02-06-11 (Day 6) Bottom Line

Day 6

Be bold like Peter and John and fear no man.  Witness and testify fearlessly for God and know that He will be there with you.   Being with you, the Holy Spirit carries this burden with you making it far lighter than that of the law of sin and death.  Daily we can be empowered by the Holy Spirit and find joy in serving the Lord. (even under persecution… perhaps especially under persecution) Remember that God is not only with you, but He will also fight with you, for your, avenge you, provide a way out, protect you, guide you, and give you rest.  It is ok to become weary in these daily battles.  We can rest on God.  The person of God that I disciple after was willing to die to reach me.  I should be willing at the very least to be persecuted to reach out to others.   I should take detours if need be to reach out to others in need and approach them without judgment. 

SPECK

S-sin to avoid = Pride. 

P-Promise to claim = When I am fully trained I will be like Jesus

E-example to follow = Jesus

C-Command to obey = Learn???

K-Knowledge to believe = 

02-05-11 (Day 5) see, search, so what

Day 5

The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

SEE:

I see this as being about humility.  A student is not to think of himself as being better than his teacher.  I also see purposeful effort.  To be fully trained is not something I imagine as easy at all when considering the material we are trained on; life.  Rather it takes a lifetime to become fully trained on life and only a teacher such as Jesus could fully train one do do the Father’s will in that time.  I see humility and purposeful effort to do the Father’s will.

SEARCH:

Who – Who is this verse written to?  Who is it about?  Who wrote it?

This was written by God through Luke and records Jesus speaking to a large crowd of His disciples and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyr and Sidon.  It is about me that Jesus is speaking.  I am the student; the disciple.

What – What should I do?

                I should be humble and seek daily to learn the way of Jesus.      

Where – Where should I do this?

                Everywhere.  Even when I do not have my eyes on the Bible I should have my mind meditating on His word.

Why – Why should I seek to learn the ways of Jesus?

                To serve and reach others and to be like Him who has come to seek and save the lost.  I cannot ever fully reach this in every way, but I can become more like Him daily and become empowered daily by the Holy Spirit to do the good that He would do here.

SO WHAT:

There shouldn’t be a day that goes by that I do not follow after my Master and King.  Every day, (no matter what!), I need to spend time in the Word of God.  This needs to be a priority.  Every day, (no matter what!), I need to spend time communicating with my Teacher and learning humbly from Him.  This is a class that I cannot afford to miss.  Nor do I desire to do so.  

02-04-11 (Day 4) Luke 19:1-10

Day 4

“Jesus went into be a guest with a man who was a sinner, but He came out from the dinner with a saved man!” – Enduringword.com

The passage I read was Luke 19:1-10

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+19:1-10&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Jesus was headed through Jericho and a wealthy chief tax collector named Zacchaeus was too short to see and thus climbed a tree for a better view.  Jesus ended up inviting him down from the tree so that Jesus could have dinner with him (which of course caused others to judge Jesus – for hangin with a sinner). 

Luke 19:8-10

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord!  Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus said to him, “Today Salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

As I reflect:

In considering the route Jesus chose to take to get to Jerusalem one may be curious of the reason going through Jericho was chosen.  There are other routes, but perhaps Jesus’ only reason was this encounter with Zacchaeus.  Perhaps He wanted the word to more widely spread that he did reach out to and spend time with sinners instead of hiding from or condemning them.  Perhaps.  I speculate though.  It just kinda seems like something Jesus would do.  Make a detour to spend time with a sinner (who in this case ended up repented and saved btw), and let everyone see.

Thinking about Zacchaeus and what he did to see Jesus, I find it a bit “beneath him” as a wealthy adult.  This surely seems something that would get you laughed at…. Especially considering his size and that he was likely not well liked.  I am pleased to see that he didn’t seem to care about what others thought though.  He was more excited for a chance at merely seeing the Savior.  Perhaps that is one of the reasons that Jesus chose him to dine with.  Perhaps Jesus knew this man’s heart already (very likely I thinks) and that this man’s heart was prepared to receive new life.  How grand to be called by name as the Lord does here for Zacchaeus.

John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 

I don’t think Jesus chose this route by accident at all.  God only knows the changes that occurred in the time line of Zacchaeus’ life and all he came across from that point on.  I think for me, one of the largest portions of this passage to reflect on is that there is effort on our end to reach out to the hand that is reaching in.  We are also told in the Word to “ask”, “seek”, and “Knock”.  I think again here we are seeing someone else making the effort to reach out to Jesus; an effort to make a connection genuinely and my loving Savior has never been quick to turn away from such an advance.  I remember the day when I finally hit rock bottom and I reached out to Him.  He didn’t hesitate for a moment to immediately take my hand and pull me from the mire I was drowning in.  I haven’t let go of that hand since and He hasn’t let go of me. 

Jesus at the end of this passage says that He came to seek and save the lost.  This was exactly the reason He went to dinner with Zacchaeus.  He also said that Zacchaeus was a true son of Abraham.  This is because he was not only a descendent genetically, but also had the faith in God that Abe had. 

