Daily Devotions

9915 West Argent Street, Pasco WA 99301

July 21, 2010   Wednesday

Job Qualification and Interview

If you have ever filled out a job application you will be required to give basic personal information as to your identity and previous related job experience followed by a job interview. In today’s reading God reverses normal procedures when seeking an “employee” and simply says in effect, “I want to use you because I have called you to this new opportunity to know me and serve me.  Say not, "I am too young."

Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, of a priestly family in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin.

The word of the LORD came to me thus:Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you,a prophet to the nations I appointed you. "Ah, Lord GOD!" I said, "I know not how to speak; I am too young."

But the LORD answered me; Say not, "I am too young." To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

Then the LORD extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,

See, I place my words in your mouth! This day I set you over nations and over kingdoms, To root up and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant.

Consider

1.  When did you receive your call by God for a “job interview” to know and serve him?

2.  How does the Bible help you in knowing and serving him?

3. Note the power of the words of God in the last verse of today’s reading. How has God’s word established you in the faith?

Prayer

God just as you have called Jeremiah in today’s reading, I know you desire for me to know and serve you too.

Mentor me by your Word and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I might honor you all of my allotted days. Amen.

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July 20, 2010   Tuesday

The Good Old Days and the Future

It seems that that when I reached middle-age something new began in my life. I began to reflect about life in a

more philosophical way. I longed for the best of the Good Old Days when Jesus grabbed a hold of my life in dramatic fashion

in the days of the Jesus Movement. At the same time I knew that the best years were yet to come in regarding my faith journey.

In our reading today, Micah longs for God to bless his people again like in the past when times were better (verses 14-15).

But now, God’s people were lackluster in their faith and religion had become a formality. Their lives were full of arrogance, pride, and sin.

Yet Micah pleads to God on their behalf words of passion (verses 18-21).

Where are you in your faith journey? Longing for the past?  Hoping for the future?

Micah 7:14-15, 18-21

Shepherd your people with your staff,

the flock of your inheritance,

That dwells apart in a woodland,

in the midst of Carmel.

Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,

as in the days of old;

As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt,

show us wonderful signs.

Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt

and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance;

Who does not persist in anger forever,

but delights rather in clemency,

And will again have compassion on us,

treading underfoot our guilt?

You will cast into the depths of the sea

all our sins; You will show faithfulness to Jacob,

and grace to Abraham, As you have sworn to our fathers

from days of old.

Consider

1.  Do you long for a vibrant faith walk?

2.  Have you experienced God’s forgiveness?

3. Do you have a living hope for the future?

Prayer

God, I thank you for your faithfulness to your people. Restore your people to times of blessing so that they may honor you and in turn bless others as well. Amen. 

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July 19, 2010  Monday

Tips!

Here’s tip to make money on the stock market; “Buy low, sell high.”

What about life? Is there a tip for a successful life? Yes: “You have been told, O man, what is good,

and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness,

and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6: 4-6

With what shall I come before the LORD,

and bow before God most high?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,

with calves a year old?

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,

with myriad streams of oil?

Shall I give my first-born for my crime,

the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

You have been told, O man, what is good,

and what the LORD requires of you:

Only to do the right and to love goodness,

and to walk humbly with your God.

Consider

Do you follow Micah’s advice?

Prayer

God teach me to honor you by living for you. Teach me what right, good, and honors you the most.

Help me to put into practice your “tip.” Amen.

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May 28, 2010   Friday

Focus, Focus, Focus

Photographers focus their cameras on the subject at hand. We enjoy the result of their focus (no pun intended).

In our reading today, Peter admonishes believers to focus their lives in these last days on several themes.

1 Peter 4:7-10

Beloved: The end of all things is at hand. Therefore be serious and sober-minded so that you will be able to pray. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining.  As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.

Consider

1.      How many themes can you find in the above reading whereby we are to focus our attentions in these last days?

2.      Of those themes, which ones are you doing well?

3.      Where do you need to focus your attention now?

 

Prayer

Lord, help me to focus my life in service to you. Amen

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May 27, 2010   Thursday

Newborn Babes

Newborn human babies require milk at regular intervals—every two to four hours interrupting the proud parents sleep. Read on.

1 Peter 2:2-5

Beloved: Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good.  Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Consider

1.      The milk is the Bible. Are you feeding on God’s milk so that you may thrive and grow up into a mature believer?

2.      Have you tasted God’s goodness? Suggestion: When you read the Bible, consider what it has to say about the character of God. You will discover more and more that God is indeed good.

3.      Jesus was rejected—he went to the cross for you sin and mine. How does this speak about God’s goodness?

4.      You are a priest. A priest is a person responsible to link God with others. How are you doing in that regard?

5.      A priest also offers up sacrifices to God. Let you sacrifice be your devotion to him this day and forever.

Prayer

God, give me a healthy appetite for your Word so that I may grow up to be a healthy believer in Jesus. Thank you Lord for dying for my sins. Help me by your Spirit to live as a priest giving your praise interceding for others. Amen

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May 26, 2010   Wednesday

Practical Theology — Wait-Wait!

Wait-wait—do not let the above title word “theology” frighten you away from reading today’s devotion. Theology literally means “God study” or the study of God.” All Christians should be theologians to the end that we might know God better and serve him well. Below is heavy theology that you can digest and put into practice.

1 Peter 1:18-25

Beloved: Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct,

handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver

or gold but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a spotless

unblemished Lamb. He was known before the foundation of the world

but revealed in the final time for you, who through him believe in God

who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for

sincere brotherly love, love one another intensely from a pure heart.

You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed,  through the living and abiding word of God, for:

“All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the field;

the grass withers, and the flower wilts;

but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.

Consider

1.According to the above reading, what should be the bottom-line application of what Jesus did for us?

2.Life is short. How can you best use your short time on earth to love others?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for going to the cross to ransom my soul from hell. Give me a willing heart so that

I may obey you and love others intently as you commanded. Amen

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May 25, 2010   Tuesday

Personal Sacrifice

In our hedonistic culture the word “sacrifice” is seldom heard. Following Jesus requires giving up our selfish ways and serving others. At times the cost of serving our Lord is great. The reward of our sacrificial service is the inner satisfaction that we are doing the right thing.  At times we hear an “atta boy—atta girl” from our Lord.  God knows your sacrifice and you will be rewarded. 

Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.”

Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first ill be last, and the last will be first.”

Consider

Do you get discouraged in your faith walk with our Lord because of his demands?

Do you experience inner joy as you go “the extra-mile” in serving Jesus?

Prayer

Jesus, there is a cost in following you. Help me to give up my selfish ways and look for ways in serving others. Fill me today with your joy. Amen.

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May 24, 2010  Monday

Our Inheritance

I know a man who inherited a large sum of money. His father died a tragic death when he was a mere child. Before his untimely death the father set up a trust fund for his son. The son is now living well because of the trust fund.

God has given you a wonderful trust fund too! You and I can receive our inheritance now and enjoy it in heaven as well.  Read on and be blessed.

1 Peter 1:3-4

3 Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into a heritage that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fade away. It is reserved in heaven for you.

Consider

1.     Are you drawing upon your heavenly trust fund now?

2.     How does Jesus’ resurrection guarantee your trust fund?

3.     How secure is your trust fund?

Prayer

God, thank you for loving me so much so as to provide a secure trust fund that begins today and that will last forever. Amen.

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May 20, 2010   Thursday

Jesus Prays for Us

Normally, we see Jesus in the New Testament praying for the people in his time and space. Today, in our reading Jesus does something different—he prays for us.

John 17:20-22

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me.

Consider

1.What is the evidence the world needs to see the reality of God?

2.How is our unity related to our relationship to God, the Father and Jesus the Son in the above text?

3.How might you/we demonstrate unity this week?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for praying us! We pray that the unity you have with the Father may be the same essence of our unity with fellow believers here and now so that the world of unbeliever may see your reality and also come to faith. Amen.

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May 19, 2010    Wednesday

The Flow of Tears

The Apostle Paul loved the churches he planted. Tears were a common event in his life because of his love

for the Lord and the people he served. Read on.

Acts 20:28-38

At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus:

“Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock

of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers,

in which you tend the Church of God

that he acquired with his own Blood.

I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you,

and they will not spare the flock.

And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth

to draw the disciples away after them.

So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day,

I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.

And now I commend you to God

and to that gracious word of his that can build you up

and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.

I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

You know well that these very hands

have served my needs and my companions.

In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort

we must help the weak,

and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all.

They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,

for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again.

Then they escorted him to the ship.

Consider

1.What moves you to tears?

2.Why is sound doctrine so important in the life of a believer?

3.Do you share your tears with others?

Prayer

God, give me a passion for you and your people. Amen.

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May 18, 2010   Tuesday

A Great Man of God

What makes a great man or woman of God? In our reading we get a glimpse of Paul a great man of God.

See if you can determine some of the qualities in a person that honors God.

Acts 20:17-27

From Miletus Paul had the presbyters of the Church at Ephesus summoned. When they came to him, he addressed them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia. I served the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that came to me because of the plots of the Jews, and I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes.  I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus.   But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.  What will happen to me there I do not know, except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me. Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace.

“But now I know that none of you to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again. And so I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God.”

Consider

1.How many qualities traits did you find in Paul’s life that honors God?

2.Of those qualities, which ones do you have?

3.Which ones do you need to work on?

Prayer

God, help me to serve you with faithful perseverance like Paul.  Fill me with your Spirit so that I may serve you in good times and in times of adversity as well. Amen.

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May 17, 2010  Monday

The Holy Spirit and You

As Paul is traveling spreading the Good News of Jesus he finds followers of John the Baptizer.

They have been baptized and have repented of their sins—so far so good. Then Paul asked these people if they have

been experienced the Holy Spirit and they respond with “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

Read on to see what happened next.

Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country

and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.

He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”

They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.”

Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance,

telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,

that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the

Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them,

and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Altogether there were about twelve men.

He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly

with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.

Consider

1.What strikes you about the above scriptures? Why?

2.What is the result is of be filled with the Holy Spirit? See also Acts 1:8

3.Do you share your faith with boldness?

Prayer

Jesus, fill me with the Holy Spirit today that I may live for you and not in my own strength. Help be to boldly tell people about you this week. Amen.

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May 14, 2010   Friday

Chain of Command—Savior and Friend.

Jesus depicts an unusual ‘chain of command’ in our reading today: “I no longer call you slaves, because a slave

does not know what his master is doing.” Jesus breaks the mold of chain of command in ancient society.

He says in effect that “even though you are a slave,

I will let you in on privileged information because I now considered you my friend.” Talk about a personal God!

John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you.

Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing.

I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who

chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.

This I command you:  love one another.” FOR FRIDAY

Consider

       1.      Do you feel God is your Friend as well as your Lord and Master?

       2.      How does God share ‘inside-information’ with you? How does that make you feel?

       3.      What is the connection between loving others and bearing fruit?

Prayer

God, what an honor you have bestowed on us that you have not withheld anything from us—including ‘insider information.’  More than that you, died for our sins. I desire to bear fruit for you so that you will be honored.  Thank you for being my Friend and Savior. Amen.

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May 13, 2010   Thursday

The Basis for Joy

If you ask most people what is their basis for joy is they will likely say, “I am joyful when situations in life are working out for me.” This is quite understandable. However; the basis of our joy is not reliant upon positive conditions alone—the basis of Christian joy is the resurrection of Jesus and our new and living relationship to Christ by faith in him.

John 16:16-20

Jesus said to his disciples:

“A little while and you will no longer see me,

and again a little while later and you will see me.”

So some of his disciples said to one another,

“What does this mean that he is saying to us,

‘A little while and you will not see me,

and again a little while and you will see me,’

and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”

So they said, “What is this ‘little while’ of which he speaks?

We do not know what he means.”

Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them,

“Are you discussing with one another what I said,

‘A little while and you will not see me,

and again a little while and you will see me’?

Amen, amen, I say to you,

you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;

you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

Consider

Do you have a living personal relationship with Jesus?

The sadness of the disciples turned to joy after the resurrection. He died for their sins and yes he died for yours too. How does that make you feel?

Spread the joy today!

Prayer

Lord, I desire to follow you today in the joy of knowing that you are alive. Live in me by your Holy Spirit so that I may spread the joy. Amen.

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May 12, 2010    Wednesday

The Final Word

Today, we are reading the last words of the Bible.  Jesus is speaking about wrapping up all human history as we know it in God’s triumphal rule.  No longer is the world subject to world rulers and the forces of human policies. God in his last words offers one final gracious invitation to all people to come and be saved or face judgment. God reigns! Our souls rejoice at the offer!

Revelation 21:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

"See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone's work.  

13  "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."  

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.

16 "It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come."

And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of

life as a gift.

20 The one who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

Consider

Have you responded to God’s invitation?  

Prayer

God, of all creation and judge of the living and the dead, I accept your invitation to receive eternal life. Thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place for my sin so that I my robes may be washed in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus). I rejoice in your grace now and forever. Amen.

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May 11, 2010   Tuesday

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Jesus shares sad news with his disciples. He is going away; and in his tenderness he shares that he will send an Advocate (the Holy Spirit). Little did the disciples know that Jesus would die on a cross as a part of “going away.” Yet, in the sadness and confusion of the moment, Jesus promises hope via the Advocate.

John 16:5-11

Jesus said to his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

Consider

1.       What are the roles of the Advocate?

2.       How has the Spirit been working in your life lately?

3.       Is Jesus real to you?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for sending the Spirit to live in me by faith.  Fill me anew with your Spirit today so that I may know your reality and walk in your ways. Amen.

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May 10, 2010  Monday

A New Song

Today we are exhorted to sing a new song to God. I think the reason we are to sing a new song is to acknowledge that

God is at work now—today! In our new song we are affirming that God is indeed alive and active in our lives and the world in which we live.

We have a wonderful story to share in song. Read on and sing on!

Psalm 149

Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, a hymn in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel be glad in their maker, the people of Zion rejoice in their king.

Let them praise his name in festive dance, make music with tambourine and lyre.

For the LORD takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory.

Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, cry out for joy at their banquet,

With the praise of God in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands,

To bring retribution on the nations, punishment on the peoples,

To bind their kings with chains, shackle their nobles with irons,

To execute the judgments decreed for them-- such is the glory of all God's faithful. Hallelujah!

Consider

1.      In the Psalm above what are some of the reasons given for praising God?

2.      Notice the many expressions of worship. Do any of them surprise you?

3.      What are some of the attributes of God implied in the psalm?

4.      Why not compose your own psalm today and share it with others via e-mail.

Prayer

God, today I desire to begin the week with lofty thoughts of you.

You are active in my life for which I give you highest thanksgiving. Amen.

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May 7, 2010   Friday

A Song in the Morning

I used to arise in the morning as a child listening to the coos of morning doves. The doves greeted the day with their songs.

In our reading today the Psalmist greets the day with a song of grateful praise to God for his love. Good morning church!

God loves you too,

Psalm 57: 8-10

8 Awake, my soul!

      Awake, harp and lyre!

      I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;

      I will sing of you among the peoples.

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

      your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

      let your glory be over all the earth.

Consider

Why not set you alarm radio clock to a Christian station so you may arise to music that honors God. Learn some of the songs and sing along.

Why not try to put into words your own song of thanksgiving to God.

Prayer

Today, God I thank you for your love for me and the world. Amen.

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May 6, 2010  Thursday

The Meaning of Love

The word “love” has lost much of its content because of modern culture. Put simply, “love” in modern pop culture is reduced to a feelings which translated means; “I love you when I have positive romantic feelings about you and you meet my expectation and needs.”

The Bible, on the other hand, gives much more content to love. There are three basic Greek words for love in the New Testament.

eros       Love based upon sexual attraction

phileo    Love based upon friendship

agape     Love based upon God’s unconditional love for us

For love to work in our relationship we need agape love. We receive this love by receiving God’s love as a gift by faith in Jesus

John 15:9-11

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love (agape) you.

Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

Consider

1.    What does Jesus teach about God’s love?

2.  What part do we play in this love equation? (See John chapter 15:1-8 about “abiding”)

3.   How do we prove we love God in John 15:9-11?

4.   What is the byproduct of love?

Prayer

God, I want to thank you for your love that enriches our lives so that we can truly love others with your agape love. I desire to follow you in your love by obedience to your commandment (which is to love God and love others). Thank you for the joy that you give me that makes life worth living. Amen.

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May 5, 2010   Wednesday

Faith and Agribusiness

The Columbia Basin is one of the world’s largest and productive agricultural centers in the world.  There are 670,000 acres planted in a variety of crops that produces over 630 million dollars which helps to fuel our economy. Apples, potatoes, hay, alfalfa, corn, grapes, dry beans, hops, are a few of the crops that thrive here.

I met a farmer who grows apples. He related to me the necessity of pruning apple trees (like grape vines) in order to be productive.

John 15:1-7

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.

He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,

and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.

You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.

Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own

unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,

because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me

will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire

and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you,

ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified,

that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

Consider

Who is the true vine in our reading today? Who is the vine grower?

What are their responsibilities?

According to the illustration what is your responsibility?

How is God glorified in the above scripture? See also Galatians 5:22-26 

Prayer

God, thank you for giving Jesus to us as the “true vine. Jesus, help me to abide in you today so that I may have your life. 

