Scripture References:
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Reflection and Meditation
1. Do you judge people because of a denominational moniker before their name? In what ways can you reach out to those “of different beliefs”? Remember that the greatest way to share the Gospel is to be the Gospel.
2. Did you use the three resources (avoiding the situation, praying, and preparing) this week as you encountered temptation? What were the results? Did you notice growth in the area?
3. Check your perceptions. Are you viewing the “ refining fire” of your experiences as opportunities for growth or are you still seeing them as sufferings thrust upon you from GOD because he hates you?
4. Out of the three types of love, which do you practice with your spouse? What are some ways to show your spouse you love them unconditionally and avoid even thoughts of divorce? Now take that list and apply it today.
5. Do you have child-like faith in Jesus? What are some advantages to such a belief? What things prevent you from fully and completely trusting in Jesus?
2. Did you use the three resources (avoiding the situation, praying, and preparing) this week as you encountered temptation? What were the results? Did you notice growth in the area?
3. Check your perceptions. Are you viewing the “ refining fire” of your experiences as opportunities for growth or are you still seeing them as sufferings thrust upon you from GOD because he hates you?
4. Out of the three types of love, which do you practice with your spouse? What are some ways to show your spouse you love them unconditionally and avoid even thoughts of divorce? Now take that list and apply it today.
5. Do you have child-like faith in Jesus? What are some advantages to such a belief? What things prevent you from fully and completely trusting in Jesus?
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Simplicity of a Child
Mark 10:13-16 (NLT)
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them,“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
As a teacher, I stand before a captive audience daily. Occasionally one of the students will ask me an off-the-wall question like, “Mr. Provine, you and Eminem [the rapper] look close. You and him related?” A chuckle follows.
While some people may be offended, I use it as an opportunity at relationship building, to laugh and have a good time. “Yes I am. We’re actually cousins. Matter of fact, my auntie started calling me Snicker about the same time she started calling him M&M.”
“Really?” they respond.
“No, but I got you.”
After the laughter dies down, I tell them how gullible kids can be. How they believe anything. This is usually followed by another round of laughter as the joke finally sinks in.
As I read Scripture such as the one this morning, I realize my need to be more like my kids when it comes to listening to my greatest teacher, Jesus. Jesus says, “Mark this: Unless you accept GOD’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” (verse 15, The Message). That’s fairly cut and dry. We say something; kids believe it. Jesus says something; we believe it. Or we should.
Allow me to give you a test (what else are teachers good for?). Answer honestly and see how you do. You’re on the honor system.
Answer the following questions with a simple “yes” or “no.”
1. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of GOD?
2. Do you believe Jesus died for your sins and rose again conquering death?
3. Do you believe that Jesus is in heaven preparing an eternal home for you?
4. Do you believe Jesus works miracles?
5. Do you believe Jesus is coming back for you?
6. Do you believe you can take comfort in Jesus through troubles?
7. Do you believe Jesus really loves you?
8. Do you believe, as John (the pastor not the Baptist) preached on, that the power of Jesus can radically change and heal things?
While these statements have sent many a pilgrim on soul-searching journeys, a child would answer yes to all. Its my hope that we can do the same. Whatever Jesus says, we not only accept and believe it, but live it out in our lives.
Application: If you answered “yes“ or “no” to any of the above questions, pray (which is a child-like step in itself) and ask GOD to increase your faith. Like a child, cry out and raise your hands and allow Jesus to pick you up, wrap his arms around you, and love on you a little while.
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them,“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
As a teacher, I stand before a captive audience daily. Occasionally one of the students will ask me an off-the-wall question like, “Mr. Provine, you and Eminem [the rapper] look close. You and him related?” A chuckle follows.
While some people may be offended, I use it as an opportunity at relationship building, to laugh and have a good time. “Yes I am. We’re actually cousins. Matter of fact, my auntie started calling me Snicker about the same time she started calling him M&M.”
“Really?” they respond.
“No, but I got you.”
After the laughter dies down, I tell them how gullible kids can be. How they believe anything. This is usually followed by another round of laughter as the joke finally sinks in.
As I read Scripture such as the one this morning, I realize my need to be more like my kids when it comes to listening to my greatest teacher, Jesus. Jesus says, “Mark this: Unless you accept GOD’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” (verse 15, The Message). That’s fairly cut and dry. We say something; kids believe it. Jesus says something; we believe it. Or we should.
Allow me to give you a test (what else are teachers good for?). Answer honestly and see how you do. You’re on the honor system.
Answer the following questions with a simple “yes” or “no.”
1. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of GOD?
2. Do you believe Jesus died for your sins and rose again conquering death?
3. Do you believe that Jesus is in heaven preparing an eternal home for you?
4. Do you believe Jesus works miracles?
5. Do you believe Jesus is coming back for you?
6. Do you believe you can take comfort in Jesus through troubles?
7. Do you believe Jesus really loves you?
8. Do you believe, as John (the pastor not the Baptist) preached on, that the power of Jesus can radically change and heal things?
While these statements have sent many a pilgrim on soul-searching journeys, a child would answer yes to all. Its my hope that we can do the same. Whatever Jesus says, we not only accept and believe it, but live it out in our lives.
Application: If you answered “yes“ or “no” to any of the above questions, pray (which is a child-like step in itself) and ask GOD to increase your faith. Like a child, cry out and raise your hands and allow Jesus to pick you up, wrap his arms around you, and love on you a little while.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Law versus Love
Mark 10:1-12 (NLT)
Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them.
Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”
Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?”
“Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.”
But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.”
Divorce. It’s a word which has touched every life reading my words due to its prevalence not only in society as a whole, but in the church. The statistics are staggering. The damage done scarring. Its become so common, it's almost acceptable.
In the Greek language, which the New Testament was originally written in, there are three words for love: phila, eros, and agape. If we are to analyze marriage and divorce, we must look to these three loves. Phila is the brotherly or friendly type of love (hence Philadelphia garnering its nickname “the city of love”). This is a love between friends. All marriage relationships must begin here. If your wife/husband isn’t your best friend, then you never would have “fallen in love” in the first place. The second type is the one most associate with modern-day love, eros. Eros is the passionate, erotic love between men and women. This is the romance of the movies, the butterflies in the stomach, the desire to be with your love all the time, the yearning to “make love.” Unfortunately, when this eros love fades, as it will go in and out many times throughout a marriage, most of us want to give up. We hear things like, “We’ve just grown apart or we’ve simply fallen out of love or they’re not the same person I married or this other girl/guy makes me feel passion again or so forth.” But to stop here is to stop short of Jesus’ standard in the reading today.
Jesus says, “Moses [the law] wrote this command [of divorce] only as a concession to your hard-hearted ways. In the original creation…no longer two individuals, but forming one unity. Because GOD created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.” (verses 5-9, The Message). What Jesus is instructing is to practice agape love- the love which is unconditional, the love which stands firm in the midst of trials and turmoil, the love which forgives and loves in spite of, the love which remains even when the romance lulls, the love which Jesus has for his church. Our world wants nothing more than to trash or scrap a relationship because the sex appeal has worn away. But we are to love the way Christ loves the church, willing to give anything and everything to stay committed to our spouse and vows.
I understand there are extenuating circumstances which might call for divorce (abuse, violence, etc.). However, far too many of us want to call it quits on a whim. Because the law says we can. Or because its acceptable in American society. Or because we feel like another woman/man can fill that romantic void. But don’t fall for the grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side mirage. Let love- agape love- conquer the law. Let love flow-
Application: Pick up the book "The Love Dare" and practice its principles for your spouse. Until then, go home, give your spouse a big, wet kiss, and tell them you love them. Love them with agape. Love them like Jesus loves you. Love them like you love your favorite team or shoe collection. Love them not for what they do, but simply because they are them!
Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them.
Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”
Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?”
“Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.”
But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.”
