10/28/18 “The Faith Our Giving Reflects” (Daily Bible Reading: Luke 20-22)

“And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had’ ” (Luke 21:1-4).

What does God think about our financial giving? Since He created the world and all that is in it, does not everything in it belong to Him anyway? Why then does He command us to give (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7)? God is concerned about our giving because it reflects our faith in Him.

While Jesus was in Jerusalem shortly before his arrest, trial, and death, He was in the temple. Thoughts of His own impending death and what would become of His disciples as He left them must have weighed heavily on His mind. He was also spending a lot of His last hours on this earth doing some final teaching there in the temple at Jerusalem. What is interesting, is in the midst of all these things, He still took notice of people giving their gifts into the treasury at the temple.

As He observes this, He sees that the rich put in their gifts (Luke 21:1). Mark adds that the rich put in much (Mark 12:41). The rich had given the large donations. It was these contributions that made up the majority of the funds that flowed into the coffers at the temple. However, did Jesus “pat them on the back” for this? Actually, what Jesus noticed was not the amount of their giving, but the fact that they had “given out of their abundance” (Luke 21:4; Mark 12:44). They had given their leftovers.

More importantly, Jesus noticed a poor widow who’s giving probably went totally unobserved by everyone else in the temple. Jesus saw her put in her “two mites” (Luke 21:2) which make up a quadrans (Mark 12:42) whose value today would be only a fraction of a penny. How could what she put into the treasury really help the work of the Lord? It was so small, compared to the overall budget of the temple. Yet, Jesus says she “has put in more than all” (Luke 21:3). Why would He say this?

Widows in Jesus’ day were very destitute. There was no Social Security system on which that they could rely. In fact, Jesus mentions widows were often taken advantage of as their houses had been “devoured” by the scribes (Mark 12:40). This poor widow could have “played the victim” and said, “I cannot afford to give”, but she did not. Although she experienced poverty, she “put in all the livelihood that she had” (Luke 21:4; cf. Mark 12:44). She had taken the monies that were essential to her earthly survival and given them to God.

Why did she do this? Did she not know that she needed some money to survive for her earthly existence? She knew she needed God more than money. She knew that her dependence on God was more essential than her dependence on finances. She placed her faith in God’s ability to sustain her. Jesus took notice of this widow because He loves to see when people place their faith in God!

God is not concerned with our giving because He needs the finances so churches can operate and meet budgets. God cares about our giving because it reflects our faith in Him and is indicative of the value we place upon having a relationship with Him. Today, I will consider my giving and honor God by not giving “out of my abundance”, but “out of my livelihood” as I place my faith in Him to sustain me on my earthly journey as I look forward to my heavenly home!

“So, let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). ����x

10/27/18 “Hiding God’s Peace from Ourselves” (Daily Bible Reading: Luke 17-19)

“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes’” (Luke 19:41-42).

Imagine if someone gave you a map which gave you directions to find a treasure of great value. Would you use the map or would you cast it aside and spend the rest of your life trying to find the treasure without any guidance? Of course, you would use the map!

As Jesus comes to Jerusalem, He speaks of how the citizens of that city had missed out on a great treasure that had been made available to them. The great treasure was God’s peace (Luke 19:52). God wanted to have peace between Himself and His people. He wanted them to know the blessings of having the peace of God in their hearts. The apostle Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Being able to live a life free of anxiety and worry by having God’s peace guard and reign in our hearts is a great treasure.

Why didn’t they enjoy this treasure? It was “hidden from their eyes” (Luke 19:42). Had God hidden it from them so they could not find His peace? No, they had hidden it from themselves because they rejected God and His Will for them. Earlier in His ministry as He was explaining why He spoke to the people in parables, Jesus said, “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them' ” (Matthew 13:13-15). Had the people had open hearts, which were receptive to listening to and obeying God, they could have easily found God’s treasure of peace for themselves which God wanted them to have.

How did Jesus feel about these people not finding God’s peace? He wept for them (Luke 19:41). Jesus knew that because they had rejected God and His peace, terrible judgment awaited them as Jerusalem would soon be destroyed by her enemies (Luke 19:43-44).

God knows that terrible judgment awaits those today who reject Him and His Will (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). He is longsuffering as He waits for men to repent and seek the peace which He longs to give them. Jesus sent His disciples throughout the world to make the way known to all men about how to find God’s peace (Mark 16:15-16). Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). It still breaks God’s heart today for men to reject Him and to hide God’s peace from their eyes.

I realize having God’s peace in my life is a great treasure. I will not allow this treasure to be “hidden from my eyes” because I stubbornly resist God’s Will for me. Today, I will keep my eyes, ears, and heart open to God that I may know His peace which surpasses all understanding!

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

10/26/18 “Deciding to Run from or to Our Father” (Daily Bible Reading: Luke 14-16)

“But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants”’ (Luke 15:17-19).

Do you like having to make decisions? Some do not like making decisions because they are afraid of making the wrong decision. However, a large part of our lives involves our having to make decisions. Most importantly all of us have to decide, “Am I going to run to God or away from God?”?

Christ spoke about a parable about of young man who made 2 critical decisions in his life. His first decision was to leave his father. As Christ began this parable He said, “"A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So, he divided to them his livelihood” (Luke 15:11-12). After making this decision to leave his father, the young man then foolishly wasted the inheritance given to him (Luke 15:13). Furthermore, he began to experience the consequences of his poor decision as he begins to suffer great poverty and destitution (Luke 15:14). Desperately, he begins working for a pig farmer and was so hungry that he actually longed for the food which the swine ate, but no one gave him anything (Luke 15:15-16). This young man now finds himself in a terrible situation as a result of his bad decision to run away from his father. He had underestimated how difficult life would be apart from his father.

