Can You Really Trust God?

March 4, 2012 God's Best Story

2012-03-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

God’s Best Story

Mark 6:24-27 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison.

YOU KNOW, sometimes it is really difficult reading the Bible. Here you have Evil in Herodias’ daughter and Herod vs. Good in John the Baptist. And John is killed. This is really not fair, God. You created John to be a Messenger for the Christ. “Where are you in this, God? Why?”
But then it’s time to pause and consider how limited is my point-of-view. I see nothing of the future and how all matters must point to the New Heaven and Earth. Although it seems John’s death and Herod’s sin have no good purpose, you and I must understand that we do not understand everything God must do to complete his plan of saving us forever.
Throughout scripture there are some terribly difficult stories when evil seems to win. But remember that the worst of those stories is the beginning of the best of all stories.
Yes, Evil seems to triumph over Good as Jesus is crucified. But God’s plan for Jesus’ death is for the beginning of your life. Jesus needed to die to conquer sin and Hell. Through God’s worst story comes God’s best story eternal life.

Pause and consider how God’s best story is for you.

March 3, 2012 Captivated with God

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Captivated With God

Mark 6:21-24 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

HEROD is so captivated with Herodias’ daughter—actually his biological niece—that he is willing to give her half his kingdom. What kind of foolish, lustful man is this?
I’m afraid Herod’s kind is much too common a kind of man. Sensual pleasure captivates the world. And fools rush after it. Does it captivate even you?
Before you answer, consider: What are sins of the flesh? Could sins of the flesh be your desire for the newest car, latest tech tool, fanciest golf club, or extravagant clothes? Could sins of the flesh be too much TV or too much time on useless chatter in social networks? Could sins of the flesh be that morning “Starbucks”?
Think of Herod’s lust. It captivated his soul until it destroyed him (He died in absolute, miserable exile). Now think about the things that captivate you. Are they the worldly things that will destroy you, exile you from friends and from God? Or are they things of God that will give you life with a loving relationship in Him and with others?
The Apostle Paul gives this advice: Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Pause and consider how captivating is God’s Word to lead you to him.

March 2, 2012 What Did He Hear?

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What Did He Hear?

Mark 6:19-20 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.

YOU SEE in this short account a man of power who had absolutely no power over evil.
Herod Antipas was a king over Galilee and the area of the Decapolis. Galilee, of course, is the home territory of John the Baptist and Jesus. This is the same Herod whom Jesus is sent to at his “trial”.
Herod had great power to create beautiful gardens. He built cities and transformed ordinary villages into extraordinary visual splendor. He moved men and earth, but he couldn’t move his heart to the right.
John preached to him—told him how evil he was to marry Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. John apparently had discussions with Herod. Herod “liked to listen to him”, but Herod heard nothng he would like to do. Herod’s desire was to please the sinful lusts of Herodias. Herod’s desire was to please the sinful lusts of his heart. He heard the word of God, the Law of Moses, straight from the greatest prophet of all; yet, he said, “No thank you. This isn’t for me.”
It’s easy to condemn him, isn’t it? C’mon Herod, the word of God was right in your face! You denied it! You disdained it! You preferred your sinful heart over God’s heart! You deserved to die for your sins, Herod!
Oh, wait a minute. What did I do about what God was saying to me in his Word today? What did I do about the sermon I heard last week? What did I do about my sin?

Pause and consider how you and I deserve to die for our sins, but Jesus did, instead.

February 24, 2012 Why Not Tell?

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Why Not Tell?

Mark 5:43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

JESUS has resurrected a young girl from her death bed. Call back the mourners. Call back the family waiting outside the house. Run to the streets and proclaim, “My daughter is alive! She was dead, but now she lives!”
But wait. The Lord of Life says, “Don’t tell.” You look at him and wonder, “Why not? This is awesome news, Jesus! I have to let people know.”
Yes, why would Jesus issue this request for silence regarding the girl’s resurrection? He says this to others he heals. Most ignore him and go tell anyway.
My thought here is that Jesus was trying to protect his ministry and his mission. We see before this that huge crowds were pressing around him. People were desperately seeking him for their physical healing. And as he obliged them, the pressing crowds grew larger. “Heal me now, Jesus!” they might have called.
Although his healing power was vital to his ministry, Jesus’ main ministry was to preach the Gospel and to minister eternal healing, eternal life, to the world. It seems Jesus was concerned here that people would focus too much on the quick healing and focus too little on his eternal healing.
Jesus wasn’t a miracle worker for his own sake. Jesus’ primary mission was to proclaim the power of God had come for the eternal salvation of the world. He could not allow the pressing crowds, seeking a “quick fix” to their lives keep him from his mission.

Pause and consider: Are you after Jesus for a “quick fix” for your life or for eternal life?

February 22, 2012 Why Bother Jesus?

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Why Bother Jesus?

Mark 5:33-36 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher further?” 36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don't be afraid; just believe.”

HERE is a woman healed and then she is fearful she has stepped beyond her bounds. Here is a man seeking healing for his daughter. Then he hears the news she is dead. Then Jesus assures him, “Do not be afraid.”
Fear pops up in so many places, doesn’t it? “I’m afraid to go to Jesus. He might say I’m too guilty.” Or “I’m afraid. I have no hope for my future.” Or “I’m afraid to tell anyone how Jesus has healed me. They will laugh at me. They’ll think I’m crazy.”
Jesus tells you and shows you here that there is no room for fear in his Kingdom. He welcomes you to come to him. He offers you hope amid disease and even death because he conquers all things that oppose him. He offers to you his love as you seek him and go touch him.
When Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” he is offering himself to the woman, to Jairus, to the crowd around him, and to you.
Jesus wants you to know in the turmoil of fear and emotions from all directions, you can turn and focus on him.
Turn to Jesus. As each new emotion comes to you, say his name. Touch his cloak. Hear his love. Your fear will go.

Pause and consider Jesus’ presence quiets your emotions.

--I pray that this Lenten season is a time for you to pause and consider harmful habits to stop and Godly habits to begin.

February 21, 2012 Real Power

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Real Power

Mark 5:30-32 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you, “his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.

YOU know Jesus’ healing power is real here, don’t you. His power is so much a part of him he feels it flow out of him.
The Gospels record one miraculous, power-filled scene after another. The events happen so quickly, you can easily miss them. Demons gone, the blind see, the deaf hear. The words of life are proclaimed, and lives are changed forever.
The wonder of Jesus power demonstration is that he didn’t stop—ever. His power is still going into the world right now. This past week in our town, 75 teens came to faith in him at a rally at the high school. A junior high boy known for causing trouble has found new life. A teen turned from her suicide desires. A family found comfort in their deep sorrow. A 4-year-old boy came to church and is excited for Jesus. A young boy has found peace from his worries. A young mom has begun to see joy and hope in her life once again. A teen has been rescued from an abusive home.
“Where’s Jesus?” You ask. He’s right here in the crowd of hurt, hopelessness, pain, doubts, fears, disease and worry. Yes, Jesus walks right into these places. And when you touch him, his real, alive and life-changing power flows from him.
Do you want this in your life? Then go touch him. Grab onto him. Hold onto him. Let his power flow to you.

Pause and consider Jesus’ power never is unplugged.

February 20, 2012 Suffering Jesus

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Suffering Jesus

Mark 5:25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

“FREED from her suffering”…an incredible statement isn’t it? How you long for yourself or for someone you know to be freed from suffering. Suffering—a deep hurt physically that won’t quit, a penetrating hurt psychologically that shows up with every thought. What do you do with the suffering?
It’s easy for me to say, “Be like the bleeding woman. She went to Jesus, and he healed her.” But what would have happened if he didn’t heal her? Would you know her? No. You hear of the healed. What happens to the unhealed? Where’s Jesus in their suffering? Where’s Jesus in your suffering?
He’s right there. Do you see him? He’s at the whipping post. The Roman soldiers are lashing him to unbearable suffering for you.
Do you see him? The Roman executors are driving big spikes through his wrists. Now they are lifting his suffering body on a cross. Do you see him hanging there? Why is he experiencing that suffering pain? Of course, he suffers for you.
Yes, Jesus heals some now. Some he heals after “12 years”. Some he does not heal in this life.
Yet, Jesus has suffered to heal you for eternity. Call on Jesus as Lord and be healed forever.

Pause and consider how you need to touch Jesus to know his healing power.

February 19, 2012 Earnestly Seek Jesus

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Earnestly Approaching Jesus

Mark 5:21-25 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him.

DO YOU see how the people and Jairus earnestly sought Jesus as he returned to Capernaum?
From the beginning of his Gospel, Mark has been telling the story of how people earnestly came to the Jordan to repent and be baptized to prepare to see the Savior. And when the Savior shows up, the news spreads. People are amazed. Huge crowds earnestly seek him. God’s people are starving for the Bread of Life. They are parched for the Living Water. They are lost for lack of a Good Shepherd.
In Jesus they see the One who can fill their spiritual hunger, ease their hopeless thirst and guide their directionless lives. Yes, why wouldn’t they earnestly seek him as did Jairus, who fell at Jesus’ feet to plead with him? His daughter is dying. He earnestly needs the one who can heal!
How do you go to Jesus? Do you think, “I’ll pray once and see if anything happens.” “If I have time, I’ll read some Bible today.”
That’s no way to go to the Savior. You need him, too, to fill you, quench your thirst and lead you to healing. He deserves your full attention.

Pause and consider how excited you are to see your best friend. Are you as excited to go the Savior?

February 16, 2012 The Deliverer

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The Deliverer

Mark 5:11-15 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13 He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

WHAT DO you think? Is it better to restore one man’s life—or save the swine?
Legion—the demons—plea with Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." Why? They want to destroy the swine. They want to turn the people against Jesus as they accuse, “He killed the swine!”
What are Jesus’ purposes here? One, he wants to save the man, to deliver him from evil. Two, he wants to test these Gentiles. What will they consider good? What will be their reaction to the One who delivers them from evil?
As you see, they were afraid. Jesus had saved a man, but the swine died. That’s lost income for some. Even though Legion had mocked and harassed them through the man, they were more afraid they had lost their livelihood. They were afraid the One who had delivered them from evil could not give them that day their daily “bread” – a new way of life.
They preferred the swine over the salvation.

Pause and consider: what evil rules your life? Do you trust Jesus to deliver you?

February 15, 2012 Subject to the King

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Subject to the King

Mark 5:6-10 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

WHAT WOULD it be like if you lived in total subjection to a king? A “subject” of the king, you would be subjected to his commands. His authority would absolutely rule your life.
Scripture repeatedly shows the demons know Jesus is the one who will condemn them to eternal punishment as he (Revelation 19:15) “will rule them with an iron scepter.” They know his power is ultimate. When the Christ acts, the Christ acts and nothing will hold him back.
How about you? Do you believe that? If Christ is your Savior, he is also your King. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God. A subject of the King, you are subject to the King.
Do you receive his words as the authority of your life? Do you pray for mercy in the authority of his forgiveness of your sins? Do you pray for his kingly power to heal the broken relationships, the hurts in your life?
Pray to Jesus as the ultimate authority of your life because he is.

Pause and consider that one day you will stand before Jesus’ authority. Will you beg for mercy or praise him for his mercy?

February 14, 2012 Irresistible Jesus

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Irresistible Jesus

Mark 5:1-4 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

CAN YOU imagine anything so horrible? This man lived among the dead. He was insane. He was incredibly strong and opposed all who came near him. He cut himself with stones. He’s certainly the kind of man you would avoid.
But wait a minute. What happened? He goes to see Jesus. You’ll see in the next 2 days what Jesus does in response. But first, why does this deranged, demon-possessed man go to meet Jesus?
Do you think Jesus was irresistible? I think so. Why wouldn’t he be? The Bible records numerous times that great crowds, (many people, large numbers, etc.) went to see him. He was as a “rabbi rock star”—God’s Son, the Light of the world, the Holy One of God.
Jesus was the one who healed. He spoke and people were in awe. He called, then men dropped their nets and they followed.
The demons control this man; yet, Jesus is irresistible to even them. When the Lord shows up, they must go to him. These demons know he is their Master.
How about you? What do you know about Jesus? You know enough to know you must go to him. What’s stopping you?

Pause and consider anew the steps you must take to Jesus.

February 13, 2012 Worship Him

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Worship Him

Mark 4:41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

THE DISCIPLES had been with Jesus for some time when he calms the storm on the sea. Perhaps this is the first time they feared him.
What causes their fear? They see the power of Jesus’ words. They see Jesus’ Lordship over nature. They see Jesus’ holiness in that power.
When they realize they could be in the presence of the
(Psalms 146:6) the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — what could they do but tremble in fear.
His unlimited power stood next to their faithless lives. His sovereign authority determined the destiny of their sin-filled souls. His all-knowing mind dwarfed their limited understanding. He held their souls in his hand. Why would they not tremble in fear?
Yes, now they are beginning to more clearly see who this Jesus is. They are growing in their understanding that their rabbi is the Lord of Hosts. They have seen the power of his words, and they are afraid.
Their fear can cause them to run from their Lord, or their fear can cause them to turn their minds to a greater understanding of their Lord. They were on a boat. They had to stay, and they would learn more. As it says in Proverbs 9:10-11
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Now they begin to understand that they must really listen to their rabbi. They begin to understand his words will not only calm the winds, his words will transform their lives.

Pause and consider that truly knowing Jesus will change your life. Fearful, isn’t it?

February 12 Jesus' Calm

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Jesus’ Calm

Mark 4:35-40 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don't you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

WHAT DO you think? Does Jesus care if you drown? When life’s storms wash over you and the winds of doubt, worry and pain blow against you, don’t you want to know, “Jesus, don’t you care if I drown?”
Jesus clearly shows here that he does care. He does have the power to save you from the storms. And he will use it.
It’s too easy, isn’t it, to focus on the storms even though the Savior is with you? The disciples could have called on Jesus when the clouds were forming and the wind increasing, but they focused on dealing with the storms in their own way. After all some were experienced on the sea and knew how to handle a boat. They could “do it themselves”.
But the storm got too big for them. Their fear got too big for them. Desperately they turned to Jesus. And Jesus came to quiet the storm with his words.
What storms rage around you? You can’t handle them yourself. Jesus can. Have that faith in his power to calm the storm.

Pause and consider how Jesus speaks calm.

February 11, 2012 Learn It!

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Learn It.

