SCRIPTURE
Mark 11:18: "The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill Him, for they feared Him, because the whole crowd was amazed at His teaching."
OBSERVATION
Can you believe it? That's right, chief priests and teachers of the law began looking for a way to kill Jesus! Why? They were threatened by Him and His teachings. They were afraid! The crowd was listening to Jesus, not them. The people were amazed at Jesus' teachings, not theirs. They must have felt that they and their teachings of the law were going to be exposed as false. Religious men, supposed followers of God, plotting murder! Wow!
APPLICATION
Are there things of God or in His Word that I reject because they threaten my way of life or my comfort? Do I become uncomfortable when certain topics are discussed ot studied? I am to attempt to lead a life pleasing to God, not just the easy stuff. As we read yesterday, we should continually search our hearts and ask God to expose what is not pleasing to Him.
PRAYER
God, I pray that I would not be selective in my obedience - rejecting what is uncomfortable or threatening to me. Please reveal to me what is not pleasing You.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Inside, Out
SCRIPTURE
Mark 10:21-22: Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack", He said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.". At this, the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
OBSERVATION
This rich young man was trying to live right, at least on the outside. His actions of obeying the laws and of falling on his knees before Jesus to ask about eternal life demonstrate this. But, Jesus saw what was going on inside. I love that Jesus looked at him and loved him. I love that Jesus did not scold him or criticize him. He saw inside and knew that this young man's one stumbling block was his wealth. And, of course, He was right. The young man could not give it up and went away sad.
APPLICATION
We may be doing all the right things outwardly but what does God see inside of us? Psalms 139:23 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart . . .". To ask God to do this is to invite His scrutiny of our deepest desires and motives. We should want to be held accountable and kept true no matter how painful or shameful it may be.
PRAYER
"Father, let me be constantly focused inward, scrutinizing myself as You would. Show me areas that are hindering me from following and serving You as I should. Amen."
Mark 10:21-22: Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack", He said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.". At this, the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
OBSERVATION
This rich young man was trying to live right, at least on the outside. His actions of obeying the laws and of falling on his knees before Jesus to ask about eternal life demonstrate this. But, Jesus saw what was going on inside. I love that Jesus looked at him and loved him. I love that Jesus did not scold him or criticize him. He saw inside and knew that this young man's one stumbling block was his wealth. And, of course, He was right. The young man could not give it up and went away sad.
APPLICATION
We may be doing all the right things outwardly but what does God see inside of us? Psalms 139:23 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart . . .". To ask God to do this is to invite His scrutiny of our deepest desires and motives. We should want to be held accountable and kept true no matter how painful or shameful it may be.
PRAYER
"Father, let me be constantly focused inward, scrutinizing myself as You would. Show me areas that are hindering me from following and serving You as I should. Amen."
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Get Him in the boat!
SCRIPTURE
Mark 6:48 - 51
He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Verse 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.
OBSERVATION
If I picture what is happening here in my mind, this is actually pretty funny! Here are the disciples straining at the oars as they try to move their boat forward, but against the wind. I can just see these guys gripping those oars and how they would have pushed their entire bodies forward against their oars to only push their paddles one rotation through the water and how because of the wind being against them, that all their effort and strength probably did not move them very far along at all. It says Jesus "saw His disciples straining" but the minute Jesus climbs into the boat with them, the wind dies.
APPLICATION
Many times I'm just like them! Straining at the oars, against the wind. This picture is also striking to me because the disciples were doing exactly what Jesus had instructed them to do and headed in the exact direction he had given them. I'm reminded again, to always call on Him!
PRAYER
Keep teaching me and reminding me that to work without you is hard and slow. Help me to invite you to climb into my boat everyday!
Mark 6:48 - 51
He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Verse 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.
OBSERVATION
If I picture what is happening here in my mind, this is actually pretty funny! Here are the disciples straining at the oars as they try to move their boat forward, but against the wind. I can just see these guys gripping those oars and how they would have pushed their entire bodies forward against their oars to only push their paddles one rotation through the water and how because of the wind being against them, that all their effort and strength probably did not move them very far along at all. It says Jesus "saw His disciples straining" but the minute Jesus climbs into the boat with them, the wind dies.