For Wed. I choose this day to abide in you by faith. Live in me by the Holy Spirit so I will produce fruit that glories the Father. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

May 4, 2010  Tuesday

“Peace Brother”

In my hippy days we often greeted each other and ended conversations saying “peace brother.”

Trouble is that none of us had peace. Most of our peace was temporary and artificially induced.

Jesus gives the same words to us today. The difference; If we trust in Jesus no circumstance can snatch away a deep abiding peace and joy.

John 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

Consider

1.      Jesus gives true peace. Have you experienced his peace?

2.      Our Lord promises peace to his followers in the midst of evil. How ahs the Lord sustained you in troubled times or satanic attack?

Prayer

Jesus, grant me your peace today so that I can face this day with victory and joy. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

May 3, 2010  Monday

Document, Document, Document

I have an engineer friend who practices documentation. Some of you know him. He is Al Akerson, a retired engineer.  As an engineer he practiced through documentation on every project and efficiency and quality production was the result. Likewise in our reading today, Paul supplies us plenty of documentation for the resurrection of Jesus.

I Corinthians 15:1-8

I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once, most of who are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the Apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.

Consider

1.According to the above passage what are we to “hold fast?”

2.There is ample documentation to the resurrection of Jesus in the above passage and the Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  Does this encourage you as to the veracity of your faith?

3.“Jesus died for our sins…” Are you experiencing the joy and liberty of sin forgiven?

Prayer

God, you have given ample documentation for the resurrection of Jesus by eye-witnesses. Give me encouragement to witness to others the reality of the resurrection. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 30, 2010  Friday

I’ve fallen and I Can’t Get Up

Some of you recall the TV commercial of an elderly woman in a prone and awkward position feebly crying out “Help, I‘ve fallen and I can’t get up!” And then the ad man pushed a product whereby she could push a small button worn about her neck to usher in needed help.

Give me permission to speak in human terms—but God has a better product!  He promises to be with us in such a way that he is “able to keep us from falling.”  Not only that, Jesus is able to keep us safe and present us blameless in heaven before God with great joy!

Jude 24-25

24To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Consider

1.Do you have the security of knowing that Jesus died for your sins to present you blameless before God in heaven one day with great joy? If so, thank Him now. If not, ask Jesus to save you for time and eternity.

2.Recount a time when you have fallen spiritually and God restored you to your feet again. Why not share this with others.

Prayer

God you know how prone I am to fall. I need your Presence in my life to keep me on my feet serving you. Thank you for Sending Jesus to secure my salvation. Give me your joy now and forever. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 29, 2010  Thursday

Slaves and Masters

Part of American history is the sad tale of slavery. In the world of Jesus’ day slaves were also regarded as property and were held to severe subservience. Slaves were required to do menial and humiliating tasks for their masters. So when Jesus washed the disciple’s feet he reversed roles and became a slave and added this commentary, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.”

John 13:16-17

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.

Consider

1.How does Jesus demonstrate humility?

2.Do you believe that humility is the path to being blessed? Why? Why not?

3.Although you may not wash another person’s feet, how can you do this in principle?

4.How can you distinguish phony humility from true servanthood?

Prayer

Jesus, you came and in deepest humility not only washed feet like a slave but died on a cross for my sin. Give me a genuine heart to serve others for their good and your glory. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 28, 2010  Wednesday

Coming to Faith in God

Most of us come to faith with lots of questions. Having questions is normal and God so wired us to be inquisitive that is why Jesus on one occasion said, “Seek and you will find.” So belief is a process whereby we begin to take steps to know more about God.

In our reading today, Jesus promises to give light so that we may be illumined in our faith journey 

John 12:44-45

Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

Consider

1.When did you first have an inquiring mind to know more about God?

2.How did Jesus give you more understanding about God?

3.How does Jesus identify with God in the above passage? Do you find his identification amazing?

4.Are you patient with your faith journey?

Prayer

Jesus, I come to you today asking you to shed light on my path of faith. Illumine me to see you and the Father more clearly so that my faith becomes sight. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 27, 2010  Tuesday

Praise the Lord

We are admonished to “praise the Lord” in today’s reading. The writer of this Psalm must have had a really good day to write with such passion—he does not know about what I face today and the realities of my life. Yet, this does not let me off the hook for the writer is redirecting my focus from self and cirumstance to God.

Psalm 148

1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above.

2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.  3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.

4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.

6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,

11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and maidens, old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.  14 He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.

Consider

I know this sounds awkward, take a few moments NOW and voice/sing praises to God. (You may want to purchase a hymnal or sing along with CD/mp3/radio to aid you in praise to God and make this a regular practice).

What was the content of your praises today?

How did this make you feel? What thoughts came to your mind as you focused your attention on God?

Prayer

Father, I praise you today for this new day. Jesus, I thank you for your love for me. Spirit, fill me anew to face the challenges of life with joy, wisdom, grace and; yes, praise. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 26, 2010  Monday

The San Andreas Fault

On February 8, 1971, at 6:00 a.m., I was thrown out of bed by an earthquake that measured 6.6 on the Richter scale. I was living in Southern California.  Sixty-five people died and billions of dollars were lost in property damages. In our reading today, there is an earthquake of greater magnitude in the life of Peter. The aftershock changed his life forever.

Acts 11:1-18

1The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."

4Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: 5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'

8"I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'

9"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 10This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

11"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'

15"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"

18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."

Consider

Why do you think it was so difficult for Peter to change his mind about his religious practices?

Are you open to have your mind changed to extend Jesus’ love to others too?

Prayer

God, sometimes I get stuck in a rut of my faith practices so that I do not reach out to others who may be different than I am. Give me a compelling passion for sharing your love with others. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 23, 2010   Friday

Cannibalism Anyone?

Jesus said to his critics and those considering following him, “Unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you.”  This is a difficult saying to stomach (no pun intended).  Is Jesus giving us ritualistic cannibalism? 

No.  Even though these words are connected to Holy Communion theology, I think Jesus was speaking more immediately about the necessity of those who would follow him that he himself is life and the sustenance of true faith in God. Is Jesus your true life?

John 6:52-59

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you.  Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink.  Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven.  Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 

Consider

1.Just as bread nourishes our bodies, so Jesus claims to be bread for the soul.  Have you feasted on the Bread of Life?

2.Are you rejoicing in the fact Jesus offers you life after death?

Prayer

Jesus, I believe you are the Bread of Heaven and that you poured out your life blood for me.  Thank you that Eternal Life begins the moment I come to you to eat your flesh and drink your blood. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 22, 2010   Thursday

“Are You Listening?”

Have you ever used or heard or uttered the following? “You never listen to me!”

All combinations of human relationships, whether husband-wife; parent-child; union worker-management; -- need good listening skills in order to gain information and work forward to understanding and harmony. Likewise, Jesus is teaching us to listen to God and then we will understand God’s salvation via Jesus himself. 

John 6:44-51

Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God.

Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father.  Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.  I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die.  I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give

is my Flesh for the life of the world.”

Consider

1.God is speaking to you! Are you listening?

2.What is Jesus disclosing about himself in our reading today?

3.What are his promises to those who listen?

Prayer

God, slow me down so that I may give you my undivided attention. Give me ears to hear the wonderful Good News of your Son. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 21, 2010   Wednesday

Guilt and Conversion

Yesterday I asked you what part Stephen’s martyrdom played in Paul’s conversion, because we read, “and Saul (Paul) consented to his (Stephen’s) death.” (If you want to see the full story read Acts chapter seven.) Many people believe that Paul must have had guilt over assenting to Stephen’s brutal stoning. However; nowhere in the New Testament did Paul attribute guilt as a reason for his conversion to have faith in Jesus! Paul testified three times in the Book of Acts that Jesus miraculously confronted him on the Damascus road.  While guilt may lead to conversion it is not necessary. What is necessary to conversion is to meet Jesus and place your faith in him.

Acts 8:1b-3

There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lament over him. Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the Church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment.

Consider

1.What brought you to a point in your life whereby you met Jesus?

2.You can meet him now by reciting the following prayer:

Prayer

Jesus, I am at a point in my life whereby I desire to meet you via grace (undeserved mercy) through faith (trust in your life, death and resurrection to save me from my sin.) Forgive me my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may know your mercy and love. Give me courage to share my faith with others right from the start. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 20, 2010   Tuesday

Meet Stephen--the First Christian Martyr

Today meet Stephen. (To get the full story of the first Christian martyr turn back to Acts 6:8) and immediately you will notice how much attention the New Testament gives to Stephen! Why? ’ In my opinion attention is paid to Stephen witness (marturus) because he loved not his life unto death.

The Greek word for “witness” comes from the marturus which we derive the word ‘martyr. “And they have defeated him (Satan and all evil) by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony (marturus). And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.” Rev. 12:11

Stephen bears witness to Jesus to a hostile crowd. He testifies that Jesus has fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. Rather than accept the Good News of Jesus, Stephen is brutally murdered.

Acts 7:51-8:1a

Stephen said to the people, the elders, and the scribes: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.”

When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened

and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice,

covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.  As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep.

Now Saul was consenting to his execution.

Consider

1.You met Stephen! What do you think of him?

2.What part may Stephen have played in Paul’s conversion?

3.What is the source of your courage in sharing your witness (marturus)?

Prayer

Lord, I want to be counted as a faithful witness (marturus). Give me the courage never to be ashamed of you as I share the Good News of Jesus with others. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 19, 2010

Non-perishable Food

I was on Facebook the other day and people were talking about food additives.  The general consensus was that processed food (especially fast food) is not good for you.

In our reading today Jesus strongly advises, “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life,  which the Son of Man will give you.”

John 6:22-29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.]

The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said,

         “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs

but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes

but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.

For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”  So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God that you believe in the one he sent.”

Consider

1.Why did people seek out Jesus? Do you think it is the same today?

2.What is the non-processed food that Jesus recommends?

3.What is the work of God that commends you to God?

4.Do you believe/trust rely upon Jesus? 

Prayer

Jesus you are the One God sent to save me from my sin.  Jesus you are the bread of life. Help me to labor for you.  Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 16, 2010

Fear and Faith

Over the years, I have discovered fear to be more unsettling than honest questions and doubts I may have regarding the Christian life. Fear is the opposite of faith. Psalm 27 deals with fear in a manner that leads once again to faith. 

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—

      whom shall I fear?

      The LORD is the stronghold of my life—

      of whom shall I be afraid?

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,

      this is what I seek:

      that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

      all the days of my life,

      to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

      and to seek him in his temple.  

  13 I am still confident of this:

      I will see the goodness of the LORD

      in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;

      be strong and take heart

      and wait for the LORD.

Consider

1.How do you deal with fear?

2.What approach does the Psalmist take to eradicate fear?

3.What is the Psalmist’s mental attitude toward fear?

Prayer

God, today-this day, I want to enthrone you in my heart, mind and actions so that I may see your intrinsic value. I love you, my God, my Rock and my Deliverer. Amen. 

* * * * * * * * * *

April 15, 2010

Lunatic or Savior

In our reading today Jesus makes fantastic claims as to who he is and his life purpose. What do you make of his claims? He is a lunatic or the Savior of the world?

John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all.

The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.

But the one who comes from heaven is above all.

He testifies to what he has seen and heard,

but no one accepts his testimony.

Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.

For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.

He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.

The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,

but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,

but the wrath of God remains upon him.

Consider

According to the above passage, what is Jesus’ main claim?

What do you make of his claim?  From what you know about Jesus’ life, what would vindicate or validate this claim?

Do you believe he is the Savior? If so, what have you done about it?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come humbly today to examine your claims. Help me to move form examination to worship. Amen

* * * * * * * * * *

April 14, 2010

The Good News

The Good news is that there is a God and that God loves you. This is only good news if you will accept God’s love in the gift of his son Jesus. Have you done so?

John 3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Consider

1.       Are you saved? According to the scripture above how does one become saved?

2.      Why do people reject God’s love?

Prayer

God, you are a God of love and purity. Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to express your goodness and love. Thank you that your Son gave his life for me. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 13, 2010

Controversial Community

It is estimated that there are 1.3 million fewer household now than in the last census. How can that be? The answer is simple. Many people are out of work with the downturn of the economy and families are sharing there homes with others. Because we love our families and friends we will sacrifice our living space to make sure they have shelter. Love is sacrificial.

There were economic hard times in Jerusalem in the first century. Read on and see what the early church did to meet this crisis.

Acts 4:32-37

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.

There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

Consider

1.Have you ever opened your home to a person in need?  What was that like? What did you learn?

2.How can Desert Springs help people in need?

Prayer

God, in these hard times of economic crisis, deliver me from fear that leads to selfishness. Help me to open my heart up to others in need. Give me wisdom to know what to do.  Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 12, 2010

Holy Boldness or A Whole Lot of Shaking Going On

In today’s reading we find a remarkable response to persecution against Peter and John-- the church prayed, “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” In other words, the threats were countered with prayers for more courage to continue witnessing in the face of danger. And then the room where they were praying started shaking.  Amazing!

Acts 4:23-31

After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant: 

Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed.

Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Consider

1.How has prayer help embolden you for the persecution or trial you have had as a Christian?

2.What kinds of subtle persecutions does the church face today?

3.Why did the Holy Spirit “shake up the place” in the above passage?

Prayer

Lord, help me not to be ashamed to be identified with you.  Give me holy boldness to share my faith in you with others.  Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 9, 2010

Courtroom Evidence

Now that Easter has passed many people have gone about their business forgetting about the events of last Sunday. Flash back to the first Easter and something amazing had happened within two months! The timid believers who once hid out from the political and religious authorities (who arrested Jesus and hung him on a cross) are now in the streets and “proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.”  Why the change from timidity to pubic preaching? There can be only one reason; Jesus is indeed alive and he has granted the disciples the power of the Holy Spirit to become effective witnesses to the resurrection! This is powerful courtroom evidence for us that Jesus is alive!

Acts 4:1-3

After the crippled man had been cured, while Peter and John were still speaking to the people,

the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them, disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They laid hands on Peter and John and put them in custody until the next day, since it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word came to believe and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

Consider

       1.      Are you intimidated to share your faith in Jesus with others? Why? Why not?

       2.       What are the subtle things/forces that keep you from sharing your faith?

       3.       What are some of the motivations why you do share your faith?

       4.       Why do you think the church grew so rapidly soon after the resurrection of Jesus?

Prayer

God, I pray that the resurrection of Jesus will impact me like Peter and John. Give me holy boldness by your Spirit to live well for you and to share my faith with others in word and deed. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 8, 2010

A Grand Panorama

Last year I had the opportunity to go see Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in California from two different view points—from the canyon floor and from a mountain view point.  Both views were spectacular! From the canyon floor my neck was crooked upward and I felt tiny indeed as compared to the monstrous granite structure of Half Dome. From a nearby mountain  I could distinguish the depth of the canyon floor and still view the structure with a sense of awe.

In today’s reading, we see a broad panorama of God’s creation. We view the wonders of nature and the wonder of God’s creation of humanity.

Psalm 8

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

      You have set your glory above the heavens.

2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise

      because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,

      the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings  and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,

      how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Consider

1.When is the last time you marveled at God’s creation?

2.According to the psalm above, what is the capstone of God’s creation?

3.Do you know you have a Creator who loves you?

Prayer

God, sometimes I am too busy with my life to take time to marvel at what you have made; sun and moon, stars, and yes me. Slow me down to not only marvel at the panorama of creation but to worship you who created all things bright and beautiful!  Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 7, 2010

Double Meaning

In today’s reading a crippled beggar was healed. You may want to pause now and think of the joy this man experienced being touched by God’s healing love. Perhaps you too have been touched in profound ways by Christ. The healing of this man also represents the healing ministry the early church had (and the modern church has) in bringing healing to hurting people.

Acts 3:1-10

Peter and John were going up to the temple area or the three o’clock hour of prayer.

And a man crippled from birth was carried and placed at the gate of the temple called “the Beautiful Gate” every day to beg for alms from the people who entered the temple.

When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. But Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” He paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold,

but what I do have I give you:  in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.”

Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with amazement and astonishment

at what had happened to him.

Consider

1.Can you recall the first time you were touched by Jesus’ love?

2.Have you ever been used to be God’s instrument to touch other people with Jesus’ love?

3.Are you open to boldly share God’s love to others this week?

Prayer

God, just as the early church spread the Good News about Jesus in life-giving ways, so too I desire to be used of you to touch others. Give me holy boldness I pray. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 6, 2010

John 20:10b-23

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet

where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.”

When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him,

and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her.

Consider

1.Have you lost a close friend or family member to death? How did you feel afterward?

2.Why do you think Mary was not able to recognize Jesus at the graveside?

3.When Mary reported the good news of Jesus’ resurrection; how do you think the disciples felt: a. bewildered?  b. alarmed  c. Mary was mistaken and delusional?  D. other?

Prayer

God, thank you for your victory over the grave by the resurrection of your Son, Jesus!  Comfort me in the losses I have had (or will have) and grant me joyous confidence in the future as I face my own mortality. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

April 5, 2010

The Plot to Hush Faith

It seems every Easter season a writer (trying to make a buck) comes up with a new fangled idea that the resurrection of Jesus never occurred. Did you know there were plots of religious and government officials to squelch the good news that Jesus was indeed raised form the dead? Read on!