Mark 4:33-34 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

DO YOU want to get to know Jesus really well? Then become a disciple. What does a disciple do? He or she spends a good amount of time with Jesus.
Many times in the accounts of Jesus’ ministry, you’ll see him enter into teaching time with only his disciples. The disciples want to know all Jesus knows and do what Jesus does to become like their rabbi. When they follow Jesus, they literally follow him as closely as they can. They crowd around him as he walks. They sit or stand close to him as he teaches. They are attentive. They ask questions. Their disciplined following causes Jesus’ ways to become their ways.
How do you become a disciple? You can literally sit with his word. You can also sit with others to ask questions and learn his word. You can listen to preaching in church and teachings on TV and on the radio. Podcasts and websites are available with some of the world’s best teachers free of charge. God’s Word is everywhere. You just have to sit down and hear it.
You might say, “That’s too much.” And I will say, “How could you get too much of the eternal God? How could you get too much of the God who freely offers you eternal life?”
Why is he last on your list? Why are you always saying, “Not now.” when you are invited to a Bible study?
When will you learn if not now?

Pause and consider: each day you wait, you miss knowing Jesus.

February 10, 2012 Kingdom Growing Power

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Kingdom Growing Power

Mark 4:30-32 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”

HAVE you ever been around a mustard plant? They’re not so big. As a boy on the farm I would walk the grain and hay fields to pull up mustard plants and put them in a bag. It was the only way to remove the weed and save the crop.
So what’s Jesus talking about here—a mustard seed growing into a huge plant with branches for birds to sit on?
He is talking about Kingdom growing. The Kingdom of God is supernatural. God created the heavens and the earth and set a natural order to the universe.
Then sin broke into his creation. As a consequence, God’s creation, especially mankind, groans under sin’s weight. Now God has stepped in to change the natural sin with his supernatural power.
In the power of God, Jesus supernaturally transforms blindness to sight, lameness to strength, leprosy to wholeness, death to life, and sin to salvation.
When you accept Jesus’ salvation, you have at your disposal that same supernatural power through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit grows your heart to love, to forgive, to seek God, to worship God, to trust his mercy, to know his grace, and to know new life in his risen life. Yes, whatever you face before you, the Spirit’s supernatural power is available to shelter you.

Pause and consider how you can rest in God’s big arms.

February 9, 2012 Ready for Harvest?

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Ready for the Harvest?

Mark 4:26-29 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain — first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

YOU might be wondering, “Ready for what harvest?” I hope you’re wondering this. The answer is crucial to your eternal future.
Jesus gives a very clear Kingdom truth here. He is the farmer who plants the seed, the Truth of Jesus Christ. Once the truth is planted into good soil, it will not stop. It will root and prosper.
As sun and rain nurture a plant to grow, the Truth of Jesus nurtures you to grow and mature in the truth.
What happens when the plant has a full kernel? The kernel becomes food for some and new seed for new plants. What happens when you mature in Jesus’ truth? You produce seed.
You become “food” to feed people hungry for the truth, and you become seed to plant new truth into new soil. You tell your friends. You tell your children. The Kingdom of God grows through you.
Then what? As with any plant, your life here will end. One day God will “harvest” your life from earth into eternal life. The thing is, you don’t know when that will be. Thus, I return to my question, “Ready for the harvest?”
What do you say? Is Jesus’ truth planted, growing and maturing in you?

Pause and consider carefully your answer. Romans 10:9 offers you the way to say, “Yes, I am ready for the harvest.”

February 8, 2012 Hear It. Use It.

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Listen To It. Use It.

Mark 4:24-25 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”

DO YOU see the ways this scripture is true for you?
If you’re a student who needs to pass a class, you pay attention to enough information to get you through. If you’re a student who really wants to be good at something, you pay really close attention to know as much as you can know.
If for example, you want to be a great carpenter, the more you know and the more you put what you know to use, the greater you will be “measured” by those for whom you build.
One of my big questions in ministry is this: Why don’t people want to know as much of God as possible?
My second big question is: Why don’t people want to use God’s truth in their daily lives?
Jesus says it is critical first that you hear God’s truth (that can be through reading, listening to sermons, etc.) to learn the truth. Then it is mandatory to put God’s truth into action. If you don’t you will lose it.
If you’re a carpenter, pianist, teacher, accountant, salesperson, etc., and you fail to use what you know, you will lose what you know.
The same is true of God’s truth. If you hear it, then put it away, you will lose it. And God will judge you for your lack of faith.
The glorious promise here, though, is that when you begin to use God’s truth it will grow to be a blessing to you and to all around you.

Pause and consider that anything you don’t use is useless.

February 7, 2012 Sing the Light

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Show the Light

Mark 4:21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

THREE years ago on the show “Britian’s Got Talent”, Susan Boyle, a very ordinary-looking woman, stunned everyone with her extraordinary, emotional rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream”.
Susan’s dream was to sing as Elaine Paige, one of Britain’s top show tune singers. Before she sang, all laughed at the silly woman with a silly dream. They stood and shouted approval after Susan’s song.
That night, Susan Boyle’s light burst forth onto the world’s stage. Millions of ears heard. To date, this performance on YouTube has 13,640,293 hits. (Elaine Paige’s YouTube songs aren’t even close.)
The people of the world crave the triumph of dreams. They crave the suppressed light bursting forth.
2,000 years ago, Jesus burst forth with the irrepressible Light of God’s truth onto the world stage. When you claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that Light is in you and for you.
And so I ask, “What will you do with the Light?” Do you suppress the Light because you don’t trust Jesus’ truth? Are you ridiculed because thinks the Light is silly? Do you know you have it, but you are afraid to “sing it”?
I want to tell you something. Never mind the doubters. The world craves Jesus’ Light. Give it to them. Stand up and sing it out. It is Jesus’ song in you. Let those who have ears, hear Jesus’ truth from you.

Pause and consider, if Susan Boyle kept quiet, no one would know.

February 6, 2012 Got Life?

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Got Life?

Mark 4: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.”

DO YOU desire to be good soil? Think of how life-giving is this picture that Jesus draws for you.
What a joy it is to travel America and see bountiful crops of many types fill the fields. America’s rich soil and ample water is one reason for our wealth.
Jesus wants you to be wealthy in his truth. As good soil needs living organisms to grow healthy crops, you must have the living word of God in you. God’s living word grows living truth. Living truth grows you strong against temptation and causes you to produce good fruit in your marriage, your children and your relationships.
I don’t know anyone who has had a garden and purposely ignored it, causing it to become arid, dry and lifeless. But I know many, many people who have an arid, lifeless faith because they do not seek the life-growing power of God’s Word for their lives.
I don’t understand why it is so difficult to get people to read the Bible. Do you?

Pause and consider that Life comes from Life. What is your life source?

February 5 Trust the Spirit

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Trust the Spirit

Mark 3:22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
&
Mark 3:28-29 “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.”

YOU SAY, “I thought God forgave all sins. What’s this eternal sin?”
This does seem to contradict the picture of the all-forgiving God who offers you forgiveness and salvation if (Romans 10:9) you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
How can there be any eternal sin?
When you look at Mark 3:22, you see the teachers refusing to believe the Holy Spirit is working to drive demons from people. They are giving the credit due God to Satan.
Now is it clear why this is an eternal, unforgiveable sin? These men refuse to give praise and worship to the holy God, who clearly shows his power to heal.
Do you get that way? Do you refuse, first of all, to believe the Holy Spirit can and will do miracles in your life? Do you believe the Holy Spirit has the power to heal your disease, to guide your life, and to save you from Hell?
Or, do you give credit of the good things in your life to luck, coincidence and chance?
If so, you are neglecting the power of the Holy Spirit. You must stop that false thinking and turn to trust the truth of the Spirit in your life.
Believe in the Spirit. He is alive and powerful. He loves you.

Pause and consider: How is anything possible without the living Spirit of God?

February 4 Untie the Gospel

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Untie the Gospel

Mark 3:22-28 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” 23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house.

LOOKING for a way to discredit the demon-driving-out miracles Jesus is doing, the teachers of the law claim he is Satan. After all, Satan is the only one who could cause the demons to go away.
Jesus’ reply is essentially, “That’s ridiculous. A house is divided against cannot stand.”
Let’s shift the view and look at the church and ask, “What, too often, holds back the purpose of the church?” There are many influences that can stop a church “dead” in its mission. Unfortunately one of those mission-killing factors is how we “tie up” Jesus, the “strong man”.
Think how God’s house is too often divided against itself with, “I want things my way?” or “I’m too busy to help.” or “We never did it that way before.” Ministries are left undone because we “tie up” the God we claim to worship with, “Later.” and “Not me.” God cannot work on hearts tied to their own preferences. He needs hearts untied for him.

Pause and consider your heart. Is it bound by “me”, or in Jesus is it free?

February 4 Family First?

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Family First?

Mark 3:20-21 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

Mark 3:33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.

YOU likely put a high priority on family life. You desire to nurture and care for them. God desires you do so.
Jesus’ family went out to get him. He was so intense in his work, he hadn’t eaten. They likely feared for him, also, because of the large crowds around him. They thought it best to go get Jesus and bring him home.
That was good of them from a human point of view, but it was not what God wanted them to do. It’s not what Jesus needed to do right then. He was about his work. There’s family time and there’s “mission of God” time. Jesus’ passion was to be on mission to proclaim the Word of God through his teaching and healing. This was his highest priority.
Yes, Jesus may have been hungry, but he knew he’d survive – remember 40 days in the desert? Yes, people were opposing him, but he certainly would defend himself – remember 40 days against the devil?
When Jesus rhetorically asks, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” He’s saying, “My mission is my purpose. My work is to save all my people. I cannot be distracted, and I must do it.”

Pause and consider Jesus has come to take you home.

February 2 12 Real Guys

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Twelve Real Guys

Mark 3:16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

QUITE a draft day, isn’t it? The Lord Jesus is the General Manager, the owner, the head coach wrapped into one. He has “drafted” 12 young men (most around the age of a college sports draftee) of various skills and abilities to form a world-changing team.
They are ordinary men with no particular reputation. He drafts them from the fishing boats, from the streets, from a tax collector’s booth, from obscurity, and he calls them into an eternal purpose.
As a draftee comes into a professional team to learn a new system of how the team functions, these men will need training. They need to know who the opponent is. They need to know the plan to defeat the opponent. Jesus is calling these men to be on the team, and he needs their full commitment to be an effective team member. He calls them disciples.
Of course, the one nagging question is, “Why did Jesus choose Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him?” It seems to make no sense. But, in God’s plan to send Jesus to the cross, there would have to be one close to Jesus who would reject him. It seems so unfair that Jesus would purposefully call one to betray him.
The reality is, though, the ultimate unfairness in our lives is that God so loved you, a sinner, that Jesus, the only one without sin, would die for you. Makes no sense—we get what we don’t deserve.

Pause and consider that even though our hearts betray Jesus, he has chosen you to be his.

February 1 Does He Want You?

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Does He Want You?

Mark 3:13-16 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve — designating them apostles — that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.

DOES JESUS want you? Your first response may be, “I don’t know. Should he?” or you might think, “I doubt it. I’m not good enough.” Possibly you will think, “I sure hope so.” What he desires you to think is, “Yes, he sure does!”
I hope and pray you know how much Jesus loves you, and that he does want you as his own. This scripture shows he called 12 men “he wanted” to be apostles. Do you see his vision for them? They would “be with him and that he might send them out to preach”. He wanted them because he wants you. Here’s how I know.
Why would they be with him? Of course, it was to learn the truth of Jesus, the Savior the world. Once they learned that, they would go to preach. And what did they preach? Of course, it was the Gospel of salvation, the truth of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
And in the preaching they had authority to drive out demons. Why? Of course, it was to demonstrate the power of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Now, why did he want these 12 men? It is because he wants you. Yes, here you see God’s plan taking a dramatic step forward to teach, preach and show the truth of Jesus to the world. And now you are in the world. Yes, Jesus wanted these men because he wants you.

Pause and consider what else? Do you want Jesus?

January 31, 2012 Who Killed the Gospel?

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Who Killed the Gospel?

Mark 3:1-6 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

DO YOU think this episode makes any sense? Jesus healed a man with a withered hand. Then the Pharisees looked for ways to kill him. Seriously? “Wake up, Pharisees! The Lord of Life is healing people. Celebrate him.”
Before you get too critical, though, what about this? I’ve heard of people being offended because a church group worked on a Sunday to help some people in need. “It’s the Sabbath. You don’t do those things on a Sunday!”
Why not? Do you see the God, who came from the throne of heaven to minister into impoverished, disease-ridden communities? Do you see the God, who healed on the Sabbath and was angry and deeply distressed over the stubborn, traditional hearts around him? Would Jesus want you to heal people’s needs on the Sabbath?
What do you think? When did holding back God become a mission of the church? The Pharisees killed Jesus. When did the church kill the gospel?

Pause and consider how Jesus loved this man. Go and do likewise.

January 27, 2012 Are You Uncomfortable?

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Are You Uncomfortable?

Mark 2:15-16 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?”

DO YOU like to be comfortable? Then ministry probably isn’t for you.
Consider Jesus’ life. (You can read about it in the rest of “Mark”.) Did he ever do anything in his ministry that made him comfortable? He went to the people who were sick, put himself in positions to be often criticized, attacked verbally and threatened physically. He went to the homes of such people as Levi, whom all the people hated because he was a tax collector. He even went to a stinking tomb to raise a dead man.
No, Jesus didn’t seek comfort and neither should you if you desire to “minister” the Gospel. Ministery may require you to teach children who don’t know the rules. Or you might need to spend time with teens who have no respect for you or anything, Are You Uncomfortable?

Mark 2:15-16 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?”

No, Jesus didn’t seek comfort and neither should you if you desire to “minister” the Gospel. Ministery may require you to teach children who don’t know the rules. Or you might need to spend time with teens who have no respect for you or anything, anyone else. Maybe it’s uncomfortable to talk to people at work about Jesus. Possibly you need to go to a Third World country to minister to the hungry and desperate.
Do you feel God urging you to do something that makes you uncomfortable? To say to Jesus, “I’m not comfortable. Get someone else.” negates the life of your Lord here on earth. Before you say, “No." pray for the Holy Spirit to give you strength and passion for your Lord. Then go. He has modeled for you what he expects of you. How will you respond?

Pause and consider Jesus’ deadly discomfort of the cross is for you.

January 24, 2012 Now

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Now!

Mark 2:3-5 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.

ARE YOU a passionate person? If you’re looking for a definition of passion, the men in this story certainly fit “passion”. I always marvel at the paralyzed man’s passion to see Jesus and his friends’ passion to help him. How easy would it have been for them to walk away and say, “Later”. I wonder if the man would have been healed if he said, “Later.”
What about you? Do you passionately pursue Jesus, or do you say, “Later—not today. I don’t feel like it. I’ll get to it when it is more convenient for me.”
Do you know what? You won’t get to it later because you always have an excuse. You have things to do. You listen to distractions. You prefer mindless TV or meaningless conversations because your passion is “later” and not “now”. You know what to do, but you make excuses because you like complaining about what you don’t have instead of passionately pursuing what will change your life. Your soul is paralyzed with, “Later”. The truth of “Later” is that it never comes until you say, “Now”.
How about other areas of your life? Want a better job? Better marriage? Better friendships? Then stop living a paralyzed life. Get up and go where you need to be.