There is also a completely different study I see here on the wealthy man Jesus met with that thought he was all that plus HBO but ended up walking away sad cuz he had to give up great wealth.  Why Zacchaeus received such a different approach was because his heart placed Jesus far higher a priority than the money.  His wealth was easily released showing no strong hold in the heart that would hinder him from thus following after Christ.  This rich man was one of the few who could be rich and make it into Heaven still because of the state of his heart.  But that’s a whole other study.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I believe you are worthy to go out on a limb for (both literally and figuratively).  I believe you are worthy of far greater than this, but if it will appease may you accept my going out on a limb; my taking a detour to reach others as an offering of my service to you.   I pray I never stop seeking You in my life.  I want to look around inside and out in my life and eventually find that there is no more of me there… Just you.  I pray to be able to look in the mirror one day and just see what you have done, not what I have failed to do.  If it is only by the merit of Jesus that we are saved, than may it be only by His merit that I live.  May I never become content to simply be saved, but I pray Lord that I would continually strive to know you more.  I pray that my heart would always be prepared to receive your word and that I would eagerly meet with you daily to do so.  I pray that those who would read these words, would also have this desire planted deeply within their hearts.  In Jesus name.  

02-03-11 (Day 3) Matthew 10:24-31

Day 3

  

The passage I read was Matthew 10:24-31

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Jesus says (paraphrased) that we are not above the teacher, but like our teacher.  Likewise for the unbeliever and how they are like their master (satan).  We have nothing to fear of the unbeliever.  What we learn from Jesus, proclaim it and don’t fear the enemy.  He can kill your body (through the unbeliever) but he cannot kill your soul.  But do fear God, for He has command of your body and soul. 

You are valued far more than birds and God takes care of them well.  So don’t be afraid.

As I reflect:

The persecution I receive for my beliefs is something that not only happens but should be expected.  This passage says that we (when fully trained) will be like our teacher.  In my case, the Teacher is Jesus Christ and If I am to be like Him, then will I not also receive persecution and perhaps even death as He also received?  They called him Beelzebub and believed that the things He did were from the power of Satan.  They beat Him, ripped His beard, cut His back wide open, ran nails through hands and feet, and crucified Him.  Have I any right to be angry when someone becomes angry with my attempts to introduce them to their own need for Jesus?   Seems to me like their anger at me pales, nay disappears entirely when compared to what Jesus went through for me.  And I should certainly not be afraid (though this tends to be one of Satan’s tools against me when I’m in the field of the harvest working).  I just need to remember several things:  Greater is He that is in me that he that is in the world.  Fear is of the enemy, so if I feel fear it is because I am a threat and the enemy wants me to cease and desist.  I’ll not give him that satisfaction.  The person of God that I disciple after was willing to die to reach me.  I should be willing at the very least to be persecuted to reach out to others.   I needn’t fear this knowing that the Creator of my very existence is in charge and cares deeply for me.  He will surely work all things for the good in me because I love Him and I am chosen according to His purpose. 

Trapp said, “He that fears God need fear none else.”  I love that quote.  I think it hits home with me and hopefully with other believers too.  Don’t let Satan hold you back from your witness and use fear to drive you away from your calling.  Fear only God and do what He has asked of you. Love others, share the good Word.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, too often the fear creeps upon me and stops me from opening my mouth when I am talking with someone that doesn’t know you.  I ask for your wisdom and guidance fully Father.  I don’t want to push people away from you, of cause them to hater your followers, but at the same time will we not be hated for following you regardless?  It’s often hard to discern when to speak and when not to, but I pray that you would build up and strengthen that discernment which you have given me that I would at the very least never keep my mouth closed due to fear or human logic overcoming your calling.  May your will be done instead.  For this reason I pray for courage and a bold heart in the missions field that you would use me to reach who you will.  Lord, speak when you will through me.  Reach when you will through me.  I pray there be nothing found in me that hinder your use of me for the furthering of your kingdom Father.  In your Son’s name. 

02-02-11 (Day 2) Matthew 11:25-30

Day 2

The passage I read was Matthew 11:25-30

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011:25-30&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Here Jesus thanks His Father God for making the truth known to the disciples but allowing the prideful and knowledgeable to remain blind to it.  He then tells the disciples that He knows the Father and can chose to reveal the Father to people.  Also, He says He will give rest to the weary and burdened that would come to Him.  He then wraps up this passage advising that His yoke is easy and His burden is light and He is gentle and humble in heart.  We can come to Him and receive this yoke instead of the heavy yoke we currently carry, and we can learn from Him.

These are my words and as such cannot be taken as anything other than my attempt to summarize this passage.  Please do not take my words as a replacement for the actual written word of God.  Please read the passage for yourself if you seek the complete knowledge and wisdom found in the Word and accept no substitute.