However, to the young man’s credit, he does not foolishly cling to his past decisions. Instead “he came to himself” and begins to consider making another decision (Luke 15:17). He considers and decides to return to his father (Luke 15:18-19). He shows poverty of spirit (cf. Matthew 5:3) as he realizes his own sin and how undeserving he is as he is willing to be treated as simply a hired servant of his father. However, just as he had underestimated how difficult life would be apart from his father, he now underestimates the love and compassion of his father as he returns home. Christ says, “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). The young man acknowledges his sin which he had committed against his father, but the father is so overjoyed at his son having come home that begins to throw a feast (Luke 15:21-24).

When a person chooses to run away from God, like the prodigal son, they will often experience how difficult life is to live apart from their Heavenly Father. Removing oneself from God’s care, often results in one finding themselves struggling to survive in a world that leaves them lonely and scared as they realize how many in the world will not give them anything (cf. Luke 15:16).

The great news is God does not wash His hands of us when we make such a foolish decision as to run away from Him. Like the father of the prodigal son, He lovingly waits for us to “come to our senses” (cf. Luke 15:17), acknowledge our sins (cf. Luke 15:18-19), and decide to turn back to Him. When we do so, we often underestimate the incredible grace, mercy, and forgiveness that will await us as God opens His loving arms to us. I rejoice that I do not have to be “stuck” in the bad decisions I have made in the past. Today, I will decide not to run away from, but to my Heavenly Father”!

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

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10/25/18 “Take Heed and Beware of Covetousness” (Daily Bible Reading: Luke 11-13)

“Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’ And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses’ " (Luke 12:13-15).

Every day we are bombarded with advertisements on TV, radio, in the newspaper, and on billboards that are encouraging us to buy something. It seems like every month technological advances give us the opportunity to purchase the latest innovation in cell phones, computer notebooks, etc. How do you deal with this advertising assault? Do you find yourself longing to have all these material goods?

Jesus understood the human desire to have “things”. He spent much of His ministry speaking about money and the human desire for it (cf. Matthew 6:19-21; 19:23-24). Luke records for us that while Jesus was in the process of teaching some spiritual lessons to a large crowd who had come out to hear him (Luke 12:1-12), one from the crowd allowed his concern about material things to distract him, as he says to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me” (Luke 12:13).

How did Jesus respond to this man’s concern? Certainly, Jesus was wise and powerful enough to help this man had He so chosen. After telling the man, that it was not His role to act as a judge or an arbitrator over this man and his brother, Jesus gets to heart of spiritual matter that the man needed to address within himself: “"Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).

Why are we tempted to think that our lives consist in the abundance of things we possess? We can place so much emphasis upon material things and that we begin to trust in them. In Luke’s account, Jesus goes on to tell the story of the rich man who felt like he needed to build bigger barns to store all his material goods (Luke 12:16-21). He thought the abundance of material goods would enable him to be able to be at ease, eat, drink, and be merry (Luke 12:19). It was not good enough for him to be content with the abundance he already had. He needed more and more so he built bigger barns (Luke 12:17-18)! Furthermore, if we allow our attitude towards material things to become skewed, we can become anxious over not having enough of them. Jesus reminds us, “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing” (Luke 12:23).

What does Jesus suggest we do with regard to the temptation of covetousness? First, acknowledge that it is a temptation of which we need to beware (Luke 12:15). Second, keep a proper perspective of life and remember that life is much more than the accumulation of material goods (Luke 12:23). Third, free ourselves from the bondage of worry by reminding ourselves that God takes care of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and He will take care to ensure our material needs are met as well (Luke 12:24, 27). Finally, keep our spiritual eyes focused on God and things above: “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you” (Luke 12:31).

I have been blessed by God to live in a free and prosperous nation. In the United States most enjoy a standard of living that far surpasses the rest of the world. However, there is a huge temptation of trusting in the accumulation of material goods. Today, I will practice contentment and take heed and beware of covetousness!

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). 39;dc_lat=;dc_r

10/24/18 “Distracted with Much Serving” (Daily Bible Reading: Luke 7-10)

“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me’ ” (Luke 10:38-40).

Do you ever feel burned out? Sometimes, we get so busy in our lives that we find ourselves feeling exhausted from all the activities going on in our lives. In such circumstances we might do well to heed the title of a song sung by the rock band, the Eagles: “Learn to Be Still”.

Jesus wants His disciples to be servants. Remember He said to His disciples, “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28). However, can a Christian be involved in too much service? Spiritually, do we need to “Learn to Be Still”?

Luke records an event in Jesus’ life where He is invited to the home of Martha. It was commendable for her to be “welcoming Him into her house” (Luke 10:38). Later, Martha’s brother Lazarus would become terribly sick and Martha would demonstrate great faith in Jesus’ power to heal him (John 11:3, 20-22). Jesus had great love for Martha (John 11:5). On this occasion record by Luke, Martha was even taking time to serve Jesus (Luke 10:40). There is much commendable about Martha.

However, Luke notes that Martha became “distracted by much serving” (Luke 10:40). In fact, she was so engrossed with serving that she became upset that her sister Mary was not engaged in what Martha judged to be her “fair share” of serving. Instead of being engaged in a lot of service like Martha, Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His Word (Luke 10:39). Martha must have thought, “How dare my sister not lift a finger to help me while I am doing all this work”. Martha even accuses Jesus of not caring that she was “pulling more weight” in service than her sister. She says to Jesus, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve along? Therefore, tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40). Martha pleads with Jesus to tell her sister to “get up and get to work!”

How does Jesus respond? Does He tell Mary to get up and start serving? Unexpectedly, in Martha’s eyes, Jesus says to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). While it had been commendable for Martha to be a servant, Martha had allowed her service to overwhelm her to the point she began to be judgmental of others who were trying to take time to gain spiritual nourishment at the feet of Jesus. Martha herself need to “Learn to be Still”.

