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.
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