As I reflect:

Absolutely awesome!  A great deal is actually covered in this passage so I will try to keep my reflection notes short as to not babble on for pages.  1^st, starting in verse 25 Jesus is speaking to God aloud.  The word says “answered” which implies the communication occurring both ways between this person of the trinity and God the Father.  Jesus is thankful that God chose not to reveal to the wise and prideful but to the “babes” which is the word used here to represent the disciples because of their lack of education.  It’s actually a bit sarcastic in the light of making fun of the view that the self righteous prideful educated men would have called the disciples who actually were more in the know then them.  The knowledgeable men of the time were those that rejected Christ and His miracles.  It was those that were willing to follow as children and that God chose to reveal to us these things that were enlightened as to the true nature… nay, super nature of this person of Jesus Christ.   I believe this for me can be taken as a reminder to not allow the search for knowledge or obtaining of knowledge to become such a self serving pride that I might become blind to the truth found in approaching our Lord as a child. 

In verse 28 Jesus goes on to speak to the disciples regarding the difference in the yoke of the world and the yoke that He offers.  The yoke of the world, this heavy burden that He speaks of is more fully explained in Matthew 23:1-4 as He warns against the Pharisees’ hypocrisy.

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.  So you must be careful to do everything they tell you.  But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.  They tie up heavy cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.’”

Matthew 11:28 sticks out most to me in this passage as He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  This simply has to make it into the memorization verse pile for the family.  Such a useful thing to know and use when we feel heavy burdened by this world.  We must remember as Christians that we carried the burden of this world.  It was a huge burden upon our backs and we have been relieved of that burden upon coming to Christ.  He took away the troubles of this world and replaced it with His yoke.  We now no longer toil in vain.  We have rest for our souls in knowing that the day our body dies, our spirit will be led out from the body and into our Heavenly home in the presence of our Lord.  Until that time, we have the joyous knowledge that God is with us now through His Holy Spirit that guides us, leads us away from temptation, gives us outs when we are tempted beyond what we can bare, helps us carry when our burdens seem heavy, lights our path when we don’t know which way to step, comforts us when we have been persecuted, and allows us the many opportunities for growth and joy through trials and tribulations that the world causes but just doesn’t understand.   And to think He says, “come”, thus inviting and driving away none.  You are invited if you have not yet taken hold of His yoke.  It is freely offered for you to exchange now your burdens for the light yoke of the Lord.  Let none draw anyone to themselves but let us draw the unbeliever to Jesus who says, “come”. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I thank you for your free offer and I fully accept.  Thank you that because of your mighty redeeming blood I do not have to walk in this world alone.  I can come to you and lay my heavy burdens at the foot of the cross, and walk in your ways.  I thank you that you allow me to disciple after you.  I thank you that you would even hear me but all the more that you would forgive me, be merciful to me, take my cold heart out and placing your heart in me heal me, and call me your own.  This yoke is truly easy when compared to the yoke of the world.  You took that weight on for me and now when I fall or begin to struggle, you are there to carry me that I would not be left behind.  May I never again approach the foot of the cross and pick back up my burdens.  May my walk as one of your children reflect my thankfulness for what you have done in adopting and teaching me your ways Father.  May I always give you praise and all honor and glory due your name.  In the great and mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray.  Amen.

02-01-11 (Day 1) Acts 4:1-13

Day 1

The passage I read was Acts 4:1-13

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4:1-13&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Peter and John were speaking to people about the resurrection of the dead in Jesus.  They were arrested by the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees for this.  Thankfully, many that heard believed.  The next day as they were questioned “By what power or what name did you do this?”, Peter replied, “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel:  It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  Jesus is ‘The stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”  The men were astonished at the response.

As I reflect:

The fact that the Sadducees, the priests, and the captain of the temple guard didn’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ didn’t A – change the fact that Jesus did rise and did empower through His Holy Spirit and B – matter to Peter and John.  I look at their response and wonder if I would be so bold given the same situation.  Not only bold, but so faithful to the mission that they would even use this as an opportunity to further proclaim the Lord Jesus for Salvation even unto those whose earthly authority would allow them to greatly punish these men.  I believe that, like Daniel, these men know that they are under direct authority from God and they thus do not fear men’s abilities.  Here they were standing before those of the Sanhedrin who recently also crucified Jesus and at some point they must have thought that these men could very well do the same thing to them.  They just didn’t care.  There was no kissing butts to their calling.  They fully trusted God and they were devoted to doing as they ought. I also see that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit yet again here before the Sanhedrin and it was that very Holy Spirit that prompted such boldness and brought from Peter’s mouth the right words for this very moment.  This reminds me of Matthew 10 when Jesus warned the Disciples to be on guard against men that will hand them over to local councils and flog them.  He says this, “On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.  But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.  At that time you will be given what to say, For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. “ Matthew 10:18-20

Here we see that played out exactly.  And so it is also with us.  Then the men marveled because they realized the men were uneducated.  They were just Galilean fishermen but they did have one essential qualification to be so bold in their ministry… They had been with Jesus.  And so this also is with us.  We have been given the Holy Spirit as believers today and we should be as bold to stand before our accusers and continue the same ministry to them that they hold us accused for in this world.  Know ye that the Lord has authority over all the earth and we answer to Him.  Who can harm us if the Lord wants not harm to come to us?  Who can stop us from His service if we are faithful in serving for the right motive? 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I praise you for the wonders I see in history and for the wonders I still see today.  I praise you even for what has not yet been done because You alone are worthy.  Lord, that you hold the power to put boldness into men and speak through your servants, is exciting and I anticipate with joy that you will use me by your Holy Spirit to speak boldly as well should I ever stand accused for you.  Peter and John were bold because they had once walked with your Son.  Father, I walk with your Son still and I pray for such boldness that I would share your Gospel in the same manner as these two men I have read about.  Empower me in your will Lord that I may more boldly serve you.  In Jesus name.  Amen. 