Divorce. It’s a word which has touched every life reading my words due to its prevalence not only in society as a whole, but in the church. The statistics are staggering. The damage done scarring. Its become so common, it's almost acceptable.
In the Greek language, which the New Testament was originally written in, there are three words for love: phila, eros, and agape. If we are to analyze marriage and divorce, we must look to these three loves. Phila is the brotherly or friendly type of love (hence Philadelphia garnering its nickname “the city of love”). This is a love between friends. All marriage relationships must begin here. If your wife/husband isn’t your best friend, then you never would have “fallen in love” in the first place. The second type is the one most associate with modern-day love, eros. Eros is the passionate, erotic love between men and women. This is the romance of the movies, the butterflies in the stomach, the desire to be with your love all the time, the yearning to “make love.” Unfortunately, when this eros love fades, as it will go in and out many times throughout a marriage, most of us want to give up. We hear things like, “We’ve just grown apart or we’ve simply fallen out of love or they’re not the same person I married or this other girl/guy makes me feel passion again or so forth.” But to stop here is to stop short of Jesus’ standard in the reading today.
Jesus says, “Moses [the law] wrote this command [of divorce] only as a concession to your hard-hearted ways. In the original creation…no longer two individuals, but forming one unity. Because GOD created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.” (verses 5-9, The Message). What Jesus is instructing is to practice agape love- the love which is unconditional, the love which stands firm in the midst of trials and turmoil, the love which forgives and loves in spite of, the love which remains even when the romance lulls, the love which Jesus has for his church. Our world wants nothing more than to trash or scrap a relationship because the sex appeal has worn away. But we are to love the way Christ loves the church, willing to give anything and everything to stay committed to our spouse and vows.
I understand there are extenuating circumstances which might call for divorce (abuse, violence, etc.). However, far too many of us want to call it quits on a whim. Because the law says we can. Or because its acceptable in American society. Or because we feel like another woman/man can fill that romantic void. But don’t fall for the grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side mirage. Let love- agape love- conquer the law. Let love flow-
Application: Pick up the book "The Love Dare" and practice its principles for your spouse. Until then, go home, give your spouse a big, wet kiss, and tell them you love them. Love them with agape. Love them like Jesus loves you. Love them like you love your favorite team or shoe collection. Love them not for what they do, but simply because they are them!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Refining Fire
Mark 9:49-50 (NLT)
For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.
“I’m going through the fire!”
If you’ve been around long enough, you’ve heard people exasperatedly utter this phrase- both in and out of church. Many times, however, we don’t think of the circumstance as a whole; rather, at the negative feelings or emotions, such as anger and bitterness, the fire brings out of us. What Jesus alludes to in our passage today is a comprehensive look at both the fire and the invaluable changes it brings.
A metallurgy degree isn’t necessary for us to understand this “refining fire” principle, but a little background will help. Metal such as gold is put through a fire to refine or purify it. After being submitted to the feverish flames, its impurities drain out and what is left is the same chemical compound, only in its purest form. Thus, pure gold.
Now lets transfer the thought to our relationship with Jesus. Although we are created in the image of GOD, we bear the poisons of our sin nature. As the Holy Spirit fills our soul, it becomes a “consuming fire” which burns away at our impurities. It convicts us of wrong doing, counsels us through our past hurts, guides us through the trials and tribulations of life, holds us up in adversity, and cries out on our behalf when words won’t come. The spirit’s fire thus transforms us into pure and holy people fit to meet GOD. Notice we have nothing to do with the process except remaining in the midst of the flames, no matter how painful at the time. We that endure to the end, will be saved!
Application: Check your perceptions of the fire today. Make an attempt to see the fire as an extreme makeover to the image of Christ rather than as something beating you down and ruining your life. Better to burn in this life than in the one to come!
For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.
“I’m going through the fire!”
If you’ve been around long enough, you’ve heard people exasperatedly utter this phrase- both in and out of church. Many times, however, we don’t think of the circumstance as a whole; rather, at the negative feelings or emotions, such as anger and bitterness, the fire brings out of us. What Jesus alludes to in our passage today is a comprehensive look at both the fire and the invaluable changes it brings.
A metallurgy degree isn’t necessary for us to understand this “refining fire” principle, but a little background will help. Metal such as gold is put through a fire to refine or purify it. After being submitted to the feverish flames, its impurities drain out and what is left is the same chemical compound, only in its purest form. Thus, pure gold.
Now lets transfer the thought to our relationship with Jesus. Although we are created in the image of GOD, we bear the poisons of our sin nature. As the Holy Spirit fills our soul, it becomes a “consuming fire” which burns away at our impurities. It convicts us of wrong doing, counsels us through our past hurts, guides us through the trials and tribulations of life, holds us up in adversity, and cries out on our behalf when words won’t come. The spirit’s fire thus transforms us into pure and holy people fit to meet GOD. Notice we have nothing to do with the process except remaining in the midst of the flames, no matter how painful at the time. We that endure to the end, will be saved!
Application: Check your perceptions of the fire today. Make an attempt to see the fire as an extreme makeover to the image of Christ rather than as something beating you down and ruining your life. Better to burn in this life than in the one to come!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Faces of Death
Mark 9:43-48 (NLT)
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’
As a teenager, I did countless questionable things, including watching things I had no business watching. One such film was called The Faces of Death, a sort of documentary displaying real clips of people dying or being maimed in various parts of the world. While the LORD has thankfully delivered many of these gruesome images from my mind, one that still sticks out is of a man who had his hand forcefully amputated for stealing. His captors lashed his arm down and sliced through his wrist. As they held the hand up as a lesson to all, someone wrapped his bleeding nub in a plastic bag.
I’m not sharing this to gross you out but to provide a vivid image to help you relate to today’s passage. Just as I have here, Jesus used strong, explicit language and imagery to get his point across. He instructs “If your hands or eyes cause you to sin, get rid of them!” (my paraphrase) Hopefully, we don’t have to get that far to stifle our desire to sin. There are ways to guard our hands and hearts from evil. The next time the overwhelming urge to sin comes try one of these:
- Avoid the situation.
Most times, if you’re not around the things causing you to sin, you’re obviously less likely to do so. Examples include: staying off the computer when no else is around (prevents the temptation to look at things we shouldn’t be), staying away from “old” friends (prevents temptations to return to that lifestyle), staying out of situations where you’re alone with the opposite sex (prevents temptations leading to adultery), staying out of McDonald's (prevents temptations to engorge gluttonous behavior), staying away from the TV during the World Cup (prevents temptations to make soccer your idol), and so on.
-Pray.
Here we go again. We always hear it pounded into us. But there is great power to fight temptation when we have a close, intimate relationship with Jesus. Examples include: praying to avoid sin (see above), praying to have thoughts removed from our mind (old sins, past experiences, unholy imagery), praying for those who tempt us (for their salvation and healing), praying for those we lust after (helps us see others as children of GOD and not objects for our pleasure), praying for the loss of desire for things we want but don’t need (fast cars, fancy clothes, newest flat screen), and so on.
-Prepare.
Sin will be a part of us and our world until Jesus gloriously returns to take us home. Thankfully, he has warned us about sin and given us a way out. He’s even made a way for us to be a part of him despite our sinful nature (Thank you, Jesus!). There are many Scriptures to help us prepare for the struggle with sin, but here is perhaps the most clear: Ephesians 6:10-18. I’ll allow you to read it yourself, but take note of one thing-there is no protection for the back. So never turn and run. But stand and fight, with Jesus in your heart and his word on your mouth. Then scream, “FRRRRREEEEEEDDDDOOOMMMMMMM!” Not only does it sound cool and make you feel like Braveheart, but it's truth.
