can trust its power forever.
Pause and Consider: how you can make God’s Word alive in someone’s life today—praying, helping, listening?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
September 8, 2010 Loving the Serving
September 8
Loving the Serving
Read Mark 10 - 11
Mark 10:42-45 So Jesus called them to him and said, “As you know, the kings and great men of the earth lord it over the people; 43 but among you it is different. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. 44 And whoever wants to be greatest of all must be the slave of all. 45 For even I, the Messiah, am not here to be served, but to help others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”
JESUS’ great gift to you is his life as a ransom for your sins. He came to serve you in this way. He’s a servant-king. Are you, in response, a servant-follower?
Servant following means you have opened your heart to first empty your own desires. Then you keep the door open to receive the love your Lord Jesus has prepared to give you. When you are filled in his love, servant-following is easy.
How do you come to be filled in that way?
Think about the best relationship you have. Perhaps it is with your spouse, parent, child or friend. What happened to make this relationship so good? Likely you’ve been through some things together. You have helped each other through some struggles. You have spent time sharing loving words and acts of kindness. Each of you have given up your own desires to please the other.
What happens when the other calls and says, “Come.” You go because you love the person.
The same thing happens when you love Jesus. When you spend time getting to know him, speaking to him, listening to him and understanding his great love for you, you will love him. When you love him, you will eagerly be his servant-follower. It will be a joyous relationship for you and for him.
Pause and Consider: how easy it is to help someone you love. It’s that way when you love Jesus.
Loving the Serving
Read Mark 10 - 11
Mark 10:42-45 So Jesus called them to him and said, “As you know, the kings and great men of the earth lord it over the people; 43 but among you it is different. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. 44 And whoever wants to be greatest of all must be the slave of all. 45 For even I, the Messiah, am not here to be served, but to help others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”
JESUS’ great gift to you is his life as a ransom for your sins. He came to serve you in this way. He’s a servant-king. Are you, in response, a servant-follower?
Servant following means you have opened your heart to first empty your own desires. Then you keep the door open to receive the love your Lord Jesus has prepared to give you. When you are filled in his love, servant-following is easy.
How do you come to be filled in that way?
Think about the best relationship you have. Perhaps it is with your spouse, parent, child or friend. What happened to make this relationship so good? Likely you’ve been through some things together. You have helped each other through some struggles. You have spent time sharing loving words and acts of kindness. Each of you have given up your own desires to please the other.
What happens when the other calls and says, “Come.” You go because you love the person.
The same thing happens when you love Jesus. When you spend time getting to know him, speaking to him, listening to him and understanding his great love for you, you will love him. When you love him, you will eagerly be his servant-follower. It will be a joyous relationship for you and for him.
Pause and Consider: how easy it is to help someone you love. It’s that way when you love Jesus.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
September 7, 2010 You Can't Argue with an Embrace
September 7
You Can’t Argue with an Embrace
Read Mark 8 – 9
Mark 8:11 When the local Jewish leaders learned of his arrival, they came to argue with him.” Do a miracle for us,” they said. “Make something happen in the sky. Then we will believe in you.”
MANY of us today are like these Jewish leaders. On Jesus’ arrival in their town, they wanted to argue with him and see more signs from him. When Jesus “arrives” in our midst through the reading and preaching of God’s Word, we may think, “Those words aren’t for me. Surely he’s not asking me to love my neighbor, to forgive others, to live in peace, or to give up what I want to follow him.” We want to argue with Jesus’ teaching.
Then, when Jesus has shown us that he is with us and we can trust him, do we willingly take the next step of faith?
Perhaps, instead, we wonder again if we can trust him. We wonder if we can give our hearts and minds to him in new situations, to let go of ourselves and live life differently.
Be assured that you can. When Jesus “arrives” today through God’s Word or nudges your mind, greet him warmly and with trust. Know he comes to minister to you and to give you of himself. Embrace him and accept him gladly.
Pause and Consider: Have you ever argued with anyone at the moment you’ve embraced him?
You Can’t Argue with an Embrace
Read Mark 8 – 9
Mark 8:11 When the local Jewish leaders learned of his arrival, they came to argue with him.” Do a miracle for us,” they said. “Make something happen in the sky. Then we will believe in you.”
