Day 91
Jude
There was a report the other day on Air 1 radio that more and more Christians are picking and choosing their beliefs from many incompatable religions. One missions organization claims that a Muslim, which converts to Christianity, doesn't need to forsake his Islamic practices. The demands of the times today require us to earnestly contend for our faith. The greatest thing we can do is to know and live the Bible. We must become the people which Jesus commanded us to be. The book of Jude is a call for us to know and live the Word. How are you doing?
...and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 3bThe demands of the times required Jude to write to his audience of the danger they would engage in. Jude wished to write about their common salvation, but he needed to write about the false teachers who were causing havoc in the church. His strong urging was to earnestly contend for the faith. Why this urgent plea? The same urgency exists today. Their are plenty of people in this day and age that are attempting to discredit the Christian faith. Supposed Biblical scholars claim that Jesus spoke only a few of the red lettered words in your Bible, that Paul wrote only a few letters of the New Testament, and that the Gospels were really written in the second century rather than the first. Why this urgent plea today?
There was a report the other day on Air 1 radio that more and more Christians are picking and choosing their beliefs from many incompatable religions. One missions organization claims that a Muslim, which converts to Christianity, doesn't need to forsake his Islamic practices. The demands of the times today require us to earnestly contend for our faith. The greatest thing we can do is to know and live the Bible. We must become the people which Jesus commanded us to be. The book of Jude is a call for us to know and live the Word. How are you doing?
Day 90
3 John 1
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 3 & 4I have had the privilege to see several students of ministries that I worked in go on to serve the Lord. This passage resonates with me. There is no greater joy to see a student that God has affected live sold out for Christ. This keeps me going when things look bleak at times. God is so good to give us what we need at the time we need it. If you appreciate your pastor, youth leader, or teacher, show them by living for Christ. It is the very fuel they will use when they need it most. In my opinion that is the greatest gift you could ever give a leader.
Day 84
James 3-5
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James 3:13-16Are you bitter at anyone? You can't be bitter toward someone and know the will of God. That may seem a little strong, but it's true. According to this passage in James, the person that harbors bitterness in his heart gets his wisdom from the Devil. Verse 15 says, "This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." It is impossible to have the full blessing of God while we are bitter at someone. While we are in this state of mind, the source of our wisdom is not from God. This week would be a great time to get things right with that person. Let us examine our heart to see if we are bitter.
Day 83
James 1-2
Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:16-18We often refer to the stuff we possess with possessive personal pronouns. For example, this is my car. Or, my television is a 42" LCD. This passage makes it clear that we are not to make this mistake. Everything that we possess comes from God. I do not have any good thing that didn't come from God. This makes the Christian the care taker of all that is given to him. So, everyday is a gift to be used for the glory of God. All of our income should be used wisely to most benefit the family of God. Our homes are to be considered a haven to anyone in need. Our cars could be the ride for those that have too far to walk. Our cupboards could be the source of food for the hungry. We do err as we refer to our stuff as my or mine. Everything that we have is from God. Let us be good managers of God's stuff.
Day 82
Hebrews 12-13
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15I love this verse! It is by or through Jesus that we can even worship God. Here it states, "let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually." And more specically, this praise is our confession of Jesus with our lips. God is pleased when we praise Him with our words on a regular basis. This is more than a Sunday praise and worship session for about thirty minutes before the sermon. It is a continual sacrifice of praise. It's more than just words as well. Our words must match our actions. When others hear our lips sing the same song as our lives, it gets people's attention. It motivates others to do the same. Be more than a 30 minute Sunday worshipper. Praise God through Jesus every minute of the day seven days a week.
Day 81
Hebrews 10-11
Our salvation in Christ is secure. There is no way a person that has received Christ can lose his/her salvation.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27Who is this person that has no more sacrifice for sins. Some people have wrongly interpreted this passage to refer to Christians that have gone astray. Remember the theme of this book: Jesus is much better than everything. Well Jesus' sacrifice for sin, Himself, was better than the old system for atonement for sin. Back in verse 4 it says,
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.Therefore, the one time sacrifice Jesus made for our sin is more than enough and to never be repeated. There is no more sacrifice for sin. So, who is the person in this verse that has no more sacrifice for sins? It is the person that has heard the gospel message, but has rejected the free gift made available to him. There is no other option or sacrifice for his sins. When you reject Jesus as the atonement for your sin, there is no plan B. The person that rejects Jesus has only judgment to look forward to as verse 27 speaks of.
Our salvation in Christ is secure. There is no way a person that has received Christ can lose his/her salvation.
Day 80
Hebrews 8-9
At first glance you may think that God only calls certain people to receive Jesus and reap the benefit of going to heaven. If that is the case, please take in consideration all of Scripture before coming to this conclusion. One conclusion I can not find in Scripture anywhere is that God creates certain people, which have no shot at receiving Christ, to spend an eternity in hell. No, the exact opposite is found throughout Scripture. God goes to great lengths to draw people to Himself inorder to redeem them from their sin. God brings everyone close enough to Himself to give them a chance to receive the free gift of salvation. Those that reject the gift are the ones that spend eternity in torment. Those that receive the free gift of grace are the ones that spend an eternity with God in heaven. It's rather simple. It is us that makes salvation complicated.
...they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:15b
At first glance you may think that God only calls certain people to receive Jesus and reap the benefit of going to heaven. If that is the case, please take in consideration all of Scripture before coming to this conclusion. One conclusion I can not find in Scripture anywhere is that God creates certain people, which have no shot at receiving Christ, to spend an eternity in hell. No, the exact opposite is found throughout Scripture. God goes to great lengths to draw people to Himself inorder to redeem them from their sin. God brings everyone close enough to Himself to give them a chance to receive the free gift of salvation. Those that reject the gift are the ones that spend eternity in torment. Those that receive the free gift of grace are the ones that spend an eternity with God in heaven. It's rather simple. It is us that makes salvation complicated.
Day 77
Hebrews 1-3
In the first three verses of Hebrews God gives us some reasons that Jesus is superior to everyone and everything else in the universe. Sure God has spoken in the past through prophets and angels, but almost two-thousand years ago God sent Jesus in person, who is far more superior in all ways, to speak to us. Here God gives us seven reasons why Jesus is far more superior. The first reason is that Jesus is heir of all things. This places Jesus at the highest possible position of owner of all things in the universe. The second reason Jesus is superior to everyone and everything is that He made the universe. Not only does Jesus own everything, He made everything out of nothing. Many creative people have invented products to make life more interesting. However, there is no one that has produced something from nothing. Thirdly, Jesus reflects God's glory. He never failed to do or say the right thing. The fourth reason is that Jesus is an exact representation of God. When we study Jesus, we discover the character of God. Jesus is superior to all things and everyone because He is God. The fifth reason Jesus is superior is that He sustains or carries along everything in the universe, including the universe, by the power of His word. There is nothing that is excluded from being carried along by the words of Jesus. He spoke the universe into existence and it still obeys all of Jesus' commands. The sixth reason Jesus is far more superior to everyone and everything is the He provided purification for sins. Man's most important answer was given through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He gives us the one thing we can never do for ourselves. Although some people have and will attempt to atone for their sins, they fall drastically short of paying for even just one. Jesus is superior because He paid for our sins. And lastly, Jesus sits at the right hand of God. Jesus now rests in the highest place of honor. There is no greater honor than to sit at God's right hand. Jesus is the only one worthy of taking this position. He didn't really have to earn this honor. He already possessed it. He left this position to be born as a man in order to redeem man.
What difference does this make to us? By reflecting on the greatness of Jesus, we should understand the honor we have to serve Him. We must never underestimate what a great opportunity we have to live totally for Him in this life. After we die, it will be too late to do anything more for Him that will honor Him as much. We have one chance at our lives. We have seven good reasons to live for Him. Let's do it while we have the chance.
In the first three verses of Hebrews God gives us some reasons that Jesus is superior to everyone and everything else in the universe. Sure God has spoken in the past through prophets and angels, but almost two-thousand years ago God sent Jesus in person, who is far more superior in all ways, to speak to us. Here God gives us seven reasons why Jesus is far more superior. The first reason is that Jesus is heir of all things. This places Jesus at the highest possible position of owner of all things in the universe. The second reason Jesus is superior to everyone and everything is that He made the universe. Not only does Jesus own everything, He made everything out of nothing. Many creative people have invented products to make life more interesting. However, there is no one that has produced something from nothing. Thirdly, Jesus reflects God's glory. He never failed to do or say the right thing. The fourth reason is that Jesus is an exact representation of God. When we study Jesus, we discover the character of God. Jesus is superior to all things and everyone because He is God. The fifth reason Jesus is superior is that He sustains or carries along everything in the universe, including the universe, by the power of His word. There is nothing that is excluded from being carried along by the words of Jesus. He spoke the universe into existence and it still obeys all of Jesus' commands. The sixth reason Jesus is far more superior to everyone and everything is the He provided purification for sins. Man's most important answer was given through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He gives us the one thing we can never do for ourselves. Although some people have and will attempt to atone for their sins, they fall drastically short of paying for even just one. Jesus is superior because He paid for our sins. And lastly, Jesus sits at the right hand of God. Jesus now rests in the highest place of honor. There is no greater honor than to sit at God's right hand. Jesus is the only one worthy of taking this position. He didn't really have to earn this honor. He already possessed it. He left this position to be born as a man in order to redeem man.
What difference does this make to us? By reflecting on the greatness of Jesus, we should understand the honor we have to serve Him. We must never underestimate what a great opportunity we have to live totally for Him in this life. After we die, it will be too late to do anything more for Him that will honor Him as much. We have one chance at our lives. We have seven good reasons to live for Him. Let's do it while we have the chance.
Day 72
1 Timothy 4-6
If you remember, Timothy was a young guy that God had called into ministry. God had called him to be a preacher. In this letter Paul reminds Timothy of his calling and his responsibility. Paul tells him to train himself into godliness. If you have ever wondered why is it that you can't be holy at times, the answer is simple. Holiness, Godliness, gentleness, are all things that you must practice. It's not magic. They do not come on you just like that, you must practice them in daily basis. God has given everything you need for life and godliness, but it's up to you to get good at it. Although, at first it might seem difficult, trust God and his grace, and with time and dependence on Him you'll get better at it. Remember though, the key is not your will-power, its God's power. You cant do it on your own, you need him and his grace to get you through it.
"I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ"
If you remember, Timothy was a young guy that God had called into ministry. God had called him to be a preacher. In this letter Paul reminds Timothy of his calling and his responsibility. Paul tells him to train himself into godliness. If you have ever wondered why is it that you can't be holy at times, the answer is simple. Holiness, Godliness, gentleness, are all things that you must practice. It's not magic. They do not come on you just like that, you must practice them in daily basis. God has given everything you need for life and godliness, but it's up to you to get good at it. Although, at first it might seem difficult, trust God and his grace, and with time and dependence on Him you'll get better at it. Remember though, the key is not your will-power, its God's power. You cant do it on your own, you need him and his grace to get you through it.
"I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ"
Day 71
1 Timothy 1-3
I was a part of an ordination of a friend recently. We went through an extensive process that assured all involved, his council, family, and the church, that he believed and could defend the Bible on many key doctrines. The process was very reassuring to me. It is very important that any one in the ministry knows how to correctly handle the Word of God. In today's reading Paul warns Timothy of some false teachers that had turned from teaching sound doctrine to empty or vain speaking. These teachers weren't teaching the sound doctrine that saved people from living empty and corrupted lives.
It is essential that the church does two things concerning false teaching. We need men and women that will confidently teach sound doctrine and that will boldly commit to know and practice sound doctrine. The first is a given in our church. The second is the variable. Everyone in the church needs to know and practice sound doctrine. Our level of committment to knowing and practicing the Word will determine the level of real meaning and purpose in our lives. So, how committed are you to knowing and practicing the Word? What you believe about the core doctrines of your faith will directly affect the meaning and purpose of your life. If you want life to be empty or vain, then neglect the Bible. But, please check out in 1 Timothy 1:9-10 to see what your life could be filled with.
Sound doctrine isn't only for the professional ministers or the teachers in the church. It has the power to keep us from living a life completely contrary to what God expects and desires for us. Knowing and practicing the Bible will save us from a lot of unnecessary pain in life.
I was a part of an ordination of a friend recently. We went through an extensive process that assured all involved, his council, family, and the church, that he believed and could defend the Bible on many key doctrines. The process was very reassuring to me. It is very important that any one in the ministry knows how to correctly handle the Word of God. In today's reading Paul warns Timothy of some false teachers that had turned from teaching sound doctrine to empty or vain speaking. These teachers weren't teaching the sound doctrine that saved people from living empty and corrupted lives.
It is essential that the church does two things concerning false teaching. We need men and women that will confidently teach sound doctrine and that will boldly commit to know and practice sound doctrine. The first is a given in our church. The second is the variable. Everyone in the church needs to know and practice sound doctrine. Our level of committment to knowing and practicing the Word will determine the level of real meaning and purpose in our lives. So, how committed are you to knowing and practicing the Word? What you believe about the core doctrines of your faith will directly affect the meaning and purpose of your life. If you want life to be empty or vain, then neglect the Bible. But, please check out in 1 Timothy 1:9-10 to see what your life could be filled with.