Application: As you encounter temptation today, use these three resources. Make a conscious effort to avoid dangerous situations, pray continually, and prepare your heart for the fight. Because the last thing I want to see is you- or me- losing eyes or hands.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’
As a teenager, I did countless questionable things, including watching things I had no business watching. One such film was called The Faces of Death, a sort of documentary displaying real clips of people dying or being maimed in various parts of the world. While the LORD has thankfully delivered many of these gruesome images from my mind, one that still sticks out is of a man who had his hand forcefully amputated for stealing. His captors lashed his arm down and sliced through his wrist. As they held the hand up as a lesson to all, someone wrapped his bleeding nub in a plastic bag.
I’m not sharing this to gross you out but to provide a vivid image to help you relate to today’s passage. Just as I have here, Jesus used strong, explicit language and imagery to get his point across. He instructs “If your hands or eyes cause you to sin, get rid of them!” (my paraphrase) Hopefully, we don’t have to get that far to stifle our desire to sin. There are ways to guard our hands and hearts from evil. The next time the overwhelming urge to sin comes try one of these:
- Avoid the situation.
Most times, if you’re not around the things causing you to sin, you’re obviously less likely to do so. Examples include: staying off the computer when no else is around (prevents the temptation to look at things we shouldn’t be), staying away from “old” friends (prevents temptations to return to that lifestyle), staying out of situations where you’re alone with the opposite sex (prevents temptations leading to adultery), staying out of McDonald's (prevents temptations to engorge gluttonous behavior), staying away from the TV during the World Cup (prevents temptations to make soccer your idol), and so on.
-Pray.
Here we go again. We always hear it pounded into us. But there is great power to fight temptation when we have a close, intimate relationship with Jesus. Examples include: praying to avoid sin (see above), praying to have thoughts removed from our mind (old sins, past experiences, unholy imagery), praying for those who tempt us (for their salvation and healing), praying for those we lust after (helps us see others as children of GOD and not objects for our pleasure), praying for the loss of desire for things we want but don’t need (fast cars, fancy clothes, newest flat screen), and so on.
-Prepare.
Sin will be a part of us and our world until Jesus gloriously returns to take us home. Thankfully, he has warned us about sin and given us a way out. He’s even made a way for us to be a part of him despite our sinful nature (Thank you, Jesus!). There are many Scriptures to help us prepare for the struggle with sin, but here is perhaps the most clear: Ephesians 6:10-18. I’ll allow you to read it yourself, but take note of one thing-there is no protection for the back. So never turn and run. But stand and fight, with Jesus in your heart and his word on your mouth. Then scream, “FRRRRREEEEEEDDDDOOOMMMMMMM!” Not only does it sound cool and make you feel like Braveheart, but it's truth.
Application: As you encounter temptation today, use these three resources. Make a conscious effort to avoid dangerous situations, pray continually, and prepare your heart for the fight. Because the last thing I want to see is you- or me- losing eyes or hands.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Diversity vs. Division
Mark 9:38-42 (NLT)
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”
“Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.
As a part of a dozen different ministries with a dozen different denominations, one of the ugliest blemishes I’ve witnessed in the church (as a whole) is evidenced in this story. People in a particular church or denomination- the disciples in this case- attempt to shut up another group who are preaching, healing, and praying in Jesus' name. The Message states simply, “Jesus wasn’t pleased” by this. He continues by teaching his disciples that just because people don’t teach the same cookie-cutter method you do, it doesn’t mean that they’re any less of believers. (my paraphrase)
This inevitably leads us modern-day believers into thoughts of denominations. In my time as a believer, I’ve swung like a pendulum between churches at opposite ends of this issue. I’ve attended one (which will remain nameless) which acted- and thought- their’s was the only way for true salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I was scolded for reaching out to other churches and denominations because they feared their gospel would be watered down. An us-versus-them mentality was created and mirrored that from the story today. It wreaked havoc not only on the community but in the church.
A few years passed before I found a church home on the opposite side of the fence. To begin, no denominational moniker emblazoned the sign out front. Despite omitting such labels, the atmosphere was one of love and acceptance. No matter your denominational background. Or whether you had a religious background at all. The variety of denominations making up the church were seen as beautiful diversity rather than denominational division. Oh sure, you may hear a joke or wise-crack about biting snakes, sprinkling people versus drowning them, or placing a denominational label by the size of someone’s waistline. But it’s all in good fun. Everyone is accepted. Just like Jesus wishes.
Application: The next time you encounter someone of another “denomination,” remember that they love Jesus too. Even if they worship him a little differently. Thank God for diversity and pray for the healing of divisions.
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”
“Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.
As a part of a dozen different ministries with a dozen different denominations, one of the ugliest blemishes I’ve witnessed in the church (as a whole) is evidenced in this story. People in a particular church or denomination- the disciples in this case- attempt to shut up another group who are preaching, healing, and praying in Jesus' name. The Message states simply, “Jesus wasn’t pleased” by this. He continues by teaching his disciples that just because people don’t teach the same cookie-cutter method you do, it doesn’t mean that they’re any less of believers. (my paraphrase)
This inevitably leads us modern-day believers into thoughts of denominations. In my time as a believer, I’ve swung like a pendulum between churches at opposite ends of this issue. I’ve attended one (which will remain nameless) which acted- and thought- their’s was the only way for true salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I was scolded for reaching out to other churches and denominations because they feared their gospel would be watered down. An us-versus-them mentality was created and mirrored that from the story today. It wreaked havoc not only on the community but in the church.
A few years passed before I found a church home on the opposite side of the fence. To begin, no denominational moniker emblazoned the sign out front. Despite omitting such labels, the atmosphere was one of love and acceptance. No matter your denominational background. Or whether you had a religious background at all. The variety of denominations making up the church were seen as beautiful diversity rather than denominational division. Oh sure, you may hear a joke or wise-crack about biting snakes, sprinkling people versus drowning them, or placing a denominational label by the size of someone’s waistline. But it’s all in good fun. Everyone is accepted. Just like Jesus wishes.
Application: The next time you encounter someone of another “denomination,” remember that they love Jesus too. Even if they worship him a little differently. Thank God for diversity and pray for the healing of divisions.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Morning Message
Scripture References:
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Friday, June 22, 2012
Reflection and Meditation
1. Since Monday’s devotional and application, have you found yourself being less two-faced or ashamed of Jesus? What specific things did you prayerfully do to improve on this?
2. When encountering GOD this week, did you rest and relax in his presence? Or did you have to find something to do for him? Describe.
3. Does your life declare, “Anything can happen with Jesus!”? Or do you say you believe with your mouth and fail to walk by faith in your heart? What are some practical (and impractical) ways to grow in your faith?
4. Stop right now and communicate with GOD. Thank him. Praise him. Discuss your answers to these questions with him.
5. Describe what the words of Jesus mean to you: “So you want first place? Then take last place. Be a servant to all.” (verse 35, The Message)
2. When encountering GOD this week, did you rest and relax in his presence? Or did you have to find something to do for him? Describe.
3. Does your life declare, “Anything can happen with Jesus!”? Or do you say you believe with your mouth and fail to walk by faith in your heart? What are some practical (and impractical) ways to grow in your faith?
4. Stop right now and communicate with GOD. Thank him. Praise him. Discuss your answers to these questions with him.
5. Describe what the words of Jesus mean to you: “So you want first place? Then take last place. Be a servant to all.” (verse 35, The Message)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
I’m a Loser
Mark 9:30-37 (NLT)
Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.
After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”
Of all the divine paradoxes evoked by Jesus, perhaps this is the toughest to swallow: To be first, we must be last. This blasphemous phrase alone spits in the face of all we hold sacred. I mean think about it. Imagine Alabama or LSU straining to lose in an effort to vie for last place with bottom dwellers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Or one of the talented ladies from Cup Cake Wars intentionally scorching their delicious baked goods in order to be the first kicked off the show. Or Chelsea tossing away their Champions League Trophy to replace FC Dallas at the stub of the MLS totem-pole. Or an American Idol contestant who screams lyrics and smashes the set instead of belting out a slick song airbrushed for a TV audience desperately seeking the latest fad-god.