MANY of us today are like these Jewish leaders. On Jesus’ arrival in their town, they wanted to argue with him and see more signs from him. When Jesus “arrives” in our midst through the reading and preaching of God’s Word, we may think, “Those words aren’t for me. Surely he’s not asking me to love my neighbor, to forgive others, to live in peace, or to give up what I want to follow him.” We want to argue with Jesus’ teaching.
Then, when Jesus has shown us that he is with us and we can trust him, do we willingly take the next step of faith?
Perhaps, instead, we wonder again if we can trust him. We wonder if we can give our hearts and minds to him in new situations, to let go of ourselves and live life differently.
Be assured that you can. When Jesus “arrives” today through God’s Word or nudges your mind, greet him warmly and with trust. Know he comes to minister to you and to give you of himself. Embrace him and accept him gladly.
Pause and Consider: Have you ever argued with anyone at the moment you’ve embraced him?
September 6, 2010 Go and Rest
September 6
Get Quiet and Rest
Read Mark 6 - 7
Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
&
Mark 6:45-46 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
PERHAPS it is my perception, but it seems that in our culture today it is shameful to have times of rest. We seem to wear a mantle of pride in “I’m busy.” We find ways to fill our days and weeks with commitments and activities that keep us from rest.
Exhaustion, weariness, confusion and negativism can be the result of too little rest. See here how Jesus functioned.
Jesus did not want his disciples to be weary in their ministry. He did not want their minds to wander from the purpose of his call on their lives. Instead, he knew the limitations of the human body, and he called on them to rest. And he modeled this.
Often we read of Jesus’ solitary activity of prayer. By himself, he went to be with the Father. He knew there were more people to heal, more souls to save, more sermons to give. He also knew his time here was limited to do these things. But he rested anyway. He rested in the Father.
Go today, and do likewise, for it is good. Rest is healing and renewing. Rest gives you time to be with your Lord.
Pause and Consider: do you worship “busy” or do you worship God?
Get Quiet and Rest
Read Mark 6 - 7
Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
&
Mark 6:45-46 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
PERHAPS it is my perception, but it seems that in our culture today it is shameful to have times of rest. We seem to wear a mantle of pride in “I’m busy.” We find ways to fill our days and weeks with commitments and activities that keep us from rest.
Exhaustion, weariness, confusion and negativism can be the result of too little rest. See here how Jesus functioned.
Jesus did not want his disciples to be weary in their ministry. He did not want their minds to wander from the purpose of his call on their lives. Instead, he knew the limitations of the human body, and he called on them to rest. And he modeled this.
Often we read of Jesus’ solitary activity of prayer. By himself, he went to be with the Father. He knew there were more people to heal, more souls to save, more sermons to give. He also knew his time here was limited to do these things. But he rested anyway. He rested in the Father.
Go today, and do likewise, for it is good. Rest is healing and renewing. Rest gives you time to be with your Lord.
Pause and Consider: do you worship “busy” or do you worship God?
Friday, September 3, 2010
September 4, 2010 Change the World
September 4
Change the World
Read Mark 1 - 3
Mark 1:19-20 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
I AM always amazed at this moment. When I see a portrait of Jesus calling these men who are standing at their boats, with nets around them, I think: What a profound crazy moment in their lives. Did they have any idea what they were getting into?
I’m sure they didn’t know what lay ahead of them. They had no idea this man beckoning them was the Son of God. They could not conceive he would die a horrible death. Even worse, they could not possibly see that they would die horrible deaths for this man saying, “Follow me.”
So without any concept of the radical change their lives were to undergo, they did something enormously radical. They dropped what they were doing. They left a good family business. They took an unbelievable economic risk to go with an unemployed, unsupported, wandering rabbi who said, “Follow me.”
The disciples had much to learn. But one thing they had at that moment was a quickening, an enlivening fire from the Holy Spirit. The Son of God beckoned. The Spirit of God enlivened. These young men took the first steps that would change the world.
Pause and Consider: You know a good deal more about Jesus than they did. Are you ready to trust him to take new steps to change the world with him?
Change the World
Read Mark 1 - 3
Mark 1:19-20 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
I AM always amazed at this moment. When I see a portrait of Jesus calling these men who are standing at their boats, with nets around them, I think: What a profound crazy moment in their lives. Did they have any idea what they were getting into?