Sound doctrine isn't only for the professional ministers or the teachers in the church. It has the power to keep us from living a life completely contrary to what God expects and desires for us. Knowing and practicing the Bible will save us from a lot of unnecessary pain in life.
Day 69
1 Thessalonians 4-5
Although the word rapture doesn't appear in the Bible, the idea that the church will one day be snatched out from the world to ever be with the Lord is very evident in today's passage. Verses 4:16-17 say this, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Watch this short video.
Now are you ready for Jesus to come without any notice and take His people from this world? I hope you are. You don't want to be left behind. There is only one way to be ready for this coming event. You must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you received Christ as Savior?
Although the word rapture doesn't appear in the Bible, the idea that the church will one day be snatched out from the world to ever be with the Lord is very evident in today's passage. Verses 4:16-17 say this, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Watch this short video.
Now are you ready for Jesus to come without any notice and take His people from this world? I hope you are. You don't want to be left behind. There is only one way to be ready for this coming event. You must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you received Christ as Savior?
Day 66
Colossians 1-2
In Colossians one there is a list of things to pray for people you love. I remembering praying this for Karen soon after I was saved. A Christian co-worked named Theo showed me this list. That was back in 1990 and I have prayed it for many people over the years. Hear is the list of prayer needs that we all have:
In Colossians one there is a list of things to pray for people you love. I remembering praying this for Karen soon after I was saved. A Christian co-worked named Theo showed me this list. That was back in 1990 and I have prayed it for many people over the years. Hear is the list of prayer needs that we all have:
- Spiritual wisdom - This is a wisdom or spiritual discernment to know God's will for our lives.
- To live a life pleasing to the Lord
- As we serve Christ we bear spiritual fruit
- To grow in the knowledge of God
- That we will be strengthened by the Lord to have:
- endurance
- patience
- joy
- and thankfulness
Day 65
Philippians 3-4
As you probably know by now, this is the chapter for those of us who suffer of anxiety. I guess we dont suffer anxiety, we practice anxiety. But more than focusing on that, I want to draw your attention to 4.5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Thats a hard thing to do at times. Paul is telling us that we need to be known as gentle people. Think of gentleness as something soft and comforting. Not weak, but not rough--like silk, or crystal. Now...are you known as someone who is this gentle? Do people know they can count on your joy and spirit to uplift them. You know something, anybody can be a jerk, it takes no special powers or training to be a jerk. But only a child of God who has been totally renewed from the inside out is able to be gentle in the mist of trouble. It takes the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to change who we are into who we ought to be in Christ. Is your gentleness known to all. I challenge you today to test your faith by the measure of your gentleness. Ask God to increase your gentleness but be aware that his remedy will be to put you into situations in which you can practice your gentleness. It won't come on you like magic, you must practice it. He has promised to be with you and empower you to do it. Christ is coming, be gentle to all!
As you probably know by now, this is the chapter for those of us who suffer of anxiety. I guess we dont suffer anxiety, we practice anxiety. But more than focusing on that, I want to draw your attention to 4.5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Thats a hard thing to do at times. Paul is telling us that we need to be known as gentle people. Think of gentleness as something soft and comforting. Not weak, but not rough--like silk, or crystal. Now...are you known as someone who is this gentle? Do people know they can count on your joy and spirit to uplift them. You know something, anybody can be a jerk, it takes no special powers or training to be a jerk. But only a child of God who has been totally renewed from the inside out is able to be gentle in the mist of trouble. It takes the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to change who we are into who we ought to be in Christ. Is your gentleness known to all. I challenge you today to test your faith by the measure of your gentleness. Ask God to increase your gentleness but be aware that his remedy will be to put you into situations in which you can practice your gentleness. It won't come on you like magic, you must practice it. He has promised to be with you and empower you to do it. Christ is coming, be gentle to all!
Day 64
Philippians 1-2
In Philippians 2 we see the amazing attitude of Jesus. He was selfless, humble and obedient to God to the death. In this narcissistic system of life, that attitude can rarely be found. Most people are out to take care of number one, themselves. We have become so consumed with ourselves that it is impossible to see the needs of others. In this chapter after we are presented with the humility of Jesus, we get the "therefore". In verse fourteen it says to do all things without murmurings (complaining) and disputings (arguing).
The next time you are tempted to complain or argue I want you to think of the humility of Christ on the cross. Did He complain or even argue of the horrible mistreatment by His accusers? You know the answer to that. He just willingly lived God's plan for His life. Most of the time we complain, it is because we are consumed with ourselves. Most of the time we argue with others, it is because we want our own way over their way. Let's stop complaining and live out God's plan for our lives. Let's stop arguing with each other and live life together with the humility of Jesus.
In Philippians 2 we see the amazing attitude of Jesus. He was selfless, humble and obedient to God to the death. In this narcissistic system of life, that attitude can rarely be found. Most people are out to take care of number one, themselves. We have become so consumed with ourselves that it is impossible to see the needs of others. In this chapter after we are presented with the humility of Jesus, we get the "therefore". In verse fourteen it says to do all things without murmurings (complaining) and disputings (arguing).
The next time you are tempted to complain or argue I want you to think of the humility of Christ on the cross. Did He complain or even argue of the horrible mistreatment by His accusers? You know the answer to that. He just willingly lived God's plan for His life. Most of the time we complain, it is because we are consumed with ourselves. Most of the time we argue with others, it is because we want our own way over their way. Let's stop complaining and live out God's plan for our lives. Let's stop arguing with each other and live life together with the humility of Jesus.
Day 63
Ephesians 5-6
I want to encourage you to look at these two chapters as one unit. Chapter five begins with the challenge for us to be imitaters of God as little children. Chapter six ends with the armor of God that we need to stand against the lies of the Devil. Everything in between the Devil wants to use against us to trick us to be imitaters of evil. Check it out. There are these topics: behavior issues, yielding to God, and submitting to others (relationships). In all these things, the Devil want us to yeild to his way of living and thinking. The alternative is for us to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and to make a stand dressed for battle with the whole armor of God. Don't give place to the Devil rather stand for Christ. No one want to be manipuataled by Satan. However, that is exactly what we do when we live life outside of yielding to the Holy Spirit. Let's live life out of our control but in the control of the Spirit.
I want to encourage you to look at these two chapters as one unit. Chapter five begins with the challenge for us to be imitaters of God as little children. Chapter six ends with the armor of God that we need to stand against the lies of the Devil. Everything in between the Devil wants to use against us to trick us to be imitaters of evil. Check it out. There are these topics: behavior issues, yielding to God, and submitting to others (relationships). In all these things, the Devil want us to yeild to his way of living and thinking. The alternative is for us to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and to make a stand dressed for battle with the whole armor of God. Don't give place to the Devil rather stand for Christ. No one want to be manipuataled by Satan. However, that is exactly what we do when we live life outside of yielding to the Holy Spirit. Let's live life out of our control but in the control of the Spirit.
Day 58
2 Corinthians 12-13
There are a couple of things that really jump out of the page in this chapter. First I love the example we get in Paul's life concerning his thorn in the flesh. Although, nobody really knows what it was, one thing we do know: God put that thorn on his flesh to remind him of God's mercy and grace, and to keep him humble. I love the fact that one of the greatest Christians of all times struggled with something in his life that kept him humble. Do you struggle with a particular thing or sin? Are you constantly tempted by the same thing over and over again? As frustrating as that might be, do not waist the opportunity that God is giving you to recognize that He's at work in your life. Use this an opportunity to remind yourself of what you would have been if Christ had not saved you. Think of the GRACE you have received in Jesus and how it has changed you. Think on how hopeless we are without Christ.
God told paul, "My grace is sufficient for you." Do you see the power in those words??? God is telling you the same thing, His grace, His gift for you is absolutely all you need. You don't have to go anywhere else to satisfy your thirst, come to Jesus the fountain of living waters and you will never thirst again. Think of how many times we go about our lives being unsatisfied with God's grace. We look for satisfaction in popularity, boys, girls, music, emotions, food,sex, power, etc. But God is saying, all you ever need you have in ME. God is enough for you! Apart from God you do not need anything else, are you satisfied in Him? or are you looking for satisfaction somewhere else?
One last thing, 2 Cor 13:5 tells us a rather hard truth, we have to test ourselves to see if we are saved or not. Have you ever wonder if you are truly saved or not? Paul told the Corinthians to test themselves to see if they were in the faith. Is there evidence of conviction and sanctification in your life? Is Jesus the most precious thing in your life? is there joy, hope, and peace in your soul? Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying you can loose your salvation. What Paul is saying is that an authentic faith has evidence to go with it. Does your faith have evidence?
There are a couple of things that really jump out of the page in this chapter. First I love the example we get in Paul's life concerning his thorn in the flesh. Although, nobody really knows what it was, one thing we do know: God put that thorn on his flesh to remind him of God's mercy and grace, and to keep him humble. I love the fact that one of the greatest Christians of all times struggled with something in his life that kept him humble. Do you struggle with a particular thing or sin? Are you constantly tempted by the same thing over and over again? As frustrating as that might be, do not waist the opportunity that God is giving you to recognize that He's at work in your life. Use this an opportunity to remind yourself of what you would have been if Christ had not saved you. Think of the GRACE you have received in Jesus and how it has changed you. Think on how hopeless we are without Christ.
God told paul, "My grace is sufficient for you." Do you see the power in those words??? God is telling you the same thing, His grace, His gift for you is absolutely all you need. You don't have to go anywhere else to satisfy your thirst, come to Jesus the fountain of living waters and you will never thirst again. Think of how many times we go about our lives being unsatisfied with God's grace. We look for satisfaction in popularity, boys, girls, music, emotions, food,sex, power, etc. But God is saying, all you ever need you have in ME. God is enough for you! Apart from God you do not need anything else, are you satisfied in Him? or are you looking for satisfaction somewhere else?
One last thing, 2 Cor 13:5 tells us a rather hard truth, we have to test ourselves to see if we are saved or not. Have you ever wonder if you are truly saved or not? Paul told the Corinthians to test themselves to see if they were in the faith. Is there evidence of conviction and sanctification in your life? Is Jesus the most precious thing in your life? is there joy, hope, and peace in your soul? Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying you can loose your salvation. What Paul is saying is that an authentic faith has evidence to go with it. Does your faith have evidence?
Day 56
2 Corinthians 7-9
Rebuke is rarely well recieved, but all of us need corrected at one time or another. Paul wrote a letter of rebuke that was mostlikely prior to the 1 Corinthians epistle, which was filled with correction. Paul wrote in 7:8, "For though I made you sorry with a letter..." He got their attention with the letter that turned into good for the cause of Christ. "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:" We can take correct one of two ways and we can give correction one of two ways. There is a right way and a wrong to both give and take rebuke. It must be recieved and administered with grace and humility. When we are in the state of graciousness and humbleness, correction yields the fruit of conformity to Christ. What is our main motivation to correcting those that are in the wrong? We should examine our selves before we speak. Also, what is our thought process as we are getting corrected? We should examine ourselves before doing anything.
Rebuke is rarely well recieved, but all of us need corrected at one time or another. Paul wrote a letter of rebuke that was mostlikely prior to the 1 Corinthians epistle, which was filled with correction. Paul wrote in 7:8, "For though I made you sorry with a letter..." He got their attention with the letter that turned into good for the cause of Christ. "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:" We can take correct one of two ways and we can give correction one of two ways. There is a right way and a wrong to both give and take rebuke. It must be recieved and administered with grace and humility. When we are in the state of graciousness and humbleness, correction yields the fruit of conformity to Christ. What is our main motivation to correcting those that are in the wrong? We should examine our selves before we speak. Also, what is our thought process as we are getting corrected? We should examine ourselves before doing anything.
Day 51
1 Corinthians 10-11
I'm not gonna lie, the chapters we just read are not the easiest to interpret. There are so many different topics and doctrines being taught and talked about in these few verses that im not even sure how to begin. Demons. Women. Men. Gender issues. Sacrifices. Prayer. Hair Length??. Fornication. Idolatry. Lord's Supper.
Interestingly, in the mist of all these complicated verses we find one of the most concise and easiest to interpret. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." You see, this is the center of our theology, and also the center of our life...The Glory of God. The chief end of man is the Glory of God. The reason for the death of Jesus on the cross...The Glory of God. The reason you and everything else was created...The Glory of God. Even evil and pain although not created by God are used for his Glory. One of the easiest ways to understand and summarize the way we are commanded to live is to ask ourselves often, am I bringing God glory? whatever you do...do it all for the Glory, Fame, Honor, Praise of God.
I'm not gonna lie, the chapters we just read are not the easiest to interpret. There are so many different topics and doctrines being taught and talked about in these few verses that im not even sure how to begin. Demons. Women. Men. Gender issues. Sacrifices. Prayer. Hair Length??. Fornication. Idolatry. Lord's Supper.