Pause and consider you need to start now.

January 22 Remember Who Did It

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Remember Who Does It

Mark 1:43-50 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

WHEN YOU consider all the glorious healings the Gospels record, isn’t it easy to say, “Jesus did it!” Would it not have been easy for him to say, “I did it!”
Instead, Jesus points the healed to the Father. Here he tells the now-clean man to go to the priests. God, the Father, had established laws by which a person would be declared clean to re-enter society. Jesus commanded the man to go and do what God had written in the law of Moses.
When the healed man disobeyed and excitedly told his great news, he pointed the people too much to Jesus and too little to the Father. It caused a disruption in Jesus’ ministry. He had to stay in lonely places, and he could no longer preach the Gospel.
When you minister the Gospel and see God work—always give the praise to God. When you are healed in some way—physically, emotionally, spiritually, economically—never praise a person who has helped you. Instead, thank the godly person who has helped you and praise the Father. Your healing has come, as all things do, in the will of God through the power of the Spirit of God.

Pause and consider how God shows up in your life. Praise him!

January 20, 2012 Purposeful Prayer

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Purposeful Prayer

Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else — to the nearby villages — so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

WHAT DO you think about prayer? What’s your response when someone tells you, “I’m praying for you.” or “You need to pray about it.”
One of the fascinating pictures of Jesus is how gets up early in the morning and goes to be alone in prayer. Isn’t it of interest to you that the Son of God purposefully goes to pray alone to the Father? Let that sink in.
Jesus needs the “alone time” with the Father before he begins his day. He needs to prepare for the ministry he’s about to do. That ministry focus is his preaching as he says, “This is why I have come.”
It is clear then, that one purpose of Jesus’ prayers was to prepare for the preaching—the purpose for which he had come.
Now consider your own life. What is your purpose in life right now? Being a mom? A dad? Being a good worker? Being a student? Being a business leader? Being a child of God? Becoming someone with special purpose? Modeling the Son of God, what’s a good thing to do in the purpose of your life?
Of course, it is to pray for God’s strength, guidance, wisdom and peace in your purpose. That is what Jesus models for you. That is the Father’s desire for you.

Pause and consider that as you pray into your life’s purpose, your life will become more purposeful in Christ Jesus.

January 19, 2012 Why Wouldn't They Be?

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Why Wouldn’t They Be?

Mark 1:27-32 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching — and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. 32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.

ARE YOU excited when you hear about Jesus? The people of Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Korazin were stirred up. And why wouldn’t they be?
News about Jesus was spreading: “We saw the Holy Spirit come on him.” “We hear God’s voice say, ‘He’s my son!’” “He’s the Lamb of God!” “Did you see? He drives out demons.” “Look at Peter’s mom—she’s well!”
The Good News of God’s Kingdom come is coursing through the countryside, invading the hearts and minds of people eagerly searching for the Christ. They see evidence, “They Christ has come!” They’re excited, and why wouldn’t they be?
How about you? Where have you seen Jesus? Are you telling others how he has come to you? Are you eager to get up in the morning and read God’s Word? Are you excited to sit down and pray, to be in conversation with the King? Are you excited to know he is your Savior!
Why wouldn’t you be?

Pause and consider your passion level for Jesus – 1? (low) 10? (high) In between? Where do you want it? Where does Jesus want it?

January 18, 2012 Be Quiet and Go!

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Be Quiet and Go!

Mark 1:23-25 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!" 25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

THE THING YOU must know is that evil spirits are active in the world. And they do “possess” – live in and control the actions of – some people. And they attempt to influence the actions of all. I have heard testimonies from people who have experienced demonic possession. They share how these demons spoke to them and turned them to evil actions. They were released from the evil when they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Jesus, the Holy One, wars against the evil that possesses and tempts his people. When he tells the demon, “Be quiet.” he rejects the voice of evil. In this exchange, you see it is the power of God that removes the power of sin literally from this man. As the demon leaves, it causes the man to convulse.
Demonic possession and influences cause convulsion in the soul, heart and mind to keep you from Jesus. The battle rages each day. Each day you must call upon the power of Jesus Christ, to protect you and free you for victory in the battle.
Jesus is the victor. He stands triumphant on the throne of heaven. Listen to his voice only.

Pause and consider how constantly the Holy Spirit is available to give you power to resist evil.

January 17, 2012 Something's Different

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Something’s Different

Mark 1:21-22 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

HAVE YOU ever been in the presence of someone who really knows what she’s talking about? She exudes authority in her knowledge. And her way of speaking assures you she has a mastery of her facts.
When Scriptures says Jesus taught as one “who had authority”, it is apparent people were confident of his knowledge. They knew he had a mastery of his topic. And, in fact, one of the terms used to address him was “Master”. The Gospel writer Luke uses this several times to record the disciples addressing Jesus.
But there’s something more, much more to Jesus’ authority than his words. Jesus made it clear he had authority, he had mastery, over disease, over the winds, over the demons and over sin. Jesus demonstrated his authority also in the way he taught the Law of Moses, turning it from a the legalistic code the Jews had made it to be into a pattern for life, the way God meant it to be.
Jesus’ authority of the Scriptures brought the reality of God’s love to his people. His authority came from the throne of heaven in the power of the Spirit, and the Spirit moved to touch the hearts of men and women who heard the Master’s words.

Pause and consider how life-giving the words of Scripture are when you turn your life to the authority of God’s Word.

January 16, 2012 An Amazing Invitation

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Jesus Calls

Mark 1:17-20 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 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.

HAVE YOU ever wondered what made these fishermen and other men leave what they were doing to follow Jesus? After all, they left their jobs, their way of life, their parents, their friends and responded to Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow me.” To me, this is an amazing response, devoted response to Jesus.
Actually, what is really amazing is Jesus’ call on their lives. The culture of the day was that young men who were interested in learning more of God and God’s Word would have to go to a rabbi and say, “Could I please be your disciple.” And usually they were rejected because they weren’t smart enough, or the rabbit had some prejudice against them.
Not Jesus. He’s God in the flesh. God has a plan to save the world from sin. In his love, it is his choice to come to earth. In his love it is his choice to choose people to be his disciples. In his love, he will take all who drop “their nets” and follow him.
This is a most amazing thing, isn’t it?

Pause and consider your response to Jesus’ invitation. What must you drop to follow him?

January 15, 2012 Good News?

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Good News?

Mark 1:14-16 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

DO YOU see anything odd here? How does it strike you that “John was put in prison…and Jesus went proclaiming the good news of God.”
God created John to point God’s people to Jesus. He baptizes Jesus as Jesus began his mission. John has clearly fulfilled the purpose of his life.
So this is how you reward people, Jesus? You put John, your faithful servant, in prison where Herod will have him beheaded? Why would you do that, Jesus?
What do you think? Seems unfair, even disdainful, doesn’t it? Pause and consider other things Jesus knew. He knew John’s future was a heavenly future. Eternal reward this faithful servant. Jesus knew that his faithful preaching the good news of God lead him to a brutal death.
The lesson here is that when God calls you to be a good news giver, you could (likely will) face many challenges. You could be socially cast “in jail”, shut off from your friends and family. And in certain parts of the world, you could be killed.
The thing is, as a good news giver, you are never alone. As a good news giver, you never die because the good news is: (John 11:25) “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”
Seeing your life as limited to your earthly existence, you may often say, “it’s not fair, Lord?”
Seeing your life as eternal in the hands of Jesus you will say, (Luke 22:42) “yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Pause and consider that Jesus suffered and died so you may rejoice and live.

January 14, 2012 Tough Start

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Tough Start

Mark 1:12-13 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

PERHAPS you’ve begun a new job or graduated from long years of study. You were excited and feeling well-prepared for the work. Maybe you prepared for years to begin a business. Now the time had arrived. You were sure you could handle any challenge that might come your way.
But something happened. You faced difficulties far beyond what you had foreseen. You didn’t realize things would be that difficult! What to do?
One of the many things that mazes me about this scripture is this: The Holy Spirit of God has just anointed the Son of God to do the work of God in the world. And it seems his first task is to confront the devil. Right out of the chute, so to speak, Jesus goes from his anointing to ministry to a very severe test of his anointing. He faces horrible, unbelievable physical deprivation. Other Gospels record he was in the desert 40 days with no food or water. No mere mortal could survive that kind of physical punishment.
No mere mortal could survive the devil’s persistent temptations. Jesus faced a most severe test on who he was and what he was to do. The devil was desperate to dissuade him.
In the power of God, Jesus withstood the test. He resisted evil. He stood on the truth of the Word of God (after all, he is the “Word become flesh”), and he left the test strengthened to do his work.
This same power is available for you. Where are your struggles and temptations? Where are you feeling weak and unable to deal with life as it is today? Go to the Word of God and find your strength. Call on the Spirit, and he will refresh you.

Pause and consider how the devil keeps pursuing you and you must keep pursuing the Word of God.

January 13, 2012 The Father's Son

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The Father’s Blessing

Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

TWO very important things happen with these words from God the Father to Jesus, the Son of God. God affirms his Son’s identity. And God affirms his Son’s value.
Throughout the Gospels, wherever Jesus goes, people want to know, “Where did he get such knowledge?” “Who is this man?” “Who is he that even the winds obey him?” “Who is he that drives out demons?”
“Who is he?”, indeed. God made it plain that day. God made it plain later in Jesus ministry in the transfiguration before James, John and Peter (Mark 9). God made it clear when the earth quaked, the temple veil was torn, the darkness came, and the dead were raised on that awful day of Jesus’ death.
Who is Jesus? God made it clear on the day of his resurrection: John 20:18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!"
From the prophets, to the Jordan River, to the cross, to the empty tomb, and one day on the clouds of glory, God has and will make plain that Jesus is the living Son of God. Jesus is the Savior of the world. Jesus died on a cross for the cleansing of your sins. Jesus will come again to reign in glory forever.

Pause and consider: do you see him before you?

January 12, 2012 Heaven Tears Open

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Heaven Tears Open

Mark 1:10-11 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

AS JESUS, the Son of God, comes out of the water, he sees “heaven torn open” What does that mean? It is this: God has drawn back the curtain to reveal God to the world.
Here is Genesis 1:3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Here is Isaiah 64:1 Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence!
Here is Revelation 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
Here comes the light into the darkness. Here comes the majesty of God into his creation. Here comes the holiness of God to remove the sin of the world. Here comes the power of God to overcome even the great enemy “Death”.
The heavens torn open is God saying, “My Kingdom has come! My will is now to be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
The Spirit of God anoints the Son of God to do the will of God in the power of God.
And so he does. Jesus heals the sick, preaches the Good News, dies on the Cross, rises from the dead, and ascends to Heaven. Heaven has been torn open. Jesus has come to seek, to serve and to save you.

Pause and consider that Jesus’ testimony of life eternal is for your life.

January 11, 2012 Holy Spirit, the Baptizer

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Holy Spirit, the Baptiser

Mark 1:8-9 “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

JOHN the Baptist or
“Baptizer” is called so because he focused his ministry on calling people to declare their repentance to God through the form of water being poured over them or being briefly submerged in a body of water such as the Jordan River. Baptism has its roots in the Old Testament as God moved his people “through the waters” of the Red Sea to escape Egypt’s army. Later in the desert, God’s law required the priests to do a ceremonial washing prior to their entering the Tabernacle. Water washing was a sign of moving from the old to the new. John’s baptism of water pointed the way to the New Testament, the new promise of grace in the Holy Spirit’s baptism.
Yes, John knows the water baptism is a sign of God’s next step in purifying his people. God is about to send his Messiah, and he will baptize in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit’s baptism will be not symbolic—it will be eternal. When the Spirit of God comes upon people, he will awaken them to the truth that they are sinners. He will awaken them to a desire to repent of their sins. He will awaken them to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Spirit baptism is not a liquid washing of water, but it is a spiritual washing of the blood of Christ over you. Yes, it is Jesus, “who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” (Rev 1:5).
As you call Jesus “Lord and Savior” know the Holy Spirit has baptized you to that truth. If you are yet to make that faith statement, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to baptize you with the truth of Jesus Christ, that you too, may be saved.

Pause and consider the work of God to save your life to have life with him.

January 10, 2012 Fashion Deprived

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Fashion Deprived?

Mark 1:5-7 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

DO YOU like to look good? I do. I’m not trying to say I’m good looking. I’m simply saying that wearing clothes that fit, keeping my hair combed, shaving every day are important things for me. I think most people are that way.
But it appears John the Baptist wasn’t. John seems out of sync with even his culture. Why would he dress that way?
Think for a moment of what Jesus says about being a disciple: Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” In John's way of living, he was demonstrating what is required of a new spiritual life in Jesus Christ. Jesus and the new Testament writers talk often of denying the things of the world in order to more fully wear the “clothes” of Jesus’ desires for you. Mark certainly denied himself. He gave up a comfortable life at home for the discomfort of living in new cultures and in danger of persecution. In order to live in Jesus, the Apostle Paul writes: Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
God had anointed John to live apart from the world because he would point to Jesus. Dress up in Jesus. Clothe yourself in his salvation and his majesty. And you’ll really, really look good.

Pause and consider it is essential you make the Gospel your fashion statement.

January 9, 2012 Deliberate God

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Deliberate God

Mark 1:2-4 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"— 3 "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" 4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

DO YOU like deliberate? I like to be deliberate about my seeps each day. Whether they be steps to get lunch, walk off the lunch, take the trash out, or come here to write about God’s Word, I want to be deliberate. I don’t like to waste motion, time or effort.
You’re the same way aren’t you? Your days go better when you are purposeful, deliberate in your actions and words.
Do you notice as you read through the Bible how deliberate God is in his plans to bring Jesus to earth? For an estimated 10,000 years from the time of sin’ s entrance into the world, God, the Father, has planned to bring God, the Son, into the world to offer salvation to the world.
Now the final steps are at hand. God’s deliberate creation and formation of the final prophet John, the Baptist is his last step to make the path straight for Jesus. The deliberate God gives John deliberate steps to take as Jesus’ life moves very, very deliberately to bring the ministry of repentance for the forgiveness of sins to the world, to you.
Consider now how God is deliberately offering you these words today. Think of how he deliberately sets you apart to make his path straight to come to you.

Pause and consider what you will do when he arrives at your door.

