Tuesday, October 26 Daily Reading, John 3:16-18

Is Jesus The Only Way? Part 1: One Son

Background Passage: John 3:16-18; 14:5-11; 1 Timothy 2:3-7

Today’s Focal Passage: John 3:16-18

All for One and One for All

“Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno” is the Latin phrase most commonly associated with French writer Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers. It’s a motto that might as well be a Scriptural reference. God gave one for all so that all might live for one; as one.

As a youth pastor, I have operated under this principle many a time. “Don’t let the many suffer for the one; let the one suffer for the many.” Not only is it a direct reference to what Christ (the one) did as he suffered for the many it’s also a principle that just works. In large group teaching time when one kid is an overwhelming distraction, why continue to allow the whole group to suffer and miss the message? No one would suggest that. You remove the one so that the many can be blessed. Of course this isn’t a sacrificial substitution as in the case of Christ. The wayward teen is anything but innocent. But discipline here provides a teachable moment that can be explained and used to benefit both the majority and the trouble making minority. The one and only Son of God did indeed suffer for the many, “that the world might be saved through Him.”

“One for all” certainly describes the heart of God and the life of Jesus. Jesus, the One, did much for us. Belief in the One cancels our debt and affords us eternal blessing. But does “all for one” do as well describing us? Is there an “all for one” unified approach to the Christian life within your family? Your church? Your small group? How about in your personal life? Do you really live out the idea of “all for one” as your response to Christ? Does everything you do, everything you say, everything you are, everything you represent indicate a life lived for Christ alone?

o If God gave His one and only Son for us, can’t we live our one and only lives for Him?

Monday, October 18th Reading, John 6:66-69

Week of October 17

What’s Do Different About Jesus? Part 1: Consider Jesus’ Teachings

Background Passage: John 6:22-71; 9:1-41; 20:1-31

Today’s Focal Passage: John 6:66-69

Confucius Say

Obedience to Christ could be summed up in the statement, “I do and I understand.”

Many people want that statement to be different. We’d rather it read, “I understand and I do.” We’d like for the teachings of Christ to be easier to comprehend and simpler to employ. In today’s passage from John, Christ has just finished informing those assembled at the synagogue in Capernaum that they were to eat his flesh and drink his blood, share in His life in order to receive eternal life. Perhaps it isn’t until we have shared in Christ’s life, His suffering, His love that we won’t fully understand his teaching. Maybe it’s not until we reach the eternal afterlife He promised that we’ll comprehend the ways of our Lord. For many, that’s too much to ask; too long to wait. No matter how fine the print, we’d like all the information up front. The real issue lies with the fact that Christ’s teachings weren’t meant to just be pondered and studied. They were intended to be followed and with doing comes understanding.

Paul, in his instruction to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:6), told the young minister that he would be “nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.” Our faith in Christ and His teaching is only as certain as our willingness to follow. Perhaps understanding Christ and enjoying the life-nurturing benefits of His teaching comes in obedience. When we say to Jesus, “You alone have the words of eternal life” but then spend our time looking for life elsewhere, we’re left empty and confused. But when we acknowledge Christ with our lips and our lives, wisdom and understanding are ours for the taking.

o What parts of Scripture do you find to be particularly difficult?

o How can you experience greater understanding of who Jesus is and who He has called you to be?

o How can your life be a better example to unbelievers of what it’s like to live by faith and understand God because you do what His word says?

Wednesday, October 13 Reading, Isaiah 6:1-5

Week of October 10

Can I Fix What’s Broken? Part 2: Holiness Recognized

Background Passage: Isaiah 5:8-6:7; Romans 3:9-26

Today’s Focal Passage: Isaiah 6:1-5

How Big is God?

According to 1 Kings 6:2, Solomon’s Temple was 90 feet long and 30 feet wide. That is 2700 square feet…not that big when you consider the size of most houses in suburban America. However, 1 Kings 6:2 also tells us that the Temple was 45 feet high. When you think about your own 9 to 12 foot ceilings, 45 feet becomes the grandeur we imagine when reading about the temple of the Lord. Isaiah said that the Lord’s robe filled the temple. If just his garment filled a room 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high, how big must the God who wears that robe be.

As we encounter the God of this universe and the Lord of our very lives, the only proper response is utter awe. He is so big and so holy; so worthy of worship and adoration and “awe” the attention we can give Him. Our first response to the recognition of a holy God is worship. Our second is all together related but also very different. It is very simply to see ourselves in light of who He is. When we think about who we are against the holiness of God, the only fitting response is that of Isaiah in verse 5. “Woe is me!”

Today, I invite you to do something a little different. Grab a sheet of paper sometime today and a pen or marker. Sketch your interpretation of Isaiah 6:1-4. Beside your representation of God and His winged creatures, write words to describe the holiness of God. Close your artistic endeavor by praying a prayer of adoration to God for being the Holy creator that He is. Close your prayer by thanking God for loving you even though you are who you are. Recognize your imperfection in light of His perfection and thank Him for loving you anyway!

Monday, October 11 Reading, Isaiah 5:20-23

Week of October 10

Can I Fix What’s Broken? Part 1: Evil Rationalized

Background Passage: Isaiah 5:8-6:7; Romans 3:9-26

Today’s Focal Passage: Isaiah 5:20-23

2 + 2 = 5

George Orwell’s classic Nineteen Eighty-Four used the phrase “two plus two equals five” to make us wonder whether absolute truth can actually exist or if lies themselves are truth simply because the majority of people believe them.

1984 is long past. My favorite TV shows were Kids Incorporated and The Cosby Show. I got to see Ghostbusters and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in theaters. Hard to believe that much time has passed. I spent the fall of 1984 in 1^st grade learning that 2+2=4. I am quite certain that if I ever put the number five down for that math problem, I would have gotten it wrong. To the equation 2+2, there is one right answer!

The evil one has an agenda. He uses popular culture and promotes a false sense of tolerance to make us lower our guard and question whether the worldly way can be as wrong as biblical wisdom would have us believe. His techniques are nothing short of propaganda. He would have us live in a world and be a people who call evil behavior good, or at least acceptable. He would have us so accustomed to darkness that light bothers our senses. He would have us think ourselves wise and clever in our own opinion. He would have us be heroes at self-indulgence and more concerned with ourselves than injustice in the world.

To the tactics of the evil one and those of us who buy the lie, the prophet Isaiah says, “Woe!” That is the cry of God’s kingdom when God’s people begin to waiver between right and wrong, truth and lies.