Interestingly, in the mist of all these complicated verses we find one of the most concise and easiest to interpret. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." You see, this is the center of our theology, and also the center of our life...The Glory of God. The chief end of man is the Glory of God. The reason for the death of Jesus on the cross...The Glory of God. The reason you and everything else was created...The Glory of God. Even evil and pain although not created by God are used for his Glory. One of the easiest ways to understand and summarize the way we are commanded to live is to ask ourselves often, am I bringing God glory? whatever you do...do it all for the Glory, Fame, Honor, Praise of God.
Day 50
1 Corinthians 7-9
We are half way through with Chasing99. After today, there are only 49 more days.
The apostle Paul was a human being just like us. Yet, he had desires and passions that we can emulate. Do you understand the passion behind this statement by Paul, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22) What drove Paul to go to the extreme limits for the sake of the gospel? 1 Corinthians 9:19 says, "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more." Are you willing to make yourself a servant to all people that you may win them to Christ? This tells me that to reach people with the gospel I will have to work hard at it. In John 4 the end result of some people working hard to prepare the fields was that others would reap a harvest. There is that hard work again.
Do your passions and desires line up with Paul's? If not, today is never too late to change. I think that there are too many Christians unwilling to work hard to win others to Christ. Getting a field ready to harvest takes many months of hard work. However, if the hard work isn't done by someone, the harvest will never happen. I believe it is everyone's responsibility to get the field ready. I encourage you today to have a passion for preparing people's lives to recieve the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
We are half way through with Chasing99. After today, there are only 49 more days.
The apostle Paul was a human being just like us. Yet, he had desires and passions that we can emulate. Do you understand the passion behind this statement by Paul, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22) What drove Paul to go to the extreme limits for the sake of the gospel? 1 Corinthians 9:19 says, "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more." Are you willing to make yourself a servant to all people that you may win them to Christ? This tells me that to reach people with the gospel I will have to work hard at it. In John 4 the end result of some people working hard to prepare the fields was that others would reap a harvest. There is that hard work again.
Do your passions and desires line up with Paul's? If not, today is never too late to change. I think that there are too many Christians unwilling to work hard to win others to Christ. Getting a field ready to harvest takes many months of hard work. However, if the hard work isn't done by someone, the harvest will never happen. I believe it is everyone's responsibility to get the field ready. I encourage you today to have a passion for preparing people's lives to recieve the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Day 49
I Corinthians 4-6
1 Corinthians 4:2 says, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." A steward is a person given the responsibility of managing another person's stuff. The steward doesn't own the stuff. They just make sure it is protected, invested, and maintained. A good example of this is Joseoph in Genesis 39. He had to answer to the owner of the estate for how well he managed all the affairs of that household. As a Christian, I have been given a life that I will be answered for to God one day for the fruit that it produced under my management. Also, as a minister, I will answer to God one day for the fruit that was produced by the ministries that God gave me to oversee. Furthermore, as a parent, I will give an account for the way I taught and nurished the children God gave me to raise. This whole stewardship thing is a serious business. Verse 5 says, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." There will be a day when God brings to light the hidden things in our lives. The things that we thought were don't that noone could see and the things that we did with the wrong attitude will be exposed by the Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:2 says, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." A steward is a person given the responsibility of managing another person's stuff. The steward doesn't own the stuff. They just make sure it is protected, invested, and maintained. A good example of this is Joseoph in Genesis 39. He had to answer to the owner of the estate for how well he managed all the affairs of that household. As a Christian, I have been given a life that I will be answered for to God one day for the fruit that it produced under my management. Also, as a minister, I will answer to God one day for the fruit that was produced by the ministries that God gave me to oversee. Furthermore, as a parent, I will give an account for the way I taught and nurished the children God gave me to raise. This whole stewardship thing is a serious business. Verse 5 says, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." There will be a day when God brings to light the hidden things in our lives. The things that we thought were don't that noone could see and the things that we did with the wrong attitude will be exposed by the Lord.
Day 48
1 Corinthians 1-3
One of the issues that Paul deals with in chapter one is division in the church. He writes to them, "I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." He goes on to state in verse 18 that the preaching or message of the cross is foolish to the unbelieving world but to us it is the power of God. This is true to us today. As the world has the church going in so many directions, the cross is common ground. The cross is the one message that we should all agree on. Jesus is our one leader to be elevated in our lives. All other leaders are secondary.
To the church, the cross brings us together, but to the world the cross is stupid. God doesn't think much of the world's way of thinking and neither does the world admire the cross. However, the cross is the only hope for the world to be saved from eternal damnation. The cross brings the church together and it brings the lost to God. Today we need to do a better job at making the church one cohesive unit glued together by the cross. Every ministry in the church should build on the other and support the other. How is your church doing with this? How are you doing in making your church one cohesive unit that is rallying around the cross?
One of the issues that Paul deals with in chapter one is division in the church. He writes to them, "I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." He goes on to state in verse 18 that the preaching or message of the cross is foolish to the unbelieving world but to us it is the power of God. This is true to us today. As the world has the church going in so many directions, the cross is common ground. The cross is the one message that we should all agree on. Jesus is our one leader to be elevated in our lives. All other leaders are secondary.
To the church, the cross brings us together, but to the world the cross is stupid. God doesn't think much of the world's way of thinking and neither does the world admire the cross. However, the cross is the only hope for the world to be saved from eternal damnation. The cross brings the church together and it brings the lost to God. Today we need to do a better job at making the church one cohesive unit glued together by the cross. Every ministry in the church should build on the other and support the other. How is your church doing with this? How are you doing in making your church one cohesive unit that is rallying around the cross?
Day 47
Romans 14-16
As I was thinking about today's passage, it reminded me of growing up in rural Pennsylvania. The times dictated for stores to be closed on Sundays. The general understanding by some people was that it was wrong to shop on the Lord's Day. One day the stores began to open their doors on Sundays and I remember people being upset over it. Then I can remember going to McDonald's after church. Things seemed to change over time. Now, we really don't think twice as we plan shopping trips on Sunday afternoons or stop to pick up something for lunch on the way home from church. People change but God's word never changes. We view Scripture in light of the times we are living in. I hear stories of when certain races of people were discriminated against by pastors and other leaders in the church based on Scripture. The dress expectations has changed in many churches.
There are many different things that can distract us and divide us from the things that really matter. Paul wrote this in Romans 14:19-23, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
The result of this passage is for people to be built up and edify one another. With the things that we do, we must never cause another person to stumble in their faith. This seems to be very difficult. I am still thinking through this one. I never want to be the one that causes another Christian to fail. If someone would look at my life, imatate me, and then fail, I would be very sorry. Nor, do I want to place restrictions on people's lives as if they are in Scripture when they are just my own beliefs. There was a time when I first became a Christian that I thought all secular and some Christian music was bad. I tried passing that idea on as Scriptural. While I don't want to cause other Christians to stumble, I never want to pass my own preferences as Scriptural command.
As I was thinking about today's passage, it reminded me of growing up in rural Pennsylvania. The times dictated for stores to be closed on Sundays. The general understanding by some people was that it was wrong to shop on the Lord's Day. One day the stores began to open their doors on Sundays and I remember people being upset over it. Then I can remember going to McDonald's after church. Things seemed to change over time. Now, we really don't think twice as we plan shopping trips on Sunday afternoons or stop to pick up something for lunch on the way home from church. People change but God's word never changes. We view Scripture in light of the times we are living in. I hear stories of when certain races of people were discriminated against by pastors and other leaders in the church based on Scripture. The dress expectations has changed in many churches.
There are many different things that can distract us and divide us from the things that really matter. Paul wrote this in Romans 14:19-23, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
The result of this passage is for people to be built up and edify one another. With the things that we do, we must never cause another person to stumble in their faith. This seems to be very difficult. I am still thinking through this one. I never want to be the one that causes another Christian to fail. If someone would look at my life, imatate me, and then fail, I would be very sorry. Nor, do I want to place restrictions on people's lives as if they are in Scripture when they are just my own beliefs. There was a time when I first became a Christian that I thought all secular and some Christian music was bad. I tried passing that idea on as Scriptural. While I don't want to cause other Christians to stumble, I never want to pass my own preferences as Scriptural command.
Day 46
Romans 12-13
Do you find it difficult to honor the authority in your life. According to Romans 13:1-7, there are some important facts about the people in our lives that rule over us. Here is just one.
God ordains or establishes all authority in our lives. I don't know if that settles it for you as it does for me. I love the fact that God sets up the people that are responsible for guiding me in my church, work, town, state, and nation. That is a lot of people who were established by God himself. I remember working in construction with a few guys that always had a strong distrust and distain for our bosses. Looking back, I remember as an immature Christian how that transfered to everyone around us including me. It was a very difficult attitude or way of thinking to break even long after I no longer worked with them. How are you doing with the God given authorities in your life? Understand that a bad attitude toward your boss, pastor, parent, or any other authority may have been caught by you or maybe transferred to others very easily by you. I challenge you to evaluate all your relationships with the people governing your life. Then you need to do something that will honor them and that others may catch which supports them as God ordained.
Here is one last thing. The author here, the Apostle Paul, wrote this passage during a time in his life when the Romans ruled the world with an iron fist and the religious rulers were out to kill him. He was writing that the Roman and Jewish authorities in his life were placed there by God Himself!
Do you find it difficult to honor the authority in your life. According to Romans 13:1-7, there are some important facts about the people in our lives that rule over us. Here is just one.
God ordains or establishes all authority in our lives. I don't know if that settles it for you as it does for me. I love the fact that God sets up the people that are responsible for guiding me in my church, work, town, state, and nation. That is a lot of people who were established by God himself. I remember working in construction with a few guys that always had a strong distrust and distain for our bosses. Looking back, I remember as an immature Christian how that transfered to everyone around us including me. It was a very difficult attitude or way of thinking to break even long after I no longer worked with them. How are you doing with the God given authorities in your life? Understand that a bad attitude toward your boss, pastor, parent, or any other authority may have been caught by you or maybe transferred to others very easily by you. I challenge you to evaluate all your relationships with the people governing your life. Then you need to do something that will honor them and that others may catch which supports them as God ordained.
Here is one last thing. The author here, the Apostle Paul, wrote this passage during a time in his life when the Romans ruled the world with an iron fist and the religious rulers were out to kill him. He was writing that the Roman and Jewish authorities in his life were placed there by God Himself!
Day 45
Romans 10-11
One common thread through all of Scripture is the redemption of man. God promised to include Gentiles into His family. Romans 11 talks about grafting the Gentiles into the tree. Because of this, God assures us that He keeps His word always. God wants to redeem people that are lost. He always keeps His word.
One common thread through all of Scripture is the redemption of man. God promised to include Gentiles into His family. Romans 11 talks about grafting the Gentiles into the tree. Because of this, God assures us that He keeps His word always. God wants to redeem people that are lost. He always keeps His word.
Day 44
Romans 7-9
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." Rom 7:15-20
I personally love these verses. I can see Paul trying to figure out how he was feeling and exactly how to portray it. I can see him upset by the fact that he wants to do what is good. he wants to follow God, he wants to obey him...but he fails. He fails time and time again. It doesn't matter how many times he tries he fails, the things he hates he ends up doing. It reminds me a lot of us. Isn't our life just like that? The good thing is that even if Paul, one of the greatest Christians that ever lived, struggled then its okay for you and for me to struggle. Actually that struggle, the Bible says that is of testimony to our salvation and our work on Sanctification. God does not expect you be perfect, he wants you to surrender to his loving grace and HE will empower you to overcome sin and temptation. Next time you're fighting sin remember, at THAT very moment you're engaging in a heavenly battle. A battle of good and evil, a battle of your flesh against your new identity. Do not dare to see it just as another event in your life, its your two natures battling against each other and it will be your call who do you follow. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" choose well
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." Rom 7:15-20
I personally love these verses. I can see Paul trying to figure out how he was feeling and exactly how to portray it. I can see him upset by the fact that he wants to do what is good. he wants to follow God, he wants to obey him...but he fails. He fails time and time again. It doesn't matter how many times he tries he fails, the things he hates he ends up doing. It reminds me a lot of us. Isn't our life just like that? The good thing is that even if Paul, one of the greatest Christians that ever lived, struggled then its okay for you and for me to struggle. Actually that struggle, the Bible says that is of testimony to our salvation and our work on Sanctification. God does not expect you be perfect, he wants you to surrender to his loving grace and HE will empower you to overcome sin and temptation. Next time you're fighting sin remember, at THAT very moment you're engaging in a heavenly battle. A battle of good and evil, a battle of your flesh against your new identity. Do not dare to see it just as another event in your life, its your two natures battling against each other and it will be your call who do you follow. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" choose well
Day 43
Romans 4-6
As I read these three chapters, I was absolutely thrilled by the grace of God. I can't think of three more powerful chapters in the Bible to remind us that we are saved from our sin problem through faith alone in Jesus Christ. If circumcision didn't add to Abraham's salvation, then baptism or any other work can't add to our salvation.
If you weren't thrilled and revived by the words of grace, faith, and forgiveness from this passage, I challenge you to reread it with this in mind.
If you are trusting in anything other than Christ alone for the nullification of your sin debt, trust in Jesus today. We are saved from our sin through faith alone in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. He paid our price for sin. Nothing can be added to faith that will make us more acceptable in God's eye than what Jesus did for us on the cross and the grave. The Bible is very clear on how we are to be saved.