January 8, 2012 Hear

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Hear

Mark 1:1-2 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"

WHAT HAPPENS when you want to deliver a clear message to someone? For example, “Dinner’s ready!” “It’s cold out. Wear your hat.” “Our guests are arriving in 5 minutes; set the table.”
You get direct with people don’t you. Sometimes, maybe you get too direct and express impatience. The thing is, you want to deliver a critical message to someone for their benefit (I hope), and you speak as clearly, directly as possible.
Mark, the gospel writer, has something very important to tell you. He has been around with the Apostles Peter and Paul telling the Good New of Jesus Christ. He’s been involved in starting new churches. He knows the key truth to life is this: the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Now he’s about to deliver the key truth. Mark’s Gospel is short, direct and passionate. He tells you the evidence of Jesus, the Son of God. He show in words and stories how this is true based on the evidence of Jesus’ life.
The first point he makes for the evidence is the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah. To his Jewish audience he speaks directly to say in effect, “Jesus is the Son of God, the one Isaiah, the great prophet, told us would come. Pay attention. Get ready. Respond to the truth.”
When you speak directly to someone about the truth, you want them to respond, don’t you? Guess what? God has used Mark to speak directly to you. Will you respond?

Pause and consider that the truth will save your life to eternal life.

January 6, 2012 What's In A Gift?

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What’s In A Gift?

Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

WHAT’S in a gift? It depends on how and why you give it, doesn’t it? You can give an expensive diamond. But if you give it with an empty heart, it means nothing to you and little to the recipient. You can give a can of soup with a love in your heart, and it will mean life to the recipient.
The Magi’s gifts to child Jesus were gifts from men who gave their riches from the depth of their heart. They had traveled so long and struggled to find Jesus. They knew from the heavenly sign that Jesus would reign one day. They desired to honor the King. With their bodies bowing down and their hearts full of passion, they gave their best to Jesus.
The thing is, he had given them nothing. They likely expected they would not live to see his reign. They had nothing to gain in their giving. Still, they gave in response to the heavenly signs.
Now, what about you? Jesus has done everything for you. Must I say it? Yes, he’s the King of Kings, who reigns over your life because he has died on a stinky cross for you. Will you give him an empty heart with occasional, meager attempts at worship? Or will you respond to the heavenly signs and give to him your heart?

Pause and Consider...what will you give him?

January 5, 2012 The Glory of the Lord

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The Glory of the Lord

Matthew 2:9-10 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

MUCH has been written about the star. Was it a supernova? Was it a comet? Was it visible in the daytime? When did it appear?
How about this idea: The Star of Bethlehem was the Glory of the Lord. God is really good at making his presence known. And he’s really good at leading you to where he wants you to go.
Witness the Glory of the Lord in the Hebrews’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land in Numbers 14:14 And they will tell the inhabitants of this land about it. They have already heard that you, O Lord, are with these people and that you, O Lord, have been seen face to face, that your cloud stays over them, and that you go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
And then on the night of Jesus’ birth, see this: Luke 2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
God is light. He begins the creation of the world with light. His light breaks into the darkness of the empty void. His light breaks into the darkness of our empty souls. His light points the way for you to find him. Follow his light and you, too, as the Magi will find Jesus. You’ll find joy.

Pause and consider how the Bible is the Glory of the Lord pointing you to God.

January 4, 2012 Where's the King?

2012-01-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

Where’s the King?

Matthew 2:4-7 When King Herod had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.

HEAD knowledge was pretty high in Jerusalem. Heart knowledge was very low in Jerusalem.
The Magi told King Herod they had followed a star to find the King of the Jews born in the last year or so. Herod needed to know what the chief priests and teachers of God’s Word knew about this king’s birthplace. They knew a good deal.
The priests and teachers have God’s Word in the scrolls. They knew exactly where the King of the Jews would be born – in Bethlehem. Their head knowledge is big.
But where’s their heart? They can see the star. They know more than the Magi. But they’re still at home. They’re still in their church. They have no heart desire to seek and follow the King.
How about you? You read the Bible. You read these words. You hear God’s Word taught. You go to church. But where’s your heart? What do you do with what you hear? Does what you know in your mind make any difference in your life?
The teachers and priests missed the King. You don’t have to. Go find him and give him your heart. It will change your life.

Pause and consider how Jesus’ heart is for you. Is yours for him?

January 3, 2012 Disturbing News

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Does Jesus Disturb You?

Matthew 2:3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

DISTURBED? Why would Herod and all of Jerusalem be disturbed? After all, the Magi were seeking an infant boy who would one day be a king. The Magi wanted to worship him a little boy. Why weren’t Herod and Jerusalem excited a future King had been born? Why weren’t they joyful the Heavens proclaimed the sign? Why weren’t they fired up to find out more?
I don’t know. Are you? For years, or perhaps for the first time today,, you may have heard the good news: John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Now I ask, “Does that news get you excited and joyful, or does it disturb you?” How could such Good News disturb you?
Perhaps it threatens your way of life. After all, you like living to your own purposes, doing what you want to do, focusing on yourself, instead of the Good News Giver. Or, it could be that the Good News might cause you to really live in Jesus’ teachings—how would that change your life? Perhaps this is disturbing because beneath the gift of love and salvation lies the promise of condemnation if you do not believe.
The truth is, God desires to disturb you to where you cry out to him, “Save me, Lord! I have sinned, and I need a Savior.”
Herod and Jerusalem were disturbed because the King threatened their way of life. God wants you to be disturbed because the King promises you a new life.

Pause and Consider that the Good News will calm what disturbs your soul.

January 2, 2012 Are You Seeking Jesus?

2012-01-01T18:10:00.001-08:00

January 2
Are You Seeking Jesus?

Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

THERE’S a good deal of misconception about the Magi going to see Jesus. For example, there were more than three of them—probably at least a dozen men and their attendants traveled to worship Jesus. Also, they didn’t show up at the stable of Jesus’ birth. They show up about 2 years after Jesus is born.
My point here is not so much to clarify some Magi misconceptions, but to ask you, “Do you know the truth
about Jesus?” Or do you rely on someone else to tell you about him? The key to the Bible and knowing God is knowing the truth to this question: Who is Jesus?
As the Magi persistently traveled on a difficult journey in response to the Heavenly star to worship Jesus, so must you be persistent to follow the Bible’s truth to know the truth of Jesus. Don’t rely solely on someone to tell you about him—get to know him for yourself.
Yes, persistently follow God’s Word, the True Sign come from the throne of Heaven to you. You say that the Bible is hard to understand? Then read it again. Pray to the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. Then read it again. The information for you is eternal. Read it again.
Consider how Jesus was persistent to come to you, to die for you, to rise for you. Why wouldn’t you be persistent to know the truth of Jesus, your Savior?

Pause and Consider: What’s your first step to truly know Jesus?

January1, 2012 A Good Start

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A Good Start
Jude 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance &
Jude 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority

JUDE begins this short letter with a blessing. I think the blessing is appropriate for each day, but I think it especially right for today, January 1. What better thing could happen to you this year than to experience and enjoy an abundance of mercy, peace and love to give and to receive? A life filled with these blessings is a life God honors and a life that honors others (love God and love your neighbor?)
But there is a problem to live this way, and that problem is essentially the topic of Jude’s letter. He speaks of people who are disobedient to God’s Word, and those who take grace as a license to do evil. Disobeying God is the reason for strife, hatred and condemnation between people. Seeking our own way instead of God’s is the reason we do not have mercy, love and peace in our lives.
The answer to this problem, of course, is Jesus Christ. That is Jude’s encouragement and conclusion to his letter. When we experience God’s glory and his power in our lives, we know his majesty reigns over those who denounce and disobey him. When we look to the One Who Reigns, we know what mercy, love and peace are. From God we receive these great blessings when we recognize his authority.
Pray this year for yourself and for others to enjoy these wondrous gifts from God. Give grace, mercy and peace to all around you. You will see what a great difference that makes in your life and theirs.

Pause and Consider: Who is the first person you need to make peace with?

Dec 26-Dec 31 Hallelujah! God Reigns!

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December 26
Are You Ready?
Read Revelation 15-16

Rev 16:15 “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

DO THE plagues of Revelation 16 remind you of another time of God redeeming his people? See Exodus chapters 7-11, and you’ll see the plagues of Egypt that are similar and the same—water turned to blood, darkness, and sores.
The theme of the second exodus runs through Revelation. The God of the beginning and the end set his salvation in motion when he called Abraham to be the father of numberless people. The vision of uncountable people in Heaven, the plagues on the earth that demonstrate God’s invincible power once again, and the ultimate freedom of his people from persecution tell us God is on his throne. All activity comes under his hand, and he we are not to trifle with him, doubting his ultimate authority over our eternal lives.
The Apostle Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:2) the church to be ready for such an appearance by the King of Judgment. John warns us, too, in this picture of the end.
People are fearful of this day. Why? Are they not ready?

Pause and Consider: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. (Prov 1:7). Fear also prepares you for the final judgment.

December 27
Victory in the Lord
Read Revelation 17

Rev 17:6-7 When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns.

WHAT IS the meaning of this?
The seven heads of the beast are seven hills on which the woman sits. Rome is the “city of the seven hills”. Rome is the ‘Mother of prostitutes’. And the seven heads also represent seven kings. The phrase “five have fallen” means that the majority of kings have come and gone. One is currently on the throne, and one has not yet come. When he does come, he must remain for a little while because ‘the time is near’ (1:3). After his departure the beast will reveal itself in an eighth king, who is not a newcomer, for he has already appeared as one of the seven.
It is believed this 8th king is Nero. He was emperor of Rome who severely persecuted Christians. But he is going to his destruction, as every God-opposing monster goes.
The ten horns are ten kings. They are with the Antichrist, the leader of Rome. They rule satellite states. But they have not yet received a kingdom, and they will receive their authority along with the beast for a short time. God allows but limits their rampage!
Their war against the Lamb is useless, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings. His called, chosen and faithful followers will share his victory.

Pause and Consider: Jesus is truly King and Conqueror.

December 28
God Invites You Out of Exile
Read Revelation 18

Rev 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.”

AS YOU may recall, in the studies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, we saw God’s judging his people for their sins by sending them into exile to Babylon. And we saw his great love in the salvation of his people by bringing them out of Babylon to be with him again.
The image here of Babylon is a picture of Rome in John’s time. Rome is the country persecuting God’s people. Rome, as was Babylon, is the most powerful country on the earth. John’s Jewish readers would clearly understand the connection between Rome of their day and Babylon in their history.
And the promise God gives to John is the same promise God gave to Ezekiel. God will rescue his people out of “Babylon” and welcome them home to a life with him. The day came when Rome stopped persecuting Christians and became the center of the Christian world.
We can be strengthened and encouraged today that one day God will deliver his Church from today’s persecution and into a glorious place with him. He will bring the Church out of its “exile” where it is demeaned and diminished and welcomed “home” into a place of triumph.
Again, this applies to your individual life, too. Are you feeling you are in “exile” from God for some reason? Then know he wants you to be with him. Go to him. Give yourself to him. And live a life of joy with him.

Pause and Consider: God wants you to be with him.
December 29
The Perfect Marriage
Read Revelation 19

Revelation 19:6-8 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, the righteous acts of the saints, are bright and clean, was given her to wear.”

WEDDINGS are beautiful occasions. The bride long plans. The groom steps into his place, and they are prayerfully joined into a one-flesh union God declared in Genesis. A flesh-to-flesh, spirit-to-spirit relationship between man and woman perfects God’s creation.
God was in that first union. He had created it. He made it perfect. History has been God’s long plan to restore that sin-broken perfect union. John’s vision describes that time!
Thus, as we come to the restored perfect union between God and his people for eternity, the wedding image is fitting, isn’t it?
Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who is joined with his bride—the Church, all who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior. They come in white linen because his blood has made them clean. And now the church is holy and righteous.
Oh, my! John writes further in Rev 19:9-10: “‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’ 10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him.”
Yes! Worship such a Savior who joins with us for eternity. Give him thanks, and celebrate your holy God.
You can trust such a marvelous perfect God who weds you into a perfect, holy, eternal union with Him.

Pause and Consider: how God unites with you.
December 30
One Final Heart Check
Read Revelation 20

Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.

GOOD vs. evil, God vs. Satan is the battle waged from beginning to end in Scripture. Hopefully in a time of reading of God’s holiness, his judgment, his grace and his salvation, you have come to a deeper understanding that the battle never lets up until this time of completion. We must live in trust that our God reigns. In his reign he moves all things to his purpose to bring you to his home forever.
This chapter is a picture of God binding Satan for a period of time, then releasing him, then condemning him forever. It is a picture of a time of peace in Christ’s Church. Then God loosens Satan for a short time. There’s always the question, “Why would God not just bind him once and forever?”
The answer may be that God is using Satan to check his people’s hearts. God allowed Satan into Eden to see what kind of hearts his people had. We failed. One more time, he’ll do this. The unfaithful will perish. This is the last opportunity to turn your faith to Jesus. There will be no more salvation offered to those who do not trust God. The faithless die. The faithful will live.
And then God will end it. For all time his presence will fill the new heaven and earth described in the final two chapters.
How is your heart? Would God find you faithful amid Satan’s temptations? Satan is tempting you now. Stand firm in your God, and let him fill you forever.

Pause and Consider: how you must always be on guard to defeat Satan’s evil.
December 31
Drink God’s Life Water
Read Revelation 21-22

Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

WHAT ELSE is there to say? Trust your God. He has given himself entirely to you so that you may enter freely into his home.
Will you accept his invitation? Go to him from wherever you are—rich or poor, happy or sad, sick or healthy, hopeless or hopeful, confused or decided, indifferent or determined, proud or humble—whatever your state of mind, body and soul, you can go more fully with God.
Yes, you can listen to the power of his living Word, Jesus Christ. You can experience the power of the Holy Spirit. You can feel in these words the expression of the Father’s love.
Accept his invitation now to dwell more fully with him. Anticipate a wonderful life with your heavenly Father.
Trust his salvation in all he gives to you. After all, he gives you everything.
Amen.

Bob James
Working Everyday for the King of Kings

December 24, 2911 Live Forever

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Day 40: December 24

Luke 2:12-14 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

DID YOU ever wonder why God, the eternal Father, the creator of the universe, the one who has made majestic mountains and one-cell animals—would have his very own Son born in a manger?
I’ve been around mangers. They’re dirty. Animals drool into a manger as they eat, and who knows what other organisms live there? Oh, God, couldn’t you at least have opened a room in the crowded inn for your own Son?
Actually, you could ask a number of “why questions” about Jesus’ life. Why was he born into lower-class working family? Why did he wait until he was 30 to begin ministering? Why did people hate him so? Why did they kill him?
Based on the Bible—the beginning to end—I believe the Father’s answer would be something like this:
“Why, you ask, did I allow My Son to have such a hard birth, life and death? It was all for you, my child. You see, my Son is my gift to you. Through him, I have shown you how much I love you. Sending my Son from the most glorious existence in Heaven to the lowliest place on earth was a hard thing to do. But it was and is for you. I wanted to show you real humility, so that you would be humble to let my words teach you. You would be humbled to know I will do anything to save you.
“I wanted my Son to know what work is like for you, so he could understand your frustrations and pain as you turn to him in prayer. My Son’s life was to show you I am willing to do anything to have you turn and call me Father. My Son’s death was to open the doorway to my home for you forever.
“This is all for you, my child. I am a God who walks with you everywhere, even when it stinks, when it’s uncomfortable, when it’s downright hard. My Son has experienced this. He knows your needs. Trust him, and turn to him. When you do, I promise I will welcome you into my home. And we—me, my Son, Spirit and you—will live together forever in the glory the shepherds saw that night.”

