SCRIPTURE
(Mark 13:33) "Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is."
OBSERVATION
Four of Jesus' disciples asked Him when the end of time will come. Jesus tells them in this discourse that no one but God Himself knows the time of the end. He continues to tell them that there will be definate signs prior to the end, and then warns them to keep alert and be personally ready.
APPLICATION
There is a continuous influence in the world to trivialize or discredit the warnings of Jesus to keep alert. Paul writing to Timothy (II Timothy 3: 1-9) says that in the last days difficult times will come. He then gives a descriptive discourse that could have come from this mornings newspaper. If we can be lulled into a state of believing that we have all the time in the world, the lack of urgency will create complacency which will result in lethargy and lost souls for God's kingdom.
PRAYER
God, constantly keep before me the call to win lost souls before Your Son's return. I desire to be faithful and alert until the end.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
What Was That You Said?
SCRIPTURE
(Mark 12:12&13) "And they (the chief priests and scribes) were seeking to seize Him; and yet they feared the multitude. . . And they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him, in order to trap Him in a statement."
OBSERVATION
The truth of Jesus' words are not always easy to hear. Jesus often spoke in such a way as to reveal the heart attitude of His listeners. The Pharisees were threatened by the popularity and following of Jesus, so they formed a partnership with the followers of Herod to trap Jesus in or with incriminating statements that Jesus would make Himself. They were dumbfounded with His insight and wisdom.
APPLICATION
There are still those today who are threatened by the devotion and commitment of the followers of Christ. His words still reveal heart attitudes. Many in today's society, whether in Hollywood or policy makers on capital hill, seem to take delight in degrading or making Christians look foolish in what they say and do. We do not have to defend the Word of God, just speak His truth in love.
PRAYER
God, help me to depend upon Your devine wisdom and not be swayed by the opinions of man or societal persuasions. I want my words to glorify You.
(Mark 12:12&13) "And they (the chief priests and scribes) were seeking to seize Him; and yet they feared the multitude. . . And they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him, in order to trap Him in a statement."
OBSERVATION
The truth of Jesus' words are not always easy to hear. Jesus often spoke in such a way as to reveal the heart attitude of His listeners. The Pharisees were threatened by the popularity and following of Jesus, so they formed a partnership with the followers of Herod to trap Jesus in or with incriminating statements that Jesus would make Himself. They were dumbfounded with His insight and wisdom.
APPLICATION
There are still those today who are threatened by the devotion and commitment of the followers of Christ. His words still reveal heart attitudes. Many in today's society, whether in Hollywood or policy makers on capital hill, seem to take delight in degrading or making Christians look foolish in what they say and do. We do not have to defend the Word of God, just speak His truth in love.
PRAYER
God, help me to depend upon Your devine wisdom and not be swayed by the opinions of man or societal persuasions. I want my words to glorify You.
It's the Percentage, Not the Amount
SCRIPTURE
Mark 12:43-44
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
OBSERVATION
The widow's gift was far more valuable to God then the riches of the wealthy because she gave a larger portion of what she had.
APPLICATION
God is more interested in the percentage than He is the amount. Some have lots of money or lots of time. Some have few. God is less interested in whether I have a lot or a little to give, but rather whether what I give is proportional to what I have. Far too often I have made the mistake of patting myself on the back for giving a gift to the church or paying my tithe, when in actuality I was simply giving out of my abundance. Yes, I gave out of obedience, but did I give till it hurt? Only those who give till it hurts — whether they give little or a lot — truly discover the joy of full trust in the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to give until it hurts! I don't want to simply give out of abundance, but out of lack as well!
Mark 12:43-44
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
OBSERVATION
The widow's gift was far more valuable to God then the riches of the wealthy because she gave a larger portion of what she had.
APPLICATION
God is more interested in the percentage than He is the amount. Some have lots of money or lots of time. Some have few. God is less interested in whether I have a lot or a little to give, but rather whether what I give is proportional to what I have. Far too often I have made the mistake of patting myself on the back for giving a gift to the church or paying my tithe, when in actuality I was simply giving out of my abundance. Yes, I gave out of obedience, but did I give till it hurt? Only those who give till it hurts — whether they give little or a lot — truly discover the joy of full trust in the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to give until it hurts! I don't want to simply give out of abundance, but out of lack as well!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Assessing the Spiritual before the Temporal
SCRIPTURE
(Mark 11:11) "And He (Jesus) entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking all around, He departed for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late."
OBSERVATION
Jesus has just made the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The first place he proceeds to is the temple. Jesus goes inside, looks around, and then leaves. It was late in the day but Jesus makes a statement with His actions: The place of Worship, or the spiritual, takes presidence over every other aspect of life.
APPLICATION
Spending time reading God's Word and journaling insights is difficult and time consuming, but it is the place of priority for successful living. No matter how late, or what the agenda is for the day, worship and spiritual enhancement must take priority.
PRAYER
Lord, don't let the business of life and the demands of ministry keep me from my time with You.
(Mark 11:11) "And He (Jesus) entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking all around, He departed for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late."
OBSERVATION
Jesus has just made the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The first place he proceeds to is the temple. Jesus goes inside, looks around, and then leaves. It was late in the day but Jesus makes a statement with His actions: The place of Worship, or the spiritual, takes presidence over every other aspect of life.
APPLICATION
Spending time reading God's Word and journaling insights is difficult and time consuming, but it is the place of priority for successful living. No matter how late, or what the agenda is for the day, worship and spiritual enhancement must take priority.
PRAYER
Lord, don't let the business of life and the demands of ministry keep me from my time with You.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Who Controls Your 401k?