Our culture is competition driven- whether it be sports, economics, politics, or personal lives. Everyone yearns to be and look the best. And we’re willing to stomp a hole in anyone foolish enough to get in our way. It's rather naïve of us to believe that such atrocious behavior halts at the doors of the church or within a circle of Christ followers. If anything, it's even worse. As evidenced by the dog-eat-dog conversation of the disciples. Mere steps away from Jesus no less. You’ll recall that these are the disciples who had recently failed to heal the man afflicted with the evil spirit because of a lack of prayer, blamed one another for forgetting food because of a lack of responsibility, and folded up when given the opportunity to feed the masses because of a lack of faith. But they were arguing over who was best!
My dear Refugees, let us be mindful of the lesson here. Ask yourself if you’ve ever behaved in such a shallow way, either on the outside…or the inside. Whether guilty or not, there is no day like today to begin following the principle: To be first in the life to come, we must be last here by serving others. If you’re willing to obey Christ’s challenge and just do it (borrowed from Nike), you’ll discover you’re not actually giving up anything, but gaining a love, joy, and peace which surpasses all understanding, national championships, money, or fame.
Application: List ten ways to “become last” by serving others today. Then go be the Gospel!
Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.
After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”
Of all the divine paradoxes evoked by Jesus, perhaps this is the toughest to swallow: To be first, we must be last. This blasphemous phrase alone spits in the face of all we hold sacred. I mean think about it. Imagine Alabama or LSU straining to lose in an effort to vie for last place with bottom dwellers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Or one of the talented ladies from Cup Cake Wars intentionally scorching their delicious baked goods in order to be the first kicked off the show. Or Chelsea tossing away their Champions League Trophy to replace FC Dallas at the stub of the MLS totem-pole. Or an American Idol contestant who screams lyrics and smashes the set instead of belting out a slick song airbrushed for a TV audience desperately seeking the latest fad-god.
Our culture is competition driven- whether it be sports, economics, politics, or personal lives. Everyone yearns to be and look the best. And we’re willing to stomp a hole in anyone foolish enough to get in our way. It's rather naïve of us to believe that such atrocious behavior halts at the doors of the church or within a circle of Christ followers. If anything, it's even worse. As evidenced by the dog-eat-dog conversation of the disciples. Mere steps away from Jesus no less. You’ll recall that these are the disciples who had recently failed to heal the man afflicted with the evil spirit because of a lack of prayer, blamed one another for forgetting food because of a lack of responsibility, and folded up when given the opportunity to feed the masses because of a lack of faith. But they were arguing over who was best!
My dear Refugees, let us be mindful of the lesson here. Ask yourself if you’ve ever behaved in such a shallow way, either on the outside…or the inside. Whether guilty or not, there is no day like today to begin following the principle: To be first in the life to come, we must be last here by serving others. If you’re willing to obey Christ’s challenge and just do it (borrowed from Nike), you’ll discover you’re not actually giving up anything, but gaining a love, joy, and peace which surpasses all understanding, national championships, money, or fame.
Application: List ten ways to “become last” by serving others today. Then go be the Gospel!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Prayer Warriors…or Wanderers
Mark 9:25-29 (NLT)
When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!”
Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.
Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?”
Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer."
Prayer. Communication with GOD. A simple act. One that requires only verbally or cognitively expressing yourself to Yahweh. It’s the hottest topic in Christendom today, with billions of books, blogs, and brochures relating how, when, where, why, when, and why to do it. Written about in the Bible over and over again. And here it is again in the Gospel, prayer being the only way to deliver the man from the evil spirit.
So my question is this: Why don’t we do it?
Sure we pray. We pray before, during, and after worship service. We bless our meals. We cover our kids with bedtime prayers. We may even venture a prayer during the week. But are we in “continual prayer,” a constant state of communication with Christ?
I need not go any further. Knowledge of prayer isn’t our problem; practicing it is. To unload all the information about prayer will do neither of us any good at this point. But practicing it is another matter completely.
Application: Let’s get started with this now. Spend the rest of your devotional time simply praying. Then make an effort to talk and/or listen to GOD all day.
When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!”
Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.
Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?”
Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer."
Prayer. Communication with GOD. A simple act. One that requires only verbally or cognitively expressing yourself to Yahweh. It’s the hottest topic in Christendom today, with billions of books, blogs, and brochures relating how, when, where, why, when, and why to do it. Written about in the Bible over and over again. And here it is again in the Gospel, prayer being the only way to deliver the man from the evil spirit.
So my question is this: Why don’t we do it?
Sure we pray. We pray before, during, and after worship service. We bless our meals. We cover our kids with bedtime prayers. We may even venture a prayer during the week. But are we in “continual prayer,” a constant state of communication with Christ?
I need not go any further. Knowledge of prayer isn’t our problem; practicing it is. To unload all the information about prayer will do neither of us any good at this point. But practicing it is another matter completely.
Application: Let’s get started with this now. Spend the rest of your devotional time simply praying. Then make an effort to talk and/or listen to GOD all day.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The Realm of the Impossible
Mark 9:14-24 (NLT)
When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him.
“What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked.
One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”
Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.
“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
When this portion of Scripture crosses my vision, I’m drawn to the words of Jesus in verse twenty-three, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ with believers. Anything can happen.” (The Message). As with this man, and many of you, I’ve been plagued by doubts. Don’t get me wrong, my faith grows daily. Still, those reckless, emotional doubts coerce us into asking such questions as: Will I ever be significant? Will we ever produce a harvest equipped and hungry to reach out to others? Will God truly work out this issue for me? Will he really heal the sick these days? Will Greenville change or are we too far gone? Will I accomplish what I’m meant to?
Our concerns may differ but I daresay we wrestle with the same underlying issue. This calming bit of the Red Letters reminds us Jesus doesn’t operate in the realm of the possible (if) but that of the impossible (anything). This story, along with dozens we studied earlier in Mark, proves this. When a person is willing to throw caution and reputation to the wind, step out into the unknown, and grasp for Jesus, anything can -and will- happen.
A hero of the faith, George Mueller, was fond of saying, “Faith has nothing to do with probabilities. The province of faith begins where possibilities cease and sight and sense fail.” Not only a man of wise words, Mueller lived it out, opening and operating orphanages without knowing how it would work out or how in the world they’d pay for it. He prayerfully stepped out in faith daily, working tirelessly to lift youth out of poverty, homelessness, and loneliness. He simply prayed and believed everything would work out. And it did! Even with him receiving mysterious gifts of money or miracles occurring just in the nick of time.
What we remember Mueller for isn’t his work so much as his single-minded devotion to his faith in Jesus Christ. Many people do ministry. But most of us only hope for miracles without actually believing that it will work out. Our hearts, our mindsets must change. They must transform from rickety emotions to solid and stalwart belief. And this begins by practicing such faith one circumstance at a time. As you witness the LORD work in an area you have faith in, you will then grow to trust and believe him for “bigger” things. Eventually, we’ll be able to explain with Jesus, “Anything can happen!”
Application: Hundreds (if not thousands) of Christian writers have pondered and pontificated on why we, as believers, don’t doubts our doubts more than we doubt our faith. I will join the fray only to challenge you to do this: Today, when an act of faith is required, place your whole-hearted belief in Jesus to work it out. Don’t say and think “if”; proclaim, “Anything can happen with Jesus!”
When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him.
“What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked.
One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”
Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.
“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
When this portion of Scripture crosses my vision, I’m drawn to the words of Jesus in verse twenty-three, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ with believers. Anything can happen.” (The Message). As with this man, and many of you, I’ve been plagued by doubts. Don’t get me wrong, my faith grows daily. Still, those reckless, emotional doubts coerce us into asking such questions as: Will I ever be significant? Will we ever produce a harvest equipped and hungry to reach out to others? Will God truly work out this issue for me? Will he really heal the sick these days? Will Greenville change or are we too far gone? Will I accomplish what I’m meant to?