We live in a world where all kinds of evil can be rationalized. The problem is that trusting God and His truth is the only rational thing worth believing. Everything else is a lie and lies are harmful. Woe to us when we exchange the truth of God for the lies of the world; godly living for ungodly beliefs.

o What are the evil actions and attitudes that you have rationalized in your own life?

o What are the lies the evil one is using to capture your attention and the attentions of your children?

o Make a list of those today and develop action plans for helping your family trust in God’s truth. It may not be the popular answer, but it’s the right one. 2+2 is indeed 4 even if you’re the only one out there who believes it.

Wednesday, October 6 Reading, Genesis3:16-19,24

I Don’t Want To Deal With That

When Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, their first instinct was to run and hide. They said it was because they knew they were naked. Their eyes had been opened. They were sinners now and they knew it. They were ashamed so they hid. Maybe it was in part because they knew they had let God down. Maybe it was in part because they knew there would be consequences for their disobedience and they didn’t want to face Him.

Reliant K sings,

And I so hate consequences

And running from you is what my best defense is


Consequences, 
Oh God, don't make me face up to this


Cause I know that I let you down, 
And I don't want to deal with that

What do we do when we’re confronted with our own sin? Do we run and hide? Why? Do we try to come up with excuses or alibis? Do we hate our sin or just the trouble it gets us into? God eventually found Adam and Eve. He finds us too. We’re never far from reach and no matter how much we loathe them, consequences are a reality when it comes to sin. If we know this, then why not respond to our sin in ways we know to be healthy. Rather than run, we should confess. Rather than hide, we should admit our mistake and accept the consequences that accompany our actions. After all, consequences are a good thing. They serve as the lessons and reminders not to make the same mistakes again and again.

What have been the consequences of sin in your life? How have you accepted those and learned from your own mistakes?

Tuesday, October 5 Reading, Genesis 3:1-6

Week of October 3

Is Sin Really a Big Deal? Part 1: Sin Defined

Background Passage: Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 5:12-14

Today’s Focal Passage: Genesis 3:1-6

Smoking Kills

I’ve only been to Germany one time and it doesn’t really count. Sitting in the Frankfurt airport for six hours doesn’t really give one bragging rights to time spent in grand Deutschland. The Frankfurt airport, like any good international airport, provides globe-trotting jet setters with many a shopping opportunity. I found myself there in the international terminal browsing Duty Free passing time until my flight home. I noticed bulk cases of cigarettes in sizes I had never seen before. Let me say here that I am not a smoker and don’t really encounter retail cigarettes very often, meaning that these cases may be as common as a cold, but nonetheless new to me. It was only a moment before I noticed the special labeling on the outside of each of the bulk boxes. In large print, these words were scribed:

SMOKING KILLS.

SMOKING IS HARMFUL TO YOU AND OTHERS AROUND YOU.

This labeling was different than any Surgeon General warning you would find on individual packaging in the US. While the size and font did catch my eye, I was more caught up in the content. It was certainly of no shock to me to realize that smoking kills and is harmful to you and others around you. The surprise came and continues to come in the form of the following: How can we as people know something is bad for us and do it anyway? That’s a question we can ask about all sin. “Believers, why do we continue marring our life with things we know full well to be harmful, not only to us, but to others around us?”

Maybe it’s because we, like Adam and Eve, choose to believe some of the lies the evil one tells us about sin. (We won’t die; our eyes will be opened; we will be like God.) He is after all as scripture describes, very cunning. Maybe it’s because sin (like smoking) is habit forming. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:19, “For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do.” Sin is an attitude of rebellion towards God and we do it even though we know it’s harmful to us and others around us. We do it even though we don’t want to. We do it because we want to believe the evil one’s lies and because we can’t help ourselves. Thank goodness we have a Savior who forgives our rebellious nature and connects us to God in spite of our sin.

What are the areas of sin where you struggle most? What truths about your own behavior do you need to believe? How can you rely on God’s power to kick nasty sin habits?

Friday, October 1 Reading, Philppians 2:5-11

The Case for God’s Involvement Part Three: God Incarnate


Background Passage: Philippians 2:5-11

Today’s Focal Passage: Philippians 2:5-11

Attitude Adjustment

One of the great things about having kids (and I am convinced that God has designed it like this) is that we learn some incredible spiritual lessons from our kids. When we, as parents, interact with our kids we often see much that is similar in our relationship as kids to our Heavenly Father.

Has this situation every occurred at your house (if not, that’s OK, I’ll own it): your son is running rampant around the house in a complete tear and just completely bent out of shape. He is going off on everyone and is just acting (dare we say it)…poopy!

So, what do you do? You sit him down and say something to the effect of: Young man, you need an attitude adjustment! (and then sometimes it was necessary to bring out the ‘attitude adjuster.’) But, what exactly does that mean? It means that currently your attitude is really bad. It is not something that I, as your parent, want to see exhibited in and through you. I want you to stop for a few minutes, think about how you are acting and feeling, and then change that attitude to something that is more pleasant.

In Philippians 2, Paul challenged us to have our own attitude adjustment. We are challenged to have the same type of attitude that Christ exhibited. So, what does that mean to you?

o What difference would it make in various parts of your work day if you were to have the mind of Christ?

o What difference would it make in your family if you were to have the mind of Christ?

o So, does God need to sit you down in order to help you change your attitude?

Wednesday, September 29 Reading, Deuteronomy 8:2-5

The Case for God’s Involvement Part Two: Personally Involved

Background Passage: Deuteronomy 8:2-5

Today’s Focal Passage: Deuteronomy 8:2-5

2 Remember that the Lord your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. 3 He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then He gave you manna to eat, which you and your fathers had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothing did not wear out, and your feet did not swell these 40 years. 5 Keep in mind that the Lord your God has been disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son.

GPS

Personal GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) systems have been one of the hottest gift items for the past several years. Chances are you probably have at least one in your family right now.

GPS units are available as personal, portable units, battery-operated units (especially useful for geocaching), built-in units in new cars, and applications on your cellular phone. All of this technology is an incredible help for us men who would rather drive around lost for 30 minutes than stop and ask for directions. Now, thanks to GPS, we no longer have to stop to ask directions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with punching a few buttons in order to find your way!

Some folks just can’t imagine what it would be like to go back to the days without GPS. We become very accustomed to the guidance and direction that our little GPS unit provides to get us from point A to point B.