Pause and consider God’s eternal gift for you. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? If you have yet to do so, here’s God’s promise to you if you do:

Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Get on your knees. Pray to God, “Lord, God, I have sinned against you. I am lost without you. Lord, please forgive me of my sins. Take the burden of sin from me as you have promised. Lord, I trust your promise. I receive Jesus into my heart as my Savior. Holy Spirit, guide me in your power that I may live joyfully in a forever friendship with you, the Father, and the Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Pray this prayer. Receive the gift and live forever.

December 24, 2011 A Walk of Faith

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A Walk of Faith
Read Luke 2

Luke 2:4-5 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

JOSEPH and Mary are on an 80-mile walk from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. The journey would take about 5-8 days, depending on how everyone was feeling. These are the next steps of God’s magnificent plan to save the world.
Centuries. Consider the years of promises and prophecies from Abraham to Isaac to Joseph to Moses to Samuel to David to Isaiah to Daniel to Joseph and Mary. Wait. “Joseph and Mary”, can we say their names in the same breath with the mighty, godly heroes of Israel’s history? Joseph and Mary are misfits, impoverished, scared and just following the crowd.
Or are they misfits? Joseph and Mary are surely as much a part of God’s plan of salvation as the “mighty and famous”. Actually these men were mere mortals, too, until God said, “You!”
God takes “misfits” and fits them perfectly into his plan. That’s why he’s called you. Yes, you. You’re really not a misfit. You may think you are, but you’re not.
When you say, “Yes, Lord.” you enter into a journey that goes step by step to where God fits you perfectly to Him. He takes you to the places he needs you to go—a crowded town, a stinky stable, a sheep pasture, a rocky road, a mountain top, a fertile plain, a cross, Heaven. Enjoy the wonder of your journey with him and to him.

Pause and Consider: how God makes you fit into his love.

December 23, 2011 Time to Celebrate Jesus

2011-12-22T18:12:00.001-08:00

Time to Celebrate Jesus’ Birth!
Read Luke 1

Luke 1:26-28 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

ENTER MARY. She’s the virgin. Oh my, Mary’s virginity is a very big deal! In Genesis, right after Eve and Adam turned their trust from God, God turned to them and said he would turn their mistrust into trust through the seed of a woman—not a woman and a man, but a woman.
And in Isaiah 7:14, we read the prophecy, “The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Immanuel means God come down.)
Oh, yes. It has been God’s plan for over 2,000 years to send his Son from the limitless heaven to the limits of humanity. Here is the moment. This little teenaged virgin he picked out of every woman who would ever live is Mary, simple and pure. Mary, highly favored.
Guess what. You are like Mary. Yes, you are, even if you’re a man or not a virgin. God had a special purpose for highly favored Mary. And God has a special purpose for highly favored you.
Do you think I’m crazy? I’m not. I’m just looking at God, looking at the cross, and looking at God’s Word. Yes, you are highly favored. Immanuel came through the virgin to free you from sin, to point you to Heaven, and to give your life a special purpose. Oh yes, my friend you are highly favored!

Pause and Consider: God’s favor of salvation is over you forever.

December 22, 2011 The Gospel Reigns

2011-12-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

The Gospel Reigns
Read Revelation 14

Rev 14:6-7 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.

THE GOSPEL reigns. In the midst of the tribulation is the message of salvation. The “angels” are humans who are called to prophecy—to preach and teach the gospel. What else is there to do? From beginning to end the Bible is the message of salvation—even when the people of the world seem to be far from their creator.
The gospel is the sharp sickle that reaps the harvest. The gospel is that winepress that separates the saved from the wicked. The King reigns, and his will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
The 144,000 are the “firstfruits to God and the Lamb”. They are soldiers of the Lamb with the mark of God on their foreheads. The redeemed of the earth have not yet arrived as the warriors do battle for the Lamb of God.
Yes, the Gospel reigns. Be faithful in the midst of trials. Trust the sharp edge of God’s truth to destroy the doubts and fears in your life.

Pause and Consider: you have the sharp weapon of truth at your disposal.

December 21, 2011 The Devil Deceives

2011-12-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

The Devil Deceives
Read Revelation 13

Rev 13:1 Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads; on each of its horns there was a crown, and on each of its heads there was a name that was insulting to God.

“THE BEAST from the sea and the beast from the land form a kind of evil trinity. Satan claims to be God; the antichrist is the false Christ of Satan; and the beast from the earth performs the function of an unholy spirit.
The antichrist persuades the world to worship the devil. He has a fatal wound but lives, in a monstrous imitation of the resurrected Christ of God. The second beast seeks to persuade the world to worship the antichrist by his witness in word and deed, as the Holy Spirit witnesses to God’s Christ. And through the mark of the beast (itself a parody of the seal of God) he creates a devilish imitation of the church of Christ. So John depicts the world as divided between followers of the Truth and followers of the Lie.”
And then there is the “name that was insulting to God”. Who is that? “Despite the many possibilities that the number 666 yields, it is virtually certain that the individual thereby indicated was known in all the churches addressed by John, and probably far wider. The name Nero Caesar transliterated into Hebrew from Greek yields the number 666.”
Nero pointed to himself as a god to worship. In John’s day he was the devil’s false Christ and great persecution came in his rule. Again, God shows John that for a time, in his providence, he will allow persecution on his church and his people. And he also shows he is victorious.

Pause and Consider: how vital it is to know the truth.

December 20, 2011 God Protects His Church

2011-12-19T20:13:00.001-08:00

God Protects His Church
Read Revelation 12

Rev 12:10 “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.”

JESUS’ AUTHORITY triumphs over the devil. This scripture summarizes the events of Chapter 12.
The woman is the church. The dragon is the devil. The church is in heaven because Jesus has won victory over evil and ascended to heaven. The devil in his awesome power, symbolized in Rev 12:4 “His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky”, goes to heaven to try to defeat the church.
But the power of heaven defeats the dragon and sends him to earth. In the meantime, God has sent his church to the desert, far away from the dragon in the sea. God’s protection of his people in the desert mirrors the Exodus. God’s people then were released from slavery and the devil’s hold in Egypt. They are now released from and protected from the devil for 3 ½ years of extreme persecution.
And again, the theme is clear, amid this great persecution, God protects his church. Jesus’ blood and resurrection is the eternal triumph. All forces of evil will battle against our Lord. And he will overcome.
Live with Jesus. Trust in his victory. Overcome the evil that wants to destroy you.

Pause and Consider: how being in a “desert” can bring you closer to Jesus.

December 19, 2011 The Lord's Kingdom

2011-12-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

The Lord’s Kingdom
Read Revelation 11

Rev 11:15 “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”

HOW DOES the kingdom of the world become “the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ”? It takes witnesses to speak the truth in power and in Spirit to an opposing world.
Two witnesses doing just that are described in this chapter. Who are they? Clues come in Rev 11:5-6 These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
Check out Elijah’s power in 2 Kings 1 and 1 Kings 17—fire and drought. Check out Moses’ power in Exodus—water to blood and all kinds of plagues.
These witnesses are symbolic of the power of God’s Spirit come upon certain men. And this power then comes upon the church. The church receives the power of the Spirit to witness. And although the vision describes a temporary victory of evil over the witnesses—the church—the vision concludes with the victory of the church.
One day will come that final triumphant call, “And he will reign forever and ever.” This is the truth of the end of the age and the final triumph of Christ’s church over Satan’s opposition. You can apply it, also, to your life right now.
If you feel persecuted and defeated because hard things—even sin—have come against you, call on God to free you. Call on God’s power to redeem the circumstances. And you will live in victory right now.

Pause and Consider: Christ’s victory available to you.

December 18, 2011 Clearly Revealed

2011-12-17T18:34:00.001-08:00

Clearly Revealed
Read Revelation 10

Rev 10:6-7 “But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”

“AH HA!” you’ve exclaimed. “Now I get it!” Some concept or process was a mystery to you. You heard many times, “This is how it’s done.” But you couldn’t quite figure it out. Now, suddenly, you know.
There will come that day when God will suddenly be completely clear to the world. Millions of lost souls have heard the truth of God’s great salvation through Jesus Christ. Sadly, millions of souls have said, “I don’t get it.”
But on that day when God is clear to the world, they will fully know all of who God is. And the world will cower in fear. They will know it is too late to say, “What must I do to be saved?”
Our work is to tell people now they can trust the mystery of God come to earth in human form, and God comes now in his Spirit to wash clean our sin.

Pause and Consider: what you do to do God’s work.

December 17, 2011 God Triumphs

2011-12-16T19:46:00.001-08:00

God Triumphs
Read Revelation 8 - 9

Rev 8:3-54 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

THE SEVENTH seal is opened, and there is 30 minutes of silence in heaven. The 30 minutes, some say, allow the prayers of God’s people on earth to be heard. It could also mean that people who oppose God have no more to say. They are faced with judgment, and their excuses are useless. The incense purifies the prayers before the altar. Then the prayers are answered in judgment.
Judgment is cast down from heaven to protect the saints and to judge the sinners. Chapter 8:6 – 11:19 records God’s terrible judgment against a foe that will not surrender.
When the 7 trumpets sound in succession, judgment goes onto those who oppose God. Even after the 5 months’ horrific pain from scorpions and hell-like destruction of fire, sulphur and smoke—sin still prevails. A powerful lesson to learn here is that the dominion of hell is ever-attacking. Satan will not give up easily. He knows he is fighting to the death.
It is good to know two things: First is this: Evil strives desperately and relentelesly to destroy us and separate us from God. Second is this: God triumphs.
We have been given this view of the end of days to be aware of these two truths. Call on the power of the Holy Spirit each day to defeat the relentless evil in the world.
Rejoice each day in the power of the Holy Spirit that God has chosen you and protected you from this hell forever.

Pause and Consider: God’s eternal protection over you.

December 16, 2011 Leading You to Life

2011-12-15T19:08:00.001-08:00

Leading You to Life
Read Revelation 6 – 7

Rev 7:17 because the Lamb, who is in the center of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

WHAT IS your focus—the conflict or the victory?
I’ll briefly describe the 6 seals revealed in these chapters. The first four appear to symbolize judgment. The first seal shows an overwhelming powerful military force as one country invades another.
The second seal symbolizes general confusion and warfare within countries, perhaps even civil war. The third seal is about famine. A quart of barley costs much, and a man cannot earn enough to feed his family. Shortly before John’s vision, there was a shortage of grain and an abundance of grapes for wine. The wealthy had their luxuries. The “middle class” had little food.
The fourth seal is Death and its symbolisms and connections with Ezekiel’s prophecies indicate it is death by disease. The fifth seal is about the martyrs deaths. They triumph. Their robes are washed clean. And they worship their Savior.
The sixth seal is the cosmic signs of the end of the age and the coming of judgment on the earth. There will be fear among all people when they know that the Lord has come in power and in glory. This is the end of history as we know it.
Sounds awful, doesn’t it? It’s beyond awful. That is how costly sin is to humanity. But God’s reward to his own is much greater. Stand fast for the Lord in all circumstances, and he will remove your sorrow. He will give you an eternal life of joy in Him.

Pause and Consider: the awful consequences of sin.

December 15, 2011 A Worthy Savior

2011-12-14T18:38:00.001-08:00

A Worthy Savior
Read Revelation 5

Rev 5:4-5 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

WHO IS WORTHY? Our Savior Jesus Christ is worthy to open the scroll. He has obeyed the Father and honored you. Yes, he is worthy.
The Lord gives John a glorious vision of his majesty. John has lived a hard life testifying for his Lord. He is at the end of his life. And Jesus, John’s ever-loving Lord, is showing John that his Lord truly overcomes the sin that keeps the sinner from true worship.
In essence, it seems Jesus reminds John that he has overcome. He is triumphant. Jesus has also told the church: “I stand at the door and knock for you.” He seems to be preparing John and the church for a most difficult, even terrible time in the future.
In the coming chapters the vision continues with very difficult and terrible things that occur in the world. But we must always understand these difficult events in the context of God’s reign.
The war of Evil opposing Good rages. And we know that the Lamb of God has already triumphed. Jesus has conquered evil because he has conquered death. Victory belongs to the Lord.
What are your struggles today? Look to the Holy God for strength to walk through the battles in your life. Walk with confidence that your triumphant Lord leads you to a triumphant life.

Pause and Consider: how Jesus gives you the tools to deal with the trouble.

December 14, 2011 Your Will Be Done

2011-12-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Your Will Be Done
Read Revelation 4

Rev 4:2-3 At once the Spirit took control of me. There in heaven was a throne with someone sitting on it. 3 His face gleamed like such precious stones as jasper and carnelian, and all around the throne there was a rainbow the color of an emerald.
&
Rev 4:11 Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life.

SUDDENLY the scene shifts. The current state of the church on earth has been addressed. Now it’s time for John to see the heavenly realm.
This vision is the first of two, the second is in Chapter 5. The two visions are about one truth: the God, who creates, is the God, who redeems. He makes his purpose happen through the crucified and risen Christ.
John sees the heavenly realm. The glory and the majesty have also been described in Isaiah, Ezekiel and Daniel. The purity of worship amid the glory of God is unimaginable, described with mere words.
Verse 11 clearly defines that there is only one worthy to be the Lord of creation—the Creator. The Son celebrates the Father’s worth. In the words “on account of your will they were created” we see a look into the future. And what we see is that God’s will is the ultimate power in the universe. There is no doubt that his will shall be done.
This is our prayer. God will completely answer that prayer at the end of the age.

Pause and Consider: God’s will is to defeat sin through Jesus Christ.