Our concerns may differ but I daresay we wrestle with the same underlying issue. This calming bit of the Red Letters reminds us Jesus doesn’t operate in the realm of the possible (if) but that of the impossible (anything). This story, along with dozens we studied earlier in Mark, proves this. When a person is willing to throw caution and reputation to the wind, step out into the unknown, and grasp for Jesus, anything can -and will- happen.
A hero of the faith, George Mueller, was fond of saying, “Faith has nothing to do with probabilities. The province of faith begins where possibilities cease and sight and sense fail.” Not only a man of wise words, Mueller lived it out, opening and operating orphanages without knowing how it would work out or how in the world they’d pay for it. He prayerfully stepped out in faith daily, working tirelessly to lift youth out of poverty, homelessness, and loneliness. He simply prayed and believed everything would work out. And it did! Even with him receiving mysterious gifts of money or miracles occurring just in the nick of time.
What we remember Mueller for isn’t his work so much as his single-minded devotion to his faith in Jesus Christ. Many people do ministry. But most of us only hope for miracles without actually believing that it will work out. Our hearts, our mindsets must change. They must transform from rickety emotions to solid and stalwart belief. And this begins by practicing such faith one circumstance at a time. As you witness the LORD work in an area you have faith in, you will then grow to trust and believe him for “bigger” things. Eventually, we’ll be able to explain with Jesus, “Anything can happen!”
Application: Hundreds (if not thousands) of Christian writers have pondered and pontificated on why we, as believers, don’t doubts our doubts more than we doubt our faith. I will join the fray only to challenge you to do this: Today, when an act of faith is required, place your whole-hearted belief in Jesus to work it out. Don’t say and think “if”; proclaim, “Anything can happen with Jesus!”
Monday, June 18, 2012
Building a Mystery
Mark 9:1-8 (NLT)
Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.
Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.
Although not the first time the problem had arisen, it was magnified in this glorious moment. And yet again, our beloved hero Peter is in the middle of it.
“Peter interrupted, “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials- one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.” (Mark 9:5-6, The Message).
In the midst of this historic, supernatural, heaven-collides-with-earth moment in which Jesus is transfigured into his heavenly self and representatives of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) stand in attendance, Peter preempts the move of GOD and essentially says, “Let’s build something- a shelter, a sanctuary, anything!- to mark the occasion.” Now, before we castigate Peter for his chronic ineptitude, let’s look at ourselves.
Although not universal, many of us in the church do exactly what Peter did in this case. We experience a move of GOD. We are uplifted, encouraged, inspired. And rather than savoring the moment with him, basking in his presence, sitting still in his sublime spirit, we instead run to start a new ministry or resurrect an old one or start a building fund. Rather than hearing GOD declare, “This is my son, marked by my love. Listen to him.” (verse seven, The Message), we’re already in action doing. When the best thing to do in such a situation is just being. Soaking up the Savior. Reveling in the Redeemer. Loitering with the Lamb. Waiting on the Way. Travailing in the Truth. You get the picture…
Because as the light of the experience lingers, we’re left “seeing nothing but Jesus, only Jesus.” (verse eight, The Message).
Application: The next time (maybe even today) you encounter GOD in a very real, personal, profound way, rest in it. Enjoy the moment. Don’t worry about what to do. Just be in his presence.
Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.
Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.
Although not the first time the problem had arisen, it was magnified in this glorious moment. And yet again, our beloved hero Peter is in the middle of it.
“Peter interrupted, “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials- one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.” (Mark 9:5-6, The Message).
In the midst of this historic, supernatural, heaven-collides-with-earth moment in which Jesus is transfigured into his heavenly self and representatives of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) stand in attendance, Peter preempts the move of GOD and essentially says, “Let’s build something- a shelter, a sanctuary, anything!- to mark the occasion.” Now, before we castigate Peter for his chronic ineptitude, let’s look at ourselves.
Although not universal, many of us in the church do exactly what Peter did in this case. We experience a move of GOD. We are uplifted, encouraged, inspired. And rather than savoring the moment with him, basking in his presence, sitting still in his sublime spirit, we instead run to start a new ministry or resurrect an old one or start a building fund. Rather than hearing GOD declare, “This is my son, marked by my love. Listen to him.” (verse seven, The Message), we’re already in action doing. When the best thing to do in such a situation is just being. Soaking up the Savior. Reveling in the Redeemer. Loitering with the Lamb. Waiting on the Way. Travailing in the Truth. You get the picture…
Because as the light of the experience lingers, we’re left “seeing nothing but Jesus, only Jesus.” (verse eight, The Message).
Application: The next time (maybe even today) you encounter GOD in a very real, personal, profound way, rest in it. Enjoy the moment. Don’t worry about what to do. Just be in his presence.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
A Tale of Two Faces
Mark 8:38 (NLT)
If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
As I reread our portion of Scripture today, I hearken back to the opening line of a DC Talk tune from their Jesus Freak album. Before the whine of the opening chords, Toby Mac declares, “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable.” Statements such as this, as well as the words of our Savior in the text, cause us to take a look at ourselves and see if we’re a part of this problematic bunch. No matter what you call it- I say “balanced self evaluation,” our pastor calls it, “finding a way of making it your fault” -it’s a persistent pestilence on the people.
Let’s face the harsh reality: we’re a two-faced people. And its driving people, including ourselves, away from GOD. So, how do we change this? As my friends in Alcoholics Anonymous relate, “One step at a time.”
1. Realization.
We must first come to realize that we have a problem with this. If you’re in denial as to whether this affects you, consider this scenario and answer honestly. Compare your last visit with your “church” friends to the last visit with your “other” friends. Can you say you were the same person around both? Were you embarrassed or ashamed of Jesus or your Life Change when you were out in the world? If not, press on brothers and sisters. If so, proceed to the next step.
2. Admit and Confess.
Once we realize we have a problem, we must then admit it affects us. Hand in hand with that is confessing our hypocritical nature to GOD and to another trustworthy friend. Rather than finding condemnation, you’ll find freedom. Because you no longer have to hide it. And that trustworthy friend had experienced the same thoughts. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll no longer have that roadblock between you and GOD in relationship.
3. Change the Behavior.
The best way to change a behavior is to practice at every opportunity. When opportunities arrive in the future, insert a kind word to another. Plant a seed of hope with some. Relate the gospel of Jesus Christ. When confronted, puff out your chest, raise your chin and proclaim, “Yes, I am a Jesus Freak! He heals, saves, and loves me! And he loves you too!”
Application: Be serious and honest with yourself right here and now. Are you ashamed of Jesus Christ when you’re with certain crowds? Prayerfully follow the steps and make adjustments as necessary.
If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
As I reread our portion of Scripture today, I hearken back to the opening line of a DC Talk tune from their Jesus Freak album. Before the whine of the opening chords, Toby Mac declares, “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable.” Statements such as this, as well as the words of our Savior in the text, cause us to take a look at ourselves and see if we’re a part of this problematic bunch. No matter what you call it- I say “balanced self evaluation,” our pastor calls it, “finding a way of making it your fault” -it’s a persistent pestilence on the people.
Let’s face the harsh reality: we’re a two-faced people. And its driving people, including ourselves, away from GOD. So, how do we change this? As my friends in Alcoholics Anonymous relate, “One step at a time.”
1. Realization.
We must first come to realize that we have a problem with this. If you’re in denial as to whether this affects you, consider this scenario and answer honestly. Compare your last visit with your “church” friends to the last visit with your “other” friends. Can you say you were the same person around both? Were you embarrassed or ashamed of Jesus or your Life Change when you were out in the world? If not, press on brothers and sisters. If so, proceed to the next step.