01-29-11 (Day 5) Luke 6:40 define

Day 5

Luke 6:40

The Student is not above the Teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

Student

-a person formally engaged in learning, esp. one enrolled in a school or college; pupil: a student at Yale.

-any person who studies, investigates, or examines thoughtfully: a student of human nature.

Above

higher in rank, authority, or power

superior in rank, authority, or standing to

fully

entirely or wholly

trained

to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of (achild or other person) by discipline and instruction to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of (achild or other person) by discipline and instruction like of the same form, appearance, kind, character, amount, etc.:I cannot remember a like instance.

Bearing resemblance.

The person who investigates, or examines thoughtfully the instructions of their teacher is not higher or superior in rank, authority, power, or standing than their teacher, but everyone who is entirely or wholly trained to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of their teacher by discipline and instruction will bear the same form, kind, and character of their teacher.

01-28-11 (Day 4) 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

Day 4

The passage I read was 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

You can find that passage here: 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%201:2-10&version=NKJV

My summary of the passage is this:

This is the start of a letter to the Thessalonian Christians.  At this point in the letter Paul is praising them for a job well done.  He tells them that they have done so good at sticking to the Word of God that others are talking good things about them all over the place and that ward has even gotten back to Paul.  He pats them on the back metaphorically speaking telling them that they took the good with the bad and the bad with the good and they stayed joyous through it all.  He tells them how they have become an example of Christianity to even surrounding cities and that others even speak of how they have turned away from evil at once and served God.  Paul let’s them know that what they’ve done hasn’t gone unnoticed but that everyone that sees them can tell they are living in such a way as to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ their risen Lord.

Just a reminder, this is just my attempt to summarize and simplify the passage for the general idea.  For a passage study, I encourage everyone to please read the actual passage for yourself and in this case, may I suggest that you also read the message version in addition to the link above to the new king james version as the two versions have given me a greater understanding often when used together.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%201:2-10&version=MSG

As I reflect:

What a compliment of being a good example that one such as Paul would write you a letter letting you know what a good job you’ve done.  As I read this, I couldn’t help but think of Luke 19 and Matthew 25 when the master (representing Jesus) in a parable tells his servant (representing us) “well done, good and faithful servant”.  That story was told as a lesson in using what the Lord has given you to benefit the kingdom and serve the Lord and that we are not to bury or squander the gifts the Lord has given us.  We are to be good stewards of all that He provides us to care for.  Here we see some servants of just that kind.  Good stewards that were given the Word and immediately took hold of it following after Jesus.  They turned away from their evil ways (repented if you will) and lived awaiting the return of the Lord.  Not only that, but they told others also.  They shared the Gospel with others.  I don’t see this as often in real life, though it’s all over facebook. Lol.  I guess what I’m saying is that we…I, rather, need to be a good steward of my home, my family, my gifts, the Gospel as I share with those that are in need.  I am afflicted and as the Thessalonian Christians set this wonderful example for us, so shall I (affliction or not)  have the joy of the Holy Spirit and when others see me they should see the example that I then set for them to also have joy despite affliction.  No one should need to spread news of my walk and what has progressed.  Everyone should be able to see by my actions where my faith is at. I must live in such a way that shows that I did not only receive the Gospel in word on paper, but that I also received the Gospel in power and in the Holy Spirit and I am assured of it’s truth because I have studied it’s history and I believe and I know that it is the true and undefiled Word of God spoken to me and in me and that I am to speak to others this very Word so that they too may continue spreading this great Word that salvation is available to everyone; to the Jew and the gentile; that if you will repent and confess Jesus as your Lord, then you will be saved.  May all who share this message through what ever means you have been gifted to do so be so blessed to one day here from our Lord, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I am excited and energized right now.  This message is one that is very encouraging to my running the race and persevering as I go.  I love to see the examples that you have laid out through history of how you can change a people and turn them around 180 degrees and use them to do your will.  You always seem to chose the lowly also.  And that’s encouraging because the only qualification I have to serve you, is that I am unqualified to serve you.  I can smile knowing that it’s all about your work in and through me and not about what I myself am or am not able to do.  I know that you can and will and do use me and I want to do all that I can to help you do just that.  Have your way with me Father.  Take me where you would have me go and teach me to reach who you would reach through me.  Oh, how I long to one day hear those precious word from you my Lord.  To be told by you that I did a good job.  I dream of this day Father.  Thank you.   For your mercy, grace, faithfulness, thank you.  In Jesus Name.

01-27-11 (Day 3) Psalm 119:25-40

Day 3

George Wishart was the Bishop of Edinburgh in the 17^th and was condemned to death. He would have been executed, but when he was on the scaffold he made use of a custom that allowed the condemned person to choose one psalm to be sung, and he chose Psalm 119. Before two-thirds of the psalm was sung, his pardon arrived and his life was spared.