Long before Garmin®, TomTom®, Magellan®, and Google Maps, the Israelites found their own source of guidance in their very own GPS—God’s Positioning System. God faithfully led His people through all sorts of difficulties and experiences. Just as He did for them He wants to do for you.

Trust God this week to guide you. Pray and seek His guidance.

Monday, September 27 Reading, Psalm 139:7-10

The Case for God’s Involvement Part One: Always with Us

Background Passage: Psalm 139:7-10

Today’s Focal Passage: Psalm 139:7-10

7 Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.

9 If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits,

10 even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me.

Hide and Seek

Playing Hide and Seek with your kids is one of the great joys in life. First of all, it is just fun to play with your kids. What makes the game so much fun, though, is when your kids try to hide in a place that is so obvious. They think you can’t see them and you play along as if you can’t see them—while all along you know exactly where they are at. In reality, especially when your kids are young, there is not any place they can hide that you can’t find them.

I remember one special occasion in which my son and I were playing Hide and Seek. When it was his turn to hide, he took off like a flash. I must admit, he really did have a good hiding place—except for the fact that his feet were sticking out from under the drapes! After looking for him for several minutes, I came about the corner and saw his feet. I burst out laughing and found myself rolling on the floor—all the while my son maintained his hiding place.

There is a spiritual analogy there too. We often think we can find a place where we can “hide” from God. The reality, however, is that there is no place that we can ever go that will be outside of the presence of God. He is everywhere we go, every where we might go, and everywhere we would even think of going. That is what it means when we say God is omnipresent—He is everywhere. God is also omniscient, which means He knows everything, so we can’t go anyplace that He would not know that we are there—and since He is omnipresent, He is already there anyway. (OK—that will make your head hurt.)

One of the things that we like about the game Hide and Seek is that we will always be found. (Think about it—would you enjoy the game if nobody ever found you or if they gave up looking for you?)

Monday, March 22nd Reading, Genesis 3

It is hard to imagine life on earth before sin and shame. It is difficult to comprehend the devastation caused by one bite. However, when i read the account I am immediately reminded that the schemes used to mess us up in sin are still the same. Get us to question God, and His word (vs. 1). Get us to doubt God, and His word (vs. 4). Manipulate the word of God to cause us to believe it says something it does not (vs. 5). Put something in front of us that appeals to our sight, desires, and dreams (vs. 6). As you read the story you want to yell out, "Don't do it!" "It will mess up everything! For you and for me!"

I wish someone would yell those same words into my life. I shamefully see instances in my life where I fall for the same simple schemes. I pray that I will live more cautiously with a greater sense of the pain and destructiveness caused by by willful sin.

Thursday, May 18, 2010 Reading - John 20-21

What a great passage! This is the story behind Easter, the resurrection of Jesus and His subsequent appearances to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and Thomas (who wasn't present with the disciples the first time). Then the awesome and heartwarming story of the reinstatement of Peter (who had denied Jesus three times).

I want to challenge you to read through this story imagining that you are one of the disciples and write about how this would have impacted your life and subsequently how it does impact your life now as a disciple.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Reading - John 18:19 - 19:16

What a moving passage. It's one thing to simply read it, but to imagine the reality of it is overwhelming. Jesus is questioned, punched, denied by one of His closest friends, and shouted against by a mob of His own people. God in human flesh was violently hated by many.

On one hand I can't imagine how that happened. He was perfect, He was humble, He was kind, how was He so hated? On the other hand I realize that His values were opposite of this world's (including the religious leaders). His focus was so different that for some He was hard to relate to and because of His confidence in God He was intimidating.

I wonder if He would be treated differently today? I wonder how He would be treated in our churches? I wonder how I would respond to Him?

Friday, March 12th Daily Reading John 14-15

I am not sure how I am supposed to comment on such a large passage. As I read the passage i keep seeing how Jesus has SENT each of us to continue the work He started, but I am influenced by the fact that I am studying John 17 for the current teaching series. All I can say to you is enjoy the passage notice the glory and greatness of our saviour in who he is and what he accomplished.

Wednesday, March 10th Daily Reading Matthew 21:1-27

One of the most powerful words in all of Scripture is the word ASK. I admit when I read passages like, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (vs.22)" I start off by thinking, "What this does not mean is . . ." I am not sure if that is due to my upbringing, my anger toward those who teach a "name it and claim it" type of prosperity gospel, or just my own fear and lack of faith. The truth is the Bible consistently teaches us to ASK of God. It also teaches us to ASK with right motives and a clean heart. I think it was in Mondays reading that we were instructed to persist in asking. What am I asking God for right now? What am I pounding on the door of Heaven to ASK of God? Maybe the best question is, What is God wanting me to ASK of Him?

ASKing demonstrates humility a recognized dependence on someone else. Is this what I lack the most?

In my Sunday morning teach from John 17 we see that Jesus has SENT us into the world. Isn't it wise the way Jesus teaches us about ASKing using the subject of a fruitless tree? It is obvious that what my life is producing (my fruit) is directly connected to my ASKing.

My obedient response to this passage needs to be one of getting over myself and ASKing God.

Tuesday, March 9th Daily Reading John 11:1-44

Today I am stealing from a master. These are quotes from Oswald Chambers and his daily devotional titled "My Utmost For His Highest". A profound a fresh voice for today.

Jesus looked her in the eye. "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40

Every time you venture out in the life of faith, you will find something in your common-sense circumstances that flatly contradicts your faith. Common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense; they stand in the relation of the natural and the spiritual. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture heroically on Jesus Christ's statements when the facts of your common-sense life shout - "It's a lie?" On the mount it is easy to say - 'Oh, yes, I believe God can do it'; but you have to come down into the demon-possessed valley and meet with facts that laugh ironically at the whole of your mount-of-transfiguration belief. Every time my programme of belief is clear to my own mind, I come across something that contradicts it. Let me say I believe God will supply all my need, and then let me run dry, with no outlook, and see whether I will go through the trial of faith, or whether I will sink back to something lower.

Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict. What is your faith up against just now? The test will either prove that your faith is right, or it will kill it. "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me." The final thing is confidence in Jesus. Believe steadfastly on Him and all you come up against will develop your faith. There is continual testing in the life of faith, and the last great test is death. May God keep us in fighting trim! Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us.