APPLICATION
Many times I'm just like them! Straining at the oars, against the wind. This picture is also striking to me because the disciples were doing exactly what Jesus had instructed them to do and headed in the exact direction he had given them. I'm reminded again, to always call on Him!
PRAYER
Keep teaching me and reminding me that to work without you is hard and slow. Help me to invite you to climb into my boat everyday!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Leaps for Joy
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 28:1 & 6-8
OBSERVATION
The contrast of Psalm 28:1 "To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit." and then vs 6-8 "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."
APPLICATION
When I read these portions of scripture, so many senses well up in me, so many thoughts and emotions are stirred. When the psalmist crys out "if you remain silent" and I just like the psalmist can only imagine the utter despair of that deepest pit. But then just like David in verse 7 "My heart leaps for joy" and I can just feel my heart pound in my chest! at the thought that He does hear me, that He is all my strength! my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped! With all this talk of joy! and leaping! I can just imagine a whole bunch of little sheep on a hillside kicking up their heels! (Okay, maybe the lambs are over the top, but I have a little Spring fever, ha! ha!)
PRAYER
Thank you Father, Daddy for hearing me! For not remaining silent, for talking to me! You are all my strength, all my hope and all my joy!
I will love you forever!
Psalm 28:1 & 6-8
OBSERVATION
The contrast of Psalm 28:1 "To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit." and then vs 6-8 "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."
APPLICATION
When I read these portions of scripture, so many senses well up in me, so many thoughts and emotions are stirred. When the psalmist crys out "if you remain silent" and I just like the psalmist can only imagine the utter despair of that deepest pit. But then just like David in verse 7 "My heart leaps for joy" and I can just feel my heart pound in my chest! at the thought that He does hear me, that He is all my strength! my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped! With all this talk of joy! and leaping! I can just imagine a whole bunch of little sheep on a hillside kicking up their heels! (Okay, maybe the lambs are over the top, but I have a little Spring fever, ha! ha!)
PRAYER
Thank you Father, Daddy for hearing me! For not remaining silent, for talking to me! You are all my strength, all my hope and all my joy!
I will love you forever!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Anybody Reading?
Hey if you're an occasional reader of this blog - let us know! Post a comment on this post just to let us know you've been here!
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Ordinary
SCRIPTURE
Acts 14:1 ¶ At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. NIV
OBSERVATION
The Disciples weren’t doing anything out of the ordinary but something very extraordinary happened in the midst of the ordinary. (If that makes sense!) They went into the synagogue as usual but spoke so effectively that a great number of people responded to the message of truth about Jesus.
Truth changes people when they respond to it.
People respond to truth more readily when it is shared properly. You can share God’s truth in a judgmental way or in a condescending way. You can talk out of insincerity or with a critical tone. When you share from a bad attitude, however, people often react in a negative way. They seem to react rather than respond to the attitude and not the actual words. I am reminded once again from this text - how you say something is as important as what you say. I believe, however, this truth is not based entirely upon the style in which a person shares. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has something to do with this effectiveness. An example of this is found in Acts 18:26.
A married couple named Aquila & Priscilla took a man by the name of Apollos aside and taught him the ways of the Holy Spirit and he began to speak differently. Throughout the New Testament people spoke in a new way when they were filled with the Spirit of Jesus. The bottom line is this, when you speak for God you need three things.
1. Substance,
2. Style
3. The Holy Spirit.
This is a prescription for great effectiveness.
APPLICATION
Today I need to examine my motives when I speak. Am I seeking to help people or am I secretly trying to put them in their place. The motive will often determine the tone and the tone will often determine the fruitfulness of the message. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit and allow Him the right to oversee our speech, we will have greater success. I am going to watch over my words as they are spoken but also explore the underlying attitudes that my words are founded upon. This will be a step in the right direction.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to speak with your anointing and in such a way that others are not turned off to your truth. May I represent you by accurately sharing your words in the way that brings you glory.