SCRIPTURE
(Mark 10:21&22) "And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him, and said to him, 'one thing you lack: go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasures in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property."
OBSERVATION
How hard it is to recognize that all we have, all the earth, belongs to God. He is allowing us to use it and enjoy it. Placing security in monitary wealth will restrict your commitment and replace the God on the throne of your heart. Matthew 6:21 says that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Who controls your 401k?
APPLICATION
Saving money is not wrong. Saving money out of fear that I won't have enough for the future speaks volumes about where or what your faith is in. God is calling us to a walk of trust and commitment to Him. I think control is the key to this walk of faith. Does God have control of your life or are you in control and just allowing God bits of your attention?
PRAYER
God, show me how to be sold out for You. Reveal those areas that I am holding onto that You want control of.
(Mark 10:21&22) "And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him, and said to him, 'one thing you lack: go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasures in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property."
OBSERVATION
How hard it is to recognize that all we have, all the earth, belongs to God. He is allowing us to use it and enjoy it. Placing security in monitary wealth will restrict your commitment and replace the God on the throne of your heart. Matthew 6:21 says that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Who controls your 401k?
APPLICATION
Saving money is not wrong. Saving money out of fear that I won't have enough for the future speaks volumes about where or what your faith is in. God is calling us to a walk of trust and commitment to Him. I think control is the key to this walk of faith. Does God have control of your life or are you in control and just allowing God bits of your attention?
PRAYER
God, show me how to be sold out for You. Reveal those areas that I am holding onto that You want control of.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Choice, the pathway to Heaven or Hell.
SCRIPTURE
(Mark 9:47) "And if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell."
OBSERVATION
Jesus is giving a discourse on hell and our choices that pave the pathway to this place of punishment and seperation from God. In verse 43 He says if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. In verse 45 it says to cut off an offending foot. Here in verse 47 it says to gouge out your eye. I don't think Jesus is telling us to literally cripple ourselves, I think the intent is to chose to stop the offense. If you're lusting chose to stop, if you're going places you shouldn't, stop. Choice is the pavement on the pathway of life.
APPLICATION
Most people are looking for an easy solution for their habits and obsessions. God has given each of us a free will and a choice to honor Him in our thoughts, emotions, and actions, or to dishonor him through selfish gratification. If you are doing something that is not pleasing to God, stop it. Cut it out or off according to Mark.
PRAYER
God, give me eyes to see and ears to hear and a spirit in tune with yours. I chose the pathway to Heaven.
(Mark 9:47) "And if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell."
OBSERVATION
Jesus is giving a discourse on hell and our choices that pave the pathway to this place of punishment and seperation from God. In verse 43 He says if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. In verse 45 it says to cut off an offending foot. Here in verse 47 it says to gouge out your eye. I don't think Jesus is telling us to literally cripple ourselves, I think the intent is to chose to stop the offense. If you're lusting chose to stop, if you're going places you shouldn't, stop. Choice is the pavement on the pathway of life.
APPLICATION
Most people are looking for an easy solution for their habits and obsessions. God has given each of us a free will and a choice to honor Him in our thoughts, emotions, and actions, or to dishonor him through selfish gratification. If you are doing something that is not pleasing to God, stop it. Cut it out or off according to Mark.
PRAYER
God, give me eyes to see and ears to hear and a spirit in tune with yours. I chose the pathway to Heaven.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Power of an Oath
SCRIPTURE
26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.
OBSERVATION
In this passage the daughter of Herodias danced before the king and she pleased all who were present. Much like the Ballet Magnificat group that ministered to us this past Sunday. Everyone was touched who were present. This dance pleased Herod so much that he told her to ask for anything you want and I will give it to you. Because Herodias nursed a grudge against John the Baptist (vs. 19)she instructed her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. It is here that I made two observations: 1. There is great evil power that grows within you when you hind a hurt and stuff your feelings. You begin to develop resentment, bitterness, hatred, anger and all sorts of flesh. Watch out if you are nursing a grudge. It is only a matter of time before it acts out. Like a pan of water left on the back burner of a stove with the fire burning, it eventually boils over. 2. There is also tremendous power in an oath. When you give someone your word, it is significant. The power of a contract is contained in the words that you speak. Be careful what you say.
APPLICATION
I commit myself to uprooting any hurt that is in side. All anger must be released on a daily basis so that the enemy will not get a foothold in my life. If I give him a foothold, it will soon become a stronghold.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to take the garbage out on a regular basis and guard our tongues.
26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.
OBSERVATION
In this passage the daughter of Herodias danced before the king and she pleased all who were present. Much like the Ballet Magnificat group that ministered to us this past Sunday. Everyone was touched who were present. This dance pleased Herod so much that he told her to ask for anything you want and I will give it to you. Because Herodias nursed a grudge against John the Baptist (vs. 19)she instructed her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. It is here that I made two observations: 1. There is great evil power that grows within you when you hind a hurt and stuff your feelings. You begin to develop resentment, bitterness, hatred, anger and all sorts of flesh. Watch out if you are nursing a grudge. It is only a matter of time before it acts out. Like a pan of water left on the back burner of a stove with the fire burning, it eventually boils over. 2. There is also tremendous power in an oath. When you give someone your word, it is significant. The power of a contract is contained in the words that you speak. Be careful what you say.
APPLICATION
I commit myself to uprooting any hurt that is in side. All anger must be released on a daily basis so that the enemy will not get a foothold in my life. If I give him a foothold, it will soon become a stronghold.
PRAYER
Lord, help us to take the garbage out on a regular basis and guard our tongues.
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