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