Monday, March 8th Daily Reading, Luke 11:1-13

Prayer is a learned activity. The disciples asked Jesus "Lord, teach us to pray". I often make my prayer first of all about me. It is OK to as God for what it is we need. As a matter of fact it is this passage (vs 8) that teaches us to be bold and shamelessly persistent in making our requests of God. However, when He is teaching them to pray he starts with the a holy, worshipful recognition of God (Father, Hallowed by your name). Then moves to a place of submission to His will (Your kingdom come). This is where I (and all of us) need to start in our prayers. It is this starting point that allows us to be persistent with our requests. For we remember to whom it is we are praying and that makes all the difference.

March 4, 2010 Reading - Lk 10:1-24

This is a cool story. Jesus sends out 72 disciples two-by-two into the regions where He was about to go so they could share the message of the kingdom of God. He sends them out with nothing! No food, no extra clothes, no weapons to protect themselves from wild animals or people. And when they return they are amazed that their mission actually worked! They were amazed at the power they had through Jesus' name.

We too are often surprised that He can use us. We are amazed when someone comes to Christ through our time with them. But that is what we are here to do, we are here to go out among the lost and share with them. It is through being obedient to this great command of Jesus that we recognize His power and we grow in faith and passion for Him. May we not think we are doing something bold and crazy by sharing our faith, but recognize we are simply being obedient.

March 3, 2010 Reading - Mark 10:17-31

As we read the story of the rich young man, we might be tempted to think of other people who put money or material possessions before God, but as Americans, we must recognize that we are in the top 2% or so of the richest people in the world. We are the rich young man in the story. Perhaps this is why Christianity is blossoming in countries we might not have imagined, Africa, China, the Soviet Union, but is waning in the US. We have it too good. We often don't recognize our need for God or are too busy with our stuff (TV, the internet, ipods, cell phones, etc.) to focus on Him.

Perhaps as we approach Easter it would be a good idea for us to give something up and use the time we would have spent on that thing to focus on God? (a Lent-type sacrifice)

What would you be willing to give up?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Reading - Matt. 18:21 - 19:15

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Unfortunately we can relate. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we are often boastful about the grace of God (when it comes to us!) but stingy with it when it comes to others. It can be difficult to deal with other people sometimes, but it becomes easier if we are mindful of our own sin and weaknesses. Verse 35 just resounds in my mind and brings a bit of fear to my heart, "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from the heart." What a powerful statement. And today the last few words caught my attention even more...from the heart. Sometimes we think we can fool God by saying that we forgive someone and acting nice to them although we still harbor spiteful feelings in our hearts, but we are only fooling ourselves.

Divorce

It's interesting that it's typically the religious folks that tried to test Jesus. This time it's the Pharisees and they're asking Jesus if it's ok for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason. Jesus reminds them of the giving of marriage by God to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden saying that they were no longer two but one and "what God has joined together, let man not separate." Have you ever payed attention to the fact that it says what GOD has joined together? Have you ever thought of your spouse in those terms? That just might have the power to change a lot of marriages.

The Pharisees go on with their testing asking why then, if this is the case, did Moses allow for divorce. Jesus answers them saying it was because of their hardness of heart. But Jesus teaches them that anyone who divorces for a reason other than marital unfaithfulness has committed adultery. Amazingly, His disciples reply that if this is how it is then it's better not to get married!

Why is divorce so serious to God? Because it's a shadow of His relationship with us. Our relationship with God is one that should portray unconditional love, forgiveness, grace, kindness, charity, and it should never end. If marriage was created to display the type of love God has for us, then obviously that example has been messed up incredibly in our world today. 50 % of all marriages (including those of Christians) end in divorce. Perhaps this is part of the reason nonbelievers question God's goodness?

Marriage is a gift from God and is not to be entered into lightly. May we reclaim this gift and treat it with the utmost respect, and may God allow it to once again (at least in the Christian community) display His great love for us.

March 1, 2010 Reading - Matt. 17:24 - 18:20

In today's reading, my attention was primarily drawn to the first part of chapter 18 where Jesus calls a small child to Him and explains to the disciples that they must become like little children to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Maybe it's because I currently have four small children? But this is an interesting teaching - there are several attributes of small children, what was Jesus talking about? My opinion is that He was alluding to their unconditional love of others and their blind trust. Children are completely vulnerable and dependent on others for their welfare. If they want something to eat, or get hurt, or need to use the restroom, they need help. They are very aware of their need for help and they trust "bigger people" to help them.

God has had to teach me way too many times that 1) I am dependent on Him and 2) I can trust Him. As we grow older we feel more self-sufficient and in the midst of let-downs and hurts, we become less trusting of others (including God). But if we want to live the life God has for us, we must recognize our great need for Him in the midst of each day and we must trust Him and follow His lead - this is success Jesus' way.

Friday, February 26 Daily Reading Mark 9:14–32

I know that Jesus can overpower all and any demonic power. I have never been one who finds demons under ever rock or life difficulty. In this instance the deity and power of Jesus is evident through His encounter with a demon possessed boy. He also uses this opportunity to teach His disciples about His death and resurrection. Our Jesus is worthy of our praise and our faith.

Thursday, February 25 Daily Reading Luke 9:18–27; Luke 17:1–8

As I read todyas passage I am mindful that there are many different things that can stand out to you in your reading. For me it is the request of the disciples "Increase our faith." Faith seems to have been a theme throughout this weeks readings. Jesus once again reminds his disciples the size of the faith is not the issue (even a very small seed size faith is powerful). It is the object of our faith. I pray to see God's power and pressence in my life as I reestablish my faith IN Christ.

Wednesday, February 24 Daily Reading John 6:1-14

This familiar passage startled me. As I noticed what the reading was I thought to myself, "Yeah, know this story - probably not going to get anything new today." All the while God was thinking, "Yeah, you are so wrong."

Jesus posed a question to Phillip, for the sole purpose of "testing" him. I wonder how many times God has posed a question to me as a test and I failed miserably. Never knowing I was even being tested. Never realizing the miracle that God wanted to do right in front of me. Never considering that God wanted to show off and bring glory to himself.

I have to admit that I would have tendency to follow Phillips (bad) example. To just look at the problem without giving consideration to God's power and plan. As with this weeks earlier reading (I know I read the wrong passage for yesterday - sorry) the object of my faith is being revealed. I pray I will be ready for what God alreday has planned to do in my life (John 6:6, Ephesians 2:10). I pray I will pass the test, and God will glorify himself in a really cool nd unexpected way. I pray I am not a hindernce to what He wants to do. Thank you God for bringing me to this familiar passage IN THE WORD.