First, admit you are a sinner. Second, believe that Jesus paid your sin debt on the cross. And lastly, confess Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection as the substitute for your sin debt. Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." It also says in Romans 10:9-10,"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
As I read these three chapters, I was absolutely thrilled by the grace of God. I can't think of three more powerful chapters in the Bible to remind us that we are saved from our sin problem through faith alone in Jesus Christ. If circumcision didn't add to Abraham's salvation, then baptism or any other work can't add to our salvation.
If you weren't thrilled and revived by the words of grace, faith, and forgiveness from this passage, I challenge you to reread it with this in mind.
If you are trusting in anything other than Christ alone for the nullification of your sin debt, trust in Jesus today. We are saved from our sin through faith alone in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. He paid our price for sin. Nothing can be added to faith that will make us more acceptable in God's eye than what Jesus did for us on the cross and the grave. The Bible is very clear on how we are to be saved.
First, admit you are a sinner. Second, believe that Jesus paid your sin debt on the cross. And lastly, confess Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection as the substitute for your sin debt. Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." It also says in Romans 10:9-10,"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Day 42
Romans 1-3
Romans 1:8 says "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."
What do you want people to remember you for? What do people say right now about your faith? What do the closest people in your life say about what your life is about?
One of the best college quarterbacks in NCAA this year wants to be known more for something other than his accomplishments on the football field. Watch this video from iamsecond.com and see what Colt McCoy wants to be known for.
Colt McCoy on iamsecond.com
Romans 1:8 says "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."
What do you want people to remember you for? What do people say right now about your faith? What do the closest people in your life say about what your life is about?
One of the best college quarterbacks in NCAA this year wants to be known more for something other than his accomplishments on the football field. Watch this video from iamsecond.com and see what Colt McCoy wants to be known for.
Colt McCoy on iamsecond.com
Day 41
Acts 27-28
After Paul was pulled to safety in Acts 23, Jesus appeared to him and gave him this promise in verse 11, "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." As I read that promise, I realized the confidence that Paul must of had for the rest of his life...or, at least until he proclaim Jesus in Rome. In today's reading, the things Paul went through were experienced with this promise in mind.
The storm, the shipwreck, the vipor, and the Roman chains were all viewed by Paul through the lenses of God's promise. No matter what we go through here in this life we can view it through the lenses of God's promises. One of my favorite promises is Philippians 1:6. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
Pick your promise and live in confidence in the Lord.
After Paul was pulled to safety in Acts 23, Jesus appeared to him and gave him this promise in verse 11, "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." As I read that promise, I realized the confidence that Paul must of had for the rest of his life...or, at least until he proclaim Jesus in Rome. In today's reading, the things Paul went through were experienced with this promise in mind.
The storm, the shipwreck, the vipor, and the Roman chains were all viewed by Paul through the lenses of God's promise. No matter what we go through here in this life we can view it through the lenses of God's promises. One of my favorite promises is Philippians 1:6. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
Pick your promise and live in confidence in the Lord.
Day 39
Acts 22-24
Paul was nearly beaten to death. If it weren't for the soldiers intervention, the angry people would have killed him. How funny is it that immediately after he was pulled to safety, Paul was standing before those people speaking of his conversion experience. We should learn at least two things from his testimony.
First, we should understand that sharing our testimony is a privilege. If we know that talking to other about our faith is a privilege, we will seek to share it even in times of adversity. Paul spoke to the people who wanted him dead. He didn't hold anything back. He told the truth because he knew that sharing his faith was a privilege.
Next, we can see a template for sharing our faith. All Christians should have their testimony ready to share at all times. Maybe the reason that only 2% of Christians have ever led another person to Christ is because they are not ready with their testimony. Paul shared who he was before Christ. Then, he talked about what happened while he got saved. Lastly, Paul told the people a little of who he was after getting saved. Our testimonies could follow this same template - before, during, and after.
Are you ready to share your testimony? Are you among the drastically low percentage of Christians that have led someone to saving faith in Christ? God wants to use each of us to led others to Him. Be ready.
Paul was nearly beaten to death. If it weren't for the soldiers intervention, the angry people would have killed him. How funny is it that immediately after he was pulled to safety, Paul was standing before those people speaking of his conversion experience. We should learn at least two things from his testimony.
First, we should understand that sharing our testimony is a privilege. If we know that talking to other about our faith is a privilege, we will seek to share it even in times of adversity. Paul spoke to the people who wanted him dead. He didn't hold anything back. He told the truth because he knew that sharing his faith was a privilege.
Next, we can see a template for sharing our faith. All Christians should have their testimony ready to share at all times. Maybe the reason that only 2% of Christians have ever led another person to Christ is because they are not ready with their testimony. Paul shared who he was before Christ. Then, he talked about what happened while he got saved. Lastly, Paul told the people a little of who he was after getting saved. Our testimonies could follow this same template - before, during, and after.
Are you ready to share your testimony? Are you among the drastically low percentage of Christians that have led someone to saving faith in Christ? God wants to use each of us to led others to Him. Be ready.
Day 35
Acts 10-12
In Acts 10:34 - 35, Peter says, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Later in the same chapter, Peter says, “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
As Christians, we should take at least two things to heart from these verses. The first thing is that God’s love encompasses everyone. He wants ALL people, regardless of nationality, to know Him personally. The second thing is that we should be sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone so they too can receive forgiveness of sins through the name of Jesus.
Let’s think of someone we know is not a Christian. Have their picture in your head? I want to encourage you to share the good news with them this week. There are many avenues to do that. Send them a tract, point them to the blog on day 25, share verses with them online, on the phone, or via any social networking tool. We can do it – God has equipped us to do just that! Let’s get busy sharing His word!
In Acts 10:34 - 35, Peter says, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Later in the same chapter, Peter says, “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
As Christians, we should take at least two things to heart from these verses. The first thing is that God’s love encompasses everyone. He wants ALL people, regardless of nationality, to know Him personally. The second thing is that we should be sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone so they too can receive forgiveness of sins through the name of Jesus.
Let’s think of someone we know is not a Christian. Have their picture in your head? I want to encourage you to share the good news with them this week. There are many avenues to do that. Send them a tract, point them to the blog on day 25, share verses with them online, on the phone, or via any social networking tool. We can do it – God has equipped us to do just that! Let’s get busy sharing His word!
Day 34
Acts 7-9
Just before Steven was stoned to death, he was given an opportunity to speak. He spoke of the history of apostate Israel. Particularly, he spoke out against the religious leaders in that time. They were compared to the leaders of Israel that persecuted and killed the prophets; the prophets who were only speaking the messages they received from God. Steven said this about those religious leaders, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-52)
Steven spoke boldly the truth and was killed for doing right. He told them the truth about their false religious facade. These leaders taught the Law but did not keep it themselves. The rsults for speaking the truth was tragic for Steven. There are two things I want to learn from this passage. We all need to speak the truth more. I need to look for opportunities and seize the moment when they are given. So many people do nothing when people put up their false religious facades. I need to speak the truth in love, but I am sure I have passed on opportunities in the past. We all need to speak up when we know someone is living a double life.
Steven was killed for his stance. I think it is safe to say it's not the results he was looking for. Know this. When we stand for the truth, especially when speaking up against people living double lives, we will be persecuted. I don't know anyone, including myself, who like getting called on their faults. So, we need to speak up as we see the opportunity, and we need to realize that the results may be less than desirable to us. The world needs to see Christ followers who stand for what they say the believe.
Just before Steven was stoned to death, he was given an opportunity to speak. He spoke of the history of apostate Israel. Particularly, he spoke out against the religious leaders in that time. They were compared to the leaders of Israel that persecuted and killed the prophets; the prophets who were only speaking the messages they received from God. Steven said this about those religious leaders, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-52)
Steven spoke boldly the truth and was killed for doing right. He told them the truth about their false religious facade. These leaders taught the Law but did not keep it themselves. The rsults for speaking the truth was tragic for Steven. There are two things I want to learn from this passage. We all need to speak the truth more. I need to look for opportunities and seize the moment when they are given. So many people do nothing when people put up their false religious facades. I need to speak the truth in love, but I am sure I have passed on opportunities in the past. We all need to speak up when we know someone is living a double life.
Steven was killed for his stance. I think it is safe to say it's not the results he was looking for. Know this. When we stand for the truth, especially when speaking up against people living double lives, we will be persecuted. I don't know anyone, including myself, who like getting called on their faults. So, we need to speak up as we see the opportunity, and we need to realize that the results may be less than desirable to us. The world needs to see Christ followers who stand for what they say the believe.
Day 33
Acts 4-6
The Apostles went from hiding for their lives in fear to preaching and teaching the gospel publicly despite the Sanhedrin's warning to speak nothing in Jesus' name. What do you suppose made this difference in their lives? Here are at three distinct factors that turned the Apostles from fearful to feared:
I challenge you to be obedient to God's Word. As you are convicted, do something about it. Talk to someone about it. Don't be the fool that James describes who looks into a mirror, sees his flaws, and does nothing about. Please allow God to change you as He convicts you. The Spirit want to lead all of us through life. The Spirit want to prompt us to boldly proclaim Jesus to people who are searching for something different to fill their God given void. Please allow God to change you as He leads you with His Spirit. Lastly, would you ask God to fuel your life with the fact Jesus rose from the grave? The resurrection is not a made up story but rather a record of the truth. It is an historical fact and should empower us today as it did the Christians in the first century.
The Apostles went from hiding for their lives in fear to preaching and teaching the gospel publicly despite the Sanhedrin's warning to speak nothing in Jesus' name. What do you suppose made this difference in their lives? Here are at three distinct factors that turned the Apostles from fearful to feared:
- Obedience
- Indwelling Holy Spirit
- Jesus' resurrection
I challenge you to be obedient to God's Word. As you are convicted, do something about it. Talk to someone about it. Don't be the fool that James describes who looks into a mirror, sees his flaws, and does nothing about. Please allow God to change you as He convicts you. The Spirit want to lead all of us through life. The Spirit want to prompt us to boldly proclaim Jesus to people who are searching for something different to fill their God given void. Please allow God to change you as He leads you with His Spirit. Lastly, would you ask God to fuel your life with the fact Jesus rose from the grave? The resurrection is not a made up story but rather a record of the truth. It is an historical fact and should empower us today as it did the Christians in the first century.
Day 32
Acts 1-3
The book of Acts is an historical account of the infant church that was fueled by the resurrection of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Some amazing events happened in the first three chapters: Jesus ascends into the clouds to heaven, Judas dies, Matthias is chosen as Judas' replacement, the Holy Spirit empowers the church, people hear their own language spoken by another that hasn't learned it, and so much more.
As the disciples watched Jesus disappear into the clouds, two angels spoke to them about the future. "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." History has moved far from this day where the Lord acsended into heaven. The promise is made that He will return in a like manner. I believe that day is closer than we think sometimes. We need to live our lives as if His return is imminent. Are you living life as if Jesus could return at any moment. I hope and pray you are.
The book of Acts is an historical account of the infant church that was fueled by the resurrection of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Some amazing events happened in the first three chapters: Jesus ascends into the clouds to heaven, Judas dies, Matthias is chosen as Judas' replacement, the Holy Spirit empowers the church, people hear their own language spoken by another that hasn't learned it, and so much more.
As the disciples watched Jesus disappear into the clouds, two angels spoke to them about the future. "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." History has moved far from this day where the Lord acsended into heaven. The promise is made that He will return in a like manner. I believe that day is closer than we think sometimes. We need to live our lives as if His return is imminent. Are you living life as if Jesus could return at any moment. I hope and pray you are.
Day 31
John 19-21
Mom look at me now! We have come along way in the last 31 days. Chasing99 has completed it's first full month and the New Testament track has completed the gospels. That means we are about one-third of the way complete. Great job everyone.
I am so glad for the assurance of one day I will meet face to face with my Lord. It's going to be a great meeting too. I have complete faith in this meeting because of what is written in Scriture. In today's reading we have a passage you should consider putting to memory. It's John 20:30-31. Chapter 20 is all about the resurrection. You and I can assurance of meeting the Lord in heaven one day because Jesus rose from the grave. That makes me feel like shouting or something! Be confident in the Lord today because He is alive.
If you don't know whether or not you have a place in heaven when you die, you can know for sure. Check out this passage, 1 John 5:11-13. From this passage, we can be assured that faith in Jesus is our ticket to a home in heaven when we pass. We can know for sure where we will spend all of eternity. Do you know for sure where you will spend eternity? If not, call on the Lord today! Stop what you are doing and put your trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to solve our sin debt. None of our sin debt could ever be paid in any other way. There's no good works that could ever pay for one our our sins. Trust Jesus today and live in eternity with Him.
Mom look at me now! We have come along way in the last 31 days. Chasing99 has completed it's first full month and the New Testament track has completed the gospels. That means we are about one-third of the way complete. Great job everyone.