We have been called to be servants. The apostle Paul wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). However, we should not become so engrossed in service that we don’t have time to meditate and listen to God. I rejoice that God doesn’t want me to suffer from spiritual burnout by being so focused on service that I don’t have time to “recharge my batteries”. Today, I will also take time to “Learn to Be Still” and sit at the feet of the Lord!

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). t

10/23/18 “He Saw Their Faith” (Daily Bible Reading: Luke 3-6)

“Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you’” (Luke 5:18-20).

How can you know the faith another person has? Can a person’s faith be seen or is just something that they keep inside and is known only between themselves and God?

Luke records an instance where Jesus saw the faith of some individuals who came to Him. Jesus had been teaching and multitudes were following Him. He had been healing many of their infirmities (Luke 5:15). In fact, the crowds following Him were so great that many had difficulty being able to get close to Him (cf. Mark 2:1-2). There were 4 men who wanted to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, but they were unable to get close enough for Jesus to heal Him (Mark 2:3). Did they lose faith and just give up because the obstacles appeared too great to bring their friend close to Jesus?

No, they displayed their faith in Jesus by continue to persist in their efforts to reach Jesus and they went up on top of the roof in the house where Jesus was teaching, uncovered the roof, lowered their friend on the bed on which he had been laying, and thus placed him in the presence of Jesus (Luke 5:18-19; cf. Mark 2:4). It was an amazing sight which certainly caught the attention of everyone’s eye in the room where Jesus had been teaching.

How did Jesus react to this? He “saw their faith” (Luke 5:20; Mark 2:5). He then says to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven you” (Luke 5:20). After correcting the scribes and the Pharisees, Jesus then says to the paralyzed man, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house (Luke 5:24; Mark 2:11). Then man gets up, takes up his bed, and departed to his own house, glorifying God (Luke 5:25; Mark 2:12).

James reminds us of how our faith needs to been seen not just hidden deep inside of us. He writes, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18). Jesus reminds us of how our actions in serving God display our faith and will lead to others glorifying God: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Can Jesus see my faith? Opportunities arise each day for us to allow Jesus and others to “see our faith”. We can let our faith be seen by serving others and by submitting ourselves to God’s commands (John 14:15). We also show our faith by courageously standing up for God’s principles and continuing to persist in prayer as we commit the things that are heavy on our hearts over to God’s care (1 Peter 5:7). Like the paralytic and his friends, I want Jesus to be able to see my faith! Today, I will strive to have a faith that not only does exist, but also can be seen!

“But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God” (James 2:20-23). ��

10/22/18 “Questions about God’s Will” (Daily Bible Reading: Mark 16-Luke 2)

“‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’ Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’" (Luke 1:31-34).

How do you respond to commands or statements made by God in the Scriptures? Do you respond in faith, doubt, or even by questioning God? If you question how God is goes about carrying out His Will, does this necessarily mean you doubt His ability to carry out what He has said He will do?

In the 1st chapter of the gospel of Luke we see two situations where a person had questions following the revealing of God’s Will to them. First, through the Angel of the Lord, God reveals to Zacharias that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, whose name would be called John (Luke 1:11-13). Because Zacharias and Elizabeth were old, Zacharias questions God’s Will. “And Zacharias said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years’ ” (Luke 1:18). There was nothing necessarily wrong with Zacharias wondering how God would accomplish this task. However, what was a problem was that Zacharias doubted God could accomplish this. The angel of the Lord rebukes Zacharias for his doubt in God: “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time” (Luke 1:20). Because he doubted God’s ability to carry out His Will Zacharias would be unable to speak until after his son John was born (Luke 1:57-64).

Later in the same chapter, the angel Gabriel comes to a virgin named Mary and reveals God’s Will to her: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33). Like Zacharias above, she also questions how God is going to accomplish His Will regarding this since she is a virgin. She says, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34). Gabriel reveals to her how God carry this out. “And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God’ ” (Luke 1:35).

Why was Zacharias rebuked for questioning God’s Will, but Mary was not? The reason for the difference is Zacharias doubted God (cf. Luke 1:20), but Mary did not. Although, as a virgin, Mary wondered how God would carry out His Will for her to bear a child, she nonetheless had faith that He could do it. In her response to the hearing of God’s Will for her she says, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38; cf. Luke 1:45; 46-49).

Wondering how God is going to accomplish His Will is not a bad thing. For example, have you wondered at how God is going to resurrect people who have been cremated, blown apart in battle, or eaten by fish at the bottom of the ocean? I have wondered about such things; however, without a doubt, I believe God can do it. That, is they key! There is nothing wrong with wondering how God will accomplish His Will, but we must not doubt His ability to carry out His Word. Today, I will not doubt God’s ability, but I will place my faith in Him and rejoice that nothing is impossible for God!

“For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

10/21/18 “Of Critics and Servants” (Daily Bible Reading: Mark 13-15)

“And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.’ And they criticized her sharply” (Mark 14:3-5).

Remember John Steinback’s masterpiece “Of Mice and Men”? It tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers, who move from place to place trying to find work during the depression era in California. The book describes how during adversity some men rise to act like men while others fall and act like mice.

When it comes to our service to God, are there some who rise up to act like men while others of us fall to act like mice? Better yet, are there some of us who go about focused on doing our best to serve God, while others sit back and act as critics as they pass judgment on those who do serve?

As the opening verses above indicate, shortly before His arrest, a woman comes to Jesus and pours fragrant oil of spikenard upon His head (Mark 14:3). She had done this in faith as she was anointing His body in preparation for His burial following His death (Mark 14:8). Jesus praised her forth this: “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her” (Mark 14:9).

However, there were some among the disciples who began to act like “mice”. Instead of seeing the good she was doing in serving the Lord, they began to place themselves in positions of judgment and started being critical of how something better could have been done. They felt like she had “wasted” the oil (Mark 14:4). They thought the oil could have been sold and the proceeds from it could have been given to the poor (Mark 14:5). The apostle John tells us the real reason Judas had said this. It was because he was a thief and took money out of the money box (John 12:4-6).