The passage I read was Psalm 119:25-40

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:25-40&version=NKJV

My summary of the passage is this:

Ok, so wow!  If you have never studied some of the history involved with and the way that the Psalm was written, please do.  Way more info than I could ever put here.  Very interesting to study and there is plenty very useful information to apply to our lives. 

You may already know that Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm, but did you know it is also the longest chapter in the Bible?  That being said, I will be unable to summarize this passage in context and instead will take it as I see it individually written (as many sections of this chapter were likely written at different points of David’s life making it difficult for one to pin down one single idea or flow from one section to the next).

 This particular passage may have been written following David’s indiscretions in my opinion.  I say this because it seems as though his humble approach and request for revival from the Lord is almost apologetic.  I get the general feeling that David is confessing to God that his own way didn’t work and he is in need of the Lord to teach him, make him understand, strengthen him, remove dishonesty from him, be merciful to him, and in all ways help David to acknowledge and delight in walking in the will of the Lord.  Again, I cannot say for sure this is following David’s adultery and murder sins as it could just be his general desire for the Lord to improve upon him and not a sorrowful request following a falling.  Either way, I definitely encourage you to read this passage for yourself and I’d encourage you more so to take a gander at some of the many studies done of Psalm 119.  So much great information out there on it and so many books written just based on this one Psalm.

As I reflect:

My soul clings to the dust…. What a dramatic depiction.  I am trying to imagine the emotion and thought pattern that one might feel to cause this to be written.  Think about it.  Your soul clinging to the dust.  That’s gotta be like the lowest feeling ever.  You gotta really be down I think.   Revive me according to your word.  Regardless of how bad this person (whom I believe was David but has been argued from multiple stand points over the years) felt, they knew to not only call upon the Lord, but they knew how to do so.  They didn’t call out to God to save them the way that they wanted to be saved.  Instead, they called for revival “according to Your word”.    From here on out, the rest of the passage seems to intently focus on the level of devotion offered by the Psalmist to the Lord and the Lord’s word, statutes, law, testament (as does much of the entire Psalm).

Now, I dare not say that I can compare myself to this Psalmist in his level of devotion to the law, though I wish that I could and hope that perhaps one day I will find myself as devoted for the right reasons.  I see in myself often a lack of this type of full devotion to seek after every word that comes from the Lord’s mouth and fully apply it to my life.  I think personally that a lot of Christians seem to have this same problem.  We have this solid stance on Christ but a wishy washy stance on things we aren’t ready to let go of that hinder us from walking with Him.  Our sins often occur as a direct result of us trying to find ways around some of the uncomfortable stuff we may read or hear about in the Bible.  We may try to make excuses or be sneaky about not fully applying the word to our lives in every crevice, but there is always the need for just that.  David doesn’t weasel his request around the discomfort of change here.  He doesn’t request the Lord to come in and save the day sweeping David off the ground and setting him back on the throne.  Instead His request seems heartfelt as a confession that his own ways and his own plans just don’t work without the Lord.  He makes his request known plainly and it seems to me like he doesn’t count a price in his request.  There is no consideration for what he may lose or go through for the Lord to answer his prayer.  I believe that’s because his motive for the request was right.  He didn’t seek knowledge or wisdom for pride sake, but because he knew as I know that the Word of God can give life and take it away.  The Word of God is given power when we fully apply it to our life.  We can’t be fake in approaching God as we ask for Him to make changes that may be uncomfortable or turn our entire life upside down.  We need to trust in the lord fully in every crevice of our lives and not just here or there.  This may mean sacrifice.  But, I believe as David did, that there is no possession or comfort so great that I would consider keeping it over walking in all that the Lord has for me both in this life and in the next. 

You know what?  I totally get why so many books are written on this Psalm.  I look up and see multiple paragraphs and I’ve only written on the first 2 verses I reflected on so far. Lol.  I think, instead of writing a book myself here, I’m just going to continue my reflections off line.  As for applicability daily…  I’d say I can take from this passage that my life requires devotion to God’s word and will in my life regardless of what comfort zones I may be taken out of.  When someone says to me, “you know it could just be God telling you ______, etc”, I must not take my comfort zones into consideration when pondering the message received.  I encourage you also Christian, allow your comfort zones to become lowest priority when considering the will of God in your life and in the lives of those around you.  I think we will both find that we will become more effective in the delivery of the Word if we take this approach.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, my Father whom I am able to approach with anything, I know that you are faithful and I know that you will complete the work begun in me.  I lift up your name for all that you have done and will do for everything that you do is good and you are worthy of glory for it.  Even your very word is to be glorified Lord.  I am thankful to be able to consider myself adopted into your family.  To be a member of the most high have meant everything to me Father.  Your accepting me in and forgiving me and being merciful and then blessing me with grace after grace has meant more than words can imply to my soul.  Thank you Father.  I remember the day I got laid off.  I remember that morning coming to you in prayer.  I remember a point in prayer where I actually felt fear because I was praying for you to align my life to your will and I knew that that was going to mean change.  At the time, I stopped and laughed with you about how foolish it was of me to fear change in that manner when you are to be trusted with every aspect of my life.  How could I ever trust you to save my eternal soul but not trust you to direct my path of employment? I smirk now at myself then and wonder how many more times in life I might look back and say, “I was so foolish not to trust you more.”?  I don’t want this to be one of those times Father.  I ask you as the Psalmist asked you, strengthen me according to your word.  Make me understand the way of your precepts.  When I fall, Lord revive me according to Your word.  Remove from me anything that is not of You and grant me Your law graciously.  Lord, do not put me to shame, but help me to run the course of Your commandments and enlarge my heart.  Teach me Your statutes and incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness.  Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and establish Your word to Your servant who is devoted to fearing You.  Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good.  Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness.  I pray this to you my Father in the name of your Son Jesus Christ.