Matthew 28:8-15

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’ And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

Consider

1.What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you personally? Why? Be specific.

2.How did you come to believe in the resurrection of Jesus? Why not tell someone this week your story?

3.Why did the above plot of deception not work?

Prayer

Lord you are alive—wonderfully alive! Give me resurrection joy so I, too, like the two Mary’s announce with joy your resurrection. 

* * * * * * * * * *

April 1, 2010

Below are the events of Thursday.

Last Supper

Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:

14-30

Betrayed and Arrested

Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-1

2

Tried by Annas and Caiaphas

Matthew 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-72; Luke 22:54-65: John 18:13-27

Read Matthew’s account of the Lord’s Supper, the arrest and the trial. May the Lord give you a sense of his love for you as you think about Jesus’ sacrifice.

Form your own prayers today.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 31, 2010

Today three major events take place in the life of our Lord on Wednesday before the cross.

Fig Tree WitheredMatthew 21:20-22; Mark 11:20-26

Temple ControversyMatthew 21:23-23:39; Mark 11:27-12:44; Luke 20:1-21:4

Olivet DiscourseMatthew 24:1-25:46; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36

Again, as yesterday, read one portion in the areas listed above.

1.The Fig Tree. The fig tree is a metaphor of Israel that rejected Jesus. Rejecting their Messiah gave God no other alternative but to judge an unbelieving nation. The bottom line for us is whether or not we accept Jesus as Messiah, Savior and Lord or reject him. Where do you stand with Jesus?

2.The Temple Controversy. In this section, Jesus debates with the authorities about the place of the temple in the life of the nation and issues this statement; “Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days.” Jesus was talking about his own body. Of course the authorities did not grasp this. For believers, Jesus is the center of our faith—not a building. Is Jesus the center of your faith?

3.Olivet Discourse.  This section, Jesus speaks of the end times. He predicts the destruction of the Temple (70 A,D.)  and also describes the end times of history as we know it.  Jesus will return as King and Judge. Do you know that Jesus died so that you will not be judged for sin if you repent and believe in him?

PRAYER:  Form your own prayer today.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 30, 2010 

Intro:

Now, if you were to read all of the scripture listed and study each detail it would take up a good portion of the day. Let me suggest that you read from one Gospel in each bullet point so as to get a flavor of what Tuesday entailed for our Lord.

Reading: 

Jesus was extremely busy on the Tuesday before he died on a cross on Friday.

Listed below are the events of that Tuesday:

•The authority of Jesus questioned; Mt 21:23-27;Mk 11:27-33; Lk 20:1-8

•Jesus teaches in the temple; Mt 21:28-23-39; Mk 12:1-44; Lk 20:9-21:4

•Jesus’ feet anointed; Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9; Jn 12:2-11

Discuss:

1.In the section where Jesus’ authority is questioned, what stood out for you? Why?

2.Do you trust his words?

3.In the section where he teaches in the Temple, what teaching stands out to you? Why?

4.Jesus was anointed at Bethany (very near to the Temple) and there was quite a stir over what happened to Jesus in the minds of his disciples. Then Jesus rebukes the selfish thinking of the disciples and commends the generosity of the woman who was so extravagant with Jesus. Are you extravagant with our Lord? Be specific.

Prayer:

Based on the reading you have done today. Form your own prayers.

God bless you.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 29, 2010

Intro: This week is known as Passion Week. It is a time when Christians read about Jesus’ last week on earth. Our devotions will follow Jesus through this week. By doing so, you will hopefully understand more about why Jesus died and appreciate him all the more.

MONDAY OF JESUS’ LAST WEEK

Two important events happen on Monday; Jesus curses a fig tree and for the second time in his ministry cleanses the Temple.

1.  The fig tree is an odd story with high symbolism. The Fig tree represents Israel. Jesus expects the tree (Israel) to have fruit (faith in Him). Jesus finds no fruit and curses (judges) the fig tree.

2.  The cleansing of the Temple is self-explanatory. Jesus sees the corruption of Israel’s fallen faith. Religion had become about money and power and not worship of God.

Reading:  Mark 11: 12-18

12And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:  13And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

15And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.  17And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.  18And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people were astonished at his doctrine.

Discuss:

1.Do you have real faith in Jesus? Is there substance to your faith? Or are you like the fig tree that looks good on the outside but inwardly you are barren of faith? Can people tell that you are a believer in Jesus or are you a Sunday Christian? Are you prepared to add substance to your faith?

2.Is Jesus the object of your worship? Or are you one who asks God to serve you?

3.How is your prayer life? Do you care deeply for others?

Prayer:

Father, I desire my faith to have value and substance. Just as you cleansed the Temple, cleanse my life that I may worship you and serve you as you deserve. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 26, 2010

Jesus Is Understood by His Critics

Every since Jesus appeared in the flesh on this earth he has had his critics.  Most of the time the critics misrepresent Jesus.  Oddly enough, his critics get it right in our reading today—they understand that he claims to be God--yet they reject him.

Reading

John 10:31-32

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus.

Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father.

For which of these are you trying to stone me?”

The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy.

You, a man, are making yourself God.”

Consider

1.Jesus’ good works—his healing miracles, his compassion, his uncanny insight into human nature, his unconditional love for sinners and his willingness to confront evil attest to his claims to be God. What was the evidence you needed to believe in Jesus’ claim to be God?

2.Have you presented Jesus’ claims to others?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I bow before you and worship at your feet. I desire to make you know to others so they too may come to know and worship you too. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 25, 2010

Bunnies and Baskets

The retail stores are full of pagan Easter paraphernalia and rather than curse the darkness of bunnies and baskets, I decided to let those things trigger me to appreciate the real meaning Easter—namely that Jesus lived, died on a Roman cross, and rose again from the dead for my sins and the sins of the world.  In our reading today we see how Jesus’ sacrifice is the real reason for the Season of Easter.

Hebrews 10:4-10

Brothers and sisters: It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats

take away sins. For this reason, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.’” First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” These are offered according to the law. Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,” we have been consecrated

through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Consider

1.       What are your fondest memories of Easter?

2.       When did you discover the real meaning of Easter?

Prayer

Father, thank you for sending Jesus in to the world to did for my sin. Jesus, thank you for going to the cross for my sin.  Holy Spirit, fill me a new today with your presence so that I may appreciate the new resurrection power living in me by simple faith is what Jesus did for me. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 24, 2010

Believers and Disciples—is there a Difference?

Jesus makes a distinction between being a believer and being a disciple. He encourages people who believe in him to take it to the next level and become a disciple. This step requires a continuing belief in him and a continual study of the Word that opens us up to the truth of the life and person and mission of our Lord.  Read on to see what benefits our Lord offers to his disciples.  

John 8:31

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him,  “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Consider

1.Are you taking the next step to become a disciple of Jesus?

2.Are you experiencing the glorious joy of being set free?

Prayer

Jesus, I desire to be counted in with the company of your disciples. Do not allow me to be content with mere dabbling with my faith.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 23, 2010

Complaint Department

Many businesses have “customer service departments,” which are also known as “complaint departments.”   If your Fritos are not fresh—not to worry call the number posted on the bag and you will get a full refund. If your new lawn mower is on the fritz call customer service and a repairman is on the way. 

When it comes to spiritual matters “complaining” often is a sign of mistrust of leadership that God has appointed.  You are to respect those that God has called to serve you.  Leadership needs your prayers and honest feedback too.

Numbers 21:4-9

From Mount Hor the children of Israel set out on the Red Sea road, to bypass the land of Edom. But with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water?

We are disgusted with this wretched food!”

In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses, “Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and whoever looks at it after being bitten will live.” Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

Consider

1.In the above reading the people reap a harsh judgment. Do you think God went overboard?

2.Do you allow your impatience to end up in resentment and in carping against others?

3.Do you grumble against leadership: at work? at church? 

4.Do you see the similarity between looking to the cross of Jesus and the people in Moses’ day looking to the raised serpent?

Prayer

God,  I want to follow your will for my life without a spirit of complaining. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 22, 2010

The Longest Living Light Bulb

There’s a light bulb that has been burning for over 109 years at the Livermore Fire department in California. It is called the “Centennial Light” and the reason for the longevity of the light bulb is that it has been rarely turned off which keeps the filament more stable. 

You need not visit the fire department to see the amazing light bulb for a more wondrous light in available now to illumine you heart and mind. Jesus has been the Light of the World for over two millennia. Read on.

John 8; 12

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Consider

1.Have you seen the Light of Jesus?

2.How has Jesus illuminated your life recently?

Prayer

God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to be the Light that burns brightly in a dark world. I desire, God, to walk in the Light so that I will not stumble but walk in your holy ways. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 19, 2010

Justification by Faith

One reason you are reading this devotional today is because of Martin Luther.  Luther (1483 – 1546) was a Catholic priest and theology professor who came to the realization that salvation is not from good works. Luther discovered that salvation is a free gift of God, received only by grace (God’s free gift of forgiveness) through faith (simple trust in Jesus who redeems us from sin). The passage below changed his life.                                                                                                                                                  

Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

Brothers and sisters: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. For this reason, it depends on faith, so that   it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but  to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, as it is written, I have made you father of many nations. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist.   He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what was said, Thus shall your descendants be. That is why it was credited to him as righteousness.

Consider

1.How Abraham was made “righteous”?

2.Christians are made right with God by  “believing/trusting” in Jesus. Do you believe that Jesus lived, died for your sin and rose again to make you right with God?  If so—welcome to God’s family. You are a Christian!

Prayer (to affirm your salvation or to receive it for the first time)

Father, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to die for my sin on the cross. Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sin and come into my life in such a way that I know that you are real. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so I too like Martin Luther may share the Good News of salvation with the world. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 18, 2010

Does God Change His Mind?

There is a new theology out now called “Process Theology” that essentially says that God is “fluid” and is in a “process” of becoming more God-like. If you are confused join the club. The proof text these new theologians use is the following test whereby it appears that God is in “process” and changes his mind about destroying his wayward people; but is there something else going on here? 

Exodus 32:7-14

The LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once to your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, for they have become depraved. They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them, making for themselves a molten calf and worshiping it,

sacrificing to it and crying out, ‘This is your God, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ The LORD said to Moses, “I see how stiff-necked this people is.

Let me alone, then, that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them.

Then I will make of you a great nation.”

But Moses implored the LORD, his God, saying, “Why, O LORD, should your wrath blaze up against your own people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt

with such great power and with so strong a hand? Why should the Egyptians say,

‘With evil intent he brought them out, that he might kill them in the mountains

and exterminate them from the face of the earth’? Let your blazing wrath die down;

relent in punishing your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel,

and how you swore to them by your own self, saying, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky; and all this land that I promised, I will give your descendants as their perpetual heritage.’“ So the LORD relented in the punishment

he had threatened to inflict on his people.

Consider

1.Does God change his mind and grow more God-like and gracious?  It seems so. But what if the above is not so much God changing his mind but to test the heart of Moses?

2.If the above is a test of Moses, then how has God tested your heart?

3.Do you see how vital it is to care for people who have strayed away from the faith?

Prayer

God, ninety nine percent of Scripture reveals your steadfast love and immutable character. You are not “growing up” but allowing us to interact with you. Help me to be in “a process” whereby I grow up in my faith and trust in you to care deeply for  all people—especially those who stray from the faith. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 17, 2010

Spiritual Algebra

I recall algebraic equations in high school. What I remember is that both sides of an equation are equal in value. Jesus teaches spiritual algebraic equation:

 

         “My Father (God) is at work” = “So I am at work”

                         Therefore Jesus equals God

John 5:17-18

Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.”

For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath

but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.

Consider

1.Do you have a problem with Jesus’ teaching regarding his claim to equality to God?

2.Do you therefore worship God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit?

Prayer

Jesus, you make yourself out to be God and people sought to kill you for that claim. I believe you are equal with God and I want to serve and love you now and forever. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 16, 2010

God’s Irrigation System

I am eagerly waiting for the city of Pasco to turn on the irrigation waters later this month so I can water my lawn, shrubs, and trees. I may grow veggies too!  Water is a precious resource—the source which sustains all life. In today’s reading, Ezekiel has a vision whereby he measures water depth and flow which finds its source flowing from the Temple of God. Do not miss the main point that God who is worshipped in the Temple is the source of your life too.

Ezekiel  47:1-9, 12

The angel brought me, Ezekiel, back to the entrance of the temple of the LORD, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the right side of the temple, south of the altar. He led me outside by the north gate, and around to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw water trickling from the right side. Then when he had walked off to the east with a measuring cord in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and had me wade through the water, which was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand and once more had me wade through the water, which was now knee-deep. Again he measured off a thousand and had me wade; the water was up to my waist. Once more he measured off a thousand, but there was now a river through which I could not wade; for the water had risen so high it had become a river that could not be crossed except by swimming. He asked me, “Have you seen this, son of man?”

Then he brought me to the bank of the river, where he had me sit. Along the bank of the river I saw very many trees on both sides. He said to me, “This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah, and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh. Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor do their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary.  Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

Consider

1.Do you hydrate your soul by worshiping God?

2.Do you find “fresh fruit” in your life? See also Ephesians 5:20ff and Psalm 1

3.Other observation….

Prayer

God, you designed me to thrive spiritually by coming to know you and worship you. May I discover the flow and depth of your river of love for me and the world. Amen

* * * * * * * * * *

March 15, 2010

Really Good News!

The daily news is bleak and I need not remind you about the dire straits of our world. God has good news for us! He promises of better days ahead. Read on and be hopeful!

Isaiah 65:17-21

Thus says the LORD: Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; for I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people. No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime; He dies a mere youth who reaches but a hundred years, and he who fails of a hundred shall be thought accursed.  They shall live in the houses they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant.

Consider

1.There are at least seven promises of better days ahead in the above passage. How many can you find?

2.Of the above promises which ones bless you the most? Why?

3.Read Revelation chapter 22-23 about the fulfillment of the above promised good news.

Prayer

God, I rejoice in the Good News you bring to this broken world. Thank you for a taste of a better life to come right now because of Jesus’ great love. Help me to live in hope! Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 12, 2010

Texting and God

I am joining the “post-modern generation” and have learned to text. I still do not understand why people text because for this old guy it is seems so much easier to talk on the phone. But one thing I am learning about texting is that you need to keep the text messages short and use lots of abbreviations. For example TTYL means “talk to you later”; TMI= “too much information”; 2GTBT= “too good to be true”; OJ = “only joking”; PUKS=“pick up kids”; QQ = “quick question”; SC= “stay cool”… there are hundreds more I need to learn to make texting an efficient means of communication.

Jesus was in a sense texting the scribes when he gave a much abbreviated answer to what does the whole Bible mean? Read Jesus’ text message below:

Mark 12:28-31

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?”

Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Consider

1.Do you understand Jesus’ text message?

2.Why not text someone today with this msg (message).

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for texting us about what is important in life—namely loving you and loving others. TTYL Lord.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 11, 2010

Hard of Hearing

A new TV ad says, “Often people do not know they need hearing aids—even baby boomers. Now, that is too close to home—ouch!  To lure me to try out the hearing aid the company offers “free hearing tests.” 

I will not admit that I have people repeat their words to me and that I also read lips.  In our reading today, God predicts that his people will become hard of hearing with disastrous spiritual results.

Jeremiah 7: 23-28

Thus says the LORD: This is what I commanded my people:

Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people.

Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper.

But they obeyed not, nor did they pay heed. They walked in the hardness of their evil hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to me. From the day that your fathers left the land of Egypt even to this day, I have sent you untiringly all my servants the prophets. Yet they have not obeyed me nor paid heed; they have stiffened their necks and done worse than their fathers. When you speak all these words to them, they will not listen to you either; when you call to them, they will not answer you. Say to them: This is the nation that does not listen to the voice of the LORD, its God, or take correction. Faithfulness has disappeared; the word itself is banished from their speech.

Consider

1.How is your spiritual hearing?

2.Are you listening to God’s voice?

3.His word?

4.His commands?

Prayer

God, help me to hear you when you speak to me.  Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 10, 2010

Truly Wise and Intelligent People

Truly wise and intelligent people follow God’s decrees—plain and simple! In our reading today see how may reasons you can find that it is indeed wise to follow God in loving obedience.

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

Moses spoke to the people and said: “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land  which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the LORD, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say,  This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?  Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today? “However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”

Consider

1.Of all the reasons to follow God’s statutes and decrees—what one catches your attention the most? Why?

2.What are the rewards for following God? Again how many can you find in the above text?

3.How is our God different than the ‘gods’  in the above text?

4.How can you “guard against forgetting God’s ways”? 

5.How does Desert Springs fit into that guarding?

Prayer

God, you are the most intelligent entity in the universe. It makes sense to me to follow you and your ways. Thank you for the Bible that gives us a new and smart way to live. Help me to pass on your ways to my children and influence others to follow you too. Amen.

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March 9, 2010

“The Stickiness of Unforgiving”

I love to eat pork spareribs slathered with barbeque sauce.  I load the table with napkins and a bib to protect my shirt and dig in. Table etiquette rules must be put aside because these morsels of culinary delight are best eaten by bare hands. During the feast I wipe my hands often and after the dinner wash my hands of the red stickiness. Try as I may there always seem so be a residue of a red moustache and chin and food stains on my shirt (so much for the bib).