2. Admit and Confess.
Once we realize we have a problem, we must then admit it affects us. Hand in hand with that is confessing our hypocritical nature to GOD and to another trustworthy friend. Rather than finding condemnation, you’ll find freedom. Because you no longer have to hide it. And that trustworthy friend had experienced the same thoughts. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll no longer have that roadblock between you and GOD in relationship.
3. Change the Behavior.
The best way to change a behavior is to practice at every opportunity. When opportunities arrive in the future, insert a kind word to another. Plant a seed of hope with some. Relate the gospel of Jesus Christ. When confronted, puff out your chest, raise your chin and proclaim, “Yes, I am a Jesus Freak! He heals, saves, and loves me! And he loves you too!”
Application: Be serious and honest with yourself right here and now. Are you ashamed of Jesus Christ when you’re with certain crowds? Prayerfully follow the steps and make adjustments as necessary.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Morning Message
Scripture References:
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Friday, June 15, 2012
Reflection and Meditation
1. List several situations you encountered this week where you had a choice between fussing and blaming others or trusting Jesus through the circumstance. Beside the listed situation, write how you responded. Does your list reflect spiritual growth?
2. From completing the devotionals and your personal prayer and quiet time, have you found yourself with “clearing” spiritual vision? If your vision is still “blurry,” pray that GOD continues the work he began in you and stand in the promise that he will.
3. Did you allow anything to “steal” your joy this week. Take a few minutes and look up some Scriptures to build your joy in Christ. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are great places to start.
4. What are some ways in which you can “deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow Jesus?”
5. What does the statement, “The things you own, end up owning you,” mean to you?
2. From completing the devotionals and your personal prayer and quiet time, have you found yourself with “clearing” spiritual vision? If your vision is still “blurry,” pray that GOD continues the work he began in you and stand in the promise that he will.
3. Did you allow anything to “steal” your joy this week. Take a few minutes and look up some Scriptures to build your joy in Christ. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are great places to start.
4. What are some ways in which you can “deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow Jesus?”
5. What does the statement, “The things you own, end up owning you,” mean to you?
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Jesus Freaks and Fight Club #2
Mark 8:34-37 (NLT)
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Reflect back to the three issues Jesus brought up in our reading. Let’s elaborate on them briefly.
1. If you want to follow me, you have to do just that: follow! (As in, give up control).
Its fairly easy to follow Christ as we sing-along with Jason (the guitar player) belting out worship tunes and John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) as he unfurls verse after verse about how much GOD loves us. Another matter altogether is the sunrise Monday morning, when life snatches us up by the throat again. Our first instinct is to seize control, to try to fix the situation, whether it be hassles at work or turmoil in marriage. But Jesus simply says, “Follow me.” Not follow me during worship service or prayer time or when you feel like it or you’re reaping the rewards. But follow me. All the time. Through thick and thin.
2. You have to die to yourself. “Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.” (verse 35, The Message)
Just as unpopular is killing our self. Let’s call it spiritual suicide. And a divine paradox. If we desire true life, we must be willing to lay ours down in this one. We give up our desires for the cause of Christ. This doesn’t mean we’ll live a bland, unfulfilling life. Rather, far in the opposite direction. We’ll find what we were created for, the meaning of life. Jesus will use us and our gifts to further his kingdom. And we’ll find life, and life more abundantly.
3. Gain the world…or your soul. Your choice!
Prior to following Christ and discovering C.S. Lewis, my author-of-choice was Chuck Palanuik. In one of his more widespread novels, Fight Club, his protagonist utters the phrase, “the things you own, end up owning you.” Even before following Christ, this declamation stirred me. He borrowed the idea from the Scripture though. We get entangled in this materialistic world, whether we realize it or not. Sometimes its obvious, like hording boats, hunting gear, purses, shoes, cars, books, DVDs, phone apps, or __________ [fill in your blank]. Other times, its subtle, like seeking out recognition, prestige, accolades, or compliments. Either way, when we get sucked into these things, they ultimately control us and, in the process, steal our focus and faith away from Jesus. We can indeed gain the world. But tragically, to do so, is to be apart from GOD.
Application: Yesterday, I used John’s (the Pastor, not the Baptist) question: If someone tracked you for a day, would they find enough evidence of you following Christ to convict you? Based on the reading, what steps can you make in your life to become a convict for Christ? Pick one and work on it today.
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Reflect back to the three issues Jesus brought up in our reading. Let’s elaborate on them briefly.
1. If you want to follow me, you have to do just that: follow! (As in, give up control).
Its fairly easy to follow Christ as we sing-along with Jason (the guitar player) belting out worship tunes and John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) as he unfurls verse after verse about how much GOD loves us. Another matter altogether is the sunrise Monday morning, when life snatches us up by the throat again. Our first instinct is to seize control, to try to fix the situation, whether it be hassles at work or turmoil in marriage. But Jesus simply says, “Follow me.” Not follow me during worship service or prayer time or when you feel like it or you’re reaping the rewards. But follow me. All the time. Through thick and thin.
2. You have to die to yourself. “Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.” (verse 35, The Message)
Just as unpopular is killing our self. Let’s call it spiritual suicide. And a divine paradox. If we desire true life, we must be willing to lay ours down in this one. We give up our desires for the cause of Christ. This doesn’t mean we’ll live a bland, unfulfilling life. Rather, far in the opposite direction. We’ll find what we were created for, the meaning of life. Jesus will use us and our gifts to further his kingdom. And we’ll find life, and life more abundantly.
3. Gain the world…or your soul. Your choice!
Prior to following Christ and discovering C.S. Lewis, my author-of-choice was Chuck Palanuik. In one of his more widespread novels, Fight Club, his protagonist utters the phrase, “the things you own, end up owning you.” Even before following Christ, this declamation stirred me. He borrowed the idea from the Scripture though. We get entangled in this materialistic world, whether we realize it or not. Sometimes its obvious, like hording boats, hunting gear, purses, shoes, cars, books, DVDs, phone apps, or __________ [fill in your blank]. Other times, its subtle, like seeking out recognition, prestige, accolades, or compliments. Either way, when we get sucked into these things, they ultimately control us and, in the process, steal our focus and faith away from Jesus. We can indeed gain the world. But tragically, to do so, is to be apart from GOD.
Application: Yesterday, I used John’s (the Pastor, not the Baptist) question: If someone tracked you for a day, would they find enough evidence of you following Christ to convict you? Based on the reading, what steps can you make in your life to become a convict for Christ? Pick one and work on it today.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Jesus Freaks and Fight Club #1
Mark 8:34-37 (NLT)
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
For most of us Jesus Freaks, we love to share and live the Gospel, the Good News. To dwell on Jesus loving us, dying for us, being resurrected, preparing an eternal home for us, and showering us with blessings. To ponder the deep and intricate creativity which wove everything from the distant reaches of the universe to our frail human bodies. To shout praises about healings and miracles and victory reports and answered prayers. To share the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self control with a world in desperate need of it.
For many of us, however, this is where the Gospel stops. We shield our eyes, thoughts, and faith from the other side of following Christ- the cost. Nestled behind the glamorous veneer of following Christ is the paradox. Jesus' statement about the cost of following him, of being gifted with all these things. Like a string of Manny Pacquiao jabs and punches, Jesus unloads-
1. If you want to follow me, you have to do just that: follow! (As in, give up control).
2. You have to die to yourself. “Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.” (verse 35, The Message)
3. Gain the world…or your soul. Your choice!
Going to complete these thoughts tomorrow. For the remainder of your devotional time today, focus on the application.
Application: Take the time to ask yourself about the three issues Jesus brings up. Now take an honest appraisal of yourself. Are you living them out? Would you, as John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) asks often, be convicted of being a Christian based on your adherence to these principles? Write down your thoughts.