01-26-11 (Day 2) John 17:13-21

Day 2

The passage I read was John 17:13-21

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17:13-21&version=NKJV

My summary of the passage is this:

I just cannot seem to summarize this passage no matter what I try.  I end up making it longer every time I put it in my words. 

The verse that most stood out to me was verse 15.  In this verse Jesus says, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”

As I reflect:

Two things really stood out to me in this passage.  One was all about our separation from the world and how that works.  The other was all about our unity with other believers and how that works.  Together the two are communicating a clarifying message regarding our purpose as believers.  I read that we are not being prayed for by Jesus that we would be taken out of the world but rather that we would be kept from the evil one.  I believe this is clarifying to the many that have surrounded themselves by Christians and only attend Christian events and only go to places where other Christians are and only do “Christian” things.  If you are one of these people, you have given me a very bad rep with the world.  You see when someone hears that I am a Christian, they often immediately define me as someone who thinks I’m better than them and that I’m too breakable (like fine china) to be around them and their activities.  And while we are not to sin or to allow the temptations of the evil one to enter into our hearts, this is not an indication that we are to hide from the evil that is in the world.  Quite the opposite in fact.  We are the hands and feet of the Lord here.  Though we are not “of” the world, we are “in” it and with good purpose meant to be.  If the only things we do and the only places we go are all labeled as “Christian”, then how to we take part in the great commission and reach out to others?  How are we to witness and help those in need if we are wrapped up in our “Christian Bubble” as it were?  I believe that we need to ship out into the storms that thrash this way and that and know that Jesus is here with us through His Holy Spirit and we have nothing to fear because He is the ships guide.  We are as a ship is to be in the ocean, but not allowing the ocean to be in the ship.  We can’t reach those that we shut our eyes to and plug our ears to.  Jesus doesn’t pray for an easy life for us here.  He prays that we would unify as believers and get the job done without the hindrance of the evil one.  He prays the Lord’s empowering upon us.

My response to the Lord:

Lord God, I come before you now knowing that I am in the wrong sooo often.  I have a problem and you know that I confess it to you and seek your guidance and help daily.  I do not often fall into judgment of the world.  As a matter of fact, you know that I am seeking to love the lost.  My sin; my failure is far too often that I will judge my fellow believer due to their worldly view.  I become angry because I feel  that my fellow believer often lives just like the unbeliever or because they are so “Christian” they can’t get off their high chair to reach out to the lost.  Lord I spend so much time judging my fellow believer that I forget that you have called me to unify with them.  This is hard for me Father.  This is my challenge.  God, I pray you forgive me for this and not judge me as I have judged others or I should surely be killed.  Forgive me and help me to be forgiving of other believers as well.  Father please separate judgment from discernment in me that I may better unify and work the harvest with my brother and sister.  Father, I am making an effort, but I need your help.  I need you to multiply my efforts to see my brethren as you see them.  My human eyes are getting in the way far too often and I know I need this fellowship and unity to properly do your will.  I know that you have set up the networking of believers in just such a way that it benefits us to spend time with one another.  Holy Spirit, guide me daily in remembering your call on me to unify with other believers that we may together do your will here.  In Jesus name.

01-25-11 (Day 1) Luke 6:39-45

Day 1

  

The passage I read was Luke 6:39-45

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206:39-45&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

This passage speaks to several areas.  Jesus is speaking on not judging others, not being a hypocrite, how to help your fellow person, and also the results of the state of your heart. 

There are several key verses that stand out to me in this passage:

39”He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”

40”The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”

43”No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.”