I’m sure they didn’t know what lay ahead of them. They had no idea this man beckoning them was the Son of God. They could not conceive he would die a horrible death. Even worse, they could not possibly see that they would die horrible deaths for this man saying, “Follow me.”
So without any concept of the radical change their lives were to undergo, they did something enormously radical. They dropped what they were doing. They left a good family business. They took an unbelievable economic risk to go with an unemployed, unsupported, wandering rabbi who said, “Follow me.”
The disciples had much to learn. But one thing they had at that moment was a quickening, an enlivening fire from the Holy Spirit. The Son of God beckoned. The Spirit of God enlivened. These young men took the first steps that would change the world.
Pause and Consider: You know a good deal more about Jesus than they did. Are you ready to trust him to take new steps to change the world with him?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 3, 2010 Broken and Bleeding Body
September 3
Body and Blood for You
Read Matthew 26 - 28
Matt 26:27-28 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
HERE ARE the precious words of Jesus just before his own people crucified him. He knows he is about to go to an excruciating death. Yet, he gives us this profound communion with him—he gives himself.
“This is my body.” “This is my blood.” What more can our Savior give us to symbolize his complete devotion to the Father’s will to be our Savior? He gives us symbols that are before us each time we eat and drink. The bread at our table, the wine or juice or any other drink—these are constant reminders that Jesus died for us.
Jesus did give himself. He did give up his body and blood on the cross. And even more fully he has sent his Spirit to empower us with the truth of his saving sacrifice.
When you eat today, stop and give thanks to Jesus. Be in communion with him—be together with him. Remember that your food and drink are for your physical life, and these items symbolize your spiritual life in him.
You can trust your Lord who allowed his body to be broken and his blood to be shed for you.
Pause and Consider: how Jesus’ brokenness opens the way to your completeness.
Body and Blood for You
Read Matthew 26 - 28
Matt 26:27-28 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
HERE ARE the precious words of Jesus just before his own people crucified him. He knows he is about to go to an excruciating death. Yet, he gives us this profound communion with him—he gives himself.
“This is my body.” “This is my blood.” What more can our Savior give us to symbolize his complete devotion to the Father’s will to be our Savior? He gives us symbols that are before us each time we eat and drink. The bread at our table, the wine or juice or any other drink—these are constant reminders that Jesus died for us.
Jesus did give himself. He did give up his body and blood on the cross. And even more fully he has sent his Spirit to empower us with the truth of his saving sacrifice.
When you eat today, stop and give thanks to Jesus. Be in communion with him—be together with him. Remember that your food and drink are for your physical life, and these items symbolize your spiritual life in him.
You can trust your Lord who allowed his body to be broken and his blood to be shed for you.
Pause and Consider: how Jesus’ brokenness opens the way to your completeness.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September 2, 2010 Love, Faith, Judgment
September 2
Love and Faith
Read Matthew 24 - 25
Matt 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
&
Matt 24:45-46 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.”
&
Mt 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”
HOW DO we prepare for our meeting with the Lord Jesus? Whether we see him come in the air, or we die and meet him in heaven, we will meet him, and we must be ready.
We are fully prepared when we express our faith in him. And this is more than words, saying a prayer, “Lord be my Savior.”
When you have “Jesus in your heart” your faith is a faith in action, obeying his words, showing his love to those around you. Scripture is clear your faith is to be a love response to your Lord’s saving love. Love Jesus and faithfully serve him as he leads you.
Pause and Consider: do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in Heaven?
Love and Faith
Read Matthew 24 - 25
Matt 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
&
Matt 24:45-46 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.”
&
Mt 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”
HOW DO we prepare for our meeting with the Lord Jesus? Whether we see him come in the air, or we die and meet him in heaven, we will meet him, and we must be ready.
We are fully prepared when we express our faith in him. And this is more than words, saying a prayer, “Lord be my Savior.”
When you have “Jesus in your heart” your faith is a faith in action, obeying his words, showing his love to those around you. Scripture is clear your faith is to be a love response to your Lord’s saving love. Love Jesus and faithfully serve him as he leads you.
Pause and Consider: do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in Heaven?
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