I am so glad for the assurance of one day I will meet face to face with my Lord. It's going to be a great meeting too. I have complete faith in this meeting because of what is written in Scriture. In today's reading we have a passage you should consider putting to memory. It's John 20:30-31. Chapter 20 is all about the resurrection. You and I can assurance of meeting the Lord in heaven one day because Jesus rose from the grave. That makes me feel like shouting or something! Be confident in the Lord today because He is alive.
If you don't know whether or not you have a place in heaven when you die, you can know for sure. Check out this passage, 1 John 5:11-13. From this passage, we can be assured that faith in Jesus is our ticket to a home in heaven when we pass. We can know for sure where we will spend all of eternity. Do you know for sure where you will spend eternity? If not, call on the Lord today! Stop what you are doing and put your trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to solve our sin debt. None of our sin debt could ever be paid in any other way. There's no good works that could ever pay for one our our sins. Trust Jesus today and live in eternity with Him.
Day 30
John 16-18
Is there anything more comforting than to know your friends love and care for you? The idea of having someone you can trust with absolutely everything and they will not let you down is a very desirable thing. John 17 is the only place in the entire Bible where we find and extensive prayer of the Son to the Father. This friend that loves you and cares for you--it's Jesus. Isn't it fascinating to think about the fact that Jesus prayed for you. He prayed for all the ones who would one day believe in Him. He prayed that you would be set aside by his Word. He prayed that the Father would not take you out of the world, but you would be protected from the evil one. He prayed that you would stand strong in your battle against sin and our sinful desires. More importantly, he prayed that we would see His Glory. Jesus' goal for you and me, is that we learn to rejoice and find satisfaction in the presence of the majesty and awesomeness of his beauty and glory. Jesus' desire is that you would find nothing else, nor anyone else, as beautiful and glorious as He is. Jesus wants your mind to be captivated by his greatness, his goodness, his power. I must ask...is there anything else of less value that is taken hold of you mind? are you more concern for your school friends than about your relationship with Jesus? do you long for others to talk well of you at the expense of sacrificing your integrity? What has captivated your mind in the past week...school, grades, relationships, job, money, facebook, fear, anxiety?
Would you join me in praying today that God would transform us (our youth group) into being completely captivated by Him? would you pray that he would break the chains of sin in any area of our life, regardless of how fearful we could be?
Is there anything more comforting than to know your friends love and care for you? The idea of having someone you can trust with absolutely everything and they will not let you down is a very desirable thing. John 17 is the only place in the entire Bible where we find and extensive prayer of the Son to the Father. This friend that loves you and cares for you--it's Jesus. Isn't it fascinating to think about the fact that Jesus prayed for you. He prayed for all the ones who would one day believe in Him. He prayed that you would be set aside by his Word. He prayed that the Father would not take you out of the world, but you would be protected from the evil one. He prayed that you would stand strong in your battle against sin and our sinful desires. More importantly, he prayed that we would see His Glory. Jesus' goal for you and me, is that we learn to rejoice and find satisfaction in the presence of the majesty and awesomeness of his beauty and glory. Jesus' desire is that you would find nothing else, nor anyone else, as beautiful and glorious as He is. Jesus wants your mind to be captivated by his greatness, his goodness, his power. I must ask...is there anything else of less value that is taken hold of you mind? are you more concern for your school friends than about your relationship with Jesus? do you long for others to talk well of you at the expense of sacrificing your integrity? What has captivated your mind in the past week...school, grades, relationships, job, money, facebook, fear, anxiety?
Would you join me in praying today that God would transform us (our youth group) into being completely captivated by Him? would you pray that he would break the chains of sin in any area of our life, regardless of how fearful we could be?
Day 29
John 13-15
Congratulations now we are beginning week five of Chasing99. I trust that God has worked in amazing ways to change you to be more like him. It is impossible to get close to God through His word and not be changed. I know I'm different. I would love to hear from you on how God has worked in you through Chasing99. We are reading through a period of Jesus' life where He enters Jerusalem for the purpose of dying on the cross and then to rise from the dead. John's account of this period is much longer than the other three gospels.
I started something new this week. I'm trying to get back into shape. Never in my life would have I considered a 35 minute brisk walk as a workout. It is a struggle to get into shape. However, the pain of the process will be worth it in the end. Jesus' prepared His disciple for the future. He had to get them into shape for the work He had them to do. In chapter 14, Jesus is very straight forward about His immediate plans. Make sure you have read this chapter really well and see how it applies to your life.
John 14:30-31 shows how important it was to Jesus to be obedient to His Father. He relates it to the world. The world needed to see that Jesus was going to do what His Father told Him to do. And that is what Jesus did. He did everything exactly the way God wanted it done. Are you content doing what God wants you to do? I hope and pray that as we read through the New Testament God will soften our hearts to live life God's way. The world is waiting to see people living life God's way.
Congratulations now we are beginning week five of Chasing99. I trust that God has worked in amazing ways to change you to be more like him. It is impossible to get close to God through His word and not be changed. I know I'm different. I would love to hear from you on how God has worked in you through Chasing99. We are reading through a period of Jesus' life where He enters Jerusalem for the purpose of dying on the cross and then to rise from the dead. John's account of this period is much longer than the other three gospels.
I started something new this week. I'm trying to get back into shape. Never in my life would have I considered a 35 minute brisk walk as a workout. It is a struggle to get into shape. However, the pain of the process will be worth it in the end. Jesus' prepared His disciple for the future. He had to get them into shape for the work He had them to do. In chapter 14, Jesus is very straight forward about His immediate plans. Make sure you have read this chapter really well and see how it applies to your life.
John 14:30-31 shows how important it was to Jesus to be obedient to His Father. He relates it to the world. The world needed to see that Jesus was going to do what His Father told Him to do. And that is what Jesus did. He did everything exactly the way God wanted it done. Are you content doing what God wants you to do? I hope and pray that as we read through the New Testament God will soften our hearts to live life God's way. The world is waiting to see people living life God's way.
Day 28
John 10-12
Today in chapel it was as if I was hit by a Mack truck! The need for the gospel in New England was never more apparent to me. I have had moments like this before. Only two percent of the people on average in most areas around Boston profess to be born-again believers. However, there are areas, such as Cambridge, that Christians are out numbered by about 95 to 1. When I heard this, I wept. How many times have I passed up opportunities to share my faith? How many days have started with very little thought about the people that I would encounter who need me to be alert? I am so ashamed that I fear man more than God.
Out of today's reading please read this passage again John 12:42-43. Here we can see that many of the religious leaders believed in Jesus but feared man more than God. They were scared to do anything about what they believed. I am no better than these. Too many times I do nothing or am less than ready to share the gospel with people. The normal statistic for Christians that have led other people to Christ is two percent. I humbly say that I'm part of the two percent. However, there are still times when I fail! With my failure rate and the idea that 98% of Christians will never see one convert, leads me to a dismal conclusion. People in the New England region of the country have a minuscule chance of not spending an eternity in hell if things don't change. I beg me/you to change this cataclysmic conclusion. If you don't live here, ask God why not. If you are planning a mission’s trip, why not come to New England? If you live here, ask God to change you and this conclusion.
Today in chapel it was as if I was hit by a Mack truck! The need for the gospel in New England was never more apparent to me. I have had moments like this before. Only two percent of the people on average in most areas around Boston profess to be born-again believers. However, there are areas, such as Cambridge, that Christians are out numbered by about 95 to 1. When I heard this, I wept. How many times have I passed up opportunities to share my faith? How many days have started with very little thought about the people that I would encounter who need me to be alert? I am so ashamed that I fear man more than God.
Out of today's reading please read this passage again John 12:42-43. Here we can see that many of the religious leaders believed in Jesus but feared man more than God. They were scared to do anything about what they believed. I am no better than these. Too many times I do nothing or am less than ready to share the gospel with people. The normal statistic for Christians that have led other people to Christ is two percent. I humbly say that I'm part of the two percent. However, there are still times when I fail! With my failure rate and the idea that 98% of Christians will never see one convert, leads me to a dismal conclusion. People in the New England region of the country have a minuscule chance of not spending an eternity in hell if things don't change. I beg me/you to change this cataclysmic conclusion. If you don't live here, ask God why not. If you are planning a mission’s trip, why not come to New England? If you live here, ask God to change you and this conclusion.
Day 27
John 7-9
Last week I was very blessed to go to two Red Sox games. Oh, and the tickets were free thanks to Coca-Cola. Drink more Coke LOL. Every game that I have ever gone to in the past five years, which is not too many, I have seen the same guy giving out gospel tracts. I have seen him in other places around Boston occasionally as well. My first response is "AWESOME." I admire his persistence despite the seemly lack of positive response to his presence. I see how people react to what he is trying to give them. I wonder if he ever sees anyone receive Christ because of his diligence to spread the gospel.
Did you notice in today's reading in chapter 7 that Jesus had atleast on brother that didn't believe Him. That's right even Jesus had rejection from family members. It makes sense that the religious leaders would reject Him. After all, Jesus was just bad for business to the Pharisees. I don't know about you, but I do get discouraged when I see people reject Jesus. I am reminded today that, if Jesus' own brother rejected Him, then there will be people that won't believe when I give them the gospel. When someone rejects Jesus, be encouraged because you are in good company.
Last week I was very blessed to go to two Red Sox games. Oh, and the tickets were free thanks to Coca-Cola. Drink more Coke LOL. Every game that I have ever gone to in the past five years, which is not too many, I have seen the same guy giving out gospel tracts. I have seen him in other places around Boston occasionally as well. My first response is "AWESOME." I admire his persistence despite the seemly lack of positive response to his presence. I see how people react to what he is trying to give them. I wonder if he ever sees anyone receive Christ because of his diligence to spread the gospel.
Did you notice in today's reading in chapter 7 that Jesus had atleast on brother that didn't believe Him. That's right even Jesus had rejection from family members. It makes sense that the religious leaders would reject Him. After all, Jesus was just bad for business to the Pharisees. I don't know about you, but I do get discouraged when I see people reject Jesus. I am reminded today that, if Jesus' own brother rejected Him, then there will be people that won't believe when I give them the gospel. When someone rejects Jesus, be encouraged because you are in good company.
Day 25
John 1-3
John 3:16. You see it everywhere. On a billboard, or a t-shirt, or on a bumper sticker. As I was leaving Fenway this week, I saw a guy handing out gospel tracts with John 3:16 embroidered on his ragged hat. I am sure you have seen someone holding a sign at a football game or other sporting event that says “JOHN 3:16” in big and bold letters. Maybe you understand and appreciate the magnitude of John 3:16 and the verses that immediately follow but I am afraid sometimes that it becomes so commonplace that we don’t recognize it in the way that we should.
For those of us who have been Christians for awhile, those things should be a reminder of God’s grace and goodness to us. Verse 16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It doesn’t stop there though – He goes on to tell us in verse 17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved.” God sent His Son, knowing that He was sending Him to die, so that we could live.
For those that have not come to know Jesus, that gift is still available. God sent His Son to die so that the world might be saved. That means it is available to everyone and it is as simple as following the ABC’s. Admit that you are a sinner – everyone does wrong things– the Bible is clear that “all have fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for you – “for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Confess that Jesus is Lord - “For whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord may be saved” (Romans 10:13). It’s that easy to secure a permanent residence in heaven when you die.
John 3:16 – may it never be common or become ordinary to us!
John 3:16. You see it everywhere. On a billboard, or a t-shirt, or on a bumper sticker. As I was leaving Fenway this week, I saw a guy handing out gospel tracts with John 3:16 embroidered on his ragged hat. I am sure you have seen someone holding a sign at a football game or other sporting event that says “JOHN 3:16” in big and bold letters. Maybe you understand and appreciate the magnitude of John 3:16 and the verses that immediately follow but I am afraid sometimes that it becomes so commonplace that we don’t recognize it in the way that we should.
For those of us who have been Christians for awhile, those things should be a reminder of God’s grace and goodness to us. Verse 16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It doesn’t stop there though – He goes on to tell us in verse 17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved.” God sent His Son, knowing that He was sending Him to die, so that we could live.
For those that have not come to know Jesus, that gift is still available. God sent His Son to die so that the world might be saved. That means it is available to everyone and it is as simple as following the ABC’s. Admit that you are a sinner – everyone does wrong things– the Bible is clear that “all have fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for you – “for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Confess that Jesus is Lord - “For whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord may be saved” (Romans 10:13). It’s that easy to secure a permanent residence in heaven when you die.
John 3:16 – may it never be common or become ordinary to us!
Day 24
Luke 22-24
My attention was drawn to the thieves on the cross while reading today's passage. I warn you of the content of this video that is taken from the movie "The Passion." It is very graphic and bloody but best depicts the scene of the cross. So, only watch after you heed my warning.
I can't help but to think of the very high price Jesus paid for my sin. I wonder about the two men that dead with Jesus. The two men were very much alike. They were both thieves, they both talked to Jesus while on the cross, and they both had faith. However, their words to Jesus and their faith were quite different.
The first man rejected Jesus and insulted Him. This man had faith; faith in a false hope for a savior from the Roman Empire. He had hate and cruel words for the One that could save him from something bigger. His sinfulness. Perhaps, his insults were because of his misunderstanding of the Messianic mission. He called for Christ to come to his rescue in a much different way than what the mission called for. His faith was in the wrong Messiah.