Jesus strongly rebuked them for criticizing her: “"Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always” (Mark 14:6-7). In His ministry, Jesus stressed how we have not been called to be critics, but we have been called to be servants: “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:43-45).

It is tempting to sit back and make suggestions how another person could better serve God. However, we act like “mice” when we give into such temptations and act this way. It is far better to act like “men” and focus on finding our unique service we can do for God and use our energies in carrying it out to His glory. Today, I do not want to be a “critic”. I want to be a “servant”. I will follow this godly lady’s example and do what I can to serve the Lord!

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:16-18).

10/20/18 “Comprehending the Depths of God’s Word” (Daily Bible Reading: Mark 10-12)

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?’” (Mark 12:24).

How well do you know God’s Word? Do you find you are constantly discovering new things about God and His Will each time you study it or has do you find your Bible gathering dust because you feel like when you read it your just not getting anything more out of it that is applicable to your life?

As Jesus arrived in Jerusalem towards the end of His ministry, He begins to be questioned by those who oppose Him. Different groups come to Him trying to test Him hoping to “catch Him in His words” (Mark 12:13). One of these groups were the Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead (Mark 12:18). They come to Jesus reciting the law of Moses’ teaching if a man’s brother died and left behind a wife with no children, the dead man’s brother was to marry her and raise up children on behalf of his dead brother (Mark 12:19; cf. Deuteronomy 25:5). Then the Sadducees use an outlandish illustration about a man who died and whose wife had no children. His brothers each die after, in turn, having married this dead man’s wife. After all of this, she dies still having had no children (Mark 12:20-22). They finish this story with a question that they are sure will stump Jesus and prove their point that there must not be a resurrection of the dead. They ask, “Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife" (Mark 12:23).

What is interesting is these folks could “quote” the Word of God, but did they “understand” or “comprehend” the Word of God? As the opening verse above shows, Jesus rebukes them and tells them they were mistaken for two reasons: (1) They did not “know the Scriptures”, and (2) they did not know the “power of God” (Mark 12:24). They had failed to dig deep enough into God’s Word to comprehend its depth of teaching and they did not have enough faith in God’s power that He can perform things which are far beyond our human experience or understanding.

After stating that following the resurrection of the dead people will not be married (Mark 12:25), Jesus refers them to another Scripture they should have considered before reaching their false conclusion that there is no resurrection. God’s Son says, “But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?” (Mark 12:26). Please note: Jesus expected them to take note of the verb tense in that verse (i.e. “I am the God of…” not “I was the God of…”) and to draw from this passage the conclusion that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were still alive and would be raised from the grave! Jesus then adds the conclusion they should have reached if they had made more effort in trying to comprehend all the Scriptures: “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken" (Mark 12:27).

God’s Word is a well from which we can keep drawing out more and more spiritual insights about God and His Will for our lives if we will take the time to be diligent to study it (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15). We need to ask God to help us to understand His Will as we study His Word (cf. Psalm 119:34). It is no wonder we are encouraged to desire God’s Word as a newborn babe desires it’s mother’s milk (1 Peter 2:2). Today, I will strive to look into the depths of God’s Word and comprehend the awesome guidance and understanding it brings to me about God and His Will for my life!

“I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word” (Psalm 119:15-16).

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10/19/18 “Fighting the Wrong Fight” (Daily Bible Reading: Mark 6-9)

“Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, ‘What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?’ But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest” (Mark 9:33-34).

Have you ever got into a fight or dispute with someone over something that turned out to be rather trivial? During such times, did you later look back and regret fighting over such things?

As Jesus gets nearer to the end of His earthly ministry, we see his disciples beginning to fight with each other and even other people over trivial things. For example, as the opening passage above indicates, they began to dispute with each other over which of them would become greatest in Jesus’ kingdom (Mark 9:33-34; cf. Matthew 18:1). Sadly, this was not the only time they would fight about this. Later, as Jesus and his disciples are heading to Jerusalem shortly before Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion, James and John create a dispute among the disciples by asking Jesus to give them a high position in His Kingdom and let them sit down one on His right hand and the other on His left hand (Mark 10:35-37; cf. Matthew 20:20-24).

In His response to the first instance above, Jesus reminds his disciples that they need to focus on serving one another and having the humility of a young child. “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’ Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, ‘Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me” (Mark 10:35-37).

However, the disciples were not done finding things about which to fight. John, the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), tells Jesus of another dispute into which they had gotten themselves: “Now John answered Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us’” (Mark 9:38). For no other reason than that person was not a part of their “group”, John, and the other disciples who were with him, were spending their time picking fights with others who were doing a good work for God!

Again, Jesus has to correct His disciples for their divisiveness. “But Jesus said, ‘Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea’ ” (Mark 9:39-42).

Throughout the centuries Christians have, at times, found themselves fighting with each other in the wrong fight. Our fight is to be against Satan and his allies, not with each other (Ephesians 6:10-12). Today, I will guard against picking the wrong fight and not fight or be divisive with my fellow brethren who are trying to serve God. Instead, I will strive to be united with my brethren because they are my fellow allies in Christ. I will fight the good fight by standing with God against my adversary the devil!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). I

10/18/18 “Do Not Fear, Only Believe” (Daily Bible Reading: Mark 2-5)

“While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe’” (Mark 5:35-36).

How do you react when you hear bad news? Do you react by trying to maintain your faith in God to guide and deliver you or do you succumb to fear as your heart is filled with worry and uncertainty?

In the opening passage above, Jesus encourages Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, to react by keeping his faith in God even upon hearing the terrible news of his daughter’s death (Mark 5:22, 35-36). Earlier, Jairus had begged Jesus to come, lay hands upon, and heal his daughter as she lay at death’s door (Mark 5:22-23). He had placed his faith in Jesus’ power to save his beloved daughter.