Tuesday, February 23 Daily Reading Luke 8:22-25, Mark 6:45-56

Faith. It is not the amount, but the object of our faith. Do we have faith in Jesus who is close, but out of sight. Or in the storm that we can see, or the strong wind we feel on our face. Jesus may I be mindful of who you are. Your might. Your wisdom. Your graciousness. What or who is the object of your faith?

Friday, February 19, 2010 Reading - Matthew 13:1-43

In today's passage Jesus tells four different parables, the parable of the sower, the parable of the weeds, the parable of the mustard seed, and the parable of the yeast.  The first parable teaches about how the gospel is accepted (or not) by different types of people.  The last three parables refer to the kingdom of God.  Instead of writing my thoughts today, I'm interested in hearing yours.

What do you make of these parables?  What do you learn from these teachings about the Kingdom of heaven?

Thursday, February 18, 2010 Reading - Matthew 12:1-13; 22-45

Two stories involving Jesus - one where He and His disciples picked the heads off of grain as they walked through a field and the other where Jesus heals a man's hand - both take place on the Sabbath.  According to the rules the Pharisees had, this was a sin.  According to their legalism and focus on the law, this was not right.  It was hard for the Pharisees to understand, but Jesus was introducing a new freedom, based on a new way of being right with God -  through Christ.  Jesus was trying to help them see that the law was unable to justify them before a holy God, but this law was all they had known, so they held onto it.

Although we know the grace offered to us through Christ's sacrifice, we often hold onto the law as well.  The ironic thing is that when we focus on the law or when we see others focus on the law (such as the Pharisees in this story) it is typically when the offense was made by someone else - we  aren't so focused on the law for ourselves.  May God continue to help me extend His grace to others in light of my own great failures.

I apologize, but due to my need for sleep (as I type this Wed. night) and a desire to keep these blogs from being several pages long, I will refrain from blogging about Matthew 12:22-45 .  But if you have insight, questions, or comments on these verses please comment!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Reading - Matthew 8:1-13; Luke 7:11-17; 7:36-50

In Matthew 8, we see a leper and a centurion who believe in Jesus' power and Jesus gladly gives the gift of healing. Then in Luke 7, Jesus comes across a widow whose only son has just died and "His heart went our to her" and He healed the boy.

Then in the latter passage of Luke 7 Jesus goes to the house of a Pharisee and a "sinful" woman wept at His feet and washed His feet with her tears and a jar of perfume that she brought. The Pharisee questioned in his mind why Jesus didn't understand the type of woman this was, but Jesus knew all too well. Jesus tells a story to the man to help him understand that those who have been forgiven much, love much, and those who have been forgiven little, love little. Then Jesus forgives her of her sin.

As we continue IN THE WORD we get a better picture of Jesus' heart. He wants to help, wants to heal, wants to forgive - He doesn't withhold these things. May we learn of Him and follow His ways. May we take time for people and see their hearts, not their mistakes or weaknesses.

God, please help me to see others through your eyes.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Reading - Lk. 6:17-46

Wow. When I read a passage like this it kind of jars me. It makes me wonder if we are truly following Jesus. His values are so opposite of our American culture, that I fear we often just dismiss Him. Not dismiss Him outright, just subtly think that He's exaggerating or something.

Blessed are the poor. (not me)

Blessed are those that hunger now. (not me)

Blessed are you when men hate you. (not me)

But woe to you who are rich. (In comparison to the rest of the world - me)

Woe to you who are well fed now. (me)

Woe to you when men speak well of you. (usually, me)

My guess is that you would fit these statements similar to me. Did anybody else notice that none of the blessing statements referred to me, but all of the woe statements did? This leaves me unsettled...

Then Jesus goes into teaching about loving our enemies. This once again convicts me. I typically consider myself to be very loving, but like Jesus said, everybody loves those who love them. How often do I show love to my "enemies?" How often am I merciful, as God is merciful?

Then Jesus moves into talking about not judging others, and teaching His disciples that as they judge others, they will be judged likewise. If the church were to live this one truth out, our efforts to reveal the goodness of God to those who don't know Him would be so much easier!

Finally, Jesus sums this bit of teaching up by comparing believers to fruit trees. If the "tree" bears good fruit, it's obviously a good tree, if it bears bad fruit, it's a bad tree. Jesus is talking about our actions, and if the tree analogy isn't clear, He makes sure we get the message in verse 46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and not do what I say?"

May we be a church that truly follows Jesus. Not our ideals about Jesus, not our self-projections of Jesus, but the Jesus who was a "man of sorrows," the Jesus who was hated because He was so different and because His righteousness was intimidating to those who lived in darkness. May our lives reflect His light so much that the world takes note and seeks to figure out Who it is that we reflect.

Monday, February 15th Reading - Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 9:9-13

I love these two stories. In Luke chapter 5, I'm reminded of my relationship with God. As Jesus tells Peter (a professional fisherman) to put out into deep water and let down the nets, Peter faces a dilemma. Jesus is not a professional fisherman, Peter is. Peter has already been out fishing all night and didn't catch a thing. He's tired, he wants to go home and sleep, but Jesus (his mentor) tells him to do something. To Peter, Jesus' request doesn't make sense and he doesn't really want to do what Jesus says. But, since it's Jesus, he relents. Upon obeying Jesus, they catch so many fish that their nets are about to break and it takes two boats to haul the catch in. Amazed once again and reminded of who he is with, Peter bows and worships Jesus and embarrassingly confesses that he is sinful. Jesus simply tells Peter not to be afraid, and gives him a new assignment, fishing for men.

How many times have I not understood why I was in the situation I was in, yet feeling compelled or guided by God went on with things only to see Him do amazing things. It's embarrassing to have to learn this lesson over and over, but I guess we sometimes get comfortable with Jesus and forget just who He is.

In Matthew 9, Jesus meets a man named Matthew who is a tax collector - someone who was hated by Jewish people of that culture - a thief, a crook, a jerk. And Jesus tells this "sinner" to follow Him, and without having to twist his arm, he does. Matthew gets up, stops working, and is somehow compelled to follow this Jesus. Maybe because few people wanted to spend time with Matthew? Then it tells us that Jesus is sitting in Matthews house and a bunch of other tax collectors and "sinners" drop by to hang out. Jesus, holy, perfect, pure Jesus is hanging out with outcasts and it appears that He is perfectly comfortable. Perhaps just as amazing is that so are they. This doesn't mean that Jesus changed His style or His demeanor, it simply shows how wonderfully gracious Jesus always was. Unfortunately things were going well until the religious people show up. They just can't understand why Jesus is hanging out with sinners. So He reminds them, and in the process, reminds us, that this is why He came. "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Then He continues by telling them to learn what this means - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."