The second man humbly accepted Jesus as the Messiah that had the mission of dying for the sin of the world. This thief had faith; faith in the right Messiah. He understood he had to be forgiven and the only way out of his self made mess was through the One dying beside himself.
I wonder where these two men got their information about Jesus. Both men, though they were very similar, came to two completely different conclusion, two completely different faiths, and two very different eternal destinations. Where is your faith today? Are you trusting in the one and only person that can save you from your mess. The mess you made because of your sin. If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sin, do so today and be sure of your eternal destination.
My attention was drawn to the thieves on the cross while reading today's passage. I warn you of the content of this video that is taken from the movie "The Passion." It is very graphic and bloody but best depicts the scene of the cross. So, only watch after you heed my warning.
I can't help but to think of the very high price Jesus paid for my sin. I wonder about the two men that dead with Jesus. The two men were very much alike. They were both thieves, they both talked to Jesus while on the cross, and they both had faith. However, their words to Jesus and their faith were quite different.
The first man rejected Jesus and insulted Him. This man had faith; faith in a false hope for a savior from the Roman Empire. He had hate and cruel words for the One that could save him from something bigger. His sinfulness. Perhaps, his insults were because of his misunderstanding of the Messianic mission. He called for Christ to come to his rescue in a much different way than what the mission called for. His faith was in the wrong Messiah.
The second man humbly accepted Jesus as the Messiah that had the mission of dying for the sin of the world. This thief had faith; faith in the right Messiah. He understood he had to be forgiven and the only way out of his self made mess was through the One dying beside himself.
I wonder where these two men got their information about Jesus. Both men, though they were very similar, came to two completely different conclusion, two completely different faiths, and two very different eternal destinations. Where is your faith today? Are you trusting in the one and only person that can save you from your mess. The mess you made because of your sin. If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sin, do so today and be sure of your eternal destination.
Day 23
Luke 19-21
I've read the account of the triumphal entry many times but today i noticed something i had never noticed before. After Jesus is praised by all the people in Jerusalem he says two things.
1. If they keep quite the stones will cry out.
2. As he approached Jerusalem he cried over it.
then he said something amazing, "if you had only known in this day what would bring you peace"
that got me thinking, do I know what brings me peace. At times the world around us seems way to complicated, people are dumb, rude, and stupid. Circumstances are unfair, and painful. Sometimes you can walk around and literally feel like you are alone. And of course because we are all dumb like that, its in those situations that we take control. WE act out, We make decisions, WE know whats better. But Jesus is telling us something radically different. First he is saying, "Listen, I do not need you to worship me. If you shut up, rocks themselves will cry out" Worship is an opportunity we are given by God, not an obligation. Are you choosing to worship? Second. Jesus cares for you, he actually cried because of the disbelief of Jerusalem. No matter how you might feel, he loves you. Lastly, Jesus today is offering us peace. Unlike Jerusalem, we do not need to turn to other gods, to religion, to hypocrisy, to legalism, to lies and deceitfulness. Jesus is what we need. He has brought us peace before the Father. Do you have his peace? are u resting in him? let him comfort you, let him carry your heavy load, let him give your life meaning.
I've read the account of the triumphal entry many times but today i noticed something i had never noticed before. After Jesus is praised by all the people in Jerusalem he says two things.
1. If they keep quite the stones will cry out.
2. As he approached Jerusalem he cried over it.
then he said something amazing, "if you had only known in this day what would bring you peace"
that got me thinking, do I know what brings me peace. At times the world around us seems way to complicated, people are dumb, rude, and stupid. Circumstances are unfair, and painful. Sometimes you can walk around and literally feel like you are alone. And of course because we are all dumb like that, its in those situations that we take control. WE act out, We make decisions, WE know whats better. But Jesus is telling us something radically different. First he is saying, "Listen, I do not need you to worship me. If you shut up, rocks themselves will cry out" Worship is an opportunity we are given by God, not an obligation. Are you choosing to worship? Second. Jesus cares for you, he actually cried because of the disbelief of Jerusalem. No matter how you might feel, he loves you. Lastly, Jesus today is offering us peace. Unlike Jerusalem, we do not need to turn to other gods, to religion, to hypocrisy, to legalism, to lies and deceitfulness. Jesus is what we need. He has brought us peace before the Father. Do you have his peace? are u resting in him? let him comfort you, let him carry your heavy load, let him give your life meaning.
Day 22
Luke 16-18
Watch this short humorous video on prayer.
In Luke 18:1-8 Jesus uses a parable to encourage the disciple to pray and never give up. When you think about it, it's amazing that God allows us to access Him through prayer any time of the day and anywhere we go. It's never too late or early and we are never too far away to connect with God. Wow what a privilege we have through prayer.
This semester at the college we are experiencing an attitude of prayer by students, faculty and staff. Prayer is the least consistent spiritual discipline exercised by most Christian. Yet, it is the most powerful tool a Christian has availible to himself. There were about 60 students that prayed for 24 hours straight and the results are amazing. In James 5:16 it says that the persisent prayer of people that are right with God are effective. This should give us great hope. Not that we will be given everything that we so desire based on our lusts, but that God will give us everything that we need. How is your prayer life?
Watch this short humorous video on prayer.
In Luke 18:1-8 Jesus uses a parable to encourage the disciple to pray and never give up. When you think about it, it's amazing that God allows us to access Him through prayer any time of the day and anywhere we go. It's never too late or early and we are never too far away to connect with God. Wow what a privilege we have through prayer.
This semester at the college we are experiencing an attitude of prayer by students, faculty and staff. Prayer is the least consistent spiritual discipline exercised by most Christian. Yet, it is the most powerful tool a Christian has availible to himself. There were about 60 students that prayed for 24 hours straight and the results are amazing. In James 5:16 it says that the persisent prayer of people that are right with God are effective. This should give us great hope. Not that we will be given everything that we so desire based on our lusts, but that God will give us everything that we need. How is your prayer life?
Day 21
Luke 13-15
Jesus confronted the issue of righteousness on several occasions. Here in Luke 13:1-5 Jesus takes on a false view of why certain people suffer from unexpected catastrophes. The popular view said that people suffered tragedy because of sin in their lives. Jesus made it clear in both of His examples that this was not true. Jesus simply asked if these people that died were worse sinners than the all other who did not die. Jesus then answers His own question by saying unless you all repent you will perish as well.
This is true today in the world we live in. Everyone has their own view on how they can or can't be right with God. Some say that all religions lead to the same God. The false righteousness that Jesus confronted here said that being right with God had to do with what one did or didn't do. He leveled the playing field by telling them that they were no better than the people that perished.
Here is the application to all of us. If you have a right relationship with God, you have it not because of what you have brought to the table but by what Christ has brought. Jesus brings the sacrifice of His perfect sinless life on the cross in exchange for our sinful totally unacceptable lives. We must never think we are better than what we are. We are nothing without Jesus in our lives. No matter what we do, we will never produce real fruit outside of living in Christ (John 15:5).
Congrats on completing your third week in the chase. I hope you are enjoying getting close to God in His word. Have a great day.
Jesus confronted the issue of righteousness on several occasions. Here in Luke 13:1-5 Jesus takes on a false view of why certain people suffer from unexpected catastrophes. The popular view said that people suffered tragedy because of sin in their lives. Jesus made it clear in both of His examples that this was not true. Jesus simply asked if these people that died were worse sinners than the all other who did not die. Jesus then answers His own question by saying unless you all repent you will perish as well.
This is true today in the world we live in. Everyone has their own view on how they can or can't be right with God. Some say that all religions lead to the same God. The false righteousness that Jesus confronted here said that being right with God had to do with what one did or didn't do. He leveled the playing field by telling them that they were no better than the people that perished.
Here is the application to all of us. If you have a right relationship with God, you have it not because of what you have brought to the table but by what Christ has brought. Jesus brings the sacrifice of His perfect sinless life on the cross in exchange for our sinful totally unacceptable lives. We must never think we are better than what we are. We are nothing without Jesus in our lives. No matter what we do, we will never produce real fruit outside of living in Christ (John 15:5).
Congrats on completing your third week in the chase. I hope you are enjoying getting close to God in His word. Have a great day.
Day 20
Luke 10-12
Today I want you to think about the last event in chapter 10. Both Mary and Martha had the right mind to please Jesus but in different ways. Remember this is an historical event recorded by Luke who was in the know. It's not just a story. It's an actual event that took place as sure as can be. Please think about Martha's actions to please Jesus. How were they different from Mary's actions? Where did Martha go wrong in her quest to worship?
I challenge you to think through this event and analyze motives. Then, I ask you to apply what you find to your life. Compare times when you had similar motives to serve/worship Christ. Did everyone involved seem like they were giving the same effort? We are easily distracted sometimes in our quest to please the Lord. It may come in the form of other people serving along side of us that seem as though they aren't giving as much as us.
Write down the things that you discover. If you want, leave a comment to share your findings with others.
Today I want you to think about the last event in chapter 10. Both Mary and Martha had the right mind to please Jesus but in different ways. Remember this is an historical event recorded by Luke who was in the know. It's not just a story. It's an actual event that took place as sure as can be. Please think about Martha's actions to please Jesus. How were they different from Mary's actions? Where did Martha go wrong in her quest to worship?
I challenge you to think through this event and analyze motives. Then, I ask you to apply what you find to your life. Compare times when you had similar motives to serve/worship Christ. Did everyone involved seem like they were giving the same effort? We are easily distracted sometimes in our quest to please the Lord. It may come in the form of other people serving along side of us that seem as though they aren't giving as much as us.
Write down the things that you discover. If you want, leave a comment to share your findings with others.
Day 19
Luke 7-9
Luke seven to nine is packed with examples of great faith. In chapter seven, you see the centurion's faith played out when his valued servant becomes ill and is about to die. The centurion sends word that he believes that with a simple word from Jesus that his servant can be healed.
In chapter eight, you meet the woman who believed that a simple touch of Jesus' robe will cure her of her twelve year illness. In that same chapter, you meet Jarius who is the father of a twelve year old daughter that is about to die. He begs Jesus to come and to heal her. On the way, the word comes that the girl had died. Jesus instructed Jarius to simply beleive and his daughter would be healed.
In each of these cases, great faith yields great rewards. The servant lives, the woman is healed, and the daughter is brought back to life. The same principles of faith apply today. If we have a need, we have to trust that God is going to provide for that need. Maybe it isn't as dramatic as these examples but God still wants us to display faith. He wants us to trust Him even in the daily things that life throws our way.
What do you need to trust God with today? Remember....GREAT faith yields GREAT rewards! Let's exercise our faith this week.
Luke seven to nine is packed with examples of great faith. In chapter seven, you see the centurion's faith played out when his valued servant becomes ill and is about to die. The centurion sends word that he believes that with a simple word from Jesus that his servant can be healed.
In chapter eight, you meet the woman who believed that a simple touch of Jesus' robe will cure her of her twelve year illness. In that same chapter, you meet Jarius who is the father of a twelve year old daughter that is about to die. He begs Jesus to come and to heal her. On the way, the word comes that the girl had died. Jesus instructed Jarius to simply beleive and his daughter would be healed.
In each of these cases, great faith yields great rewards. The servant lives, the woman is healed, and the daughter is brought back to life. The same principles of faith apply today. If we have a need, we have to trust that God is going to provide for that need. Maybe it isn't as dramatic as these examples but God still wants us to display faith. He wants us to trust Him even in the daily things that life throws our way.
What do you need to trust God with today? Remember....GREAT faith yields GREAT rewards! Let's exercise our faith this week.
Day 18
Luke 4-6
One of my favorite historical events of Jesus' life is recorded in Luke 5:17-26. The characters of this event are the paralyzed man, his friends, the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, and Jesus. Lets look at each one of these charaters.
The paralytic man is in a bad place but gets healed. The friends are willing to go to great lengths to help their friend. Failing to gain entrance to the meeting, the paralytics friends wouldn't quit. Their faith was great so they made their way to the roof. Creating a hole bis enough to lower the man through was no easy task. The Pharisees and teachers of the law included representatives from Jerusalem. These religious leaders were perhaps more influential than some because of where they came from. The Pharisees believed that people like the paralytic were in their predicament because of their sin. Jesus had been confronting the religious leaders about their false righteousness. The Pharisees righteousness was based on their works such as keeping the laws, feasts and etc. Jesus would establish that true righteousness can only come from a personal relationship with Him through faith.
The Pharisees got upset at Jesus because He said the paralytic's sins were forgiven and only God had the authority to forgive sin. This is a double edge sword that Jesus is using here. He know they believed that sicknesses and physical ailments were a result of sin. When Jesus heals the man, He is proving His authority over sin. To make it even more obvious, Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven. If God can only forgive sin, then Jesus proves He is God by healing paraylisis, which is caused by sin in the Pharisee's minds.
In this historical event, Jesus further confronts the Pharisee's false righteousness and proves He is God. Do you have the correct view of righteousness. What makes you right with God? If it is any thing other than Jesus, you have an improper view of righteousness.