Acts 14:1 ¶ At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. NIV
OBSERVATION
The Disciples weren’t doing anything out of the ordinary but something very extraordinary happened in the midst of the ordinary. (If that makes sense!) They went into the synagogue as usual but spoke so effectively that a great number of people responded to the message of truth about Jesus.
Truth changes people when they respond to it.
People respond to truth more readily when it is shared properly. You can share God’s truth in a judgmental way or in a condescending way. You can talk out of insincerity or with a critical tone. When you share from a bad attitude, however, people often react in a negative way. They seem to react rather than respond to the attitude and not the actual words. I am reminded once again from this text - how you say something is as important as what you say. I believe, however, this truth is not based entirely upon the style in which a person shares. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has something to do with this effectiveness. An example of this is found in Acts 18:26.
A married couple named Aquila & Priscilla took a man by the name of Apollos aside and taught him the ways of the Holy Spirit and he began to speak differently. Throughout the New Testament people spoke in a new way when they were filled with the Spirit of Jesus. The bottom line is this, when you speak for God you need three things.
1. Substance,
2. Style
3. The Holy Spirit.
This is a prescription for great effectiveness.
APPLICATION
Today I need to examine my motives when I speak. Am I seeking to help people or am I secretly trying to put them in their place. The motive will often determine the tone and the tone will often determine the fruitfulness of the message. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit and allow Him the right to oversee our speech, we will have greater success. I am going to watch over my words as they are spoken but also explore the underlying attitudes that my words are founded upon. This will be a step in the right direction.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to speak with your anointing and in such a way that others are not turned off to your truth. May I represent you by accurately sharing your words in the way that brings you glory.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Expect the Unexpected
SCRIPTURE
Acts 28:6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Acts 28:7 ¶ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.
Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
OBSERVATION
In Acts 27 Paul and others were on a ship which encountered a tremendous storm. It was so severe that the ship experienced extensive damage and had run ashore. Those onboard found them selves on an island called Malta. It wasn’t a planned destination, it wasn’t on the itinerary and it wasn’t a desirable place to be.
That’s what caught my attention as I read this text. Even though Paul had not planned this part of the journey, he was used by God to touch the lives of people he would only see one time in his life.
How often I find myself in situations and places that I have not chosen. I fail to realize that possibly this is not a detour I must endure but a divine appointment God has scheduled. Could it be that the interruptions, inconveniences and intrusions into our lives are really an opportunity for God to reveal himself through us.
APPLICATION
Today I am going to look for opportunities where God can use me. I am not going to seek deliverance from my current location and circumstnces but I will ask God to deliver his wisdom, kindness, assistance and love to those I encounter.
PRAYER
Lord forgive me for resisting and resenting the places you position me for your glory. I am blind to your ability to work in all places. I have missed so many opportunities to see you work in various places because of my complaining spirit. Please forgive me but also change me. Give me a heart that wants to go where you want me to go - say what you want me to say and do what you want me to do.
Acts 28:6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Acts 28:7 ¶ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.
Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
OBSERVATION
In Acts 27 Paul and others were on a ship which encountered a tremendous storm. It was so severe that the ship experienced extensive damage and had run ashore. Those onboard found them selves on an island called Malta. It wasn’t a planned destination, it wasn’t on the itinerary and it wasn’t a desirable place to be.
That’s what caught my attention as I read this text. Even though Paul had not planned this part of the journey, he was used by God to touch the lives of people he would only see one time in his life.
How often I find myself in situations and places that I have not chosen. I fail to realize that possibly this is not a detour I must endure but a divine appointment God has scheduled. Could it be that the interruptions, inconveniences and intrusions into our lives are really an opportunity for God to reveal himself through us.
APPLICATION
Today I am going to look for opportunities where God can use me. I am not going to seek deliverance from my current location and circumstnces but I will ask God to deliver his wisdom, kindness, assistance and love to those I encounter.
PRAYER
Lord forgive me for resisting and resenting the places you position me for your glory. I am blind to your ability to work in all places. I have missed so many opportunities to see you work in various places because of my complaining spirit. Please forgive me but also change me. Give me a heart that wants to go where you want me to go - say what you want me to say and do what you want me to do.
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