God isn't interested in our religious checklists, He is interested in our love for others, our extension of His grace which extends His great love into this desperate world. May we continue to be challenged and admonished by Jesus' example. May we finally get it and live as He tells us to.

God please help us, please help me, to love as you love.

Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14

There will be no starting post on the weekend. But if you wish to make comment from your time IN THE WORD you may do so by commenting here.

Friday, February 12th Daily Reading Luke 4:14-30

The words of Jesus are sometimes sweet and sometimes sour. Jesus returns to His hometown, and all the people see is the little boy that grew up in the town. Sometimes I just see the side of Jesus I like, the sweet side. The side that forgives. The side that comforts. The side that protects. It is easy for me to dismiss the Jesus who convicts. The Jesus who rebukes. The Jesus who demands justice. When He stood before the crowd they went from speaking "well of him and (being) amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips" (vs. 22) to wanting to take Him out and kill Him (vs.28-30). All of what He said was the truth, but some is comforting and some is challenging. St. Augustine said, "They love truth when it enlightens them, but hate truth when it accuses them."

Jesus may I seek to knowand follow the real you. All of you. Not just the part that is comforting. Help me to embrace the part that is challenging as well.

Thursday, February 11th Daily Reading John 2:1-11, 4:1-26

Two stories where Jesus declares his glory (vs. 2:11,4:26). In one he performs a miracle, and in one he just has a conversation. One is at a public party, one is a private discussion. In one He is a reluctant participant, and the other He initiates the action. In both He declares His glory. In both faith is produced. In one faith is produced in His disciples, in the other faith is produced in a new believer (read the rest of chapter 4). When God is glorified He is pleased and lives are changed. I have heard it said that it is amazing to see what can be accomplished when we don't care who gets the credit. It is more amazing to see what can happen when we rightly give God the credit He deserves. I make that my prayer.

"God may I look for opportunities to brag on you, focus attention on your goodness, and help others to see your glory. God it can't be that hard. After all your glory fills the heavens. . . . The truth is I need to repent for blocking your glory. For wanting people to recognize me as significant or special instead of you. Forgive my selfish attempts to glorify myself. It is more importsnt for my kids, and my wife, and my freinds, and the church members I serve to see you as great than to see me as great. God you deserve all glory especially in my life. Help me to make that happen." (That is not the way I saw that prayer going when I started.)

Wednesday, February 10th Daily Reading Matthew 3:1-4:11

There is alot in this passage. But waht get's my attention is, it all gets back to the centrality of Jesus. It does not matter who I am (A part of Abraham's family or not. (vs. 3:8-9)) It is not about a birthright. It does not matter what I have done. I am not good enough, nor am I too bad. Either way repentance is the answer. I cannot fool Christ (He knows who is genuine and who is faking it. (vs. 3:12)) It is not enough to realize that the world does not revolve around me, I must also realize that it does revolve around Christ.

There is an instruction for me to obey in this passage - repent. Specifically repent from the sin of making decisions based on my wants and desires and not based upon who Jesus is.

Tuesday, February 9th Daily Reading Matthew 1:18-25

As I read this very familiar account of the birth of Jesus I am struck by two things. First is the amazing way that God has to weave events, places, and people together to accomplish his plan and purpose. There is no denying it Jesus has provided salvation from sin. He is the promised and anointed one. He is fully God, with us. This is confirmed by the way God fulfilled all of his promises through these two individuals Mary and Joseph. Both are remarkable in their own right. I must remember that God's purposes have already been established (Ephesians 2:10). He puts people in positions and in places and in circumstances for His plan. He did it incredibly with Mary and Joseph. Is He doing that for me?

The second thing that struck me is Joseph immediate obedience. He got up and did "what the Lord had commanded him." I need time. I want to debate God, reason with Him. But just hear it and do it - who does that? Joseph did, and I should.

God help me to obey immediately! You plan is set thank you for including me.

Monday, February 8th Daily Reading Isaiah 53

I am not one given to emotional responses - but upon reading this passage I am left tearful and speechless. All I want to say is "Thank You" to my God and my Savior. The passage provides many pictures of a Holy God who completely empties and debases himself to provide salvation for all who will receive it. The passage talks about Christ, but I kept reflecting on myself. My desperate need and undeserving nature. On one side I was embarrassed and ashamed for my sin, but oddly taking pride in what Jesus has done (or was going to do when this message was first delivered). It reminded me of the words from the song "How Deep The Fathers Love For Us" by Stuart Townend.

As I consider how I can live this passage out I steal a line from that song, "I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection." I will boast loudly! I look froward to our journey IN THE WORD together.

Here are all the words to the song for your personal worship.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Friday, February 5, 2010 Reading - Psalm 119:169-176

As we continue in the Word, may we be as faithful as the psalmist to keep coming back to God and asking for understanding and a love for His word. As we continue in His word, may we be moved to praise Him. May we recognize that we too are like lost sheep who need to continually listen to and follow the shepherds voice.

This has been a fun journey through Psalm 119 with you. I hope this is just the beginning of a long, enjoyable, faithful journey...

Thursday, February 4th Daily Reading Psalm 119:161-168

My attention is is alerted when I see opposites in the same verse, like hate and love. In verse 163 we see that the psalmist hates falsehood, but loves God's law. Falsehood could speak of an outright lie, a principle that promises what it does not deliver, or a lifestyle that is inconsistent with a persons stated beliefs. However, God's word is genuine, consistent, and trustworthy. Being IN THE WORD helps one lead the authentic Christian life, void of any pretense or falsehood because in comparison these are abhorred. I admit that when I am not IN THE WORD personally and regularly there are areas in my Christian walk where I "fake it". I just put on the 'mask" of being a Christian. Being IN THE WORD guards me against such falsehood, causing me to hate it. I obey His Word because when I am in it I am reminded "all of my ways are known to Him" (vs 168). It keeps me real, honest, and authentic.

God today may I hate and abhor falsehood, and love your law with my thought, my actions, and my attitudes.