I find that un-forgiveness is a residue that stains my soul. Try as I may…I miss a spot here and there and need a fresh towelette! I think this is the reason Jesus instructs us to forgive often—seventy-times!  Forgiveness begins by allowing God to expose our need and then we may have to go back often to forgive the offense and yes, ourselves, too.

Matthew 18:21

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.

Consider

1.What do you make of Jesus’ instruction to forgive seventy-seven times?

2.Do you find it difficult to forgive others? Yourself? If so try forgiving repeatedly!

Prayer

Jesus, you instructed us to forgive so that we may be forgiven (recall the Lord’s Prayer). Help us to forgive as often as the stains of un-forgiveness crop up in our memories.  Yes, Lord—up to seventy-seven times!  Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 8, 2010

Passionate Soul Yearning

Have you ever been in a place (spiritually speaking) where you yearned for God? I have!  Life’s demands and testing often bring into question whether or not God cares. In these times I often have feelings of helplessness and long for “normal” times and recall evidence of God’s warm presence. Know this; God cares and you can still praise him as David does in the following Psalm.

Psalm 63 (A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.)

1 O God, you are my God,

      earnestly I seek you;

      my soul thirsts for you,

      my body longs for you,

      in a dry and weary land

      where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary

      and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,

      my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,

      and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Consider

1.Note: David is honest with his feelings in the above Psalm. How does he address his feelings?

2.Have you praised ever God when you have not felt like doing so? What happened as a result of your worship?

3.Why not lift up your hands now as your sacrifice of praise to God giving thanks to him whether you “feel” like it or are facing tough situations.

Prayer

God, I praise you with hands outstretched and words of praise on my tongue for your boundless love for me. Help me to trust you rather than my feelings. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 5, 2010

Remember When?

An e-mail I received was about the “Good Ole Days”--- the remember when stories-- that warm the heart and jolt the memories. Here are a few: “Remember when it was OK to go outside and play in the neighborhood as a child and your parents did not worry about your safety?  Remember when we rode bicycles without helmets, shoulder, and knee pads and we all survived? Remember when gasoline was 23 cents a gallon?"   The list goes on and on.

In today’s reading we are encouraged to remember the days when God has blessed us and praise him for his goodness.

Psalm105:1-5

1 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;

      make known among the nations what he has done.

2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;

      tell of all his wonderful acts.

3 Glory in his holy name;

      let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

4 Look to the LORD and his strength;

      seek his face always.

5 Remember the wonders he has done,

      his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

Consider

1.         What memories do you have of God’s rich blessings? 

2.       Why not tell someone today about how God has touched your life?

3.         Sing a song (hymn) now as your thankful worship to God!

Prayer (perhaps you may want to sing the following words)

“Thank you God for saving my soul.  Thank you God, for making me whole.  Thank you God for giving to me, thy great salvation so rich and free! “

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March 4, 2010

A Study in Contrasts

A good teaching technique is to teach by contrast. My dad used this method with me. He said, “Son, if you do not get a good education, you will end up like a bum on the street and if you do well in school you can be well-employed and successful in all of your life.” No way did I want to be a bum so I stayed in school—the rest is history.  In today’s reading Jeremiah uses contrasts to teach us how to love life the God’s way.  Read on and see what you learn.

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Thus says the LORD:

Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings,

who seeks his strength in flesh,

whose heart turns away from the LORD.

He is like a barren bush in the desert

that enjoys no change of season,

But stands in a lava waste,

a salt and empty earth.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose hope is the LORD.

He is like a tree planted beside the waters

that stretches out its roots to the stream:

It fears not the heat when it comes,

its leaves stay green;

In the year of drought it shows no distress,

but still bears fruit.

More tortuous than all else is the human heart,

beyond remedy; who can understand it?

I, the LORD, alone probe the mind

and test the heart,

To reward everyone according to his ways,

according to the merit of his deeds.

Consider

1.     “Blessings and curses” are contrasted in the above page. What is the principle behind being “blessed.”?

2.      Do you really trust the Lord or your own strength and wisdom?

3.     When the “heat” comes into your life do you stress out or trust the Lord?

4.      other observations…

Prayer

God, today you are giving me choices between being blessed in you or going it on my own. Help me to trust in you and find ways to serve you and others. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 3, 2010

Disappointing News

Jesus tells dashes the hopes and expectations of his disciples for he shares with them how he will be put to death—not good news at all. Instead of a crown as “King of kings and Lord of lords” Jesus will receive a cross. The news must have crushed the disciples! Yet as the bad news come to pass; Christians throughout the centuries have relished the cross as our only hope. The cross becomes Good News for Jesus died to save us from our sin. Hallelujah! 

Matthew 20: 17-19

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way,  “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests

and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

Consider

1.     How do you handle disappointing news?

2.     What does the cross of Jesus mean to you?

Prayer

God of mercy, justice and truth reveal your love for me today so that I can see Good News in the disappointing new of the cross. In my struggles Lord, help me to find courage and strength to know that you have been there before me. Thank you for the cross you bore on my behalf. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 2, 2010

Whiter than Snow

When I was a kid my mother washed all our clothes in Tide soap—for mom Tide was the best for brighter whites and brighter colors. (Aside: I do not have stock in Tide). The point is all soap companies promote their products as superior to their competition. How many commercialS have you seen with side-by-side comparisons? Yet not one soap product promised to clean “whiter than snow.”

Yet God has soap for your soul and mine. Do you want a “whiter than snow “ cleanser for your soul?  Then come to Jesus! He removes the ugly spots of shame, guilt and remorse—for all your sins of omissions and commissions.  He died to remove the awful stains of your sin and mine.

Reading:    Isaiah 1:18

Come now, let us set things right,

says the LORD:

Though your sins be like scarlet,

they may become white as snow;

Though they be crimson red,

they may become white as wool.

Consider:

1.   Do you know the joy of sin forgiven?

2.   Do you have the assurance of sin forgiven? Read 1 John 1:8-2:2

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for my sin on the cross. Forgive me my sin and keep my soul pure - “whiter than snow.”  I know I can come to you for forgiveness and restoration when I falter. You are so good. I love you. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

March 1, 2010

Monday’s Check List

Perhaps (like me) you are one who has a weekly routine that is based upon work and home responsibilities. Monday you go to work, Tuesday grocery shopping after work, Wednesday is filled with business meetings, Thursday kids to soccer practice after work, Friday family night, Saturday chores around the home and more shopping, Sunday church. O yeah! And add a date night with your spouse.  The above list is typical and your list may be busier and leaves you at the end to the week tired only to repeat the routine again and again…

Why not think differently. Why not have a theme for each day of the week: Mercy Monday; Tolerant Tuesday; Worshipful Wednesday; Thankful Thursday; Faith in God Friday….

So your weekly schedule now is based upon godly attitudes…which I think will help turn your week of routine to one of joy.

Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.

Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.

Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Give and gifts will be given to you;

a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,

will be poured into your lap.

For the measure with which you measure

will in return be measured out to you.”

Consider

1.       How many inner attitudes can you find in the above reading?

2.       Which ones do you need to work on?

3.       What are the rewards of a godly disposition and practice?

Prayer

God, as I face of week of obligations and responsibilities please help me not get bound up with a “Ground Hog Day” life.

Infuse my life with the Holy Spirit and instill in me godly attitudes so that life is a joy. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 26, 2010

Religion Gone Sour

Jesus was not a friend of the contemporary religion of his day because it did not produce righteousness—right relationship with God and reconciliation with others. The religion of Jesus’ day was a legalistic system (rules and regulations) that produced a shallow self-righteousness. The biggest reason Jesus confronted the religious system is that it rejected him.

Read on and see what Jesus expects from our lives:

Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:  “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that

of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.  But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment,

and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,  will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,

and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.

Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Consider

1.       Our Lord’s focus was on heart-change not mere external rule keeping. Is your heart changed toward people whom you may be in conflict?

2.       Read Matthew 18:15-20 for the process Jesus recommends for reconciliation.

3.       Is your heart right with others?

Prayer

God, I desire to be right with you and others. Help me to live in your peace and forgiveness so that I may be a peacemaker with those who oppose me.  Allow me to see my own shortcoming and be tender with all people. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 25, 2010

God is Good, All the Time God is Good!

Jesus shared a vital message with his disciples—God is good! Goodness means God is love and this love is expansive. God has your well-being in mind. Since God is good,  Jesus encourages his followers to seek to know God, his tender care and provision.

Matthew 7:7-11

Jesus said to his disciples: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish?

If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

Consider

1.     Have you discovered God’s goodness?

2.     Do you thank God often for his kindnesses to you?

3.     Do you seek to know God more fully?

Prayer

God, your goodness amazes me! You are not an impersonal uncaring God... (why not complete this prayer in a spirit of thanksgiving)……

* * * * * * * * * *

February 24, 2010

Living in Your Own Skin -- A Plea for Forgiveness

Are you comfortable living in your own skin? I deeply regret some of the things I have done in my life as well as the things I have left undone—sins of commission and sins of omission.

In our reading today, David is extremely uncomfortable living in his own skin because of his sin of adultery and murder (adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah).  David writes the following Psalm that underscores his heart felt repentance and earnestly pleas to God for forgiveness.  Being forgiven by God is the only way you and I can live comfortably in our own skin.

Psalm 51: 1-2, 9, 10, 11-12

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;

      according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Consider

1.       Do you know the forgiveness of God? Read 1 John 1:9

2.       Do you know that paid the penalty for your sin by dying for our sins?

3.       Do you know the joy of sin forgiven?

Prayer

God, I come to you now asking you to forgive my sin (known and unknown). I am deeply sorry for the things I have done and left undone that offend you. Cleanse me according to your promise (1 John 1:9).

Sustain me with your love. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 23, 2010

And you thought….

And you thought that reading today’s devotional would be ordinary. Never! Let me let you on to a little secret. If you simply read the word every day with even the teeniest bit of faith your life will change radically.  Over time you will discover a passion for knowing and serving God because the Word you read every day is in fact God’s Word and it always brings new spiritual life—always!

Isaiah 55:1-10

Thus says the LORD: Just as from the heavens

the rain and snow come down And do not return there

till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful,

Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats,

So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth;

It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will,

achieving the end for which I sent it.

Consider

1.    What did you eat today for breakfast? What did you eat in the above passage?

2.      How has God been speaking to you lately?

3.      If someone were to ask you are you doing God’s will, what would you say?

4.     Notice the time gap in the seasons of sowing and harvest. So be patient.

Prayer

God, I thank you for the Bible. I want to feast on your Word so that I may grow thereby and serve you and others well. Amen

* * * * * * * * * *

February 22, 2010

“I Would Like a Box for My Food”

You know the restaurant routine, “please may I have a box for my food.” In short order the food server returns with a Styrofoam box for the food you were not able to eat. In today’s reading there is extra food left on your plate—for it is impossible to digest all of Jesus’ words. Read on for fine dining.

Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples,

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,

still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter said in reply,

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.

For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

And so I say to you, you are Peter,

and upon this rock I will build my Church,

and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.

Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Consider

1.    Peter finally recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah. Is he your Messiah too?

2.     Jesus promises to build the church on the confession of Peter.

3.     How is Jesus building the church you worship at?

4.    In the second part of the reading, Jesus speaks of “loosing and binding”—what does that mean in terms of doing God’s will?

Prayer

Lord, you have given me too much food on my plate today. Help me to digest what is needful and return often to your Word for my daily bread. Please reveal yourself to me as Messiah, Lord, Savior, and Friend. Help me to follow you always. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 19, 2010

“Slow Down Fast”

Fasting is a religious practice of going without food or water for a period of time. The purpose of fasting is not some sort of “hunger strike” to gain God’s attention; rather fasting is a time whereby God gets our undivided attention. Read Isaiah 58:1-9a to view a proper fast.

Matthew 9:14-15

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,

but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn

as long as the bridegroom is with them?

The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,

and then they will fast.”

Consider

How does God get your undivided attention?

Are you too busy to listen to God?

Read Isaiah 58: 1-9a and glean practical advice of what God expects from his people.

Prayer

God I know the pace of life often siphons away my quiet time with you. Help me to slow down fast. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 18, 2010

Good Choices

The choices we make in life have consequences. As parents we advise our children to make good choices. We guide them carefully with love and compassion because we know that poor choices result in all sorts of negative results. Likewise, God counsels us to make choices that produce blessings and successes. Read on.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Moses said to the people: “Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom.

If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin on you today,

loving him, and walking in his ways, and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees,

you will live and grow numerous, and the LORD, your God, will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy. If, however, you turn away your hearts and will not listen, but are led astray and adore and serve other gods, I tell you now that you will certainly perish; you will not have a long life on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and occupy. I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God,

heeding his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you, a long life for you to live on the land that the LORD swore he would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

Consider

What kinds of blessings/successes does God offer his people in the above passage for making good choices?

What are the conditions to receive God’s blessings?

Are you making good choices in your life?

Prayer

God, help me to follow your commands (to make good choices). Amen

* * * * * * * * * *

February 17, 2010 - Ash Wednesday

Getting Right with God

Today, the Apostle Paul makes an appeal for us to be “reconciled to God.”

I find it the human condition that even church people (including this pastor) need to be reconciled to God. We tend to drift from our faith and easily lose our luster, joy, and obedience. Faith too easily morphs into a routine like going to the grocery store. Let us return to God!

2 Cor 5:20—22

Brothers and sisters:

We are ambassadors for Christ,

as if God were appealing through us.

We implore you on behalf of Christ,

be reconciled to God.

For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,

so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

Consider

How goes your walk with God?

Are there things in your life that you need to change?

Why not thank God for his grace and mercy in Jesus?

Prayer

God, you know everything about my life and still love me enough to pursue me by going to the cross in my behalf. Thank you! I bless your holy Name. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 16, 2010

“Taking Responsibility”

Pogo, the cartoon possum most famous saying is, “We have met the enemy and he is us." Our reading today supports this idea that we must take responsibility for our actions. We cannot blame God, the devil, circumstances or others for the choices we make. To make right choices we need right moral options which God gives us in his Holy Word. We aslo need the power of the Holy Spirit to follow through. Good News ---there is forgiveness when we err. We can make a fresh start with God’s grace.

James 1:12-15

Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation,

for when he has been proven he will receive the crown of life

that he promised to those who love him.

No one experiencing temptation should say,

“I am being tempted by God”;

for God is not subject to temptation to evil,

and he himself tempts no one.

Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire.

Then desire conceives and brings forth sin,

and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death.

Consider

I know it is painful, but have you taken a good moral inventory of your life? What was the process of your moral failure?

Have you experienced the forgiveness of Jesus?  (see 1 John 1:10-2:2 below)

Prayer

Jesus, according to your promise, I ask you to forgive me my sin and to cleanse me. Help me to lives a fife that please and honors you. Fill me with the Spirit so that I can experience a new life in you. Amen.

1 John 1:8-2:2 reads 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for[a] the sins of the whole world.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 15, 2010

“Lord, Give Me a Sign”

People tell me that if they had a sign from God they would begin to believe.

Jesus does not give much credence to such a notion. Read on.

Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,  “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

Consider

1.       What helped you to come to faith?

2.       Why do you think Jesus is exasperated with people who seek “signs”?

Prayer

Jesus, you desire for me to simply trust you without the “proof of signs.”

Yet, I see the evidence (signs) of your love all around me every day. I also heed your words recorded in pages of Scripture. 

You sustain the universe and my world with your love. This is enough evidence for me. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 12, 2010

“He has done All Things Well”

When is the last time you were desperate?  I mean when is the last time in your life when you could not make life work well—when you were at the end of your rope? Welcome to the human condition!  I do not mean to sound cruel – life sometimes does not work out well.  We need to take our issues/problems/grief to the One who can make life work well.

Mark 7:31-37

Jesus left the district of Tyre

and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee,

into the district of the Decapolis.

And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment

and begged him to lay his hand on him.

He took him off by himself away from the crowd.

He put his finger into the man’s ears

and, spitting, touched his tongue;

then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,

“Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”)

And immediately the man’s ears were opened,

his speech impediment was removed,

and he spoke plainly.

He ordered them not to tell anyone.

But the more he ordered them not to,

the more they proclaimed it.

They were exceedingly astonished and they said,

“He has done all things well.

He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Consider

1.       What part did the friends of the deaf mute play in his healing?

2.       Jesus does not “grandstand”; Why?

3.       How does Jesus give dignity to the deaf mute?

4.       other observations…..

Prayer

Jesus, I come to you with people who need your special touch. Like the death mutes friends,

I too care for others. I now lift up to you in prayer the following people (pray now for these people)…….    Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 10, 2010

Faith in Unusual Places

In our reading today a Gentile mother earnestly seeks out Jesus in behalf of her demonized daughter. We are not told how all this came about for speculation does no good in real life. We need to not rehearse the past but pay attention to the now! Jesus tests her faith and rewards this mother with a healing for the daughter.

Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre.

He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it,

but he could not escape notice.

Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him.

She came and fell at his feet.

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth,

and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.