December 13, 2011 A Big, Big Love

2011-12-12T19:18:00.000-08:00

A Big, Big Love
Read Revelation 3

Rev 3:20-21 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

THREE CHURCHES, three judgments, one promise—Jesus’ love and salvation washes over his hard words and warnings.
Sardis was on a high hill, an Acropolis, thought to be impregnable. But five times the hill was conquered because the inhabitants did not believe anyone would attack. They didn’t watch. So our Lord says in Rev 3:3 “fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” The warning: always be on the watch against attacks from evil.
Philadelphia suffered from many earthquakes. But Jesus assures this faithful church that: Rev 3:7 He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens” Nothing but the power of the King can open or close the door to the Kingdom of God.
And against Laodicea, Jesus speaks of their lukewarmness. They have no passion. He even prefers they are passionately against him to their lukewarm culture! His judgment is severe. And then his promise is forever.
“Behold” he says. He wants to be sure you hear him. He’s knocking at the door. Yes, he has come to speak of your sin. But he loves you so much he can’t hold back. He is passionate for you. And now he’s calling on you to answer him.
In the words against these churches we can see our lives. Jesus is imploring the church and you to respond and to see his love.

Pause and Consider: His love is much, much bigger than your sin. Will you open the door to your heart?

December 11, 2011 Majestic, Wonderful

2011-12-10T19:09:00.001-08:00

Majestic, Wonderful
Read Revelation 1

Rev 1:14-15 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.

YOU’RE probably saying, “Oh, no. Revelation! Forget it. I’ll never understand it.” I believe that’s a typical response to this majestic book of God’s glory and triumph. The account of the end of time is too grand to hold onto and more than our imagination can grasp. God’s final victory is wider, deeper and higher than any concepts our experience has taught us. This vision given to the Apostle John is a peek at who God is beyond his earthly manifestations.
Revelation is a book that shows the depth, too, of evil and its pervasive influence over the world. It is a book of battle, of worship, of glory, of victory. C’mon, let’s spend 3 weeks in “this vision” to see what we will learn.
To begin, when Jesus comes to John, he is clothed in his glory. This tells us why everyone in the Bible who saw a visitor from God was afraid. Jesus’ appearance sounds scary, brilliant, wonderful and glorious. He radiated with all the brilliant light of God’s glory.
John fell down in fear. But Jesus called him up, and gave him a task. When we meet the Living Lord in prayer or in worship, we, too, are often afraid as we wonder: “What will he have me do?”
John knew to obey. When Jesus told John to write, that’s exactly what John did. And here we are today, reading what he wrote and wondering, “What, Jesus, are you saying to me, to the world?”
Let’s see if we answer that question—even just a little bit. In 3 weeks, we’ll know more than we do now. You who have an ear, listen to Jesus in his majesty and truth.

Pause and Consider: how the majestic Jesus has come to you.

December 10, 2011 A Blessing to Offer

2011-12-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

A Blessing to Offer
Read Jude

Jude 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance
&
Jude 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority

JUDE begins this short letter with a blessing. We’re getting close to New Year’s Day, and I think the blessing is a wonderful greeting to send to your friends to begin the new year.
What better thing could happen to people in the coming year than to experience and enjoy an abundance of mercy, peace and love to receive and to give? A life filled with these blessings is a life that is responding to God’s grace of salvation. And it is a life that gracefully offers mercy, peace and love to others.
Be careful to guard this blessing. Many will come along to attack your beliefs. They will test your commitment to your Lord. And you will be tempted to turn from God’s gracious gifts to you.
So remember who you worship. In Jesus Christ, your Savior, is glory, majesty, power and authority. Jesus’ glory is the honor we give him because he has paid the price for our sin. Jesus’ majesty is his Kingship. He reigns over all the earth. Jesus’ power cancels sin, judges wrong and welcomes his own into his Kingdom. Jesus’ authority is to be feared. He has the final say on who enters heaven.
Yes, as you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have received mercy, peace and love. Nurture these wonderful gifts. Cause these blessings to grow in you by giving them to others.

Pause and Consider: evil in the world will attack you because of your gifts. Jesus will protect you.

December 9, 2011 Truly Transforming Love

2011-12-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

Truly Transforming Love
Read 2 John

2 John 4-6 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

HAS anyone ever written to you to celebrate the love that Jesus gives to you? John’s letter is to a woman with several children. He celebrates that she loves Jesus.
I know this is nothing new to “walk in love”—to love God and others. We’ve heard it since we were pre-schoolers in Sunday School and in other places along the road of life. And John’s other writings are full of this great Christ command. You’ve heard it so often, and you know in your heart it’s what you must do. So, are you “doing the love”?
Loving people who do lousy things, who don’t like you or irritate you is difficult, if not impossible, isn’t it? I’m sure John struggled with this and people tried to kill him, and he lived in exile, too.
What did he know about loving others before Jesus walked into his life? What did he know about loving others as he walked with Jesus and saw people throw rocks at his rabbi? What did he know about love until he saw the Master of Love, love those who hated him and killed him. What did he know about love until he saw the Power of Love change lives, especially his own?
John personally knew Jesus’ great love. Do you?

Pause and Consider: that same transforming, unending love from the Lord of Love is for you, too.

December 8, 2011 Eyewitness Testimony

2011-12-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

Eyewitness Testimony
Read 1 John

1 John 4:14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
&
1 John 4:16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.

“HOW DO YOU know the Bible is true?” Has anyone ever asked you that question? Have you asked the question?
There are several ways to know the truth of the Bible. One of these ways is to listen to the New Testament writers. You will often see in the Gospels and letters such statements as we have here, “we have seen with our own eyes.”
John was the youngest disciple. And he became an Apostle of Jesus Christ. He walked with Jesus, saw the miracles, heard the teaching, stood in front of the cross when Jesus died, walked into the empty tomb. He saw Jesus alive again as Jesus came to him and the others several times after his resurrection. And he saw Jesus ascend to heaven.
Quite an eyewitness.
And what does he do with what he has seen? He tells the truth about Jesus. He calls people to love such a loving Savior. He is a witness to how Jesus is the Lord of life, and he knows only Jesus’ commands matter.
How are you an eyewitness to Jesus’ love? Are you saved? How do you know? Is your life different? Do you think and live better with Jesus as your Lord? When you trust him, do you personally know the power of his Spirit in you?
Then you, too, can be an eyewitness to your Lord Jesus.

Pause and Consider: eyewitnesses witness.

December 7, 2011 Good Things To Have

2011-12-06T20:25:00.001-08:00

Good Things to Have
Read 2 Peter

2 Peter 1:3-7 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

EVERYONE wants harmony, peace, love and joy in their lives, don’t we? To get to that kind of life, we go through a process. From when we are born to when we grow old (in God’s grace) our parents, our schools, certain people and other influences guide us to learn and mature. If we learn from life’s lessons, we can essentially live a mature life of good relationships and economic stability.
Peter has given to you a very specific formula to live well with God. Following this plan from the time you are “born again”, you will have a mature life of peace and joy in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
One term that may not be clear to you is “godly” or “godliness”. This word actually points to living a life as close to God as possible. For example, you read Scripture, worship, tithe, and serve with your Spiritual gifts.
God the Father has given you a plan to mature in him. The plan leads to harmony, peace, love and joy in your life.

Pause and Consider: You want that, right?

December 6, 2011 Loving Reconciliation

2011-12-05T19:04:00.001-08:00

Loving Reconciliation
Read 1 Peter

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

DO you want to know how to get along with others—spouse, family, friends, and even your “enemies”? Take to heart these words from Peter. They are words of reconciliation. They are words of making and keeping peace. They are words to help you deal with harsh words others may say to you. These are words that help you live in line with Jesus’ teachings.
Peter’s letter tells you how to get along. Check out chapter 3, and you’ll find help for your marriage. Chapter 4 speaks of responding to those who oppose your Christian way of life. Chapter 5 talks of elders caring for others.
This letter goes to the heart of the church—people caring for each other, people withstanding suffering, and families living in harmony.
And who is at the center of Peter’s teachings? Of course, it is Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the Christ who cares for you.
Pray for Jesus’ caring touch on yourself today. Pray you can show that care to others. Yes, do love others deeply. That kind of love will make a profound difference in your life and those you touch each day.

Pause and Consider: you can enjoy the peace of the Prince of Peace.

December 5, 2011 Listen to Your Tongue

2011-12-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

Listen to Your Tongue
Read James 3 – 5

James 3:9-12 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

I’M GUILTY. I preach of praising God. Yet, I speak and think in judgment of people who irritate and oppose me. Isn’t that okay? After all, Jesus certainly spoke harsh words to many who opposed him. The Bible has many more harsh words from God through the prophets against people who opposed God.
The thing is, God is perfect and we’re not. James is teaching us to guard our words carefully. If you praise God, how can you speak ill of others? If you speak against God’s creation—his people—you speak against God. Your praises, then, are lies.
To be true to your words, speak well of others. If someone irritates you, you might consider how you have irritated others. Let it go. If someone speaks harsh words against you, think of how harsh words have never helped. Find a way to speak positive words to the offender.
It helps when we look to God’s overwhelming love over us. Dwelling in his love, we can more easily speak lovingly of others—even when we don’t want to do so.
Go ahead. Try it. I find when I trust God and hold my tongue from anger, my heart changes. My blood pressure drops. My thoughts go to God. I don’t feel the shame an outburst would cause me to feel.

Pause and Consider: how holding your tongue is a sign you trust God to handle the situation.

December 4, 2011 Troubles Are Good?

2011-12-03T19:13:00.001-08:00

Troubles are Good?
Read James 1 - 2

James 1:2, 12-13 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
&
James 1:12-13 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. 13 Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

DO YOU enjoy the trials in your life? Of course you don’t. Trials are debilitating, hurtful things that sap your energy, destroy your ability to enjoy life, and suck up the energy you need to live as you worry about them. Sounds pretty icky doesn’t it? Do you really want to let trials run your life? Or would you prefer to let God’s Word run your life?
What would happen to your mind, to your thought processes, to you attitude, if you counted your trials as joy? Quite simply, you would change.
Yes, you would find pleasure in life. You would be thankful for the little blessings and the ordinary goodness of each day. Finding joy in trials would ease your mind. You wouldn’t have to worry because you don’t worry about joyful things. You accept them and rejoice in them.
You would also live with expectation. You would realize that an attitude of joy regarding the trials in your life would lead to a special blessing from God!
Imagine that! Your earthly trials can lead to a special blessing God has planned for you if you patiently endure your trials. Yes, you will receive a crown of life!
Trusting God especially in times of your earthly trials will open your life to receive God’s blessing of joy now, preparing you for a life of joy with him forever.

Pause and Consider: a joy approach to the trials in your life.

December 3, 2011 Angels In the House?

2011-12-02T19:40:00.001-08:00

Angels in the House?
Read Hebrews 13

Heb 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

I HAVE always marveled at this verse. The possibility that angels may come to us in the form of humans and “test” us to see if we care for them is astounding. It has happened.
In Genesis both Abraham and Lot had the opportunity to care for and even to protect the angels that came into their presence. Why would God do this, send angels to test our desire to care for people in need?
It shows God’s great desire to care for the needy. The Bible from beginning to end has a strong message of caring for those to whom life has dealt a harsh blow. God establishes a number of rules for his people to care for and feed widows, orphans, and others in need. Jesus’ ministry, obviously, was amid the lowest classes of society. The poor are everywhere and constant.
Yes, sometimes people are lazy and make bad choices that lead to their poverty, and God will deal with them.
But there are plenty of people who have huge struggles from circumstances they can’t control. Yes, poverty is the result of difficult circumstances in a world of sin and “me first”.
God wants us to help those in need the best we can. He doesn’t want us to judge the poor—just care for them.

Pause and Consider: the reasons people are poor. Is there anything you can do to change one of those reasons?

December 2, 2011 Evidence of Faith

2011-12-01T18:57:00.001-08:00

The Evidence of Faith
Read Hebrews 10 - 12

Heb 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.

READ HEBREWS 11, and you’ll see who “these” were. They were the great men and women of faith in the Old Testament. They were the ones whom God used to make his name known, to advance his kingdom and to tell of the coming Savior.
These great followers of God believed in God’s promise that he would send a Messiah. They had no proof that he would. They had no evidence of a child born in a manger who grew to become a great rabbi and died on a cross. They had no evidence of a resurrected Lord Jesus.
We have this evidence, and there is an historical basis for believing that Jesus will come again. But the people of old did not have that evidence. They only had their faith. That is why Hebrews focuses on faith as a key element of our relationship with God. The great names of the Old Testament had that faith, and God counted them as his because of their faith.
How much easier is it for us to have faith than they? It is very much easier. We have hindsight on the Son of God become Son of Man, who forgives all sin.
They had only God’s promises. They were faithful.
Are you wondering if God is truly real in your life? Then look to the Bible. Know the evidence. Be a person who trusts God to make his promises come true. He will. He always has.

Pause and Consider: the evidence of your faith.

December 1, 2011 In Awe of the Son

2011-11-30T19:30:00.001-08:00

In Awe of the Son
Read Hebrews 7 – 9

Heb 9:14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

THE HEBREWS writer is focused on connecting the Old Testament, the Old Promise, with the New Testament, the New Promise, that Jesus gives us. This is a vital demonstration here of God’s sacrificial requirements. With the Old he required the blood from animals. With the new, he required the blood from his very own son.
Pause on that a minute or two minutes…
Welcome back. What do you think? Is there any sense of awe in your heart as you consider the Creator Father God killing his Son for you? Yes. That’s what he did. We don’t say it like that. We use “sacrifice”, “death” and “blood”, but who caused it? God the Father caused it. Why?
He loves you that much, good friend. He loves you beyond your understanding. He was willing to take His Son to the altar and kill him for you.
That’s what he did. Jesus died on a cross. The Living Water bled to death on a cross for you. Yes, he did.

Pause and Consider: what you will do for him.

November 30, 2011 A King Who Knows Struggles

2011-11-29T18:29:00.001-08:00

A King Who Knows Struggles
Read Hebrews 4 – 6

Heb 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet was without sin.

MY GRANDDAUGHTER is learning to play the violin. A teen-aged neighbor who plays for professional symphonies has offered to teach her. My granddaughter can trust her teacher’s instructions because her teacher has gone through the process of learning, practicing, failing and succeeding to perform at a high level.
It’s like that with all of us who truly want to learn, isn’t it? We want to learn from someone who has experienced the reality of dealing with difficulty and the victory that comes with persevering through the tough times.
Jesus is an exceptional King. What King has lived and died and risen again? What other king has even lived in difficulty? Very few. Most who have become an earthly king have grown up far away from difficulties their subjects experienced.
You can trust the King who has overcome the cross and the tomb. No issue is too much for him. All temporary defeats in life are transformed to total victory in Jesus Christ, who was tempted in every way, yet is perfect in every way for you.

Pause and Consider: Jesus knows what human life is like.