One of my favorite historical events of Jesus' life is recorded in Luke 5:17-26. The characters of this event are the paralyzed man, his friends, the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, and Jesus. Lets look at each one of these charaters.
The paralytic man is in a bad place but gets healed. The friends are willing to go to great lengths to help their friend. Failing to gain entrance to the meeting, the paralytics friends wouldn't quit. Their faith was great so they made their way to the roof. Creating a hole bis enough to lower the man through was no easy task. The Pharisees and teachers of the law included representatives from Jerusalem. These religious leaders were perhaps more influential than some because of where they came from. The Pharisees believed that people like the paralytic were in their predicament because of their sin. Jesus had been confronting the religious leaders about their false righteousness. The Pharisees righteousness was based on their works such as keeping the laws, feasts and etc. Jesus would establish that true righteousness can only come from a personal relationship with Him through faith.
The Pharisees got upset at Jesus because He said the paralytic's sins were forgiven and only God had the authority to forgive sin. This is a double edge sword that Jesus is using here. He know they believed that sicknesses and physical ailments were a result of sin. When Jesus heals the man, He is proving His authority over sin. To make it even more obvious, Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven. If God can only forgive sin, then Jesus proves He is God by healing paraylisis, which is caused by sin in the Pharisee's minds.
In this historical event, Jesus further confronts the Pharisee's false righteousness and proves He is God. Do you have the correct view of righteousness. What makes you right with God? If it is any thing other than Jesus, you have an improper view of righteousness.
Day 17
Luke 1-3
Check this video out:
The day in which we live in is one of information overload. Within seconds a person can access reliable or unreliable information on any subject they so desire. This age we live in has come around rather quickly. Some of you know nothing else but this information age. However, my generation remembers the days when the internet could have meant some tool aiding in the process of catching fish. LOL Sorry, that was bad! The day when there wasn't a record of the historical account of Jesus must have been a scary and amazing time. Information traveled in a much different way compared to today.
Have you ever just kind of glossed over the first few sentences of a book of the Bible because they all seem to say the same thing? Well, you can't do that with Luke. If you do, you miss more than the normal greeting.
Even after Luke completed both Luke and Acts, progress in the copying and distribution of Scripture would have been extremely slow compared to today's spread of information. It is great to know that we do have the completed work of God in the Bible today. Not only that, but it can be spread to the corners of the earth in seconds. It can touch the lives of nearly every human being on the planet through various means. While today's generation is in a state of information overload, it can be a positive thing.
Thank God today that we have the completed, reliable, inspired, and infallible account of Jesus' life. Thank Him that in an age of information we can impact people all over the world with the gospel through many different means of communication. Ask God to make us more aware of the new ways to impact people around the world as the world of information changes.
Check this video out:
The day in which we live in is one of information overload. Within seconds a person can access reliable or unreliable information on any subject they so desire. This age we live in has come around rather quickly. Some of you know nothing else but this information age. However, my generation remembers the days when the internet could have meant some tool aiding in the process of catching fish. LOL Sorry, that was bad! The day when there wasn't a record of the historical account of Jesus must have been a scary and amazing time. Information traveled in a much different way compared to today.
Have you ever just kind of glossed over the first few sentences of a book of the Bible because they all seem to say the same thing? Well, you can't do that with Luke. If you do, you miss more than the normal greeting.
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.From this passage we can learn that "many" people in the first century were writing or speaking about the exciting times of Jesus. There were only four accounts accepted because they were the only ones deemed as Scripture. Only four were inspired by God. All the others contained error or bias. Luke understood how important the things that were taught and written about Jesus were. He recognized that information needed to come from people in "the know." Or, from the people that saw what Jesus did and said. And from the places that Jesus went and from the people that He impacted. Luke was certainly in "the know." He wasn't an eyewitness but he was close to people that were. He traveled and wrote for Paul on missionary journeys. If Luke wrote his account in about the year 60, his life would have intertwined extensively with many eyewitness of Jesus' life.
Even after Luke completed both Luke and Acts, progress in the copying and distribution of Scripture would have been extremely slow compared to today's spread of information. It is great to know that we do have the completed work of God in the Bible today. Not only that, but it can be spread to the corners of the earth in seconds. It can touch the lives of nearly every human being on the planet through various means. While today's generation is in a state of information overload, it can be a positive thing.
Thank God today that we have the completed, reliable, inspired, and infallible account of Jesus' life. Thank Him that in an age of information we can impact people all over the world with the gospel through many different means of communication. Ask God to make us more aware of the new ways to impact people around the world as the world of information changes.
Day 16
Mark 14-16
As we read these very familiar verses there is a great danger, that is that you've become so familiar with them that they no longer affect your emotions. If you read through these verse and you simply scanned through them assuming you knew what was next and what Mark was talking about it, I beg you, pray to God and ask him to enable you to be sensible to the greatest story ever told, and go back and read it again. These passages more than any other should mean a lot to us. They are the foundation of our faith, our hope, our joy. We read scripture, we pray, we gather to worship, because he did die for you and for me. Even more, he did resurrect.
Chapter 14 begins with an amazing story of worship. This women, completely understood that the essence of worship if dying to your self in order to exalt Jesus. She gave him not only her best but all that she had. She held nothing back. The most precious, the most expensive, the one thing that mattered most the her, she gave it to Jesus. Imagine the aroma in that room. Imagine the sweetness and softness of that oil being poured on Jesus. Imagine Jesus' words "she did this to prepare me for my burial" He knew the time was coming, and this was going to be his burial anointing. The other women didnt get to do it. I wonder if this was the way Jesus smelled when he resurrected.
Finally, notice verses 15:38-39. The huge curtain that separated God's presence from the rest of the people was now torn. God was telling everybody: communion, fellowship, love, relationship with me are now available through Jesus! Now, you yourself can come to his throne. You can enjoy fellowship with the Father because of Jesus' sacrifice.
How is your relationship with God? are you enjoying Him? is he real and evident in your everyday life? can others see that?
how is your worship? are you wiling to give it all to Him? Is Jesus precious to you?
As we read these very familiar verses there is a great danger, that is that you've become so familiar with them that they no longer affect your emotions. If you read through these verse and you simply scanned through them assuming you knew what was next and what Mark was talking about it, I beg you, pray to God and ask him to enable you to be sensible to the greatest story ever told, and go back and read it again. These passages more than any other should mean a lot to us. They are the foundation of our faith, our hope, our joy. We read scripture, we pray, we gather to worship, because he did die for you and for me. Even more, he did resurrect.
Chapter 14 begins with an amazing story of worship. This women, completely understood that the essence of worship if dying to your self in order to exalt Jesus. She gave him not only her best but all that she had. She held nothing back. The most precious, the most expensive, the one thing that mattered most the her, she gave it to Jesus. Imagine the aroma in that room. Imagine the sweetness and softness of that oil being poured on Jesus. Imagine Jesus' words "she did this to prepare me for my burial" He knew the time was coming, and this was going to be his burial anointing. The other women didnt get to do it. I wonder if this was the way Jesus smelled when he resurrected.
Finally, notice verses 15:38-39. The huge curtain that separated God's presence from the rest of the people was now torn. God was telling everybody: communion, fellowship, love, relationship with me are now available through Jesus! Now, you yourself can come to his throne. You can enjoy fellowship with the Father because of Jesus' sacrifice.
How is your relationship with God? are you enjoying Him? is he real and evident in your everyday life? can others see that?
how is your worship? are you wiling to give it all to Him? Is Jesus precious to you?
Day 15
Mark 12-13
We begin the third week of Chasing99 and by the end of this week, if we stay consistent, we very well could have begun a habit. Habits form quickly! We often think of them as a bad thing. In this case, it is very good. God smiles when His people honor Him by reading, thinking, writing and doing. So, I ask you this today. Are you alert and watching as it say we are to be at the end of Mark 13.
It say that no one can know exactly when the Lord will return. We have to be ready for the Lord at any moment. Jesus critics also see this as a contradiction in Scripture. That was nearly two-thousand years ago and He still hasn't done what He said was so imminent. We must understand what "this generation" means in verse 30.
"This generation" could mean one of three things. First, it could mean the people living during that time in the first century. In that case all those thing mentioned would refer to the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. I can't hold to this understanding of this passage. Another meaning could be that in is the entire race of Jewish people over all of time. If that is true, it means that the Jewish race would never be extinct. So, "this generation" either refers to a span of time or to a race of people. Or, it could mean that it is the generation that sees those things begin to take place. It is a generation in the future, when seeing the events beginning to play out described in this chapter, they will see all the event happen through the coming of Jesus into the millennium in that generation. I believe it could be either the second of third interpretation.
In either case, there is a rational explanation for the apparent contradiction. The Bible is infallible and will last forever. The Bible can be trusted to guide us through every aspect on life. The Bible is not just a bunch of stories about real people. It is the truest account of history that comes to us without bias and error. All accounts of history are written with a degree of bias by its authors. The Bible is free from any degree of bias because God is the author. Trust it!
We begin the third week of Chasing99 and by the end of this week, if we stay consistent, we very well could have begun a habit. Habits form quickly! We often think of them as a bad thing. In this case, it is very good. God smiles when His people honor Him by reading, thinking, writing and doing. So, I ask you this today. Are you alert and watching as it say we are to be at the end of Mark 13.
It say that no one can know exactly when the Lord will return. We have to be ready for the Lord at any moment. Jesus critics also see this as a contradiction in Scripture. That was nearly two-thousand years ago and He still hasn't done what He said was so imminent. We must understand what "this generation" means in verse 30.
"This generation" could mean one of three things. First, it could mean the people living during that time in the first century. In that case all those thing mentioned would refer to the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. I can't hold to this understanding of this passage. Another meaning could be that in is the entire race of Jewish people over all of time. If that is true, it means that the Jewish race would never be extinct. So, "this generation" either refers to a span of time or to a race of people. Or, it could mean that it is the generation that sees those things begin to take place. It is a generation in the future, when seeing the events beginning to play out described in this chapter, they will see all the event happen through the coming of Jesus into the millennium in that generation. I believe it could be either the second of third interpretation.
In either case, there is a rational explanation for the apparent contradiction. The Bible is infallible and will last forever. The Bible can be trusted to guide us through every aspect on life. The Bible is not just a bunch of stories about real people. It is the truest account of history that comes to us without bias and error. All accounts of history are written with a degree of bias by its authors. The Bible is free from any degree of bias because God is the author. Trust it!
Day 14
Mark 10-11
Have you ever wondered why Jesus cursed the fig tree that had no fruit on when it wasn't the season for figs? Jesus critics look at this incident as an apparent contradiction. However, there is a prefect explanation for Jesus' actions. You can find this story in Mark 11. Remember, Jesus is dealing with religious leaders who were mostly concerned with external performance or outward appearances.
Sure the time of year was spring and it was not the season for ripe figs. Jesus was hungry and He obviously understood when the right time of the year was to find food on a tree. After all, He did create the fig tree. Also, He knew people's thoughts and intentions without them saying a word. Surely He could determine a tree had no fruit on it from a distance. It's clear that Jesus was trying to make a statement with the tree.
The fig tree had every appearance of health with it's green leaves. However, upon closer inspection by Jesus there was absolutely no sign of potential fruit for this tree. There would have been small buds to eat but more importantly the buds would prove a new crop of figs in a few months. The absence of these buds showed Jesus there was no hope for fruit that year.
Now to my point. Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on our outward appearance rather than what fruit our lives are producing. Jesus was very unhappy with the hypocrite fig tree. How do you think He feels about our lives when our outward appearance indicates health and our lives are producing no fruit. The battle against hypocrisy must be a constant fight if we are intent on pleasing Christ.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus cursed the fig tree that had no fruit on when it wasn't the season for figs? Jesus critics look at this incident as an apparent contradiction. However, there is a prefect explanation for Jesus' actions. You can find this story in Mark 11. Remember, Jesus is dealing with religious leaders who were mostly concerned with external performance or outward appearances.
Sure the time of year was spring and it was not the season for ripe figs. Jesus was hungry and He obviously understood when the right time of the year was to find food on a tree. After all, He did create the fig tree. Also, He knew people's thoughts and intentions without them saying a word. Surely He could determine a tree had no fruit on it from a distance. It's clear that Jesus was trying to make a statement with the tree.
The fig tree had every appearance of health with it's green leaves. However, upon closer inspection by Jesus there was absolutely no sign of potential fruit for this tree. There would have been small buds to eat but more importantly the buds would prove a new crop of figs in a few months. The absence of these buds showed Jesus there was no hope for fruit that year.
Now to my point. Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on our outward appearance rather than what fruit our lives are producing. Jesus was very unhappy with the hypocrite fig tree. How do you think He feels about our lives when our outward appearance indicates health and our lives are producing no fruit. The battle against hypocrisy must be a constant fight if we are intent on pleasing Christ.