Jesus went with the man to his house to lay his hands upon the child (Mark 5:24). However, before arriving, some come from the house indicating that the ruler’s daughter is dead. Those who came from Jairus’ home had given up their faith in Jesus’ power to save this girl. They did not see the point of bothering Jesus any further (Mark 5:35). Can you imagine how you would have felt if you were in this father’s shoes? You had placed your faith in God’s power to heal your beloved child only to hear the dreadful news that she was now dead? Was there any point in troubling Jesus any further?

Jesus knew this was a critical moment in Jairus’ faith in God. The ruler needed to maintain his faith in God at this precarious junction. Jesus had the power to deliver Jairus’ daughter from death, but only if Jairus kept his faith in God. Later, when Jesus goes to his home country, He would be limited on the mighty works He would do there because of the lack of faith of the people (Mark 6:1-6). Jesus could not raise the ruler’s daughter from the dead if Jairus chose to abandon his faith and succumb to his fears and uncertainties. Thus, Jesus tells him, “Do not be afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36).

All indications are that Jairus kept his faith in Jesus as the throng made their way to his house. As Jesus arrives at the house and sees the people wailing over the death of the little girl, He enters the house and says, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping?” (Mark 5:37-39). Jesus was trying to show the people, the child was only temporarily away from them, as when one is sleeping. How do the people react when they hear this statement of Jesus? They ridiculed Him (Mark 5:40). Like those who had come from the ruler’s house bearing the bad news of Jairus daughter, they too have given up their faith in God’s power to deliver at this point!

However, Jairus still clung to his faith in Jesus even as he was surrounded by those who were filled with doubt. After putting the doubters outside of the house, Jesus takes the mother and father and enters the child’s room and says, “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mark 5:40-41). The little girl arises from the dead. Everyone is overcome with amazement (Mark 5:42). This shocking event was made possible not only by God’s great power, but also by one’s man determination to cling to his faith!

It is much easier to have faith in God when everything is going well in our lives. It is much more difficult to maintain our faith in Him when we hear bad news that tempts us to let our hearts become filled with fear, doubt, and worry. Today, even when others may abandon their faith, I will strive to follow Jesus’ encouragement during such troublesome times: “Do not be afraid, only believe”!

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). e

10/17/18 “A Higher Calling” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 27-Mark 1)

“And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ They immediately left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:16-18).

Remember being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”? Often the answer we give to that question is a response about into what kind of career field we want to enter. For example, we may respond by saying, “I want to be a doctor, football player, accountant, etc.” There is nothing wrong with striving to enter into a particular career field, but is there something more we should desire to be when we are grown up that just having a career?

In the opening passage above, we see Jesus encountering Simon (i.e. also known as Peter) and Andrew and pointing them to a higher calling than just their career (Mark 1:16-18). The theme or main message of the book of Mark is captured in a single verse: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Chapter by chapter, the book unfolds the dual focus of Christ’s life: service and sacrifice. However, as the book opens not only does it speak of Christ’s service for us, but encourages us to think about our service to God and man.

Simon and Andrew had been fisherman. It appears they had a successful fishing business as they were partners with James and John (Luke 5:7-10). They were also spiritual individuals who were followers of John the Baptist (John 1:35-42). Furthermore, we know that Simon was a family man who had a wife and children (cf. Mark 1:30; 1 Peter 5:1, i.e. Peter was an elder, elders had to have children, 1 Timothy 3:1-4). Many would consider that Simon and Andrew had reached the pinnacle of their calling in life. They had a family, a successful career, and were spiritual men seeking to worship God and pursue His Will for their lives.

However, did God have a greater purpose for their lives than just this? Yes, He did! As the opening passage above states, Jesus encourages them to follow Him and He will make them to become “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). God had far greater goals in mind for Peter and Andrew to pursue than just worshipping God, having a family, and having a successful career. God called them to a far noble purpose as they were to be trained by God’s Son to be used as instruments of God to reach lost men with the good news of Christ. To Peter and Andrews credit, when Christ called them to this higher purpose, “they immediately left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:18).

What is my purpose in life? Is there something God has in store for me than just having a career, raising a family, and worshipping God on Sunday morning? Yes, there is! God has called all of us to serve in some way to be “fishers of men”. While all of us may not be teachers or preachers, all of us have been called to ministry to serve both God and man in the church (Ephesians 4:11-16). This is not meant to be a guilt trip. We should not serve Jesus out of guilt, but out of love. It can be exciting to think “to what higher purpose has Jesus called me?”? I will remember that I have been called to a higher purpose. Today, if I have not discovered my particular ministry, I will seek it. If I have found my ministry, I will seek for opportunities to serve others as I seek to glorify God (Matthew 5:16)!

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

10/16/18 “Watch and Pray, Lest You Enter into Temptation” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 23-26)

“Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, ‘What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Matthew 26:40-41).

One of the realities of living in this world is facing temptation. Even Jesus faced temptation (Hebrews 4:15). How do you cope with temptation? How to you brace yourself from giving into temptations?

Knowing that He was about to endure the cross, Jesus would face many temptations on the road that led to His own death such as how He would react when falsely accused, spit upon, mocked, and ultimately crucified. In fact, He was tempted to forego having to face the cross altogether. However, Jesus was not the only one facing temptation during these times. His disciples faced it as well. They faced the temptation to deny knowing Jesus and of abandoning Him in order to save their own lives. Jesus had warned them, “"All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered’” (Matthew 26:31).

How did the disciples react to knowing they were going to be facing temptation? They boasted that they would never deny Jesus: “Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble’ "(Matthew 26:33). Jesus again tries to bring Peter back to reality and get him understand the magnitude of the temptation he will be facing as he tells Peter, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times” (Matthew 26:34). However, Peter and the other disciples refused to acknowledge the difficulty of the temptations they were about to face: “Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’ And so, said all the disciples” (Matthew 26:35). No doubt these are bold statements by Peter and the other disciples, but we know that, ultimately, they did fail the Lord and succumbed to the temptations they faced that night as they all forsook Him and fled (Matthew 26:56, 69-75).