Wednesday, February 3rd Daily Reading Psalm 119:153-160

It is an interesting thought to consider that my life is preserved (154,159) by His Word. I love when I get an answer from God's Word. I loe when I get encouragment from God's Word. I even love (in the long run) when I get conviction from God's Word. How about those days in God's Word when I just don't seem to "get" anytyhing. May I be reminded that on these days in the very least me life is reciving the needed ingredients to preserve it. Keep it fresh and far from decay. Today God as I meet with you IN THE WORD may I be reminded that my life is being preserved.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Reading - Psalm 119:145-152

In the midst of our despair we often cry out (as in complaining), but do we cry out to God with all our heart as the psalmist is in this passage? He declares to God that he wants to keep His decrees, and he puts his hope in God's word. He stays awake at night to meditate on God's promises. That's inspiring. I can tell you that I have laid awake many nights in the midst of stress, but most of that time was not spent meditating on God's promises, rather it was spent worrying - that is, meditating on my fears. I wonder how much I might've grown and been comforted had I changed my focus from my fears and lack of resources to His promises and infinite resources.

May we continue to learn from the psalmist.

Monday, February 1st Reading Psalm 119:137-144

"No matter what!" This is a statement of great confidence considering there are so many things that are unknown and unseen. It is a bold statement, a somewhat defiant statement. Challenging anyone or anything to try and get you to change. This psalm is somewhat of a statement like that. God I will trust in your Word no matter what . . .

other people do (137-139).
other people say (140-141).
I feel like (142-143).
I have to live through (144).

It is not a confidence in self, but a confidence in the rightness and trustworthyness of God's word - may we not be moved.

Sunday, January 31st Reading Psalm 119:129-136

Another reading on obedience. How simple the command - obey. When will I realize that obedience is not optional. It is not restrictive, but freeing. It is not supposed to be difficult to do, but helpful. The psalmist says that he obeys because God's statutes are "wonderful". To me His statutes are often dry (I admit with a sense of guilt). I know that the problem lies within me and not within the word. In verse 130 I gain some perspective. God's word must "unfold" in my life. That takes time and care. I must allow the word time to open up. I must still myself . . . mediate . . . concentrate. That s when the simple like me will move from the dry and gain understanding.

Saturday, January 30th Reading - Psalm 119:105-128

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. This is one of the most famous verses in not only all of the Psalms, but all of the Bible - and for good reason. As we remain in the Word, God guides us in wisdom, He helps us to make the right choices as we journey through life. I was once told that His "light" for us is like the headlights of a car at night, they are plenty bright, but they don't allow us to see very far ahead. Often we want to know what the next year holds, but He rarely allows us to see that far ahead. We have to continue to remain in His word daily for guidance.

The psalmists' love for the Word is inspiring. As he has continued to do throughout chapter 119, he praises God for His precepts and explains how he lives by them and is comforted by them. But we don't just get the idea that the psalmist loves God's word, he truly loves the Lord. As I've mentioned, sometimes I can have a great time of study, yet neglect to pray or spend time in worship. We must remember that we are not simply seeking information, but transformation through spending time with our Lord.

May we continue to strive towards this goal.

Friday, January 29th Reading Psalm 119:97-104

(Sorry for the late blog. My wife goes to Nashville and everything falls apart.)

What an awesome statemnet about the benefit of being IN THE WORD. Maybe you hear the statement "Oh how I love your law!" (vs 97) and you want that to be a true staement for you, but it is not . . .yet! The love of God's word comes the more you are in it. It makes us better than we are. It makes us wiser, it gives us knowledge, and grants us experience. May we remain IN THE WORD.

Thursday, January 28th Reading - Psalm 119:89-96

When we feel unable to worship God or incapable of remaining focused on Him it's because we've allowed His greatness to diminish in our minds. This is a great passage in Psalm 119 to be reminded of how awesome He is (and consequently how great His word is as well).

"Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."

"Your faithfulness continues through all generations..."

"You established the earth, and it endures."

"Your laws endures to this day, for all things serve You."

God is above all, He created everything. All things exist because of Him and all things hold together through Him. It's all about Him! And the psalmist goes on to describe his response to God because of these things.

"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction."

"I will never forget your precepts."

"To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless."

As the psalmist remained in God's word, he felt rescued from his affliction. He found hope, he learned of his strength in God. He began living from the strong foundation that God's word gives us.

May we find new strength and grow in our love as we remain in His word.

Wednesday, January 27th Reading Psalm 119:81-88

Hurry up and wait. Is there any more difficult word to hear from God than WAIT? This is what the psalmist is experiencing. He knows God's Word is sure, true and trustworthy but to experience the fulfillment of its promisses he must wait. While you wait it will be difficult and people will plot against you, but you are doing what you should do in trusting in God's Word. It may be (I feel that it is for me) that God wats you and I to WAIT. Wait for Him to come through. Wait for justice to happen. Wait for the opportunity to open up. Wait for my loved one to get it. Wait for the pain to end. Wait for the resource to be provided. Wait for the wisdom to arrive. Wait for the promise to come true. I can only do this when my "hope is in Your Word" (vs 1). Wait IN THE WORD, it's worth it.

Tuesday, January 26th 2010 Reading - Psalm 119:73-80

If only all people were wise enough to seek the "Author of Life" for instructions on how to live. The Psalmist wisely notes in v. 73 that "Your hands made me and formed me." We are created by God, who else would we seek as we look for meaning and purpose and fulfillment in this life?

As he goes into verse 74, I thought of John the Baptist, still in his mother's womb, jumping for joy when Jesus, still in his mother's womb, arrived. It is special to be in the presence of other believers - I hope (like the psalmist) that as I truly live out my faith, that my presence would be a joy for other believers.

I'm also encourage by this passage to pray with God's character in mind. As the psalmist talks to God he recalls His unfailing love (v.76) and compassion (v.77). As he continues in God's word he is able to pray regarding "the arrogant," (v. 78) yet keep his focus on the Word.

As we continue to dwell in the Word, it will become our focus too, rather than whatever it is that may be burdening us at the moment. As the Scriptures say, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt 6:21)

May our treasure become God's Word!

Monday, January 25, 2010 Reading Psalm 119:65-72

This psalm is encouraging and unsettling. It starts off speaking of the goodness of God, but later speaks of God's disciplining or afflicting hand. It goes on to say, "You are good and do only good" (vs. 68 NLT) It is a mature person who views the discipline of God as "good" thing. We know that it is, but I am guilty of not viewing it like that. I pray that I will value and pay attention (vs 71-72) to God's word with no need of His discipline, but I know it won't work like that. Let me thank God for his goodness to me, even when it is expressed with a loving and disciplining hand.