November 29, 2011 Growing Together

2011-11-28T18:52:00.001-08:00

Grow Together
Read Hebrews 1 - 3

Heb 3:12-14 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

LIFE is a challenge. Be careful and be alert. Help each other stay true to God.
That in essence is what the writer of Hebrews is saying. These are words that those in the early church needed to hear as they dealt with many physical and verbal assaults on their new belief. These are also words that we in the 21st-century church must know as we deal with assaults on our beliefs.
The assaults on our belief in God are huge today. Threats of many kinds attempt to push us away from seeking and obeying him. Sometimes the threats are from within us—pride, lack of discipline to pray or read the Bible, anger, unforgiveness, or rejecting relationships.
Sometimes the attacks come from without—”the church is irrelevant”, “the church is too boring”, “I’d rather sleep in than worship God.”
Sometimes the attacks come from within the church—”I don’t like the music.” “There’s too much liturgy.” “There’s not enough liturgy.”
To stay strong in our relationship with Jesus, focus on him. It’s about him, not you. Deal honestly with your struggles, doubts and fears, and even your pride. Get your eyes off the mirror and look to the King. Grow in him. And grow together with others in your church.

Pause and Consider: the threats against your beliefs. Pray against them.

November 28, 2011 Savior's Ways Your Ways

2011-11-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

Savior’s Ways, Your Ways?
Read Titus & Philemon

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

WHAT IS salvation? It is God rescuing us from sin, isn’t it? He saves us from our sin. Salvation means we are right with him. And we will enter into Heaven when our time on earth is complete.
AND salvation is so much more! At the moment when we receive God’s gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit lives within us, and we take on an understanding that the ways of the world often oppose God’s ways.
Salvation, Paul says, teaches us to say “No.” to the world and to say “Yes.” to right living.
Do you ever think that because you have prayed to receive Jesus as Lord that it’s okay if you deliberately sin? I hope not. That is not salvation. That is an attitude of sin. “I can do anything I want. God will forgive me.” is a thought that comes from those seeking self, not seeking God. It is a thought of pride in self, not of joy in Jesus.
God’s salvation separates you from the world and unites you with him. Also in Titus, Paul lists several ways you may show your Savior to the world. I pray the Savior’s ways are your ways.

Pause and Consider: how salvation changes what you desire.

november 27, 2011 Whatever Age

2011-11-26T17:06:00.001-08:00

Whatever Age
Read 1 Timothy 4-6

1 Tim 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

WHAT defines a person’s testimony about Jesus Christ? It certainly isn’t his or her age. Paul’s writing to his young associate, Timothy, who has ministered and cared for new churches. Timothy has been in the “trenches” waging spiritual warfare with Paul and new believers. He’s a young man, still. And Paul is writing to encourage him.
And I want to encourage you—regardless of your age. Personally, I’ve learned much from young people. They often see life in a different way than my “older” eyes. Listening to wise young people has been a learning experience for me.
If you are young and love Jesus, then do not hold back because of your youth. Be a person who sets the trend among your friends. Speak of the Lord from your heart. Respond to Jesus’ love by living a life of example, speaking and living in a way that honors your suffering, resurrected Lord.

Pause and Consider: how we can learn from all around us.

November 26, 2011 Amazing Love

2011-11-25T19:41:00.001-08:00

Amazing Love
Read 1 Timothy 1-3

1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: (God) appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

“MYSTERY” means difficult to understand, vague. What is the mystery Paul describes? There is a truly wonderful mystery defined by this: God appeared in a body.
I was made aware of this mysterious reality in a new way when I read these words from John Calvin, “How wide is the difference between God and man! And yet in Christ we behold the infinite glory of God united to our polluted flesh in such a manner that they become one.”
Another way to say this is, “Why would God, the holy one, whose glory is too frightful to behold come to earth to be a man surrounded by sin?”
We often ask of God, “Why?” when things don’t go our way. But do we ask him, “Why would you come to save me? Why would you send Jesus to earth to die? Why would you want to become one with me?”
Maybe we know the answer is: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Amazing love how can it be, that you my King would die for me?” (Chris Tomlin—”I’m Forgiven”)

Pause and Consider: God loves you.

November 25, 2011 A Stronger Church

2011-11-24T18:54:00.001-08:00

A Stronger Church
Read 2 Thessalonians

2 Thess 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.

THIS THANKSGIVING is very powerful for two reasons. First, the Apostle Paul thanks God for the people in this new church in Thessalonica. It is a good lesson for all of us involved in churches to take a few minutes each week, each day or on some regular basis to thank God for the people in our church. Paul is giving thanks because these people have persevered against persecution and other challenges.
The church today isn’t outwardly persecuted, but there is a sharp cultural movement that goes against mainstream churches. And much criticism comes from within the church. God desires to have churches doing his work well in our neighborhoods, towns, cities and nation. How does that happen?
We in the church must begin by being people of healing and reconciliation. That begins within our own walls with prayer and thanking God for one another.
In Acts we see how Paul is frustrated with the church in Thessalonica. He compliments the church at Berea and criticizes the church at Thessalonica.
But now, the church seems to have changed. The Holy Spirit must have done some powerful work here to cause the church to become stronger and more in tune with God’s work.
Might Paul and others have prayed for this to happen, and God responded?
How’s your church? May your church live in the Spirit of God to bring people into a life with God.

Pause and Consider: how you can pray for your church today.

November 24, 2011 Come, Lord Jesus!

2011-11-23T18:38:00.000-08:00

Come, Lord Jesus!
Read 1 Thessalonians 3-4

1 Thess 4:16-18 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

I CAN’T WAIT. I wish it were right now. End of pain, sorrow, worry, fatigue, dieting, finances—an eternal joy with Jesus forever is mine because I trust him as my Lord and Savior!
Does that get you excited? Do you think of this great promise when everything around you seems to be crumbling? I usually don’t. I focus on the trouble and don’t see the triumph. I desire material comfort and neglect Jesus’ promise of eternal joy.
I know. You want life to be good. You want things to be in order and your future secure.
Well it is! All is in order because God is on his throne, and the victory is his. Your future is secure because Jesus conquered death. He is Lord of Heaven and earth.
What else do you want?

Pause and Consider: how earthly life is in order when your heavenly life is secure.

November 23, 2011 Delightful Love to Share

2011-11-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

Delightful Love to Share
Read 1 Thessalonians 1-2

1 Thess 2:8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

ONE DAY, I was walking by a building where a lady in my church works. Almost past the building, I heard a voice call my name. I turned to see her come out the door to say hello and to give me a hug.
Wow! Did I ever feel Jesus’ love! In her voice and her attitude she expressed a delight to see me and acknowledge me. She took time and made an effort to bring a moment of joy into my life.
I had over a mile to finish my walk home, and along the way I wondered at God’s magnificent love. And I was also sad that so many people miss his love.
Contemplate for a moment what Jesus has done for you. Just as you were walking by “his place”, he came out the door and called your name. He put his arms around you. You noticed his hands had nail holes in them and scars were on his face. He held you a moment, and said, “I delight in you.”
A smile came on your face. You felt warmth and peace. You just knew you had strength to get through the next day, and your worries melted into the warmth of his embrace.
Yes, God the Son delights in you. Go to someone. Look them in the eye and ask with a delight in your heart how they are doing. Let them know how much you—and he—love them.

Pause and Consider:how you can show delightful love to someone.

November 22, 2011 Gifts to Bless

2011-11-21T18:49:00.001-08:00

Gifts to Bless
Read Colossians

Col 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

GOD has brought to you and your household a huge bag of gifts. As you open the boxes you discover compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You are surprised and happy for the gifts. But you’re a bit unsure. So you ask the Father, who gave them to you, “Are all of these for me? What am I to do with them?”
And his response would be, “Yes, my child, these are for you. I love you and want to give you the best things in life. Put them on and wear these gifts. They will enrich your life and the lives of those around you.”
As he leaves to deliver his gifts to others, you try on humility. When you do, you realize you have been wrong to be so demanding of others. You put on forgiveness, and you think of someone who hurt you last week with unkind words. Now you pick up the phone to let them know you care for them.
A bit later you try on goodness and compassion, and they fit perfectly. Your thoughts turn to helping your neighbor who is a single parent.
When you put on patience someone at work needs a bit of your time, and you listen to his needs. You kindly offer to pray with him, and he is comforted.
Yes, God has brought gifts to us. Will you clothe yourself in them? They will enrich your life and help people know the Great Giver.

Pause and Consider: what’s in your box today?

November 21, 2011 Cleaning the Drawer

2011-11-20T18:19:00.001-08:00

Cleaning the Drawer
Read Philippians

Phil 3:8 For his sake I have thrown everything away…
&
Phil 3:10 All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death.

I WAS just thinking about a drawer in my desk. You probably have one like mine. It has a “few” papers that I put there to temporarily store. Temporary has extended into several months, almost a year, and I really need to clean it out. But it’s easier to focus on other things—even taking a nap. But I really want to clean and organize the drawer. Why don’t I?
Our spiritual lives are cluttered with temporary things, aren’t they? We come across a doubt here and there because we don’t understand God’s Word. Or we want to get our kids to Sunday school and go to church, but oh, we just can’t seem to get out of bed on Sunday morning. We all know life can be more “with” God. But clutter gets in the way.
How do we clean the clutter and open our spirit more “cleanly” to the Holy Spirit? Paul did so by “throwing everything away”. He’s turned his life to focusing on removing the clutter and totally trusting Christ because he knows that kind of life is the best kind of life.
With the clutter gone, he is able to know the power of Jesus’ resurrection is all that matters. He can grow more like Jesus and more to love Jesus.

Pause and Consider: what clutter needs to go?

november 20, 2011 Pray for Words

2011-11-19T18:21:00.000-08:00

Pray for Words
Read Ephesians 6

Eph 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

IN THE book of Acts, Luke, the historical writer, records the Apostle Paul narrowly escaping death from angry mobs as they violently objected to his preaching the Gospel. Luke also records Paul’s bold testimony to the Jews in Jerusalem and his ministry to the Gentiles in an argument with the Apostle Peter, Jesus’ “rock” of faith. One would think Paul lives his faith without fear.
But his words here show his humanity. This powerful preacher and tireless worker for Christ needs something much more powerful to keep him going. He needs prayer to be sure he speaks the Gospel correctly. And he needs prayer to be fearless in his preaching.
Preachers need our prayers. Those who are serious in their love for Jesus have a deep passion to preach his love, his justice and his salvation clearly and always true. They want to stand above ridicule and apathy to raise hearts to love Jesus as they do.
Godly preachers want to get it right. Their hearts yearn for Jesus’ victory in a world ruled by sin’s defeat. Pray for them. Pray for their hearts and their words. Pray for their love in Jesus and their power in the Spirit.
And pray for your own words as you speak of Jesus to those who need to know.

Pause and Consider: Paul needed prayer. So does your pastor. So do you.

November 19 Friend or Lord?

2011-11-18T18:39:00.000-08:00

Friend or Lord?
Read Ephesians 5

Eph 5:10 and find out what pleases the Lord.

WE MUST stop here. Don’t go anywhere. Sit down. Think about what you want to do today. Think about what your heart is telling you to do today. Is there any conflict?
I have conflict. I think about prayer—the Lord wants me to pray, to connect with him. But my heart’s not in it right now, and I put it off until it never happens.
The Lord turns my heart to give some money to someone in need, but I make excuses and put it off until it never happens. The Lord wants me to call a friend to check in on his challenge with work. But I make excuses and put it off until it never happens.
What’s your Lord telling you? I mean, your LORD. Yes, we call Jesus, “Lord” but say “Later.” or “Not for me, not now, when I get around to it, when I feel like it, when the time’s right, not ever, Lord, Jesus.”
The reality in our response is that Jesus really isn’t our “Lord”, is he? He’s simply an adviser, a confidant, a listening ear, and someone who will forgive our sins. We don’t really have to “find out what pleases the Lord” and really do it, do we?

Pause and Consider: the meaning of the word “Lord” to you.

November 18 A Full Life Process

2011-11-17T18:44:00.001-08:00

A Full Life Journey
Read Ephesians 4

Eph 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

ARE YOU looking for change in your life? Take some time today to read all of Ephesians 4. I pray you will see how Jesus offers gifts to people who will help you “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness” (Eph 4:23-24).

When Jesus returned to Heaven, he continued his ministry through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has gifted some people to evangelize, some to pastor and some to teach. Those who have received those gifts are available to you to help you know Jesus more.
Knowing Jesus more is a life journey. As you “see” and “hear” him in the Gospels, you will see how he changes your life. From the time of Jesus’ disciples beginning their ministry to today, the Gospel has transformed lives from sadness to gladness, from despair to hope, from hate to love, from harmful habits to life-giving labors of love.
Pause for a moment, and it’s likely you’ll think of several people who can help you get to know the transforming Jesus’ more personally. Give one a call. Study the Bible with a gifted teacher.
Be on a life journey to live in the fullness of Jesus.

Pause and Consider: education is a process and so is getting to know Jesus.

November 17 His Perfect Plan

2011-11-16T19:16:00.001-08:00

His Perfect Plans
Read Ephesians 3

Eph 3:17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

I HEARD a story of someone who had three graduate schools accept her application. Two offered to pay for her education. A third didn’t. Because she trusts God, she prayed about the right school. He guided her to the third school that had no offer of money.
But as she followed her Lord, He blessed her. It turned out the school had a program in a research project specific to her interests and experience. This program offered to pay her tuition, and it also pays her a salary and health benefits, too!
What’s the point? When Paul speaks of being “rooted and established in love” he is writing about Jesus’ love gift of eternal life to mankind. When you know with your heart that Jesus loves you and died for you, this “measure of the fullness of God” will release in you the power of Jesus’ wide, high, long and deep love in you.
The grad student went to that power to guide her way. As she trusted Jesus’ power, she was at peace when the choice seemed a disadvantage. But God had something perfectly planned for her. God will bless you with his perfect plans, and you will rejoice in his blessings.

Pause and Consider: that the power of the cross is for you.

November 16 Approved for Entry

2011-11-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

Approved for Entry
Read Ephesians 2

Eph 2:19-22 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

HAVE you ever known someone who has become a naturalized citizen of the United States? This is a marvelous transformation for the person. He or she has come to this country seeking a better life. They have found a job, received proper credentials to live here, and gone to classes to learn about the United States.
When the big day comes, the immigrant is approved for entry as a citizen. Big smiles come to the face and heart of the new citizen. He or she is now united with the United States. They can vote and participate in the democracy. They have all the rights of citizenship. And they have the responsibilities of citizenship. In essence they have their new country in their heart. U.S. citizenship is part of their being.
And so it is the same with our citizenship with Christ. Thank God that his Spirit has opened the way for us to come into this “building”, the Kingdom of God, that Christ has “built”. Thank God his Spirit lives in you, and you be at home in God’s dwelling.

Pause and Consider: how good it is to belong to the Kingdom of God.

november 15, 2011 Alive for God

2011-11-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

Alive for Your Lord
Read Ephesians 1

Eph 1:1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.