On the other hand, how did Jesus face and brace himself for the temptations He knew were coming to Him? He didn’t deny the power of the temptations which lay before Him; He acknowledged them. He told His disciples, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me” (Matthew 26:38). He then cast His cares about the temptations He faced upon His Heavenly Father (cf. 1 Peter 5:7). As the opening verses above indicated, He prayed about it. In fact, He prayed the same prayer 3 times (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44). While He prays He gains strength as He moves from asking God “If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me” (Matthew 26:39) to “If this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done” (Matthew 26:41).

Jesus had encouraged His disciples to pray as well regarding the temptations they were facing, but, instead, they chose to fall asleep (Matthew 26:40, 43, 45). While He had prepared Himself for the trials He faced by praying about them, His disciples found themselves totally unprepared to brace for the temptations they were about to endure because they were only relying on their own strength. Today, I do not want to be unprepared or boast of my own strength regarding facing temptations, but I will turn to God in prayer relying on His strength to brace me for the trials which may come my way.

“Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Y

10/15/18 “What Keeps Me from God” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 19-22)

“The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:20-22).

How do you feel about your relationship with God? Hopefully, all of us feel great about the relationship we have with God. But, if you feel your relationship with God isn’t what it needs to be, how would you answer this question: “What is the one thing in my life that is keeping me from having the kind of relationship with God that He wants me to have?”?

Towards the end of His earthly ministry as He departs from the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee and heads towards Judea and Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1), Jesus has an interesting encounter with a young man. This young man is described as being a ruler (cf. Luke 18:18), yet when he came to Jesus he showed great humility as he knelt before Jesus (Mark 10:17) and asks a great question: “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16).

In His response Jesus reminds the young man about keeping God’s commandments (Matthew 19:17). Interestingly, the young man answers, “Which ones?” (Matthew 19:18). Jesus mentions several of the commandments he should keep (Matthew 19:18-19). Regarding these laws, the young man states he had kept all of them from the time he was a youth (Matthew 19:20). It appears this young ruler was strong regarding keeping the commandments to not murder, commit adultery, steal, or tell a falsehood. It also appears he was faithful when it came to honoring his parents and loving his neighbor. Wherein did his weakness lie?

His weakness is seen when he asks one more question: “What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19:20). As Jesus gives His answer, Mark reminds us, “then looking at him, Jesus loved him” (Mark 10:21). Jesus loved this young man enough to give him an honest answer as to what was lacking in His relationship with God. Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21).

How does this young man, who had been humble enough to bow before Jesus earlier, respond to Jesus’ diagnosis of his heart condition? “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:22). The cost of following Jesus now became too high for this young man to pay and he turned away. Jesus understood the power of this temptation upon the young man (Matthew 19:23-24). He also understands the power of the temptations we face (Hebrews 4:15). Like this rich young ruler, there are many things we are tempted to place before God.

It is humbling to think how well Jesus knows what is going on in my heart. He knows when my heart is right with God and He knows when I have allowed other things into my heart and placed them before God. However, nothing is impossible with God. With God we can overcome these temptations we face (Matthew 19:25-26) and enjoy manifold blessings if we are willing to leave the things we “think” will bring us happiness and pursue the things which God “knows” we bring us joy (Matthew 19:27-29). I understand there are many things which I can allow to come between me and God. Today, I will remove those things which are coming between me and my relationship with God!

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

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10/14/18 “When Jesus Tells Us What We Don’t Want to Hear” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 16-18)

“From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men’ " (Matthew 16:21-23).

How do you respond when God gives you a command through His Word that is difficult to accept or understand? How do you react when God tells you something you really don’t want to hear?

As Jesus continues His ministry, He journeys with His disciples into the region of Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13). While there, Jesus asks His disciples a question about who they thought He was (Matthew 16:14-15). Peter responds by telling Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). After blessing Peter for drawing this conclusion, Jesus adds, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus was going to build an everlasting kingdom, the church, and Peter would play a key role in leading people into that kingdom when He would be privileged to preach the first gospel sermon following the resurrection of Christ (Matthew 16:19; Acts 2:14-41). Peter must have thought this was great news to hear from Jesus!

However, as the opening verses above indicate, Jesus also had some news that His disciples did not want to hear. After leaving Caesarea Philippi, Jesus would be heading to Jerusalem where He would suffer, be killed, and be raised from the dead (Matthew 16:21). How would you have reacted if you were in the disciple’s shoes upon hearing this from Jesus? Remember, they had left all to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:19-20; 19:27). The news that Jesus was going to leave them left them sorrowful (cf. Matthew 17:22-23). In fact, this message was so difficult for Peter to hear that he rebuked Jesus saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to you” (Matthew 16:22). Jesus strongly rebuked Peter saying, “"Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23).

How do I handle it when I come across a command of Jesus that is painful to hear? Am I mindful of the things of men or the things of God? The ability for me to deny myself is essential to being a follower of Jesus. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). We have to learn to let go and even lose our wills and our desires and embrace God’s Will for our lives; otherwise, we can end up losing our souls because of our desire to cling on to our own stubborn will: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

The gospel message of how Jesus came to die for me that I may be forgiven of my sins, place my faith in Him to guide me, have a church family to encourage me in my walk with Him, and cling to the hope I have of heaven is certainly news that I love to hear. However, Jesus also gives me commands to follow that are not always easy to hear and He warns me of the persecution I will face in following Him. Today, I will embrace both the news that is a joy to hear from Jesus and the news that is more challenging to hear from Jesus as I seek to be a friend to Jesus as He leads me!

“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14).