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
For most of us Jesus Freaks, we love to share and live the Gospel, the Good News. To dwell on Jesus loving us, dying for us, being resurrected, preparing an eternal home for us, and showering us with blessings. To ponder the deep and intricate creativity which wove everything from the distant reaches of the universe to our frail human bodies. To shout praises about healings and miracles and victory reports and answered prayers. To share the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self control with a world in desperate need of it.
For many of us, however, this is where the Gospel stops. We shield our eyes, thoughts, and faith from the other side of following Christ- the cost. Nestled behind the glamorous veneer of following Christ is the paradox. Jesus' statement about the cost of following him, of being gifted with all these things. Like a string of Manny Pacquiao jabs and punches, Jesus unloads-
1. If you want to follow me, you have to do just that: follow! (As in, give up control).
2. You have to die to yourself. “Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.” (verse 35, The Message)
3. Gain the world…or your soul. Your choice!
Going to complete these thoughts tomorrow. For the remainder of your devotional time today, focus on the application.
Application: Take the time to ask yourself about the three issues Jesus brings up. Now take an honest appraisal of yourself. Are you living them out? Would you, as John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) asks often, be convicted of being a Christian based on your adherence to these principles? Write down your thoughts.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Who I AM
Mark 8:27-33 (NLT)
Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.”
Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”
But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.
Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
Allow me to insert a hypothetical (based on true events) situation here.
You and Jesus are enjoying a conversation when he asks, “Who do people say I am?” You’d more than likely reply with such responses as: a holy man, a wise teacher, a human rights hero, a slang curse word, leader of the hypocrite masses, and naturally, your believer friends will say God’s son, the savior of the world and other “churchy” answers.
After you answer, he further inquires, “And you? Who do you say I am?”
Hopefully, you’re immediate response would mirror Peter’s: “You’re indeed the savior of the world. And more personally, my Messiah!”
Maybe then (as he did in the reading today) Jesus proceeds to detail some unexpected information about a future unpleasantness. Rather than laying out how he was going to die (which he did here), he tells you he’s going to save your worst enemy, rise someone above you in the church, or place a new manager over you at work. Anything which is upsetting and not according to your idea of the plan.
How will you respond? Will you implode like Peter in protest? Will you try to talk him out of it? Will you try to take matters into your own hands? Will you be a force for evil instead of good? Will you “have no idea how God works?” (verse 33, The Message).
Application: Make a conscious effort to note your reaction to unexpected interruptions to your plans. Do you lash out at Jesus at the unfairness of the situation? Or do you trust him through it anyway? Make adjustments as necessary.
Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.”
Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”
But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.
Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
Allow me to insert a hypothetical (based on true events) situation here.
You and Jesus are enjoying a conversation when he asks, “Who do people say I am?” You’d more than likely reply with such responses as: a holy man, a wise teacher, a human rights hero, a slang curse word, leader of the hypocrite masses, and naturally, your believer friends will say God’s son, the savior of the world and other “churchy” answers.
After you answer, he further inquires, “And you? Who do you say I am?”
Hopefully, you’re immediate response would mirror Peter’s: “You’re indeed the savior of the world. And more personally, my Messiah!”
Maybe then (as he did in the reading today) Jesus proceeds to detail some unexpected information about a future unpleasantness. Rather than laying out how he was going to die (which he did here), he tells you he’s going to save your worst enemy, rise someone above you in the church, or place a new manager over you at work. Anything which is upsetting and not according to your idea of the plan.
How will you respond? Will you implode like Peter in protest? Will you try to talk him out of it? Will you try to take matters into your own hands? Will you be a force for evil instead of good? Will you “have no idea how God works?” (verse 33, The Message).
Application: Make a conscious effort to note your reaction to unexpected interruptions to your plans. Do you lash out at Jesus at the unfairness of the situation? Or do you trust him through it anyway? Make adjustments as necessary.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Holy Spit (an eye-opener)
Mark 8:22-26 (NLT)
When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?”
The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.”
Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.”
Last week, the topic du jour dealt with perceptions. How a change in our perception permits us to see Jesus more clearly. Herein again, we see this principle played out before us. And it goes hand in hand with another principle which Jesus brings to the forefront: stages. How he works in stages.
If you’ve been following this devotion or read your Bible at all, you’re aware of Jesus miraculous healing power. While he walked through our shoes on earth (and still does as we await his return), Jesus healed people. Right then. Immediately. Instantly. Thoroughly. Changed forever. This type of healing is the one you hear the most about. It's no wonder that we expect such results all the time. We come to know Christ or give him our life and expect everything to change instantly. When it doesn’t, we get discouraged. With this miracle, Jesus displays that he doesn’t always work everything immediately, but in stages. Jesus could have healed the man completely the first time he touched him (with spit hands). But he had a greater lesson to teach us.
At the moment of salvation, no one knows the whole truth of GOD. Like the man from the story, we must humbly allow Jesus to open our eyes. In his time. He touches us and, from that point on, we begin to see. However, we see GOD’s truth with “blurry” eyes because it is only the beginning stage of a life-long journey to walk in the truth of GOD. It takes the additional “hands-on” experiences for our spiritual sight to become clear and complete.
This episode is a summarized version of the larger “reborn” analogy and the stages that follow. When we’re reborn in Jesus, we are truly that: born again. Like an infant, we must cry to GOD a lot, get plenty of rest in his presence, wiggle around in our newfound faith in order to strengthen our muscles. Eventually, over time, study, prayer, and fellowship, we will crawl, then wobble, then walk, and finally run. Along the way, we’ll trip. But continue to get back up, growing in confidence and endurance. You understand the point- it is all about the stages! You don’t jump right into becoming a mature Christ follower.
If you weren’t cured of everything the instant you started a relationship with Jesus, take heart in knowing that he works in stages also.
Application: Identify which stage represents you in the devotional reading today: Are you still spiritually blind? Are you seeing, but with blurry vision? Or are you seeing clearly. Thank GOD for whatever stage you’re at and pray and prepare for his hands to be laid on you as you continue the journey.
When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?”
The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.”
Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.”
Last week, the topic du jour dealt with perceptions. How a change in our perception permits us to see Jesus more clearly. Herein again, we see this principle played out before us. And it goes hand in hand with another principle which Jesus brings to the forefront: stages. How he works in stages.
If you’ve been following this devotion or read your Bible at all, you’re aware of Jesus miraculous healing power. While he walked through our shoes on earth (and still does as we await his return), Jesus healed people. Right then. Immediately. Instantly. Thoroughly. Changed forever. This type of healing is the one you hear the most about. It's no wonder that we expect such results all the time. We come to know Christ or give him our life and expect everything to change instantly. When it doesn’t, we get discouraged. With this miracle, Jesus displays that he doesn’t always work everything immediately, but in stages. Jesus could have healed the man completely the first time he touched him (with spit hands). But he had a greater lesson to teach us.
At the moment of salvation, no one knows the whole truth of GOD. Like the man from the story, we must humbly allow Jesus to open our eyes. In his time. He touches us and, from that point on, we begin to see. However, we see GOD’s truth with “blurry” eyes because it is only the beginning stage of a life-long journey to walk in the truth of GOD. It takes the additional “hands-on” experiences for our spiritual sight to become clear and complete.
This episode is a summarized version of the larger “reborn” analogy and the stages that follow. When we’re reborn in Jesus, we are truly that: born again. Like an infant, we must cry to GOD a lot, get plenty of rest in his presence, wiggle around in our newfound faith in order to strengthen our muscles. Eventually, over time, study, prayer, and fellowship, we will crawl, then wobble, then walk, and finally run. Along the way, we’ll trip. But continue to get back up, growing in confidence and endurance. You understand the point- it is all about the stages! You don’t jump right into becoming a mature Christ follower.
If you weren’t cured of everything the instant you started a relationship with Jesus, take heart in knowing that he works in stages also.