He said to her, “Let the children be fed first.

For it is not right to take the food of the children

and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied and said to him,

“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”

Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go.

The demon has gone out of your daughter.”

When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed

and the demon gone.

Consider

1.       What are some of the qualities you see in the Gentile mother?

2.       Why do you think Jesus seemed so tough on her?

3.       Do you see Jesus as your advocate in the real trials of your life?

Prayer

Jesus, just as you had mercy on the mother by hearing her story and healing her daughter, I trust you will always hear me out and move miraculously in my behalf because of your great love for me. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 9, 2010

Anatomy 101

High School human anatomy class was fascinating to me. Did you know the largest organ in your body is your skin?

We studied the circulatory system and the digestive system too. Jesus teaches about the later two also. 

Mark 7: 14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them,

“Hear me, all of you, and understand.

Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;

but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

When he got home away from the crowd

his disciples questioned him about the parable.

He said to them,

“Are even you likewise without understanding?

Do you not realize that everything

that goes into a person from outside cannot defile,

since it enters not the heart but the stomach

and passes out into the latrine?”

(Thus he declared all foods clean.)

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him.

From within the man, from his heart,

come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,

adultery, greed, malice, deceit,

licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.

All these evils come from within and they defile.”

Consider

According to Jesus what defiles us?

Jesus teaching was radical. Why?

Have you dealt with the “yucky” stuff that comes from within your heart? Why not give your sin to Jesus for cleansing!

Prayer

God, I know that my heart can be wicked. It is difficult for me to admit that to myself and to you.

Thank you for dying on a cross for my sin. Cleanse me from my sin and help me by your power to

live a life that pleases you. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 8, 2010

Jesus Teaches Multiplication Tables

I grew up learning math by rote from flip charts in elementary school. I think it was in the fifth grade that we

learned our “times tables” one times one—through-- twelve times twelve from memorization.

Later in life while going to college I worked in a bakery whereby the times tables served me well.

A pallet of bread held twelve loaves. And a rack of bread that went on a semi truck held 45 pallets which equal 540 loaves.

And the semi truck held over 20 racks---you get the idea. Math is an important part of life and also in our lesson today Jesus teaches math to his disciples.

Matthew 18:21-22

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,

“Lord, if my brother sins against me,

how often must I forgive him?

As many as seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.

Consider

Do you find it difficult to forgive others? Why?

Do you find it difficult to forgive your self? Why?

Is it reasonable to forgive seventy-seven times? Why would Jesus say this?

Are there people you need to forgive? How about yourself?

Prayer

Jesus, as you teach me new multiplication tables about forgiveness, I find it difficult to apply what you are teaching me. 

I really need your help to forgive myself and others. Fill me with your Spirit and give me a teachable mind, heart, and will to practice forgiveness everyday. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 7, 2010

Jesus, the Healer

In today’s reading Jesus heals many people. As the sick made contact with him they were miraculously made whole.

Read the account below and be amazed!

Mark 6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea,

Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret

and tied up there.

As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.

They scurried about the surrounding country

and began to bring in the sick on mats

to wherever they heard he was.

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered,

they laid the sick in the marketplaces

and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak;

and as many as touched it were healed.

Consider

1.       Do you marvel and Jesus’ compassion for the sick

2.       Have you ever experienced a healing from Jesus?

3.       Do you know salvation is a healing of your soul?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come to you today so that I might know your love in a personal way.

Touch my life—mind, body, spirit and make me whole. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 4, 2010

Parenting Revisited

A while back not (see February 1, 2010 devotional) we talked about parenting in terms of how our children “turn out.” I wrote that children can make choices that steer their lives in directions that are not godly that break their parents’ hearts.  King David had many children and two sons stand out; Solomon and Absalom. In today’s reading Solomon makes choices guided by his father David that honors God and as heir to the throne, Solomon succeeds. Sadly, Absalom did not.

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12

When the time of David’s death drew near,

he gave these instructions to his son Solomon:

“I am going the way of all flesh.

Take courage and be a man.

Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following his ways

and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees

as they are written in the law of Moses,

that you may succeed in whatever you do,

wherever you turn, and the Lord may fulfill

the promise he made on my behalf when he said,

‘If your sons so conduct themselves

that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart

and with their whole soul,

you shall always have someone of your line

on the throne of Israel.’”

David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.

The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years:

he reigned seven years in Hebron

and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David,

with his sovereignty firmly established.

Consider

Did your parents attempt to guide your life in godly ways?

What are some of the influences that helped you to follow Jesus?

Do you need help in parenting your children? Call me/(e-mail me) and perhaps we can begin a parenting discussion group.

Prayer

God, help me to be a godly parent that models the Christian faith. I pray for the children you have entrusted unto me will be devoted and passionate believers in Jesus. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 3, 2010

The Sin of Pride

King David was a godly and highly successful king of Israel who lived one thousand years before Jesus.  God had given him military successes and a prosperous united nation. One day David desires to take a census of the nation. You can read the details in 2 Sam 24:2, 9-17. Seems harmless enough—yet God calls David on the carpet for this because if was out of prideful arrogance that David called for the census. David repents and writes Psalm 32.

Psalm 32:1-5

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,

      whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him

      and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

      my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you

      and did not cover up my iniquity.

      I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "—

      and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Consider

1.      You can sense in Psalm 32 (you may want to read all of it) the anguish of David for his sin of pride. Pride is taking personal credit for what God has done. Does this Psalm reflect an experience in your life?

2.       If the answer is “yes” then ask God for forgiveness now and claim the wonderful promise of verse five.

Prayer

Merciful God, I come this day to you to acknowledge my sin and thank you for your mercy given to me in Jesus who bore my sin on the cross. Forgive my sin–known and unknown--and wash me whiter than snow so that I may serve you with joy now and forever. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 2, 2010

There is Clean and then there is Deep Clean

You have seen soap commercials on television that compare “clean and deep clean.” It is obvious which brand wins in side-by-side comparison. The consumer than decides to purchase the superior soap and lives happily forever after.

In our reading today we find the prophet Malachi declaring, “He (God) will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver. Yes, cleaner than clean. Messiah will come and cleanse us form our sin!

Malachi 3:1-4

Thus says the Lord God:

Lo, I am sending my messenger

to prepare the way before me;

And suddenly there will come to the temple

the Lord whom you seek,

And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.

Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.

But who will endure the day of his coming?

And who can stand when he appears?

For he is like the refiner’s fire,

or like the fuller’s lye.

He will sit refining and purifying silver,

and he will purify the sons of Levi,

Refining them like gold or like silver

that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord.

Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem

will please the Lord,

as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Consider

Have you experienced the cleansing of your sin? How did it make you feel/think?

God continues to cleanse us in life; this is called “sanctification.” How is God working in your life today to change you for the better?

Prayer

God, forgive me my sin and make me “whiter than snow” –cleaner than clean. Use me for your purposes. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

February 1, 2010

The Myth of Parenting

There is a myth on Christian circles that goes like this—godly parents produce godly children.

King David of old was a godly man and his son Absalom rebelled against his own father.

Do not get me wrong. More often than not godliness in parents encourages righteousness in children.  Our children still make choices—to follow Jesus or their own ways.

2 Sam 15:13-14

An informant came to David with the report,

“The children of Israel have transferred their loyalty to Absalom.”

At this, David said to all his servants

who were with him in Jerusalem:

“Up!  Let us take flight, or none of us will escape from Absalom.

Leave quickly, lest he hurry and overtake us,

then visit disaster upon us and put the city to the sword.”

As David went up the Mount of Olives, he wept without ceasing.

His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot.

All those who were with him also had their heads covered

and were weeping as they went.

Consider

How did your parents nurture you to follow Jesus?

Have you had a time of adolescent rebellion? How did you leave the rebellion?

David’s tears revealed the tenderness of his heart toward his son Absalom. Do you have a tender heart toward your children even in their rebellion?

Prayer

God, I pray for parents reading this painful episode in David’s life. You call us to nurture our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Help us to do that well. And grant our children mercy when they rebel. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 29, 2010

"Two Kingdoms"

Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom Come, thy will be done.” Before going to the cross our Lord said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” In today’s reading Jesus describes his kingdom to the crowds that followed him in parables but to his own disciples, “he explained everything in private.”

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds:

“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God;

it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land

and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow,

he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit,

first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once,

for the harvest has come.”

He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God,

or what parable can we use for it?

It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground,

is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.

But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants

and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”

With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it.

Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

Consider:

1.       How does Jesus describe the Kingdom of God?

2.       What strikes you about the images he uses? Why?

3.       Why do you think Jesus treated the crowds differently than his own disciples?

4.       To which kingdom are your loyalties? The kingdom of God or the kingdom of this world?

Prayer:

Jesus, teach me about your kingdom so I can not only understand it but become a part of it today. Let my prayer always be, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in my life” so that you may be honored by my life. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 28, 2010

"Faith Comes From..."

There is a old adage attributed to Francis of Assisi that says, "Preach the Gospel (Good News about Jesus) on all occasions and use words if nesessary." While the sentiment of this quote is good it is in error! Yes, Christians should do good all the time; however, your witness still NEEDS WORDS.

Romans 10:17

"Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of God" 

Consider:

1.  How did you come to faith? What attracted you to Jesus?

2.  When did you first hear WORDS about Jesus?

3.  When is the last time you shared WORD with another person about salvation in Chirst?

Prayer:

God, thank you for saving me by hearing the GOOD NEWS that Jesus loves me and died so I could know God and have a reason to live and die. Grant me opportunity to verbally share my faith today. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 27, 2010

"The Wrath and Love of God"

Many of our readers today may not read this devotion because of the title. You do not want a God of wrath and for the most part you have heard of the love of God.  Yes, God is love! This is Good News. The Good News implies that there is also bad news. The bad news is “all have sinned”-- we that have rebelled against God. God is holy and just and has righteous indignation against all sin.  God in his mercy sent Jesus to die for our sins! Good News. Read the prayer and rejoice in the Good News!

Psalm 85:1-4

You showed favor to your land, O LORD;

      you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people

      and covered all their sins.

3 You set aside all your wrath

      and turned from your fierce anger.

4 Restore us again, O God our Savior,

      and put away your displeasure toward us.

Consider

1.       Does your heart echo the above Psalm?

2.       Do you recognize your need of a Savior?

3.       Do you pray that others may know the Good News too?

Prayer

God, without your mercy I would be undone. Forgive me my sin. I pray that you may use me to proclaim the Good News of your love. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 26, 2010

"Big Boys Do Cry"

Growing up, I had a few spectacular bicycle accidents.  Skinned knees, elbows and bloody lips were common. One message I received is “big boys don’t cry.”  In our reading today, the Apostle Paul says to Timothy (his son in the faith) “I yearn to see you again recalling your tears.” So in the Bible, big boys do cry! Tears come easily for godly men and women who have a passion for God’s family and care for the suffering of others and the lost souls.

2 Timothy 1:4-5

I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears,

so that I may be filled with joy,

as I recall your sincere faith

that first lived in your grandmother Lois

and in your mother Eunice

and that I am confident lives also in you.

Consider

1.       When is the last time you were led to tears? What was the reason? How did God sustain you?

2.       You will notice in our reading that our faith in Jesus involves relationship with others. Do you share your tears and concerns with God family? Why? Why not?

3.       Are you filled with joy even when tears flow? If not lean on Jesus and other believers.

Prayer

God, Sometimes I have trouble being honest with my emotions thinking tears are a sign of weakness rather than an expression of deep concern.  Help me to really care for God’s people and to connect with others so that we can bear one another’s burdens. Help me to have a passion for others who do not know you. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 25, 2010

“GO”

Two-thirds of God’s name is ‘Go.’ “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel”(Good News) Jesus says.

The question I pose to you today is, “are you going?” Well, you may protest, “I will leave that mandate to the missionaries.”

Did you know God mandates you to become a missionary in your neighborhood, work place, wherever you are?

Also notice that as you go God gives you power over evil opposition and power to positively to bless and heal others.

This is indeed Good New!

Mark 16: 15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:

“Go into the whole world

and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;

whoever does not believe will be condemned.

These signs will accompany those who believe:

in my name they will drive out demons,

they will speak new languages.

They will pick up serpents with their hands,

and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.

They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Consider

In what ways are you proclaiming/sharing your faith with others?

How do you handle resistance?

Have you seen positive results of your sharing the Good News?

Prayer: 

God, as a recipient of the Good News of Jesus, I desire to share my faith with others.

Give me opportunities to speak in your behalf. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 22, 2010

What’s in a Name?

Jesus wants to give you a new name! Yes, this may or may not be good news to you, especially if you like your present name. In today’s reading Simon receive a new name, “Peter” which translated means “Rock.” Jesus saw potential in Simon. Simon would grow “Rock solid” in his faith.

The reason Jesus desires to rename you is words—names—have meaning.  Jesus gives you new meaning too!

Our new name given by Jesus gives us a new identity, value and purpose.

Mark 3:13-16

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted

and they came to him.

He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,

that they might be with him

and he might send them forth to preach

and to have authority to drive out demons:

He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter;

Consider

Your earthly parents spent considerable time naming you before you left the hospital, so too God cares for you. In the above passage what might God desire for you?

              a.)    to be with Jesus so you might loved by him?

              b.)    to teach you the meaning of life?

              c.)    for you to teach others about God?

              d.)    to have power over evil?

              e.)    Other?

Prayer

God, you created the heavens and the earth by your spoken word, so too you gave Peter a new meaning by renaming him. Give me too a newness of life by you calling my name too. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 21, 2010

“Jesus and the Crowds”

Our modern media alerts us to events that draw huge crowds whether it is a rock concert or a political gathering. In our reading today Jesus “withdraws” from the crowds with his disciples but the crowds will not leave him alone. They have needs and they desire healing and assurance that God loves them. Jesus supplied both. Jesus loves you and is not too busy to meet your need.

Mark 3:7-10

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.

A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.

Hearing what he was doing,

a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,

from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan,

and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd,

so that they would not crush him.

Consider

How did you meet Jesus? Did you have a deep need which motivated you to seek him?

Jesus gets into a boat so that crowds would not crush him. Jesus speaks to the crowds form the boat. We are not told what he said. You have read the words of Jesus, what are some of the words of Jesus that inspire you? Why?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come to you today in awe and wonder. You are not too busy to hear me out. You love me enough to meet my deepest needs. Thank you. I desire to follow you today so that I may speak hope to others you need you too. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 20, 2010

"People before Program"

You know that churches organize to do many things. In the process of organizing, churches often forget the real needs of people. In today’s reading Jesus breaks the “religious program rules” and really helps a man in need. Read on.

Mark 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue.

There was a man there who had a withered hand.

They watched Jesus closely

to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath

so that they might accuse him.

He said to the man with the withered hand,

“Come up here before us.”

Then he said to the Pharisees,

“Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil,

to save life rather than to destroy it?”

But they remained silent.

Looking around at them with anger

and grieved at their hardness of heart,

Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”

He stretched it out and his hand was restored.

The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel

with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Consider:

Are you aware of human need around you?

How do you address the need?

How can your church meet the needs in the congregation and community?

Prayer 

Lord, I thank you for the mercy of Jesus who put people before religious rules. Jesus, keep my heart tender toward others so I can hear your voice and address needs around me with your love.  Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 19, 2010

"For Freedom, Christ Has Set Us Free"

Have you noticed how many people think religion “cramps their life-style?” They want nothing to do with church or the God of the Bible because of the new rules that may inhibit their “freedom.” Yes, there needs to be a change in our moral and ethical behavior and values when we come to faith in Jesus. This is called repentance. Jesus gives us a new life and freedom to enjoy God because of the forgiveness Jesus offers. However, Jesus came to set us free—free enough to not add unnecessary rules and regulations to our lives that have noting to do ultimately with morals and ethics.

In today’s reading I am amazed that Jesus’ followers feel free enough to eat grain and eat on the Sabbath, to the religious Jews this was “big time” breaking the rules for picking grain was considered work and the Sabbath was a day of rest.

Are you free? Read on.

Mark 2:23-28

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the Sabbath,

his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain.

At this the Pharisees said to him,

“Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

He said to them,

“Have you never read what David did

when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry?

How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest

and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat,

and shared it with his companions?”

Then he said to them,

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Consider

Are you free, free in Christ? 

Read Romans 8:21 and Galatians 5:1-13 

Prayer

Jesus, liberate me to enjoy a clean, joyous and free relationship with you. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 18, 2010

"Mending Old Clothes"

I recall my mother patching my school Levis when I was in elementary school when ever I wore a hole in the knees. She would dutifully sew on a patch and comment, “This will hold for awhile.” Mother knew the patch would soon tear away from the pants. Then the day would come that a new pair of pants would have to be purchased and the old Levis were made into short pants.

Jesus instructs his disciples about the need for newness in our lives. Read on.

Matthew 2:18-22

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast.

People came to Jesus and objected,

“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast,

but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered them,

“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?

As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.

But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,

and then they will fast on that day.

No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak.

If he does, its fullness pulls away,

the new from the old, and the tear gets worse.

Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.

Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins,

and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

Consider

1.       Have you discovered the joy of knowing Jesus?

2.       Do you rejoice in your faith?

3.       Is change difficult for you to accept even when change is for the better? Why? Why not?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, sometimes I take your for granted in get comfortable in old ways of thinking and doing. Help me to have a fresh and renewed relationship with you. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 14, 2010

“Come Clean”

Jesus heals a leper in today’s reading.  Leprosy carried a huge toll to the possessor. Lepers were outcast by society for the disease was considered a punishment for sin. The leper was condemned to self-loathing and begging for food. I cannot imagine a day in a life of a leper. Today Jesus touches the “untouchable” Leper.

Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Consider:

1.      What part of today’s reading moves you? Why?

2.      Theologians have compared sin to leprosy in that there is no human cure except the miraculous touch of Jesus. Has Jesus touched your life and cleansed you from sin?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus touch my life and cleanse me from my sin so that in joy I might share the Good News of how you have touched my life. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 13, 2010

What is the Point of Healing?

All of us desire physical health. We want to be of sound body and mind so that we can function well with the life God has given us. And this is the point! Yes, physical health is a gift so that we can serve others and not pursue our selfish ambitions. Read on.

Mark 1:29-32:

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of

Simon and Andrew with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.

They immediately told him about her.

He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.

Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

Consider:

Simon’s mother-in-law was healed by Jesus. What is the first thing she did after receiving her healing?

What kind of service do you think Jesus has for you? Are you serving others?

Prayer:

The point of life God is to know your Son and serve him by serving others. Help me to serve you well today. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 12, 2010

“Irony of Irony”

Jesus is recognized by demons in our reading today. How ironic for Jesus came to his own people

and they for the most part did not recognize him as Messiah and Savior of the world.

Mark 1:21-28:

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers,

and on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.

The people were astonished at his teaching,

for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;

he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?

Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet!  Come out of him!”

The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority.

He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Consider:

1.  How do you view Jesus? 

         a.) a wise teacher  

         b.) a worker of miracles

         c.)  the Savior

2.  Do you spread his fame?

Prayer:

God give me spiritual eyes to recognize Jesus as your Son. Help me to spread his fame among the people you place in my life. Amen

* * * * * * * * * *

January 11, 2010

“Debt-Reduction”

If you listen to commercial media you will hear or see ads promising you debt relief if

you call on their services. However, if you investigate closely, most of these agencies siphon

more money from you rendering you still in financial arrears for many years.

God on the other hand specializes in sin-debt-reduction with no gimmicks or sketchy contracts

mingled by fine print fees. Jesus is the one who died for us to eradicate our debt of sin. This is cause for celebration!

Reading:     Psalm 116:12-13

How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?  13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

Consider:

Have you taken inventory of God’s care for you? Why not make a “thanksgiving list” of all the ways  God has blessed and sustained you. The list will grow as you take stock of the myriads of ways God has been gracious to you.

Why not thank God in prayer after you take inventory and then share some of the list with a friend.

Prayer:

God, as I consider your loving kindnesses to me I am amazed at your gracious offer of forgiveness.

Help me to live in gratitude today and forever. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

November 09, 2009

Intro:“Spiritual Desalinization”

There is a huge need for pure clean water around our world. The cause of much disease is contaminated water. One solution is to build sea water desalinization plants. Our vast oceans are a treasure trove of potential water to bless the world. The good news is that our oceans are a limitless source for pure water. The bad news is that these plants are extremely expensive to build and maintain; so our world suffers!

In our reading today, we see a spiritual desalinization plant ready and installed to bless the entire world.

Text:  Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9,12

The angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar. He led me outside by the north gate, and around to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw water trickling from the southern side. He said to me, “This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah, and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh. Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

Consider:

1.How many ways does the “spiritual desalinization” plant bless the people? Be specific.

2.The temple is the source of the new life! Have you experienced this new life?

Prayer:

Father, I want to experience your new living water that is fresh and pure each day. Quench my thirst for you as I worship you this day and forever! Amen.

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November 06, 2009

Intro:Full of Goodness

The Apostle Paul is convinced believers are able to encourage one another. I am pleased to serve a church where so many people are in the habit of edifying each other with listening ears, prayers, and words that edify.

When we allow Jesus to live in us his goodness flows thru us as channels of blessing.  

Be blessed to day!

Text:  Romans 15:14

I myself am convinced about you, my brothers and sisters,

that you yourselves are full of goodness,

filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another.

Consider:

Why not call a person who has encouraged you in the past and thank them once again for being there for you.

Prayer:

God, I want to thank you for giving me people in my life that have been faithful to you by being there for me. I also am open today to be a vessel of encouragement to those around me. Amen.

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November 05, 2009

Intro:“Living for Jesus”

The hymn, Living for Jesus echoes today’s text. Verse one of the hymn begins, “Living for Jesus a life that is true, striving to please him in all that I do.”

In an age when everyone seems to be looking out for their own self-interests, it is refreshing to know that we do not have to live that way.  We discover real life  -  full and free  -  when we live for Jesus!

Text:  Romans 14:7-9

Brothers and sisters:

None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.

For if we live, we live for the Lord,

and if we die, we die for the Lord;

so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

For this is why Christ died and came to life,

that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Consider:

1.Have you discovered the love of Jesus in your life?  Do you know that he demonstrated this love by dying for your sins?

2. Have you given your life back to him in loving gratitude?

Prayer:

Jesus, I want to grow in my faith. Help me to begin to realize how much you love me so I can reflect your love to others. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

November 04, 2009

Intro:The Reason for the Ten Commandments

Listed below are a portion of the 10 Commandments (you might want to check them all out by looking up Deuteronomy 5:6-21).

In our text below, Paul gives us the reason for them. The commandments show us what real love requires in regards to how we treat others.  And Jesus makes it tougher in that he says if we hate we have commit murder and if we lust we commit adultery. See Matthew chapter 5 in his famous Sermon on the Mount. If we do a serious moral inventory we find that we all fail miserably.

What do we do? Lower the standards? Give up? No. We bank on the mercy of Jesus who died for your sins and mine. See Romans 3:23 and 6:23.

Text:  Romans 3:8-10

Brothers and sisters:

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another;

for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

The commandments, You shall not commit adultery;

you shall not kill;

you shall not steal;

you shall not covet,

and whatever other commandment there may be,

are summed up in this saying, namely,

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Love does no evil to the neighbor;

hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Consider:

1.How goes your relationship with others? Are you living in peace with them?

2.Do you keep your heart free from lust and hatred and greed?

3.Do you see the need for a Savior?

Prayer:

Jesus, I thank you for dying on the cross for me. Your forgiveness gives me a living hope. Live in me so that I desire to obey you out of a willing heart. Send your Spirit to me to empower me to serve you with joy now and forever. Amen.

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November 03, 2009

Intro:Christmas Every Day

Children’s faces light up when opening gifts on Christmas Day.

You can light up the faces of both young and young at heart everyday by using the gifts God has given you to bless others.

We often do this in natural ways. One person said it well, “We are to be naturally supernatural and supernaturally natural.” One “natural way” is to simply be the person God has made you—with your unique temperament, personality, life-experiences. Others can be blessed by simply being around you.  Be a blessing to someone today!

Reading:  Romans 12:5-8

Brothers and sisters:

We, though many, are one Body in Christ

and individually parts of one another.

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,

let us exercise them:

if prophecy, in proportion to the faith;

if ministry, in ministering;

if one is a teacher, in teaching;

if one exhorts, in exhortation;

if one contributes, in generosity;

if one is over others, with diligence;

if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Consider:

1.Did you know that you are spiritually connected with other Christians?

2.Gifts are not merit badges, but “graces” God give us to serve others.

3.How can you use what God has given you this week?

Prayer:

God, I want to be a blessing to someone today. Help me to see how you use me in natural ways. I thank you for designing me for the purpose of loving you and others. Amen.

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November 02, 2009

Intro:Don’t Eat with Your Mouth Too Full

My mother use to scold us twins (yes, there are 2 of us), “Do not eat with your mouth too full … take smaller bites.”

This morning I take her advice for in our reading today there is too much to eat in one bite and forgive the pun --  in one sound byte too!

So today, I pass on my mom’s wisdom and ask you to take small bites as you read one of the most packed and glorious passages of Scriptures in the New Testament.

Reading:  Romans 5:5-11

Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly.   Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person,

though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die.

But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

How much more then, since we are now justified by his Blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath.   Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son,  how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life.  Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Discuss:

1.Did you take small bites?

2.What did you learn about Jesus’ love?

Prayer:

God, you are so good to have demonstrated you love to us by sending your Son to die on a cross for us. Your thoughts toward us are good, numerous, and marvelous to consider.  Thank you. Amen.

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October 30, 2009

Intro:“Anguish and Sorrow”

Yesterday we looked at loss that causes emotional pain. Today we are considering another set of painful emotions—the pain of knowing that other people are not saved. Today, the Apostle Paul speaks of his own anguish. Read on and see if you share his pain too.  

Text:  Romans 9:1-5

Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are children of Israel; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Consider:

1.Do you share Paul’s experience for the people around you that do not know Christ?

2.Are you willing to let Jesus give you a heart that deeply cares for others; especially for their salvation?

3.Do you share your hope with others?

Prayer:

Father, I confess that I often care about my own needs that are temporal and not about the eternal concern for the souls of others that do not know you. Forgive me and give me a heart that cares for people your Son died for. Amen.

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October 29, 2009

Intro:“No Separation”

In human relationships we know the pain of separation when relationships sour, when friends and family move away, or death strikes a loved one. The loss is real and the pain is immense because of the separation.

The Bible teaches that we are separated from God by sin. Yet God in his infinite love comes to us in Jesus who lives a holy life to the extent of dying on a cross to reconnect us to His heart again and reconnect us to each other.

The Good News is that nothing can now separate us from God’s love—no life circumstance or evil power. Read the following Good News, take courage and rejoice.

Text:  Romans 8:31b-39

Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us?   He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all,  how will he not also give us everything else along with him?

Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones?  It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn?  It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ?  Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?

As it is written:

For your sake we are being slain all the day;

we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.

No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Consider:

1.The above passage is considered one of the most dramatic passages in the Bible. Do you agree? Why?

2.Jesus died for you so that you would no longer be separated from him. Have you accepted the Good News with trust in Jesus?

3.Have you experienced his love when times are tough?

4.Read Second Corinthians 1:3-11 and encourage someone today.

Prayer:

God my heart soars to think that you love me with such undying love. I want to live my in total gratitude to you today and forever. Amen.

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October 28, 2009

Intro:“Mixed-metaphors”

The following are a few recent samples of mixed-metaphors spoken by famous people:

“A leopard can't change his stripes.” Al Gore

“As we consider the road that unfolds before us . . .” President Obama

“Button your seat belts.”  Rush Limbaugh

“There's a silver lining in all that red ink.”  NBC5 news anchor Mike Snyder

In our reading today, the Apostle uses metaphors to convey the privilege of being a Christian.  The metaphors of family, travelers, citizen, foundations, and temple are not mixed. They are strung together to give us a wonderful image of God’s plan. Read the following text slowly and view each image and then see if you put the images together and better appreciate God’s plan for you.

Reading:  Ephesians 2:19-22

Brothers and sisters:

You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Discuss:

1.See how many images you can find in our text today?

2.What image strikes you the most? Why?

Prayer:

God, you have spoken of your love to us today in vivid imagery.  How wonderful you are! Our human language languishes in inadequacy in describing you and your loving plan for us. Today, I want to find words to express my thanks for all that you have done for me and words to express my gratitude for your plan for the ages.

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October 27, 2009

Intro:“Broken and Fixed--Suffering and Hope”

In our reading today, The Apostle Paul, gives a broad sweep of a world view that describes the world as it is—broken- and paints a picture of what it can become—fixed.

In the broken world we have suffering and futility in our human experience.

In the fixed world to come we have a full revelation of our inheritance in heaven whereby we will enjoy God forever without sin, suffering and futility.

In the meantime (the in-between time) we have hope!

Reading:  Romans 8:18-25

Brothers and sisters:

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.  For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God;  for creation was made subject to futility,  not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,  in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.  For in hope we were saved.  Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.  For who hopes for what one sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

Discuss:

1.Do you have a living hope?

2.How does your faith provide you with endurance?

Prayer:

Jesus, live m me today in such a way that I know you love me. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may endure this adventure called life. Give me a living hope to know things will be fixed in a place called heaven where I will enjoy you forever. Amen.

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October 26, 2009

Intro:“Daddy”

I recall a seminary professor asking our theology class what is the confession of faith according to the New Testament book of Romans. As we scratched our collective heads not wanting to give the wrong answer, there seemed to be a painfully prolonged pause. We students were silent and finally the professor gave us the answer. See if you can find the answer in the text below?

Reading:  Romans 8:15-16

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear,

but you received a spirit of adoption,

through which we cry, “Abba, Father!”

Discuss:

1.Did you find the answer? E-mail it back to me.

2.How does your answer inform you about your faith?

3.How does it feel to be an adopted wanted child of “Daddy” (Abba)

Prayer:

Abba, I come to you today with a grateful heart that you love me. Help me, as your little child, to stay in your loving arms today. Amen.

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October 23, 2009

Intro:“Good Intentions Pave the Pathway to ….”

You have heard the adage, “Good intentions pave the pathway to hell.”  The Bible, oddly enough, teaches this too. “The willing (good intentions to do good) is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want.”

The problem is not good intentions but our inability to do well. Why? The bible teaches us that we are missing two things: One. The power to carry out our good intentions.--much like New Year resolutions. And two:  We have spiritual brokenness that taints what we do. This brokenness is called sin.

Do not despair!  Jesus gives us a new beginning—a new birth and the power to live out our good intentions

Reading:  Romans 7:18-25

Brothers and sisters:

I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh.

The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.

For I do not do the good I want,

but I do the evil I do not want.

Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it,

but sin that dwells in me.

So, then, I discover the principle

that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.

For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self,

but I see in my members another principle

at war with the law of my mind,

taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

Miserable one that I am!

Who will deliver me from this mortal body?

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Discuss:

1.Are you tired of the struggle of trying to keep good intentions? Do you know you fall short of your expectations? God’s?

2.Have you discovered the liberty of the new life that Jesus offers?  He did for you what you could not do for yourself. He lived a life of full good intentions and died on a cross for all of your sin.

3.Why not give your life to him now? Yes, your failures too! He will give you such joy!

Prayer:

1.Are you tired of the struggle of trying to keep good intentions? Do you know you fall short of your expectations? God’s?

2.Have you discovered the liberty of the new life that Jesus offers?  He did for you what you could not do for your self. He lived a life of full good intentions and died on a cross for all of your sin.

3.Why not give your life to him now? Yes, your failures too! He will give you such joy!

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October 22, 2009

Intro:“Modern Day Slaves”

As a nation we should be ashamed of the way we treated people of color, especially of people of African roots. We have come a long way as a nation to rid ourselves of our terrible past and admittedly we have a ways to go to eradicate this injustice.

Today, I am concerned too about a slavery that is rarely mentioned at all in the media; namely our addiction to the “slavery to sin.” Sin is essentially rebellion against God and God’s holy ways as revealed in the Bible. Sin manifests itself in all manner of selfishness. We are trapped in an endless cycle to sin. We love things and use people. My how we have fallen and only the church voices the alarm to eradicate “modern day slaves.”

Reading:  Romans 6:19-23

Brothers and sisters:

I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature.

For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity

and to lawlessness for lawlessness,

so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness.

But what profit did you get then

from the things of which you are now ashamed?

For the end of those things is death.

But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God,

the benefit that you have leads to sanctification,

and its end is eternal life.

For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Consider:

1.Are you free from the bondage of sin?  (See Romans 3:23 and 6:23 and chapters 7-8)

2.“Sanctification” means that you are growing in obedience to Jesus and his ways. Are you?

3.Are you now a “slave of righteousness”? What benefits are there in your freedom as a slave of Jesus?

4.Can others see that you are a changed person for the better because of your faith in Jesus?

Prayer:

Lord, I am tired of my slavery to myself. Free me from self-centeredness to become a servant of yours. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

October 21, 2009

Intro:“Body Building”

Today, Paul speaks a lot about our physical bodies. The reason he does so it that there was a tendency in the ancient world to make light of the body and merely consider it not as important as the intellect or soul. Paul however was a Jew and the body in Jewish thought was inseparable from the soul and mind. For a Jew, the body was holy too—hence the entire moral codes about sexual purity. What shape is your body in?

Reading:  Romans 6:12-14

Brothers and sisters:

Sin must not reign over your mortal bodies

so that you obey their desires.

And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin

as weapons for wickedness,

but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life

and the parts of your bodies to God

as weapons for righteousness.

For sin is not to have any power over you,

since you are not under the law but under grace.

Discuss:

1.Are you in control of your body? 

2.Are you giving God your all? Your entire body, mind, spirit?

3.Do you know that God grace can keep you pure? It is your choice!

Prayer:

God, I am tired of giving you bits and pieces of my life. This morning I offer you all of me! Use me according to your purposes. Amen.

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October 20, 2009

Intro:“Jewish Logic”

The Apostle Paul gives us impeccable logic as follows:

BAD NEWS

Sin entered the world via one man (Adam). We all inherited the sin-gene so to speak.

Sin brought death to the human race.  The human gene pool was tainted by physical death.