I WONDER how Paul felt when he wrote those words. I can picture him, quill in hand, sitting at his desk, scratching out these words. He looks at them and thinks, “Wow. Is it really possible God has chosen me? Am I really the same guy who dragged Christians from their homes? Am I the one who urged the crowd to stone Stephen?”
In one way Paul was that man—physically. In another way, he was not that man at all. He was born again, totally changed. Paul became spiritually alive as Jesus’ Spirit dwelled deep within his soul. Paul understood the true meaning of chosen and God’s will to mean his life was new, and his life belonged to his Lord.
How often do you say, “Lord, Jesus”? Do your words express your awe that God would choose you? In “Lord, Jesus.” do you consider God, the Father, has chosen you to belong to His Son?
As you say, “Lord, Jesus.” please understand that this relationship with the Savior of the world begins with God’s choosing, and it changes your life. In that changed life, you are willing to pray, “Your will be done.” to express your preparation to live with a new-born attitude. And that attitude will cause you to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) to know what to do with and in your life.
Yes, God’s choosing is a remarkable gift. Be in awe of the gift. Be in awe of the One who gives. Seek his will and live in his will.

Pause and Consider: how you will act, knowing you “chosen by the will of God” to live for your Lord.

November 14, 2011 Life on the UP Side

2011-11-13T17:38:00.001-08:00

Life on the Up Side
Read Galatians 3 – 6

Galatians 3:3-4 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

WHO guides your life? Is it the Holy Spirit? Or is it you? The Holy Spirit is a great communicator, carrying God’s instructions to you. Jesus sent the Spirit to comfort you, direct you and to open your heart to his teachings. He is a great help in time of need.
But what happens when life is less challenging or when things are going well? Do you still rely on the Spirit’s guidance?
Perhaps too often the “good times” can cause you to forget who is in charge of your life. When life is good, we tend to ignore what he has to say, thinking we don’t need him, and we can “do life” on our own. We forget where our blessings come from. We think it is because of our own talents, our own goodness, and our own work that our life is good. Yes, good does come from these things, but who gives you the talent, your good attitude, and the work to do?
As you go about each day whether life is smooth or whether it’s rough, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ask him to lead you and to give you the desire to follow his leading to be true to God the Father and Son.
Life has its ups and downs. Trusting the voice of the Spirit will keep your life on the up side.

Pause and Consider: the foundation of your activity each day. How do you know what to say and do?

november 12, 2011 Be Jesus' Own

2011-11-11T19:22:00.001-08:00

Be Jesus’ Own
Read 2 Corinthians 12 – 13

2 Corinthians 13:8-9 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad whenever we are weak, but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.

PAUL’S letter to the church in Corinth is a relevant, contemporary letter to us today. The church was experiencing many challenges. Although they had heard the Gospel, had committed their lives to Christ, and had formed a church, they had not completely left their “old” lives behind.
Jealousy, pride, gossiping, and other sins divided the people and kept the church from living in the blessing that was available to them through Jesus Christ.
What makes it so difficult to be at peace with one another? Paul says, “We cannot oppose the truth”.
In the church in Corinth people opposed the truth. And we oppose it in the church today. We have strong desires to live in our own ways. Being a unified, joyful church is only possible when its members truly look to Jesus as Lord. To do that, we have to be “weak”, to let go of “our own” and become “Jesus’ own”.
Giving up our own way for Jesus’ way may seem weak to the world, but it takes strength of trust to faithfully follow Christ into his new way.
Paul urged the church in Corinth to give up their own strength, their old ways of living, for Christ’s strength. Then they would mature in their relationship with Christ and each other.
Give your strength to Jesus. Submit to his love and grow into a deeper, more real relationship with him. When you do, you’ll grow deeper in your love for others. And you will be at peace in your heart and in your church.

Pause and Consider: the “old way” you need to give up.

november 11, 2101 1 Out of 10

2011-11-10T19:36:00.001-08:00

1 Out of 10
Read 2 Corinthians 8 – 11

2 Cor 8:3-5 Of their own free will 4 they begged us and pleaded for the privilege of having a part in helping God's people in Judea. 5 It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will they gave themselves to us as well.

MONEY’S A big deal, isn’t it? It must be. I think one of the most often spoken complaints against the church is, “All they do is ask for my money.”
There are two realities in this complaint: First, the church wouldn’t need to “always” ask if people in the church had the heart of giving as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians. And second, it’s not “my” money.
Put 10 one-dollar bills on the counter. Look at them a minute. Where did they come from? They came from the work God gave you to do. They came from God.
Now, how many of those 10 one-dollar bills does God ask for in return? 1. He gives you 10. Put 9 in your pocket. The one left goes back to God. The church merely asks for one out of ten, and yet we complain.
I don’t get it. Do you?

Pause and Consider: how tithing is trusting.

November 10, 2011 A Delighful Way to Live

2011-11-09T18:51:00.001-08:00

A Delightful Way to Live
Read 2 Corinthians 6-7

2 Cor 6:18-17:1 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” 17:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

I INVITE you to take a minute or two and dwell on the promise in 6:18: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.”
Have you stopped and considered the power and magnificence of God’s promise? Creator, eternal, almighty God promises to relate to you as a perfect father. He promises to call you his child. He says he is ready and willing to be one who loves you when you’re unlovable, to guide you when you lose direction, to forgive you when you do wrong, to show you the way to a life of joy, to offer you eternal life with him.
Do you feel God, the Father, offering his love to you? Do you have a picture of him offering his hand to you?
Go ahead, take his love and take his hand. Put your hand in his and walk with him to a place that is different from the world.
He wants to bring you to a place where you experience his holiness—his perfection. He wants you to be holy, too, away from the things that harm you. He will show you how to live under his protection.
God has come to you as a loving Father. He wants to be your God. Feel his good pleasure and his protection.

Pause and Consider: how God is totally devoted to you.

November 9, 2011 New Forever

2011-11-08T19:07:00.001-08:00

New Forever
Read 2 Corinthians 3 – 5

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 so from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

WE LIKE new things, don’t we? There’s excitement, almost a sense of accomplishment when we get a new car, buy or build a new home, make a new friend or enjoy a new restaurant. We feel something different. Something new has been added to our life, and we feel a degree of happiness and satisfaction.
Paul says something even more dramatic happens when we understand and accept Jesus Christ as Lord, as the promised Messiah. He says we are a “new creation”.
That’s a pretty amazing statement! “New creation” means an entire makeover, inside and out. What we once were, we are no longer. What we used to be God has made new.
What does that mean? A new car—it’s dent free and mechanically correct. A new shirt—it smells good and is unwrinkled. A new pair of shoes—shiny and attractive. A new house—a dream come true.
Yes, a life in God’s newness is correct, unwrinkled, shiny, attractive and a great place to dwell. It’s not perfect. New car’s need fixing. New shirts need ironing. New shoes need polishing. A new house need care. But when cared for properly everything new lasts a long time.
When you care for your new life with God properly, your newness will last forever.

Pause and Consider: you are new in Christ—every day.

November 8, 2011 Thanks to God

2011-11-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks Be to God
Read 2 Corinthians 1-2

2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

QUESTIONS abound in our culture. And there are always questions about God. Who is he? Where did he come from? Does he really care about me? Why doesn’t he just make everything right, so people don’t have to suffer? Is he real?
The answers have been coming from many places throughout history. Some attack God. Some defend him. So what do we who love God say in response?
These words from Paul are a key to our response. Note how Paul displays a deep trust in God, “who leads us in triumphal procession in Christ”. The essence to understanding God and answering these challenging questions is to go to “the fragrance of the knowledge of him”.
Knowing God and believing on him can hold an incorruptible sweetness in our minds. Knowing that God is love and trusting God to fulfill his promises brings to us quiet above life’s tumult. Going to him in prayer in our deepest needs and greatest joys can fill us with a wondrous peace and exaltation. Knowing God brings sweetness to our soul.
People who keep asking questions have an emptiness only God can fill. They strive to know everything but God, and they are never satisfied.
Let’s help them know that we walk in “triumphal procession in Christ” that when they open their minds to know God, they, too, will savor the fragrance of God’s sweet salvation.

Pause and Consider: how sweet it is to follow the God who saves you.

november 7, 2011 Do You Prophesy?

2011-11-06T19:15:00.001-08:00

Do You Prophesy?
Read 1 Corinthians 13 – 16

1 Corinthians 14:4 everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

DO you prophesy? Before you answer, “No.” let’s consider what “prophesy” means. You may think it means to foretell the future. That is one part of this gift from the Holy Spirit. But more often prophesying is the Holy Spirit coming to you to give you words and actions that teach people about God.
The Apostle Paul defines prophesying around comfort, encouragement and teaching others about God. Some of you are gifted to teach with your mouth. Some of you teach of God with acts of comfort, and some show God to people with encouraging words and prayer.
So I’ll ask the question again, “Do you prophesy?” If you see someone around you who is hurting, are you inclined to speak comfort to them? Are you ready to stop what you’re doing and listen to someone’s needs? Do you offer to pray for people? This is prophesying.
Prophesy. Tell of and do God’s wonderful Word.

Pause and Consider: what a precious gift this is to help others know their Savior.

november 6, 2011 Stay with God

2011-11-05T19:02:00.001-07:00

Stay with God
Read 1 Corinthians 10 – 12

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

COMPLACENCY can happen quickly as we walk with God. Life can go well as we diligently try to be obedient to our loving Father and Savior. We receive blessings from our Lord, and consider life to be good.
And because life is good, we might stop spending as much time in prayer. We may not read the Bible as often, or we may skip a few Sundays at church.
Gradually temptation is more appealing. We look at the world less through our Savior’s eyes and more through our own. And the “world” doesn’t look so bad. Suddenly it is easier to step on the path that opposes God. Then issues arise, and we wonder, “Where’s God?”
Guess what? He’s right where you left him. He’s wondering “Where are you? I thought you liked being with me.” Then we look back. And we see what happened. We come to understand that we carelessly fell into a life that does not walk on the path he has planned for us.
Building and keeping a “good friend” relationship with someone else takes time, communication, and mutual understanding. It takes keeping in touch.
Our relationship with God is the same. He’s always there to keep you safe and bless you as you love him and follow him. Stay in touch with your Father, Savior and Spirit. Temptation is strong.

Pause and Consider: You need your God’s strength to resist evil and to enjoy your walk with him.

november 5, 2011 Show God's Freedom

2011-11-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

Show God’s Freedom
Read 1 Corinthians 7 – 9

1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

OUR God is a wonderful, loving God, isn’t he? He gives you himself, freeing you from sin’s shackles that you may live a full and free life with him. He calls out to you to come and walk with him as you arise each morning to step into life. You have many opportunities each day to feel his good pleasure on your life.
Freedom is a wonderful thing when you choose to use it wisely. But there is a sad reality in the church.
When you look at how many Christians live, sadly you will find very few differences between their thinking and behavior and that of the non-Christian culture. This has to be a great heartache for God. In essence people who say, “I believe in God.” and then live their own way are telling the world, “God’s nothing special.”
Please be careful of what you say and do. It’s not about you. It’s about your Savior, who died for you. It’s about your Father, who created you. It’s about the Holy Spirit, who lives within you.
God loves you so much he unshackled the bonds of sin and gave you freedom. Use your freedom well. Show your friends what freedom from sin truly looks like.

Pause and Consider: how important it is to correctly show your Lord to the world.

November 4, 2011 Peace for You

2011-11-03T19:35:00.001-07:00

Peace for You
Read 1 Corinthians 3 – 6

1 Corinthians 6:7-8 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.

DO YOU live in a world of conflict or a world of peace? At first glance, you may think this is a silly question. After all, are we not surrounded with conflict? Regardless of where we turn, we see a world broken with conflict, from international wars to private disputes. In secular society and in the church, there is no break from conflict.
Or is there?
What would happen if we took to heart these words from Paul? He was very disturbed that there were lawsuits among people in the church. He saw it as a rejection of the Gospel, of the fellowship and peace Jesus’ Good News offers. People were in conflict because they were not willing to submit to and love others.
Yes, when someone wrongs you, perhaps there is a time to stand and fight. But more often, I think, there is a time to let go and forgive. Jesus was “attacked” verbally and spiritually wherever he ministered. But he let go of the accusations, and he let go of the ridicule. He looked to the Father, and he held on to the Gospel.
This is what Paul is talking about here. We can choose conflict, or we can choose peace. Conflict contaminates your life. Peace cleanses your life. Jesus came to clean the conflict away and replace it with his peace. This is for you.

Pause and Consider: how you resolve conflict in your life.

november 3, 2011 God's Love Letter

2011-11-02T18:53:00.001-07:00

God’s Love Letter
1 Corinthians 1 – 2

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ — their Lord and ours.

THE Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth. And he wrote it to someone else. He wrote it to you.
What? You weren’t alive then? You’ve never been to Corinth? You didn’t know Paul, and he didn’t know you?
It doesn’t matter. God appointed Paul to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, and the world is still here. You are part of the world. God gave you life and put you here. He called you to himself, just as he called those believers in Corinth. And this message is for “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When you understand this letter to be directly to you, I hope that this letter takes on a deeper and more personal meaning for you.
I also hope that you begin to see the entire Bible as a letter from God to you personally.
God’s Holy Word is a message of love that demonstrates how God personally gave himself through Christ Jesus to the world across cultures and time. He gave himself so that we might know him and be saved through him.
So what should you do with the rest of this letter to the Corinthians? What might happen if you approach God’s Word as his love letter of truth to you?

Pause and Consider: what a special privilege it is to hear from God.

November 2, 2011 Unsung Hereoes

2011-11-01T19:48:00.001-07:00

Unsung Heroes
Read Romans 16

Rom 16:3-4 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

WHEN YOU list the many remarkable people in scripture, do you include Priscilla and Aquila? You should. Look at who they are and what they’ve done.
Paul calls them, “fellow workers in Christ Jesus”. That is quite an honor, isn’t it? This great Apostle who has severely labored, debated, and been humiliated for his teaching of the Lord Jesus calls them his “fellow workers”. They are his equals in ministry as they have labored alongside Paul.
No, we don’t have any of Priscilla’s and Aquila’s written words, and we don’t know what they have precisely done. But we do know they have sacrificed themselves for the Kingdom of God, working with and risking their lives for Paul and Jesus’ church.
“They risked their lives for me.” is a remarkable statement. To risk their lives, Priscilla and Aquila, this wife-husband team, might have stood by Paul when the mobs tried to stone him. They might have traveled with him to new territory and to help plant churches. They might have stood against persecution and mistreatment because they stood for the Gospel.
Priscilla and Aquila left a wonderful legacy of faith and service didn’t they?

Pause and Consider: how faithful service sometimes requires we risk, even give our lives for the Gospel.