Day 13
Mark 7-9
During Jesus ministry, He had different types of followers. The crew that "turned the world upside down", His disciples, were the most serious. Others were attracted to Jesus because of what they could benefit from His presence. At the end of Mark 8, Jesus draws a definite distinction between His true followers and the not so serious followers. On this typical day, Jesus spoke to a crowd of people:
I am corresponding with a former student now in a Middle Eastern country where one could lose their life for the gospel. He wrote that he is beginning to understand this principle. He shared that once there were times when he listened to music that Jesus would have nothing to do with. That he watched movies He would never be pleased with. That his thoughts were on things that Jesus would never entertain. The list went on to several different things that he realized were unholy.
If we are going to be serious followers of Christ, we have to sacrifice some things here on earth that hinder our pursuit of holiness. There are things that we are involved with that Jesus would have nothing to do with. Whose life is it anyway? Do you know what it is to lose your life for the sake of the gospel? What type of a follower of Jesus are you? Comment or check a box
During Jesus ministry, He had different types of followers. The crew that "turned the world upside down", His disciples, were the most serious. Others were attracted to Jesus because of what they could benefit from His presence. At the end of Mark 8, Jesus draws a definite distinction between His true followers and the not so serious followers. On this typical day, Jesus spoke to a crowd of people:
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.To be a serious follower of Christ, it will cost us something. No, salvation is still a free gift. However, to continue as a follower we will have to deny ourselves of some things in this world. That is if we what to carry out God plan for our lives and be blessed by God.
I am corresponding with a former student now in a Middle Eastern country where one could lose their life for the gospel. He wrote that he is beginning to understand this principle. He shared that once there were times when he listened to music that Jesus would have nothing to do with. That he watched movies He would never be pleased with. That his thoughts were on things that Jesus would never entertain. The list went on to several different things that he realized were unholy.
If we are going to be serious followers of Christ, we have to sacrifice some things here on earth that hinder our pursuit of holiness. There are things that we are involved with that Jesus would have nothing to do with. Whose life is it anyway? Do you know what it is to lose your life for the sake of the gospel? What type of a follower of Jesus are you? Comment or check a box
Day 12
Mark 4-6
In Bible study this morning I spoke about revival and a few key ingredients for it. For revival to happen in your life, you must hear the Word and do something about what God convicts you to do. The Holy Spirit is a given here. No real change has ever happened apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. In today's reading we can see these same ingredients. Jesus said this in Mark 4:12:
We are chasing99 to change our lives and the lives of others. Do you want revival in your life? Do you want to see others changed? Then, we must hear, understand and do something. When God convicts you of something, turn the right way and allow Him to change you. It will make a world of difference or it could even make a difference in the world.
In Bible study this morning I spoke about revival and a few key ingredients for it. For revival to happen in your life, you must hear the Word and do something about what God convicts you to do. The Holy Spirit is a given here. No real change has ever happened apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. In today's reading we can see these same ingredients. Jesus said this in Mark 4:12:
they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!
We are chasing99 to change our lives and the lives of others. Do you want revival in your life? Do you want to see others changed? Then, we must hear, understand and do something. When God convicts you of something, turn the right way and allow Him to change you. It will make a world of difference or it could even make a difference in the world.
Day 11
Mark 1-3
The first chapter of the Gospel of Mark is quite eventful. It moves quickly through John’s preparation for the ministry of Jesus, Jesus’ baptism, His temptation, the healing miracles, and the calling of the Disciples.
A couple of things really stick out to me about these passages. The first is that when Jesus spoke, people listened and responded. Here are some questions that come to my mind:
- I wonder why the Disciples respond so immediately to the call to follow Him. Yes, they might have heard about Jesus but did they really know Him?
- Did they have any reason to trust that they were making the correct decision to give up their jobs and leave their families behind?
- Did they know what they would gain by their instant obedience?
- Would you and I have been so quick to follow the call of someone that wasn’t already a trusted and proven friend?
I think it is safe to assume the answer to all of those questions would be an emphatic NO! I do think that it must have been evident that He was different than other men. Why else would he illicit such responses?
The other thing that really hit me was at the end of the chapter when Jesus healed the leper. After Jesus had healed him, He instructed him not to tell anyone. The leper could not keep that to himself – he told anyone that would listen that Jesus had miraculously healed him! Jesus has done innumerable things for us but do we share that with anyone? Do we respond to His goodness in a way that we can not contain it inside or do we just take it all for granted? Do we remain silent when we have every reason to shout from the rooftops? Are we too prideful to admit that God is the reason behind any abilities we have or success that we experience? Are we so scared to acknowledge to those around us that Jesus is the Lord of our life?
This week, let’s choose to respond to Jesus in the way that the Disciples and the leper responded. Let’s begin by following Him immediately as He leads us. Maybe it is inviting someone to youth group or simply responding to a situation in a Christlike manner. And let’s take a good look at our lives and respond accordingly to what God has done in our lives and TELL someone about it!
Here is your chance to respond immediately….comment here with some things that God has done for you!
Day 10
Matthew 27-28
Wow! We made it through the first book of the New Testament in just ten days. Congrats! The reading today was a little tough. The crucifixion is difficult to take for me since it was my sin that put Jesus there in the first place. He took my place.
Certainly one of the worst things about the cross was the rejection Jesus experienced from His own Father as Lalo pointed out yesterday. Jesus was rejected by many other people too though. How about Pilate's rejection by refusing to deal with the matter. He feared man more than God. There was the hosanna crowd that rejected Him by choosing Barabbas. There are others as well. Look at Matthew 27:41-44.
The mockers while Jesus bleed drops of life saving blood are horrific. They looked defiantly at a defenseless man and hurled insult after insult at Him. I know Jesus could have fought back and that makes Him even more vulnerable. He couldn't fight back because He loves us so much that He had to just painfully take it. He stayed on the cross to save me... and you!
That fact makes me even more ashamed that at times I don't trust Him. Sure, I can point to this and that to show my "great" faith. However, there are time, which happen far too often, where I worry about things. Things that have no eternal significance. Things that turn out to be nothing, which I've built up in my mind as earth shaking.
Listen... We have to live out our lives by faith. It's faith that saved us. It's faith that makes our lives pleasing to God. Search the word "faith" in the book of Matthew and take note of what you find. You will see Jesus doing great things when people live by faith. It's amazing how quickly we forget to trust Him. Seriously, I'm just as bad as those people that mocked Jesus while He was on the cross.
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Wow! We made it through the first book of the New Testament in just ten days. Congrats! The reading today was a little tough. The crucifixion is difficult to take for me since it was my sin that put Jesus there in the first place. He took my place.
Certainly one of the worst things about the cross was the rejection Jesus experienced from His own Father as Lalo pointed out yesterday. Jesus was rejected by many other people too though. How about Pilate's rejection by refusing to deal with the matter. He feared man more than God. There was the hosanna crowd that rejected Him by choosing Barabbas. There are others as well. Look at Matthew 27:41-44.
In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The mockers while Jesus bleed drops of life saving blood are horrific. They looked defiantly at a defenseless man and hurled insult after insult at Him. I know Jesus could have fought back and that makes Him even more vulnerable. He couldn't fight back because He loves us so much that He had to just painfully take it. He stayed on the cross to save me... and you!
That fact makes me even more ashamed that at times I don't trust Him. Sure, I can point to this and that to show my "great" faith. However, there are time, which happen far too often, where I worry about things. Things that have no eternal significance. Things that turn out to be nothing, which I've built up in my mind as earth shaking.
Listen... We have to live out our lives by faith. It's faith that saved us. It's faith that makes our lives pleasing to God. Search the word "faith" in the book of Matthew and take note of what you find. You will see Jesus doing great things when people live by faith. It's amazing how quickly we forget to trust Him. Seriously, I'm just as bad as those people that mocked Jesus while He was on the cross.
Leave a comment.
Day 9
Matthew 25-26
Imagine for just a second the scene at Gethsemane. Jesus is "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" He feels like he wants to die, literally. In order to aid his feeling he goes on to pray to his Father. He prayed that if possible his cup would be spared...He didnt hear an answer. He prays again...nothing. Another Gospel tells us that by this point he was sooo overwhelmed that he started sweating blood. One last time he prays...for a third time he heard nothing. What was his affliction? Why was he so stressed?
Jesus knew that he had come to this world to die. He knew he was innocent. He knew of the "joy set before him." So then, why was he praying? The "cup" Jesus was talking about was the wrath of God poured on Him. It was the entirety of your sin and my sin over his body. It was the Father crushing his Son for you and me. "For so much God loved you that he CRUSHED his only son, so that you can have eternal life if you believe in him"
That weary night at the garden, Jesus was contemplating separation from God beacuse of our sin. For the very first and only time he would be forsaken by His Father. He was forsaken so that you and me would come to Him. So that your sin and my sin would be judged in his body, and God's justice magnified. He died so that you and me would live. He died to make you free. He died beacuse He loved YOU!
Are you alive in Jesus?
How glorious and beautiful is the good news of Jesus.
Are you delighting yourself in His grace and love for you?
Are you satisfied in Him?
Imagine for just a second the scene at Gethsemane. Jesus is "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" He feels like he wants to die, literally. In order to aid his feeling he goes on to pray to his Father. He prayed that if possible his cup would be spared...He didnt hear an answer. He prays again...nothing. Another Gospel tells us that by this point he was sooo overwhelmed that he started sweating blood. One last time he prays...for a third time he heard nothing. What was his affliction? Why was he so stressed?
Jesus knew that he had come to this world to die. He knew he was innocent. He knew of the "joy set before him." So then, why was he praying? The "cup" Jesus was talking about was the wrath of God poured on Him. It was the entirety of your sin and my sin over his body. It was the Father crushing his Son for you and me. "For so much God loved you that he CRUSHED his only son, so that you can have eternal life if you believe in him"
That weary night at the garden, Jesus was contemplating separation from God beacuse of our sin. For the very first and only time he would be forsaken by His Father. He was forsaken so that you and me would come to Him. So that your sin and my sin would be judged in his body, and God's justice magnified. He died so that you and me would live. He died to make you free. He died beacuse He loved YOU!
Are you alive in Jesus?
How glorious and beautiful is the good news of Jesus.
Are you delighting yourself in His grace and love for you?
Are you satisfied in Him?
Day 8
Matthew 22-24
We start a new teaching series tonight titled "One Month to Live". This past week we read through Matthew's perspective on Jesus' life and the remainder of the book deals with His final days. Look, as you read the rest of Matthew, at how Jesus made the most of every moment in His final days here on earth. No time was wasted as He meticulously prepared the disciples for ministry without Him.
Everyday we have in life is purposeful in God's economy. We must do our best to live our lives as if the end is near. Is today my last day to live this life? I hope not but I plan on it. Well, I hope I really live with that in mind. Whether or not we know when the end of our life is, we must understand and live as if we are nearly out of time. We must do all that we need to do now and not put off on tomorrow what can be done today.
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We start a new teaching series tonight titled "One Month to Live". This past week we read through Matthew's perspective on Jesus' life and the remainder of the book deals with His final days. Look, as you read the rest of Matthew, at how Jesus made the most of every moment in His final days here on earth. No time was wasted as He meticulously prepared the disciples for ministry without Him.
Everyday we have in life is purposeful in God's economy. We must do our best to live our lives as if the end is near. Is today my last day to live this life? I hope not but I plan on it. Well, I hope I really live with that in mind. Whether or not we know when the end of our life is, we must understand and live as if we are nearly out of time. We must do all that we need to do now and not put off on tomorrow what can be done today.
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Day 7
Matthew 19-21
What is the product of your life? Seriously, what is it that other people would say of your life product? Chapter 21 in today's reading reveals the produce of some people that were around Jesus.
The chapter starts with people in Jerusalem praising Jesus as He entered the city. On the outside, what these people were producing seemed good. However, we know that eventually these same people would turn on Jesus and their cry would turn from Hosanna to Crucify Him. Their lives produce was a lie. It was bad.
When Jesus went in to the temple he found the produce of the people was greed and selfishness. They had made an instrument of praise into a money making scheme. As Jesus walked pass a fig tree that had no fruit, He cursed it and it died. The fig tree had nothing to show for it's life. The chief priests and elders had deception as their life produce. In the parable of the two sons, the sons had disobedience as their produce. The tenants in the next parable had evilness as their lives product. Are you getting the picture?
Matthew 21:43 says,
What is the product of your life? Seriously, what is it that other people would say of your life product? Chapter 21 in today's reading reveals the produce of some people that were around Jesus.
The chapter starts with people in Jerusalem praising Jesus as He entered the city. On the outside, what these people were producing seemed good. However, we know that eventually these same people would turn on Jesus and their cry would turn from Hosanna to Crucify Him. Their lives produce was a lie. It was bad.
When Jesus went in to the temple he found the produce of the people was greed and selfishness. They had made an instrument of praise into a money making scheme. As Jesus walked pass a fig tree that had no fruit, He cursed it and it died. The fig tree had nothing to show for it's life. The chief priests and elders had deception as their life produce. In the parable of the two sons, the sons had disobedience as their produce. The tenants in the next parable had evilness as their lives product. Are you getting the picture?
Matthew 21:43 says,
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.This is referring to Israel but we need to take heed as well. What is your life producing. We only have so many days to make our lives count for the cause of Christ. Examine your life produce and determine if you want to stand before God with what it is. It's never to late to change as long as you have breathe. Go make a difference! Respond with a comment.
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