Sunday, January 24th Daily Reading Psalm 119:57-64

As I read this passgae I recall a phrase that I have heard along the way - "Delayed obedience is disobedience." The Psalmist says, "I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands." It makes me consider what causes delay in me lack of faith, lack of deisre, disbelief, ignorance, and a lack of accountability to name a few things. Obedience is the theme of the psalm and I believe that verses 61-64 incude some things that stand in opposition to my obedience relationships that hold me back (vs 61 and infered in vs 63), demands upon my time and energy (vs 62), and a lack of desire and knowledge (vs 64). All of these oppositions are easier to deal with when I am regularly and personally IN THE WORD. My prayer to pray frm this passage would be
"With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised." (vs 59 NLT)

Saturday, January 23rd Reading - Psalm 119:49-56

When he needed hope or comfort or when he was being mocked, the psalmist sought God's word to meet his needs. That convicts me. I'm afraid that God's word is not the first place I turn when I am in need.

I like that the psalmist uses a phrase that we're all too familiar with - theme song. In verse 54 he says, "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. I want to make God's word the theme song of my life - and thankfully we have some great music nowadays that is grounded in God's word that we can fill our minds with.

In the midst of this passage, one thing is obvious, God's word is at the center of the psalmist's life. He seeks it for comfort, he finds hope in it, he is encourage by it when he is mocked, he thinks about it throughout the day and the night, and he obeys it.

I will continue to strive for this kind of life.

Friday - January 22nd Reading Psalm 119:41-48

Confidence. That is the word that challenges my spirit as I read this passage. The psamist has an unwavering confidence in God because of the time spent IN THE WORD. Wether he is giving an answer to the one who taunts him (vs 22) or speaking to kings (vs 46) he has a boldness of spirit because of the word. Verse 45 caught my attention. He says, "I walk in freedom." He is not ashamed, he is not uncertain, he is not bound by fear - he is free. As Jesus says in the new testament, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."(John 8:32) Once again the psalmist describes his attitude toward the word. He hopes in it (vs 43), he del;ights in it (vs 47), he loves it (vs 48).

God change my attitude toward your word today that I may have confidence in your unfailing love finding me today.

Thursday, January 21st Reading - Psalm 119:33-40

The psalmist wants to desire God's Word. He knows that it brings purpose and joy to life, but for the psalmist, much like us, it must've been a struggle, because we get to overhear him in this long psalm begging God to help him love and obey the Word. He knows intellectually that it's good for him, but he wants to long for it in his heart and live it out in his life. Perhaps this can challenge us to ask God for similar help.

I like that in verse 33 he asks God to teach him to follow His decrees. That is, he knows what the decrees are, but living them out is a different story. Acknowledging the difference in our lives between knowing God's will and living it out is wisdom. And that is what the author asks for in the next verse (34), "Give me understanding and I will keep your law." As Andy Stanley has said, "If we could see as He sees, we would do as He instructs us to do."

The author goes on asking God to direct him in the paths of His commands, recognizing, "for there I find delight." Why do we run from God's ways so often when obeying them would bring us the delight we're seeking?

Turning to more of an introspective thought, the psalmist asks in v. 36 for God to turn his heart toward His statutes and away from selfish gain (the NLT translates this, "do not inflict me with the love of money." - nice phrase). And this is our ultimate problem isn't it? Let me speak for myself, whenever I find myself not seeking and obeying God, it is typically due to my seeking selfish gain. Yet again, intellectually I know that abiding in Him will bring me ultimate joy (John 15:11) - but there's some kind of disconnect between my head and my heart.

I want to begin to pray more often (in a begging fashion) verse 37 - "Turn my eyes away from worthless things." I waste so much time on useless things (TV anyone?!) it drives me crazy.

God may you grant me the ability to focus on what is real and eternal as I remain in Your Word.

Wednesday, January 20th Reading Psalm 119:25-32

What do I expect when I get IN THE WORD? The psalmist expects to be revived. In a time of great discouragement he expects to be revived by simply being IN THE WORD. I pray that I will be one who has right expectations when I an IN THE WORD. The NLT renders vs 29, "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions." That hit me between the eyes. Upon reading that I was convicted about how much time I spend listening to myself, and not God. Most of the time my thoughts are messed up by my own limited perspective, selfish viewpont, and arrogant conclusions. Throughout this section the psalmist is asking for help grasping and understanding God's Word. He values it. He expects his life to be changed as he understands it. God change my expectations as I continue IN THE WORD.

Tuesday, January 19th Reading - Psalm 119:17-24

Perhaps as we open God's word each day we should start by praying verse 18 from today's passage, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Isn't it amazing how you can learn something new from a passage of Scripture you've seen or heard several times? That is the Holy Spirit revealing something to us. Let me be more clear by stating this another way...that is God speaking to us. God's word is so rich and He uses it to speak into our lives. When we read it and He allows us to realize something "wonderful" we grow a little bit more in love with our Father. May we do this each day.

I also love the very next verse (19) where the psalmist recalls in his prayer to God that he is "a stranger on earth." Can you imagine how this would change our lives if we would live in this truth? We waste so much time on the things of this world, when we're really just visiting - our true home is with the Lord.

As we continue in the Word, may our souls become consumed with longing for God's ways (v. 20) and may we delight and take counsel in His instructions (v. 24).

Monday, January 18th Reading - Psalm 119:9-16

I love this it starts off with a question and then proceeds to answer the question. I like when it is this obvious. When my life is "pure" I am staying out of a pit, free from spiritual stench, away from the confusion of tug-of-war in my decision making - things become more clear. According to the psalmist I accomplish this by seeking God. That is the main reason i need to be IN THE WORD regularly and personally - to know God better. (I wish I had emphasized that point more in my sermon more yesterday.) It is not a duty, it is a relationship, me getting to know God better. This is accomplished as I stay close to the word (vs 10), memorize the word (vs 11), speak the word (vs 13), celebrate over the word (vs 14), as I meditate on the word (vs 15), and do not neglect it (vs 16). These are all great examples to follow, but rarely will someone experience all these daily. You are already experiencing one by not neglecting the word today. Today you are IN THE WORD. THAT IS AWESOME!

I pray as the psalmist prays "teach me your decrees" so I may know You more. Let me hear from you.

Welcome Message

Welcome to NORTHSIDE IN THE WORD. I hope that this site not only encourages you to get in the word, but also encourages you by the comments of your church family and friends as they journey through God's word along with you. Please take the time to post the observations and insights you gain from being in God's Word.