GOOD NEWS

The second Adam (Jesus—full deity and humanity) did not sin.

The second Adam blesses us beyond what we would expect –amazing grace!

Reading:  Romans 5:12, 15b

Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned.

If by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God

and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.

For if, by the transgression of the one, death came to reign through that one,

how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ.

Discuss:

1.How does Paul’s argument explain the broken world in which we live?

2.See how many ways you can find in the above passage Jesus blesses us with Good New?

Prayer:

God, I thank you that you have left to us your written word so that we might have hope in this life and the life to come. Help me to bear the Good News to everyone I meet. Amen.

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October 19, 2009

Intro:“Doctrine Revisited”

Last week we looked briefly at the life of Abraham. Abe (for short) believed (trusted) in God to do several things: One to make him the Father of many nations; Two: to give him a son when he and his wife Sarah were elderly. And Finally: To give him a new home away from his present home. In our reading today Abe trusted God, and therefore God credited to him as righteousness.  In other word Abraham was OK with God on the basis of trust, not of works--thus the great DOCTRINE of the Bible.

JUSTIFCATION BY FAITH.

Reading:  Romans 4:20-25

Brothers and sisters:

Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief;

rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God

and was fully convinced that what God had promised

he was also able to do.

That is why it was credited to him as righteousness.

But it was not for him alone that it was written

that it was credited to him;

it was also for us, to whom it will be credited,

who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,

who was handed over for our transgressions

and was raised for our justification.

Discuss:

1.Do you believe Jesus is able to save you from your sin and grant you eternal life? If your answer is “yes”; welcome to God’s family! You see the Good News is that Jesus is your righteousness (“right standing”) with God.

2.Who can you share this good news with this week?

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for granting me salvation by faith in Jesus alone. Help me to share the Good News of Jesus’ love this week with others. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

October 16, 2009

Intro:“Doctrine,  Anyone?”

Tennis,  anyone? Do I have any takers? Call me and we can get in a late game this week.

Doctrine,  anyone?   Below is a doctrine—a basic element of the Christian belief system. 

Reading:  Romans 4:1-3

Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works,

he has reason to boast; but this was not so in the sight of God.

For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Discuss:

1.What are the basics for your beliefs?

2.If you trust (same meaning of belief) God you are right with God (the meaning of righteousness).

3.Do you trust Jesus for your salvation?

Prayer:

Father, I thank you so much that Jesus is the basis of my right standing with you. He led a perfect holy life for me and the world. I pray that I may trust in Jesus alone and let others know too about his awesome love. Amen.

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October 15, 2009

Intro:“I Fought the Law and the Law Won!”

Do you remember the song, “I Fought the Law and the Law Won”? There have been several versions of it over the years. I recall the 1965 version by Bobby Fuller Four and a newer version  by the Clash in 1976. The song is a ballad about a person who fought the law and lost the battle. The law wins out eventually and the outlaws get nabbed by the authorities.

When the Bible speaks of the Law it means the commandments of God in the Old Testament. God commands what is good, just and true. The problem is that we cannot keep the law (See Romans chapter 7). The Law merely exposes our inability to be good. The law exposes our need for a Savior (read Romans 8:1-17).

Do you want to be right with God? Then you must trust Jesus for salvation not the law!

Reading:  Romans 3:20

“No one will be declared righteous in his (God’s) sight by observing the law; rather through the law we become conscious of sin.”

Discuss:

1.What is the basis for your standing with God? Is it your self-effort? If it is you will fail miserably.

2.Have you found forgiveness for your sin in Jesus?

Prayer:

Jesus, I confess to you that I cannot keep the commandments of the Bible by my effort. I need you and your unconditional love. The Law put me into prison. Thank you for paying the price for my freedom on the cross. Allow me now to live in freedom by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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October 14, 2009

Intro:“Religion Gone Bad”

Jesus makes scathing remarks concerning the practice of Pharisaical religion.  See how many issues Jesus illuminates and then take the self-examine after the reading.

Reading:  Luke 11:42-46

The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces.  Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”

Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

Self-Examination:

1.Do you tithe? That means you give 10 percent of your money to the church?

2.Are you a student of the Scriptures?

If you answered “yes” to the above…very good: however the Pharisees did that too!

3.Do you love people? I mean to you really help lift the burdens of others by your involvement into their lives?

If you answered “yes” then you have separated yourself from the Pharisees.

4.Do you like to be noticed for you piety or religiosity?

5.Do you expect others to meet your imposed criteria of religious practice?

Oh oh!   If  you said “yes” to 4 and 5.

Prayer:

Jesus, I want to practice my faith so that I practice it from the inside out. Live in me! I need your cleansing or I too become a critical person who merely goes through the motions of external religiosity without any compassion. Have mercy on my soul. Amen.  

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October 13, 2009

Intro:Table Manners

“Eat all the foods on your plate for there are hungry people in China who have no food to eat. Do not feed the dog at the table. Use your napkin and not the back of your hand to wipe your mouth. Keep your elbows off the table. Chew your food with your mouth closed. Did you wash your hands? Let me see your hands!” The above words were a mantra that mom gave us when we grew up.

Jesus was invited to the home of a Pharisee and Jesus it seems violated proper table etiquette. Read on.

Reading:  Luke 11:37-40

37When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised.

39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?

Discuss:

1.If Jesus were to be your dinner guest, what would be the center of your conversation?

2.How clean are your insides? (your soul)

3. Do you go to church and simply go thru the motions of being “religious”?

4.Do you have a passion to know Jesus and be cleansed by him?

Prayer:

Jesus, help me not to be a phony. I ask you to be my guest at dinner guest. I hope I can get to know you beyond external shallow ritual and religion. Amen.

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October 12, 2009

Intro:“Well, the nerve!”

Jesus has a way of making me uneasy. Jesus says forthright things that sting my sensibilities. For instance in our reading today, Jesus said, “This generation is an evil generation…” Well, the nerve of him!

Now if I was the Messiah, I would tone it down a bit. I might try to soften the words and choose a more diplomatic approach to reach people. Jesus might hire someone to spin his sermons so as to not offend.  I need to ask the question: Do I want truth no matter how much I may at first be offended or do I need words to make me think and turn to God?

Read on.

Reading:  Luke 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

Discuss:

1.Have you read the New Testament? Do the words of Jesus offend you or help you to see God more clearly?

2.Have you accepted Jesus’ words regarding your need to repent?

Prayer:

Jesus, your life is recorded in the Gospels so that I may be a listener to your words. Thank you for loving me so much that you are willing to tell me the truth so that I might be awakened out of my lethargy and phony sophistication and turn to you.  Amen.

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October 8, 2009

Intro:Does it Pay to Serve God?

The prophet Malachi (the last prophet in the Old Testament) listens to the complaints of fellow believers “It is vain to serve God, and what do we profit by keeping his command, and going about in penitential dress in awe of the Lord of hosts?”  The people of God were trying to be faithful to God but were in misery. They were dominated by pagans politically and were suffering economically. How could this be since they were God’s chosen people? To add insult to injury , the wicked pagan oppressors lived in luxury and ease. 

Perhaps you feel that way. Read on and discover what God says about this enigma.

Reading:  Malachi 3:13-20b

You have defied me in word, says the Lord, yet you ask, “What have we spoken against you?” You have said, “It is vain to serve God, and what do we profit by keeping his command, and going about in penitential dress in awe of the Lord of hosts?

Rather must we call the proud blessed; for indeed evildoers prosper, and even tempt God with impunity?” Then they who fear the Lord spoke with one another, and the Lord listened attentively; and a record book was written before him of those who fear the Lord and trust in his name. And they shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my own special possession, on the day I take action. And I will have compassion on them, as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. Then you will again see the distinction

between the just and the wicked; between the one who serves God, and the one who does not serve him. For lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,  And the day that is coming will set them on fire leaving them neither root nor branch, says the Lord of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.

Discuss:

1.What does God say about the injustice of believers suffering? Does that bring you comfort? Will you still serve God?

2.God says he will make it all right one day, how does Jesus fulfill this promise?

3.other observations…

Prayer:

God I fear (holy reverence) your name. You are good; however there are times when I am impatient for justice to come my way.  You are faithful, so help me to trust you in this life so that I may be prepared for the life to come. Amen.

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October 7, 2009

Intro:“You’re invited to a Pity Party”

The other day I was not having a good day. I will not spare you the details. And then it occurred to me that if I threw a lavish pity party still no one would show up!

Jonah was throwing a huge pity party and God showed up and rightfully scolded him. Jonah was upset that God spared the people he preached repentance to. Jonah was stuck in his self-righteousness and holier than thou attitude. You see God loved the Ninevites and he loves you too. Read on.

Reading:  Jonah 4:1-11

Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry that God did not carry out the evil he threatened against Nineveh. He prayed, “I beseech you, LORD, is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish. And now, LORD, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the LORD asked, “Have you reason to be angry?” 

Jonah then left the city for a place to the east of it, where he built himself a hut and waited under it in the shade, to see what would happen to the city. And when the LORD God provided a gourd plant that grew up over Jonah’s head, giving shade that relieved him of any discomfort,

Jonah was very happy over the plant. But the next morning at dawn God sent a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. And when the sun arose, God sent a burning east wind;

and the sun beat upon Jonah’s head till he became faint. Then Jonah asked for death, saying,

“I would be better off dead than alive.”

But God said to Jonah, “Have you reason to be angry over the plant?” “I have reason to be angry,” Jonah answered, “angry enough to die.” Then the LORD said, “You are concerned over the plant which cost you no labor and which you did not raise; it came up in one night and in one night it perished. And should I not be concerned over Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot distinguish their right hand from their left, not to mention the many cattle?”

Discuss:

1.Jonah said to God “I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish.” Yet, why do you think Jonah still would not soften his heart to the Ninevites?

2.In spite of Jonah’s poor attitude God used him to turn the Ninevites to holiness. How does this speak about the power of God’s word?

3.God gives Jonah an object lesson using a “plant.”  What object lessons has God been using in your life lately? Are you getting the message?

4.other observations…

Prayer:

God use me to rescue others and give me a willing heart to do so. Amen.

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October 6, 2009

Intro:“God Repents”

Huh? God Repents!?!  I thought God was perfect and pure and only people needed to repent? Why then do we find these words in the book of Jonah, “When God saw by their actions how they (the Ninevites) turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.”?

To answer this question let’s first review:

God sends Jonah to Nineveh to tell the pagan people there that God was to destroy their city for the evil and wickedness in it. Jonah is disobedient to God and instead takes a boat ride to avoid talking to the Ninevites.  Jonah is then swallowed by a large fish and on the third day is vomited on the shore near Nineveh.

Now back to the issue before us: God repents (changes his mind) because God loves the Ninevites and people who repent! God will not abide with evil and so loved the world that he sent his Son to Calvary’s cross for you and me. See John 3:16 and Mark 10:45.

Reading:  Jonah 3:1-10

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the Lord’s bidding. Now Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” when the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small,  put on sackcloth.

When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles: “Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water.  Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; every man shall turn from his evil way and from the violence he has in hand. Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish.” When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

Discuss:

1.Have you repented (turned away—changed your mind and course of action) from your evil ways?

2.If not, why not?

Prayer:

God, just as you spared the Ninevites, so I ask you to spare my life too. Have mercy on my soul and help me to follow you in obedience all the days you allot for me. Amen.

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October 5, 2009

Intro:“Jonah and the Big Fish”

Most people associate Jonah with a large fish that swallowed him.  You know the story, how Jonah did not want to do God’s will to preach repentance to a pagan people of Nineveh so he turned and set sail where he met a large fish.

We tend to obsess about the kind of fish that housed Jonah rather than the message Jonah was to give.  God instructed Jonah to tell the Ninevites to repent which they eventually did! What a miracle--the miracle of repentance---the miracle of people turning from sin and serving God with new purity!

Reading:  Jonah 1:1-2:,11

This is the word of the LORD that came to Jonah, son of Amittai: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it; their wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah made ready to flee to Tarshish away from the LORD. He went down to Joppa, found a ship going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and went aboard to journey with them to Tarshish, away from the LORD.

(You may want to read more of the text at the bottom of today's devotion)

Discuss:

1.Do you know that God loves all nations—even Muslim nations.

2.Are there people in your life that you need to lovingly confront so that they might change their ways and follow God?

Prayer:

God, you love all people and desire them to repent so that they can a relationship with you. Give me courage to lovingly challenge people to follow you.  Amen.

MORE OF THE TEXT OF JONAH

The LORD, however, hurled a violent wind upon the sea, and in the furious tempest that arose the ship was on the point of breaking up. Then the mariners became frightened and each one cried to his god. To lighten the ship for themselves, they threw its cargo into the sea. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down into the hold of the ship, and lay there fast asleep. The captain came to him and said, “What are you doing asleep? Rise up, call upon your God! Perhaps God will be mindful of us so that we may not perish.”

Then they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots to find out on whose account we have met with this misfortune.” So they cast lots, and thus singled out Jonah. “Tell us,” they said, “what is your business? Where do you come from? What is your country, and to what people do you belong?” Jonah answered them, “I am a Hebrew, I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”

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October 2, 2009

Intro:“I am the Greatest”

Mohammad Ali, the famous heavy weight boxer, received world attention when he predicted a boxing victory over Sonny Liston and boldly exclaimed, “I am the greatest.”  Ali was a great boxer and he added “I'll be floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee.”  The rest is history, Ali became the champion.

Jesus said “unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.”  In our world many people scratch and claw to make it to the top only to find shallow victory.  The rich, talented, and, powerful receive recognition only to later die and be forgotten. Jesus gives us another way. His way is childlike relationship with the Father.  Read on.

Reading:  Matthew 18:1-5, 10

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”

He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.  “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Discuss:

1.Do you have a living relationship with God the Father?

2.Do you treat all people fairly?

3.As you think about today’s reading, how can you become more childlike? Note: not “childish.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so glad you called me to be your son/daughter and I delight in your Son, Jesus my Lord. Today, help me to trust you and learn your ways. Amen.

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October 1, 2009

Intro:“Backpacking for Jesus”

I recently bragged about going out into the wilderness for 2 nights and 3 days with all my gear weighing in at less than 20 pounds. The list: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, stove, food, clothing, first aid kit and a Bible. Am I still bragging? Bear with me.

Jesus gives us an even lighter weigh in! We are to pack lightly in this life so that we can be single minded to the purpose of loving people and winning their heart to Jesus. Read on.

Reading:  Luke 10: 1-12

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, and no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”

Discuss:

1.Is your backpack too heavy? Are you carrying concerns that overload your effectiveness for winning others to Christ?

2.Are you obedient to Jesus’ instructions about caring for others?

3.What mission has Jesus given you?

Prayer:

Holy Father, I want to travel lightly in this life so that I can carry out your purposes for my life. Amen.

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September 29, 2009

Intro:“Martyrs”

Today’s news focuses on Iranian missile tests that threaten the mid east and possibly the entire world. Diplomacy between major world leaders is going on at a fevered pitch to prevent Iran from furthering its nuclear ambitions. We live in dangerous times.

Our reading today is about war too; a cosmic war whereby Christians are suffering for their faith in Jesus. The symbolism is vivid and believers win the war against evil by their faith in Jesus often at the cost of their own blood. They were faithful witnesses of Jesus. Did you know that the Greek word we translate “witness” has the root word martyr?

Reading:  Revelation 12:7-12b

War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.

The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. Therefore, rejoice you heavens, and you who dwell in them.”

Discuss:

1.Did you know that you are engaged in a cosmic battle? Read Ephesians 6:10-20.

2.Are you willing to spill your blood for Jesus?

3.Are you faithful in telling others about our Lord and His victory over sin and death by his spilling of blood on Calvary’s cross?

Prayer:

God, I want to be found faithful to you. Since your Son died for me I want to say thank you and please grant me courage to overcome the enemy by living for Jesus. Give me your Spirit to conquer evil. It is to your glory I pray. Amen.

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September 28, 2009

Intro:“Nothing is Impossible with God—really?"

You might expect a pastor to say “nothing is impossible with God” and yet I really have my seasons of doubt that God will come through for me or for the people I serve. It is not as if I do not know the “correct” answer---I know God is faithful. My problem is that I am not!

God’s people (in our reading today) were not faithful to God. They had abandoned his ways and found themselves in captivity under pagan rule and domination. Not in their wildest dreams did they think God would favor them again. They deserved judgment in their rejection of God. 

You may be such a person who says “God, I have blown it big time! I cannot expect you to favor me again with your peace and joy and blessing. I will accept my lot as a second class citizen of yours. Pay attention to those who are honoring you.”  God has other ideas about you. Read on.

Reading:  Zechariah 8:1-8

The word of the Lord of hosts came: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am intensely jealous for Zion, stirred to jealous wrath for her. Thus says the Lord: I will return to Zion, and I will dwell within Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain. Thus says the Lord of hosts:  Old men and old women, each with staff in hand because of old age, shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem. The city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Even if this should seem impossible in the eyes of the remnant of this people, shall it in those days be impossible in my eyes also, says the Lord of hosts? Thus says the Lord of hosts: Lo, I will rescue my people from the land of the rising sun, and from the land of the setting sun. I will bring them back to dwell within Jerusalem. They shall be my people, and I will be their God, with faithfulness and justice

Discuss:

1.In the reading above, what images impress you?