10/13/18 “A Sinking Faith?” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 14-15)

“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So, He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ " (Matthew 14:28-30).

How strong is your faith? How well does your faith endure the storms of life? Do you find your faith is able to stand up to these tests or does it sink and fade during the trials?

After learning about the death of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:13-14), Jesus performed a great miracle in which He had fed five thousand men (Matthew 14:15-21). Following this, Jesus sent His disciples across the Sea of Galilee in a boat while He sent the multitudes away and to take time out to pray (Matthew 14:22-23). Christ then walked on the water to meet His disciples in the boat as they crossed the sea. They were astonished to see Him and thought He was a ghost. However, Jesus assured them: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:25-27).

Now something else amazing happens. Peter, the disciple who seems to always stick his foot in his mouth, displays great faith in Christ as he says, “Lord if it is you, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28). Would you have been willing to attempt to walk on water? Peter displays great faith and trust in Christ and His power to enable Peter to do this.

Jesus tells Peter to “come” and Peter begins to walk on the water to go to Jesus (Matthew 14:29). Peter got to do something that no one else has besides Jesus. He got to walk on water. Faith in God enables us to do great things. It is not through our power, but through God’s. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Peter was living out that verse!

However, now something dreadful happens. Peter takes his eye off Jesus and begins to look at the obstacles around him: “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ " (Matthew 14:30). By failing to keep his focus on his faith in Jesus, Peter allowed the circumstances in which he found himself to sink his faith.

Can you relate to Peter? Often, we begin a task by praying about it and trying to place our faith in God. We start off with a strong desire to let God lead us and direct our paths as we place our trust in Him. However, then the obstacles and circumstances in which we find ourselves begin to appear. Like Peter, we often find ourselves taking our eyes off God and begin focusing in on the difficulties we face instead of the One who has the power to enable us to overcome these obstacles. Instead of our faith “standing up” through the trial, we find our faith “sinking” in the face of adversity.

However, this was only a momentary set back in the life of Peter as he continued to strive to be faithful to the Lord. There would be other disappointments with his faith as he later denied the Lord (Matthew 26:69-75) and had to be rebuked by Paul for an act of hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-21). On the other hand, there was also great triumphs in his faith like when he boldly proclaimed the gospel on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-40) and stood up before rulers for His faith (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29). Like Peter, I know there will be momentary times in my life where my faith may sink and waiver, but, today, I will strive to have a faith that stands up by keeping my eyes on Jesus!

“Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).

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10/12/18 “What Kind of Soil Am I?” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 11-13)

“And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: ‘Behold, a sower went out to sow’ (Matthew 13:2-3).

Have you ever tried to grow a plant in poor soil? It can be very frustrating to imbed, water, and provide sunlight to a particular type of plant only to watch it die because it was planted in poor soil?

Jesus taught a powerful lesson as He compared our hearts to different types of soils in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23). As described in the parable, the seed that is implanted in the soil (i.e. which represents a person’s heart) is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). As I consider this parable, it is good to ask, “Which kind of soil am I?” when it comes to how to I receive God’s Word.

As the sower went to sow, some seed was cast by the wayside where the birds of the air devoured them (Matthew 13:4). Jesus explains who this represents: “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside” (Matthew 13:19). This describes the person who never makes the effort to understand God’s Word, so it never takes root in their life.

Other seed fell upon the “stony places” where seed sprang up, but because its roots were unable to penetrate deeply and get to the nourishing water, the plant withered away in the sunlight (Matthew 13:5-6). Again, our Lord sheds light on the type of person this soil symbolizes: “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles” (Matthew 13:20-21). Although God’s Word sounds great to this type of person, they fail to heed God’s teachings to the extent that it impacts their lives (cf. Matthew 13:13-15). Thus, when persecution arises because of God’s Word, they wither away.

Additional seed was sown among thorns where it sprang up, but the thorns which also grew in the same soil choked the newborn plant and it never was able to flourish (Matthew 13:7). Christ describes the kind of person of whom this is indicative: “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). This describes the person who is so wrapped up in the world and its desires that they fail to heed God’s Word and His desires for them!

Finally, some seed fell on “good ground” where not only did it survive, but it flourished! Why? It “yielded” to the Word of God (Matthew 13:8). Jesus states, “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23). This is the person who makes the effort to not only “hear” the Word of God, but also to “heed” the Word of God. They allow God’s Word to penetrate deep in their heart and soul and it transforms their life (cf. Romans 12:1-2).

As I look at these types of soils I can relate to all of them. I realize I am tempted to close my ears to God’s Word as did the wayside soil, fail to let it sink deeply in my life as did the stony soil, or let God’s Word be choked out of my life because I get to wrapped up with the of this world. However, today, I will choose to heed the Word of God that it may produce a bumper crop in my life!

“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).

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10/11/18 “Calling Us to Repentance” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 8-10)

“And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” ‘For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance’ " (Matthew 9:11-13).

What is repentance? Repentance has been defined as a change of heart, brought about by godly sorrow, resulting in a change of life (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10). How do I feel about talking about my need to repent? Is it a negative subject or do you view it as a positive subject to discuss?

Jesus came to save sinners as He said: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). God’s motive for sending His Son was His love for the world (John 3:16). Paul understood this as he wrote, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15).

However, as indicated in the opening verses above, in order to save us from our sins Christ came to call us to repentance (Matthew 9:13). In the context of this verse, Jesus had been eating with some tax collectors which many viewed as the worst of all sinners (Matthew 9:9-11). However, Jesus makes the point that all of us have the same need to repent of our sins. Before God can save us, we have to understand we are sinners and are lost in sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23). We have to have a heart that wants to change! When we understand that Christ had to die because of our sins (1 Peter 1:18-19), we should want to quit the sinning business. In fact, knowing how much God loves us should motivate us to turn from a life of sin. Paul questioned those who failed to remember how God’s goodness should affect their lives: “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

Christ himself had rebuked the people who failed to repent in those cities in which he had preached and carried out his ministry. Matthew records, “Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you’ " (Matthew 11:20-24).