As I reflect:

What a large area of coverage in such a short area of the Word.  Here I am reminded that if my walk is not made right with God, how am I to lead someone else in their walk with God.  This would be like a false prophet leading you into a real relationship with Jesus.  This just isn't likely.  A good daily application for this is to remember to always pray before your day has begun that the Lord would do His works through you and that we would not be hindered by the flesh and be distracted from God’s will by our own.  Verse 40 also speaks somewhat to that fact in that if my master or teacher be God, then shouldn't that be reflected in me?  I should do as Jesus.  I should seek to reach out to the lost but I should also be sure that my foundation in Christ is secure if I am to attempt to help someone else in building their foundation on Christ.   I should be sure that if a brother (or sister) need help in any given area, that it is not an area that my own sin nature is currently struggling with before I am able to offer help.  The third area spoken of here is the fruit that we bear.  Verse 43 – 45 speak of how our actions and words will bear witness to what type of person we are.  We (a tree) will bear fruit (words and actions and the results of those words and actions) while we are in this world.  Others will look at those fruit to see what type of tree we really are.  For instance, if you say that you are a Christian, it is expected that your life will bear fruit that resembles Our Lord’s grace, mercy, understanding, patience, and many other characteristics.  However, if you say you are a Christian but live just like the rest of the lost sheep, then there is no truth in you and you deceive yourself.  We can tell by the fruit what kind of tree someone is.  Also, we are reminded to mind our words.  For just as actions and characteristics can be fruit that bear witness to your type of tree, words can bear witness to your heart.  If your heart is evil, we will know by your words.  And if your heart is good (because the Holy Spirit dwells within you) than this too will be heard in your words. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, may I be ever mindful of the state of my heart and my walk with you before opening my mouth or reaching out to another.  Because I am a wretch and incapable of any good without you, Father I welcome your Holy Spirit always to speak and work through me as only you can.  Let my life bear witness to my heart’s belief in you and may my actions bear witness to our relationship and salt the oats so that others may hunger and thirst for you because of the example you have made me.  Lord, I pray that I may always bear good fruit; an outward result of your work inward on me.  In Jesus name.

01-21-11 (Day 5&6) Matthew 4:19 - bottom line

Day 5 & 6

Matthew 4:19

“Come follow me”, Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

See:

Come – we have to do something. An effort is required on our part. Stepping forward towards Christ.

Follow me – remembering the definitions looked up.  This too requires action.  We must do as He does.

Make – he will do this.  We must follow Him, but at some point during that He is molding and will complete molding us into

Fisher of men – someone who is capable and chooses to (by God’s grace and power alone) lead others to Christ.

Search:

Who?  Who is this verse to, from?  The verse is from Jesus and is to those who would answer… me.

What?  What are we when called?  What will He make us if we follow?  We are unqualified sinners.  He will use this lack of qualification to glorify Himself in us by making us into what we cannot make our selves.  Fishers of men.

Where?  Where is this done?  Where will we lead others?  This is done everywhere there are hearts that yearn to be lead by Christ.  We will lead others as we once were lead to Jesus; to salvation in the Son of God; to Heaven.

Why?  Why follow?  Why make us Fishers of men?  Why be fishers of men?  Souls need saving like the sick need doctoring.  There is no other need than where something is broken (our relationship with God), it needs fixing.

How?  How do we follow?  How does He make us fishers of men?  We follow Him by reading His word and applying it daily to our lives and the lives of those around us through the power of His Holy Spirit living mightily in us.  He makes us fishers of men through time and growth that we would one day come to realize how much others also need that which we have and that we would grow in faith and trust the Lord to witness to them through us.  This can be a process of time walking with Jesus, or it can be immediate. 

So what?:

If what I have observed is true, what difference would/should it make?

If while following after Jesus, He will make me a fisher of men, then I should be following after Jesus.

If while following after Jesus, He will make me a fisher of men, then He is making me a fisher of men.

I am a fisher of men when I let others see and hear me following after Jesus and I chose to salt the oats.  This is fishing.

FIND THE BOTTOM LINE:

We must do as Jesus has instructed us.  We must tell others about the Gospel.

SPECK

Sin to avoid:

Being lazy.  Not following His word daily. Ignoring opportunity to witness.

Promise to claim?

If I follow, He “will” make me a fisher of men.

Example to follow?

Christ gave His everything that we may be captured in His love.  We should follow after His example letting nothing hinder our goal to reach others.

Command to obey?

Follow Jesus. 

Knowledge to believe?

Following Him is possible through His Holy Spirit.  Becoming a fisher of men is something that God does in us and therefore it is not natural.  Do not listen to the flesh thus as it is deceitful and will be used by satan to lead you astray from the Lord’s will.  The Lord will use you supernaturally.  Believe, have faith that the Holy Spirit will work through you.  It is not you who saves, but the Lord through you.  Allow yourself to be more useful. 

01-20-11 (Day 4) John 1:43-51

Day 4

The passage I read was John 1:43-51

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1:43-51&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Jesus calls Philip to follow Him.  Philip tells Nathanael he has found Jesus (whom Moses and the prophets spoke about).  Nathanael has doubt but comes to see.  Jesus convinces Nathanael easily by telling him where he was before Philip came to speak to him and Nathanael then confesses Jesus as the Son of God.  Jesus explains that Nathanael will see far greater things than what he has just seen.