2.Have you experienced God’s undeserved forgiveness in your life?

3.Is God personal to you?

Prayer:

God, I want to know you even in my failures. I desire to experience you love in fresh ways. Renew my spirit and put a new spirit in my so that I again may praise and serve you forever. Amen.

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September 25, 2009

Intro:“Rebuilding Lives”

We are in the book of Haggai. The prophet promises God’s people that they will again be blessed by God as they work on rebuilding a place of worship. There previous place had been destroyed by their enemies because of disobedience to God. Yet, God does not give up on his people and once again encourages them to rebuild not only the place of worship but their lives as well.  

I find that when I rebuild my life around worship of God my failures and fears disappear.

Reading:  taken from Haggai 2:1-9

Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem like nothing in your eyes? But now take courage, Zerubbabel, says the Lord, and take courage, Joshua, high priest, son of Jehozadak, and take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord, and work! For I am with you, says the Lord of hosts. This is the pact that I made with you when you came out of Egypt, and my spirit continues in your midst; do not fear!

Discuss:

1.Do you know that God is at work in you by his Spirit when you take up his agenda?

2.Which do you worship--self or God?

3.Who has encouraged you lately? Have you encouraged others lately?  

4.Have you turned over your fears to God?

Prayer:

God, today I trust in your goodness and not my performance. I thank you for not giving up on me. Help me Lord to rebuild my life around worshipping you.  Amen.

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September 24, 2009

Intro:“Money Bags with Holes”

Did you know the phrase “money bag with holes” most likely came from the Bible? In our passage today, the prophet says that when we live for ourselves first rather than God we find ourselves devalued so to speak. All our efforts get out of sync and we find disappointment and remorse.

However, if we actually put God first then life finds depth and purpose. Read on.

Reading:  Haggai 1:1-8

On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius, The word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel,

and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak: Thus says the Lord of hosts:  This people says:

“The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” (Then this word of the Lord came through Haggai, the prophet :) Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses,

while this house lies in ruins?

Now thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated;  have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; And whoever earned wages

earned them for a bag with holes in it.   Thus says the Lord of hosts:  Consider your ways!

Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house That I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory, says the Lord.

Discuss:

1.Does church life come first for you?

2.Do you tithe?

3.Are you a servant of self?

Prayer:

God, I want to be in sync with you and your ways. Show me your ways that I might place you first in my life and in turn find true value. Amen.

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September 23, 2009

Intro:Training for Success

Jesus prepared his disciples to carry on his ministry. He knew that he would die on a cross for the sins of the world and that after his ascension to heaven his followers would need to be equipped to continue his ministry. Jesus passes the baton so to speak by two steps.  One: He taught God’s word and modeled God’s ways. Two: He sent out his disciples to do what he did.

Reading:  Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.

And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

Discuss:

1.Who models/mentors you in your faith walk?

2.Do you mentor other new believers?

Prayer:

God, show me your ways and help me to be an apprentice to carry on the ministry of my Lord. Connect me with other mature believers so I may learn from them. In turn may I mentor and coach new believers to serve you as well. Amen.

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September 22, 2009

Intro:It’s Fun to Go to Church

“It’s fun to go to church, it’s fun to go to church, with all the other girls and boys; it’s fun to go to church.” Perhaps you know these words as a youngster when your Sunday school teacher taught you this ditty. Now, as an adult you may be more sophisticated and use another word other than “fun.”

What word would you use?

Reading:  Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

I rejoiced because they said to me,

“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”

And now we have set foot

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity.

To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.

According to the decree for Israel,

to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

In it are set up judgment seats,

seats for the house of David.

Discuss:

1.Are you expectant with faith when you go to church?

2.Do you go to church to worship God with joy?

Prayer:

Forgive me God when I make excuses not to go to church. Forgive me when I consider worship a religious chore and duty rather than a sacred privilege. Help me to worship you in Spirit and truth. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

September 21, 2009

Intro:A Day in Jail

Last Monday, I challenged you not to complain. How are you doing in this regard? Is it really possible to live a life free of complaints? Yes!

Paul the Apostle writes to believers from prison and there is no hint of self-pity or any kind of negativity. Rather, he encourages us to “live in a manner worthy of the call” as a Christian. Then in typical fashion Paul lists character traits we are to exhibit; “all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Also, Paul reminds us that we are to demonstrate unity. This is not surprising for Jesus prayed in John 17:20-21, that future believers would prove the reality of faith by our love and unity.

Reading:  Ephesians 4:1-3

Brothers and sisters:  I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Discuss:

1.Do other people note you positive outlook on life?

2.Do circumstances rule your life? Do you overcome adversity with poise?

Prayer:

Holy Father, I pray that you would live in me in such a way by the power of the Holy Spirit that I might overcome adversity with your grace. May others see Jesus in me.  Amen.

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September 18, 2009

Intro:The Root of All Evils

You most likely know that money is not the root of all evils; rather it is the love of money that is!  It is interesting to note how much financial matters dominate our lives. If we allow materialism to bite us then we are on a slippery slope to spiritual ruin. Paul calls it a “trap.”

Challenge: Are you content with what you have materially?  Read the following and decide.

Reading:  1 Timothy 6:2c-12

Beloved: Teach and urge these things. Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited,  understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes.

From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain.

Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world,

just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap

and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.

But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Discuss:

1.How has money affected your life for good or ill?

2.Are you generous with your financial resources that God has given to you?

3.In the reading above, what is the common denominator of false teachers (most televangelists)?

4.Are you pursuing righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness?

Prayer:

God, help me to know that my soul is more valuable than my pursuit of money. Teach me contentment as I trust in your provision. Draw me to yourself that I may grow in godly attributes. Help me to lay hold of eternal life that s in your Son. Amen.

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September 17, 2009

Intro:How Goes Your Walk?

How do you stay in physical shape? Do you say “no” to fast food and lay down the TV remote control and take a walk or go to the gym to work out? If not, I want to encourage you to stay in physical shape so that you will be healthier to serve others more years on this planet.

I also want to encourage you to be in good spiritual shape as well.  How goes your walk with Jesus? Is it alive and vibrant? Are you spiritually healthy? Do you know and demonstrate his love? Can others see your progress?

Reading:  1 Timothy 4:12-16

Beloved: Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe,

in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands by the church leaders. Be diligent in these matters; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Discuss:

1.Who has been influential in getting you in spiritual shape?

2.What are some of the gifts God has given you to serve others?

3.Are you willing to be a marathon believer—to run the long race of faith?

4.Are you are person of godly character?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to live as an example to others. I thank you for the gifts you have given me and the help of church leaders to assist me in my growth in you. Grant me grace and power to live for you so I can serve others well. Motivate me to be spiritually fit. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * *

September 16, 2009

Intro:“Solving a Mystery”

I love thriller mysteries—especially “who done it” movies?  In our reading today, Paul continues to mentor his son in the faith, Timothy. Paul says, “…great is the mystery.” Paul solves God’s mystery—namely that Jesus has been “manifested in the flesh.”  Why?  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son so that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) 

Reading:  1 Tim 3:14-16

Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of our devotion, who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels,

proclaimed to the Gentiles,  believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

Discuss:

1.Have you solved the “great mystery?” Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Are you devoted to Jesus?

2.Have you thanked God for helping you solve the “mystery”?

3.Are you letting others know about God’s thriller?

Prayer:

God, please continue to reveal Jesus to me. I want to know him more so that I can love you and serve others better. Amen.

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September 15, 2009

Intro: “Character Matters”

Do you recall the recent (and yes repeating) political scandal:  “Character does not matter; just as long as you do your job?” Or stated another way: “What you do in the privacy of your home or oval office does not matter—just so long as you get your work done!” A lot of people bought into this argument. Read the following and see what the Bible says.

Reading:  1 Timothy 3: 1:-13

Beloved, this saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the Church of God?

He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the Devil’s punishment. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the Devil’s trap. Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well.

Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Discuss:

1.Leadership (bishop/elder/pastor) in the church is a sacred honor. Do you aspire to leadership in the church?

2.Who are your role models in your life? In your church?

3.In the reading above, what character traits do you need to work on?

Prayer:

God, I aspire to walk the talk. I desire to honor your Son. I need the power of the Holy Spirit to transform my life so that my character will matter. Amen.

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September 14, 2009

Intro:“Complaints Department”

Challenge: Today is Monday and let me challenge you today not to complain! Here are things that immediately come to mind:  congested traffic, long lines at the market, rising costs of living, other motorists, your boss, government leaders, your husband, your wife, your pastor, your job, your finances, your looks, your weight, your work associates, your parents…I think you get the idea. Let me know how you do.

Reading:  Numbers 4b-9

With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!”

In punishment the LORD sent among the people serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses, “Make a serpent and mount it on a pole, and if any who have been bitten look at it, they will live. ”Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

Discuss:

1.Are you a positive person? Ask a trusted friend to give you honest feedback.

2.How does impatience hurt you? Others around you? Your Christian witness?

3.Do you see complaining as your right? Or do you see it as sin? (read the scripture above).

4.The serpent in today’s reading is a type of cross. If we will stop complaining and turn to the cross, we then will find forgiveness and a reason to give words of thanks rather than complaint.

Prayer:

God, forgive my complaining that so easily entraps me in negativity. Replace my negativity with praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

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September 11, 2009

Intro:“Life-Change Biography”

Can you summarize your life in 75 words or less? Use the space below:     

Reading:  1Timothy 1:12-14

I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry. I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Discuss:

1.Does your summary include Christ?

2.Have you experienced a positive life-change because of Jesus?

Prayer:

God, I want my life to be transformed by Jesus. I pray that I might experience the grace of God via my faith in your Son. Thank you Father. Amen.

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September 10, 2009

Intro:"When Same-ness is Good"

We humans tend to get bored easily. If you have a teenager you may have heard, "I am bored, there is nothing to do around here." My parents never let me get away with that.         I could expect an instate response meted out in a chore to do--like mowing the lawn.

No matter our age, we desire to have life be stimulating. It just so happens that the routines of our existence often bore us. We look for the new! You were designed to have purpose in your life that would make it wonderful to arise in the morning and say, "I wonder what God has in store for me today?"

You can have this "non-boring" life when you have Jesus as your constant companion. If you take a look at his life you will notice that his life was an adventure everyday as he followed the Father's will and loved upon people.

Reading:  Hebrews 13:8

"Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever."

Discuss:

1.Is Jesus a part of your daily routine?

2.Do you practice his presence?

3.Are you aware of how he can brighten your day?

Prayer:

Jesus, today I invite you to be my constant companion as I go about your life in me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that makes you real to me and for this day when even in the sameness of a routine, you are there making it ever new. Amen.

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September 9, 2009

Intro:Ladder of Success

Someone recently used the story of a man whose life was a struggle to climb the ladder of success and he managed to climb to the top of the ladder only to find that his ladder was leaning upon the wrong wall.

In today’s brief reading Paul admonishes us to “seek what is above.” I know this sounds really mystical and not “practical.” How can we lean our ladders on a wall we cannot see…in a place “above”?

Let me suggest that we lean our ladders on the solid person of Jesus.

Reading:  Colossians 3:1-3

Brothers and sisters: If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth; for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

Discuss:

1.What are you leaning your ladder upon? Material success? Status? Kodak moments? People’s approval? Hedonism? Other?

2.If God was number one in your life, what would you have to change?

Prayer:

God, I do not want to miss out on the purpose for my existence. Help me to seek and reorient my life to what you desire. Help me to think in new ways according to your will. Amen.

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September 8, 2009

Intro:All Things Work for Good

Today, I am speechless (a miracle for preachers and appreciated by parishioners).

Why? I cannot get my mind around today’s reading even though I have read it a thousand times and thought about our passage at length numerous times before.

Words are insufficient to explain what Paul affirms to us.  Read it and then write me back with your thoughts. Together, we may better understand the following scripture.

Reading:  Romans 8:26-28

Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God,

who are called according to his purpose.  For those he foreknew he also predestined

to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn

among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

Discuss:

1.Share your thoughts and impressions with me.

2.Has this passage spoken to you before? Be specific.

3.How have negative experiences/suffering/ benefited you in your faith journey?

4.Again, please write me at dtourangea@aol.com

Prayer:

Brothers and sisters, may we grow in our faith. May we find peace in God’s wonderful promises.  Amen.

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September 7, 2009

Intro:“Christ in You”

Do you remember the recent cultural mantra “you are what you eat?” While granola and raisins may be healthy for your body, I always wondered how I was like a raisin. Paul suggests in our reading today that God in us—specifically-Jesus in us is what we are. In essence the only thing that matters in life is if we have Christ in us. Do you know Jesus? Does he live in you?

Reading:  Colossians 1:24-2:3

Brothers and sisters: I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me. For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Discuss:

1.Paul speaks about his suffering for his brothers and sisters. Why is he suffering?

2.What is the mystery Paul is “making known”

3.Do you have Godly wisdom? Where does one find it?

4.Do you encourage others in their faith walk with Jesus?

Prayer:

God, on this Labor Day, may I find in your all I need. I want to discover all the “hidden treasures” in Jesus. Help me too to encourage others. Amen.

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September 4, 2009

Intro:“A Mouthful”

Yesterday, I advised you to read the passage slowly—today I offer you the same counsel. The Apostle Paul has much to say and he crams a lot of information (theology) in six verses. Paul gives us a “whole mouthful” of wonderful news about who Jesus is. So, read each sentences and think about what it says and means to you. Enjoy your food!

Reading:  Colossians 1:15-20

Brothers and sisters: Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the Body, the Church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the Blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

Discuss:

1.How many attributes can you find about Jesus?

2.How does Jesus have preeminence?

3.Note the ways Jesus is equal with God. 

4.How did Jesus “reconcile all things”?

Prayer:

Jesus, I come to you this morning grateful that you are God in the flesh. Thank you for dying for me. I pray that you might be number one in my life (preeminent). May I share your love today with everyone I meet. Amen.

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September 3, 2009

Intro:I Want Meat

Today’s reading is filled with lots of meaty truth. Note again the theme of family—“brothers and sisters.” Also note mutual prayer for each other to the end that we “might walk the talk” (so to speak). And then the Apostle reminds us that God has done great things for us:  God lives in us to strengthen us; God strengthens us via the prayer we receive form our brothers and sisters. God lives in us by the Holy Spirit so that we might “endure” and be “patient.” And God fills us with joy no matter what we are facing or will face. If that were not enough, God has given us new citizenship in the kingdom of His Son! 

Boy, my plate is full of meaty truth. God’s words needs to be digested. May you digest this reading today. Read it slowly and thoughtfully so as not to get indigestion.

Reading:  Colossians 1:9-14

Brothers and sisters: From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you

and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God,

strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness

and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Discuss:

1.As you slowly digest the above passage, what speaks truth to your life? Your situation?

2.Do you pray for your brothers and sister in the Lord?

3.Are you grateful for all that God has done for you in Jesus?

Prayer:

God, I am full today--full of gratitude for the Good News of Jesus. Help me to feed on your word daily so that I may know you and your ways. Amen.

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September 2, 2009

Intro:  Family Reunions

I love family reunions for many reasons; good home made cooking, a chance to get away from the Tri Cities, the excitement of travel, a change of pace—but most of all a chance to connect with people I love—yes my relatives.

Notice in our reading today, the Apostle Paul mentions his brothers and sisters with tender words of affection. Paul is recalling how his “family in Christ” has spread the faith to others outside the family—to the end that more fam ily is added. Those of us who know Jesus are family, the family of God.

Reading:  Colossians 1:1-8

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

to the holy ones and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the holy ones because of the hope reserved for you in heaven.

Of this you have already heard through the word of truth, the Gospel that has come to you. Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing, so also among you, from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth, as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow slave, who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Discuss:

1.     Do you pray for your family? Your church family? Do you pray that teh family of God will grow in numbers?

2.     Is your relationship with your brothers and sisters causing you to grow spiritually? Do you love them?

3.       Do you have a solid hope for heaven?

Prayer:

Holy God, today I thank you for my faith that has come to me by way of the family of God. Thank you for my spir itual family. Help me to cement eternal relations with you God and your family. May my life bear fruit for you so that others will know you too! Amen.

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September  1, 2009

Intro:“School Season”  

Parents are scurrying to get their children back to school this week. September marks not only the beginning of school but also the change in the season. You can feel crispness in the early morning air and trees are losing leaves. In our reading today, Christians are instructed to notice spiritual seasons too. We are to prepare for the season of Jesus’ Second Coming.

Reading:  1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11

“Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. When people are saying, “Peace and security,” then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.

For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.

For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him.

Therefore, encourage one another and build on e another up, as indeed you do.”

Discuss:

1.Are you ready for Jesus’ Second Coming?

2.Are you encouraging your brothers and sister in the Lord to live solely for Jesus?

Prayer:

God of grace and God of glory, shine on us so that we might live in your light and not sleep in spiritual stupor. Help us to encourage each other so that our faith is sharpened. Lord, help us to lead others to you. Amen.

JOIN US  for prayer tonight at Desert Springs at 7:00 p.m.

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