Jesus still offers us His compassionate call for all men to come to Him: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). I rejoice that I had the opportunity to heed that call by obeying the gospel (Mark 16:15-16). These verses remind me that part of the gospel of Christ is my need to repent of my sins. This is not a negative thing, but a positive thing as I choose to allow God to work on my heart, turning me from a desire to let sin rule and reign in my life to remembering His great goodness in saving me from my sin and motivating me to serve Him (Romans 6:11-14)!

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).

10/10/18 “Having the Right Attitudes” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 5-7)

“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 5:1-3).

Viktor E. Frankl, who endured the Nazi death camps and survived, stated, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way”. As the opening passage above indicates, Jesus understood the importance of our choosing to have the right attitude in any given situation. As He began the Sermon on the Mount, what attitudes does Jesus think we should have (Matthew 5:1-11)?

First, Jesus teaches that we need to be “poor in spirit’ and to “mourn” (Matthew 5:3-4). In developing a proper attitude to live life, we need to understand our weaknesses. We are totally dependent upon God to save us from our sins (cf. Romans 3:23; 5:8). Throughout His sermon, Jesus stressed that a right relationship with God involves not only “doing” the right things, but also “thinking” the right thoughts. For example, it is not good enough to simply not commit murder or adultery, one must not hate their fellow man or lust after the opposite sex (Matthew 5:21-28). When we understand our own weaknesses and mourn over our own sins, only then will we reach out to God and seek His help to enable us to become all He can make us to be for His glory. Thus, we will strive to have a “pure heart” that seeks to act out of pure motives which helps us to be able to “see” God (Matthew 5:8).

Second, Christ said we must have an attitude of “meekness” (Matthew 5:5). Meekness is “strength under control”. How different this was from the attitudes of the Pharisees of Jesus’ day who, instead of displaying meekness and humility in their service to God, tried to “show off” before others their service to God in their charitable deeds (Matthew 6:1-2), prayers (Matthew 6:5), and fasting (Matthew 6:16). One who is meek is not concerned with “showing off” to please men, but is concerned only that God sees and is pleased in their service to Him (cf. Matthew 6:3-4, 6, 17-18).

Third, our Lord stressed how we need to “hunger” and “thirst” for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) even to the point of enduring persecution for trying to serve God (Matthew 5:10-12). In His sermon, Jesus spoke about the “hunger” and “thirst” people have over material things (Matthew 6:19-21). Many people allow their drive for material things to consume them and it fills them with worry (cf. Matthew 6:25-32). Jesus stressed we need to seek first His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33), be careful about following the paths our piers are choosing (Matthew 7:13-14), and to build our lives upon His teachings as we “hunger” and “thirst” for His guidance and direction in our lives (Matthew 7:21-27).

Finally, Jesus encourages us to be “merciful” in our dealings with others (Matthew 5:7). Our Lord understood how tempting it is for us to begin to look down on others and judge them while failing to consider our own weaknesses (cf. Matthew 7:1-5). A gracious and merciful attitude towards all those around us enables us to be the influence God would have us to be (Matthew 5:13-16). Thus, we can better be “peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9) and even learn to “love our enemies” (Matthew 5:44-48).

I rejoice in the guidance and direction Jesus gives me in His teachings about the attitudes I should have in my life. Today, I will strive to have a beautiful attitude by applying the “Beatitudes” to my life!

"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22).

10/9/18 “Quoting and Applying God’s Word” (Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 1-4)

“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone” '.  Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” ' " (Matthew 4:5-7).

Do you memorize certain Scriptures from the Bible? What is the benefit of memorizing God’s Word? Should we commit God’s Word to memory just to impress others with our knowledge of the Bible or is there a far greater benefit to our acquiring this degree of understanding of the Scriptures?

The psalmist wrote, “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments” (Psalm 119:73). Fundamental in our understanding of why we need to study and apply God’s Word to our lives is the simple fact of our acknowledging that since God is the one who created us (cf. Genesis 1:26-27), it is He who knows best how to lead us in the way we should live. He gives us this direction in the Scriptures found in the Bible. Again, we see this was the attitude of the author of Psalm 119 as he looked to God’s Word for guidance on how he was to life his life: “Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors” (Psalm 119:24). He adds, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). He placed great value on this direction that God gave him through His Word: “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver” (Psalm 119:72). Unlike most people today who hunger and thirst for more and more wealth, the psalmist craved for the guidance of God’s Word in his life!

When one seeks God’s Word for guidance in their life, they will seek to commit God’s Word to memory because by doing so, they will be able to recall the guidance God gives them when faced with various challenges and temptations which come before them in their lives. Again, the psalmist wrote, I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life” (Psalm 119:93). He adds, ““My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word” (Psalm 119:148). Moreover, he states, “Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness. Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord-- Your salvation according to Your word. So, shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word” (Psalm 119:40-42). The author notes how God’s Word helps him when faced with temptations and trials: “The wicked wait for me to destroy me, but I will consider Your testimonies” (Psalm 119:95).

It is interesting that in the opening passage above both Jesus and the devil quoted the Scriptures. Both of them knew what the Scriptures said. However, while the devil twisted the Scriptures in such a way as to tempt Jesus to sin against God, Jesus properly applied God’s Word to deliver Himself from the temptations Satan had placed before Him (Matthew 4:5-7). Proper application of Scripture is essential for our being able to withstand the “wiles of the devil” (cf. Ephesians 6:11).

We are encouraged to desire God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2). The apostle Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Today, I will remember to use the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God as I battle against Satan (Ephesians 6:17: Hebrews 4:12). I rejoice that God has given me guidance through His Word and I will seek to meditate on it and properly apply it to my life!

“With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:10-11)!

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