Again, this is just my summary of the passage.  Please read the passage for yourselves also as I am not qualified to summarize for your life’s messages from God the very word He has given.  Seek Him for yourselves too. J

As I reflect:

In this passage we see the prejudice of Nathanael against anything good coming from Nazareth.  I haven’t done the research, but in context this seems to point to Nazareth being viewed in a generally poor light.  Thankfully, Nathanael goes to see this Jesus in person anyway.  I would hope others that may negatively view that I am telling them of Jesus’ love for them might also overcome their prejudice long enough to come and meet Jesus.  Also, we see that Nathanael was under the fig tree.  This I have researched and was actually a common phrase among teachers (rabbi) to represent meditation on the scriptures.  So it is possible that Nathanael was either physically sitting under a fig tree when Philip came to find him, or that Nathanael was spending time with God and Jesus tells him, “I saw you” there.  We know either way that we are always seen by God.  We are seen when raying and when not.  In this thought I take the daily application to not attempt impressing God in church as He sees you when you cut people off in the parking lot afterwards to race home to idolize your favorite football team and lust after the girlie on the commercial during the break too.  God sees you always, therefore be always reverent before the Lord and living in such a manner as to welcome Him to work through you and be present in what you spend your time doing. 

Also in this passage, Jesus references a portion of scripture found in Genesis 28 where Jacob has a dream about a ladder from earth to Heaven and angels ascending and descending upon it.  There are a lot of studies I found on this all with slightly differing views.  I would summarize them all along the key two elements.  Jesus compares Nathanael (an honest man) with Jacob (who if you recall lied once to steal a birthright and again to steal a blessing).  The second element and perhaps the more daily applicable without going into a study of Jacob’s life and the consequences of being deceitful, is that Jesus’ comparison to the dream about the ladder and Nathanael seeing this come true is all about Nathanael coming to see that Jesus is actually that ladder spoken of.  Think about it.  Our very existence is separated from God because we are born into sin.  I can come to God and pray why?  I am forgiven of my sins why?  I am getting into Heaven how?  Jesus is the ladder that bridged the gap between earth and Heaven (for those that would come to know Him as Lord and repent that is).  Daily we can know that God will hear us when we call, not because we deserve it, but because Jesus paid it all.  We have been made into a right relationship with God because of Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice that covered our sins whole.  This is what Nathanael would live to see that was greater than Jesus simply telling him where he was and what he was doing just a moment before Philip showed up to get him.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I do not serve you nearly as diligently as one ought.  I say I have given you my whole life and so often I find that I am still holding on to parts that I must relinquish control of to you.  My life is not worthy of the great gifts that you have given from your Son to my very breath.  I thank you and praise you for providing my livelihood Father.  I know at times I have shown prejudice in my life for one thing or another and I know there have been times I was proven wrong.  Lord may you help me to separate prejudice and discernment and judgment that I may be more useful. Lord see me beneath the fig tree spending time with you and prepare me by your Holy Spirit to go out into the world and share your Gospel.  I want others to know that the gap between man and God is bridged through the person of Jesus Christ.  I want to explain without fear or cowardice that Jesus is the ladder between earth and Heaven and that there is no other way.  And finally Lord, I pray that I would not forget for even a moment that I am always under your supervision; that I am always being watched, protected, and guided by you.  May my life reflect this truth appropriately.  In Jesus name.  Amen

01-19-11 (Day 3) Numbers 32:6-12

Day 3

The passage I read was Numbers 32:6-12

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2032:6-12&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

There were two tribe leaders that didn’t want their tribes to go into the promised land because they were (a. content with the land they were in and (b. didn’t want to go into any more battles.  In other words, they were content in not being faithful and following God whole heartedly to take hold of the prized Promised Land.   In this passage, Moses calls the leaders of these two tribes out, pointing out that their negativity and lacking faith is similar to that of their fathers that were destroyed in the desert a result of their lack of faith, and that the negativity could (similar to that afore mentioned situation) discourage other tribes from taking hold of the promised land the Lord had lead them to. 

These are my words.  Please read the passage for yourself and write it as it has meaning to you.

As I reflect:

 Complacency is contagious.  Here we have a situation that still far too often occurs today.  The equivalent today is that one Christian or a group of Christians desire to fully follow after God.  They desire growth and they want to be close to their Savior and accept the many great gifts He offers them on this wond3erful road throughout their faithful walk.  But then, Satan gets into the thoughts of other more complacent Believers that surround them.  These believers make statements of doubt and choose to be content where they are with no growth in their walk.  They talk about the many dangers of the route that the more dedicated Christians are fixing to choose and they would rather settle where they are than continue a walk of faithfulness that could have hardships and struggles (those very things that allow us to grow stronger and closer to God).  This can discourage a devoted man or woman of God far too easily.  Don’t become complacent.  Don’t allow others to discourage you in your walk with Jesus.  Be encouraged Christian soldier.  The Lord has promises for you and it’s time for you to take hold of those promises.  While others are content at the edge of the desert, you can be the shining light on a hill.  Let no one hinder your walk. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, you are always faithful and you never fail us.  Why should we not follow after you with our whole hearts?  Lord, please protect me from ever discouraging the heart of another believer from following whole heartedly and also protect me from such discouragement from other non-believers and believers alike.  May I always remember your promises to those who would faithfully follow you with their whole heart, mind, body, and all of their strength.  May I be a shining example of your victories won and not of contentment at the edge of a desert.  You have brought me this far and I know you will complete the work begun in me.  I trust you Father to guide and teach me. 

Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Psalm 25:9 “The humble He guides in Justice, and the humble He teaches His way.”