Application: Identify which stage represents you in the devotional reading today: Are you still spiritually blind? Are you seeing, but with blurry vision? Or are you seeing clearly. Thank GOD for whatever stage you’re at and pray and prepare for his hands to be laid on you as you continue the journey.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Presence of Jesus
Mark 8:13-21 (NLT)
So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake.
But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.”
At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?' Don’t you remember anything at all? When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?”
“Twelve,” they said.
“And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”
“Seven,” they said.
"Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.
It's one of those things we all do best- fussing, knit-picking, gossiping, back-biting, bickering, finger-pointing, passing blame. No matter which expression you refer to it by, the act of finding fault in others is rampant. All the more disconcerting is the brutal truth that we do so to people we love the most and are closest to. We’re not alone. The disciples, the tight, yet enigmatic band of Jesus’ followers, succumbed to the pressures and strains surrounding them. And lashed out. Not at the situation so much as at each other. Overhearing them, Jesus lashed back (righteously of course) and reminds them that they’re missing the bigger picture. Their attention is on the corporeal, what they will eat, this despite Jesus performing two miracles providing such sustenance. All the “bread” they needed was standing in the boat. They were standing with Life personified, the Life (of the Way, the Truth, and the Life fame). In yet another profound, emphatic statement, he’s steering them into a collision with another lesson: You have me! That’s all you really need! I will provide if you just believe!
Similarly, this is a crucial time in the Refugee camp. The timing of this passage in no mere coincidence. We all face stresses and adversity. And there’s nothing like a church move to trigger such things. There is equipment and supplies which must be packed and shipped, walls and structures which need painting and repair, trash which needs to be disposed off, mopping and dusting, decorating and organizing and renovating and so forth and so on. Compounded to these are expectations (usually unrealistic) of how things should go and who shows up and for how long. And inevitably, whether it occurs verbally or internally, the fussing will ensue. We will look at the circumstances and fall prey to the same thing which devoured the disciples: taking their eyes of Jesus and blaming each other.
Or, we can stay focused on Jesus throughout the process. Not worried about all the work that “needs” to be done or whether so-and-so is working up at the church every night of the week. Not concerned about who’s not doing their part or who “forgot the bread.” Rather, fix our eyes on who the whole thing is for and about- Jesus!
Application: Scrutinize your thoughts today. Any time you find yourself placing unrealistic expectations on people and wanting to fuss at them about it, remember to focus on Jesus instead. Knowing that he can and will provide everything that “needs” to be done.
So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake.
But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.”
At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?' Don’t you remember anything at all? When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?”
“Twelve,” they said.
“And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”
“Seven,” they said.
"Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.
It's one of those things we all do best- fussing, knit-picking, gossiping, back-biting, bickering, finger-pointing, passing blame. No matter which expression you refer to it by, the act of finding fault in others is rampant. All the more disconcerting is the brutal truth that we do so to people we love the most and are closest to. We’re not alone. The disciples, the tight, yet enigmatic band of Jesus’ followers, succumbed to the pressures and strains surrounding them. And lashed out. Not at the situation so much as at each other. Overhearing them, Jesus lashed back (righteously of course) and reminds them that they’re missing the bigger picture. Their attention is on the corporeal, what they will eat, this despite Jesus performing two miracles providing such sustenance. All the “bread” they needed was standing in the boat. They were standing with Life personified, the Life (of the Way, the Truth, and the Life fame). In yet another profound, emphatic statement, he’s steering them into a collision with another lesson: You have me! That’s all you really need! I will provide if you just believe!
Similarly, this is a crucial time in the Refugee camp. The timing of this passage in no mere coincidence. We all face stresses and adversity. And there’s nothing like a church move to trigger such things. There is equipment and supplies which must be packed and shipped, walls and structures which need painting and repair, trash which needs to be disposed off, mopping and dusting, decorating and organizing and renovating and so forth and so on. Compounded to these are expectations (usually unrealistic) of how things should go and who shows up and for how long. And inevitably, whether it occurs verbally or internally, the fussing will ensue. We will look at the circumstances and fall prey to the same thing which devoured the disciples: taking their eyes of Jesus and blaming each other.
Or, we can stay focused on Jesus throughout the process. Not worried about all the work that “needs” to be done or whether so-and-so is working up at the church every night of the week. Not concerned about who’s not doing their part or who “forgot the bread.” Rather, fix our eyes on who the whole thing is for and about- Jesus!
Application: Scrutinize your thoughts today. Any time you find yourself placing unrealistic expectations on people and wanting to fuss at them about it, remember to focus on Jesus instead. Knowing that he can and will provide everything that “needs” to be done.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Morning Message
Scripture References:
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Friday, June 8, 2012
Reflection and Meditation
1. If you prayed the prayer of discernment Monday, did you notice that you gleaned more from the Scriptures than you usually do? Why do you think this is the case? Why not?
2. List a few people who steered you toward Jesus. Now take an opportunity to tell them this and thank them for it. Via letter, text, email, call, Facebook, or Tweet (I can’t believe I finally said it). Tell them specifically the role they had and express your eternal gratitude.
3. Did you accept the challenge on Tuesday? What did you choose to fast? Did you find yourself drawing closer to GOD? How do you think this will affect your walk with Christ in the future?
4. List and describe 3 miracles/victories the LORD has wrought in your life. What can you do to remember them better?
5. Do you need “proof” to grow in your relationship with Christ? Or do you need a change of perception?
2. List a few people who steered you toward Jesus. Now take an opportunity to tell them this and thank them for it. Via letter, text, email, call, Facebook, or Tweet (I can’t believe I finally said it). Tell them specifically the role they had and express your eternal gratitude.
3. Did you accept the challenge on Tuesday? What did you choose to fast? Did you find yourself drawing closer to GOD? How do you think this will affect your walk with Christ in the future?
4. List and describe 3 miracles/victories the LORD has wrought in your life. What can you do to remember them better?
5. Do you need “proof” to grow in your relationship with Christ? Or do you need a change of perception?
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Proof and Perception
Mark 8:11-12 (NLT)
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. When he heard this, he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.”
Last Sunday, John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) confessed. He opened up and shared that his perception about the love and acceptance of GOD had been distorted. I related. When I was a child, the thought of GOD terrified me. Every time I made a mistake (which was a lot) or did the slightest thing wrong, I felt like GOD hated me, that he would obliterate me with a holy lightening bolt. He was the authoritarian tyrant who ruled with an iron fist. As I entered adolescence, with its mixed bag of hormones, angst, depression, anxiety, -and especially- doubts, I grew to dislike GOD for dragging me through such a humiliating and hurtful time. Even later, in young adulthood, I became unconcerned with GOD, even flirting with the idea that he didn’t exist. Or if he did, I didn’t care anyway. Matter of fact, I beseeched him several times to put me out of my misery.
After encountering a handful of genuine Christ-followers, a box full of C.S. Lewis books, and a wrestling match with the Holy Spirit (which I lost by the way), I came to the realization that my perception of GOD was skewed. Upon reading the Scripture for myself and praying, I discovered that my perceptions were not only skewed…but completely wrong. Yes, there will be a judgment and an accounting for our deeds, but the GOD who created me did so with love. And loves still. And loved me all along, even in my sin. And he’ll love me forever. And nothing can separate me from his love. And he loved me so much he willingly sent Jesus, a piece of himself, as love personified, as love to take back my life.
This is but one of the many, many changes in regards to perceptions. Others included: seeing storms as opportunities for growth, inconveniences as avenues of fellowship, my past struggles as a chance to help others in a similar place. It was (and is) truly a new life. Like blinders peeled away from my eyes. Gives new meaning to the oft-repeated line of Amazing Grace, “I was blind, but now I see!”
So where does this portion of the Gospel relate. The Pharisees, like me, wanted (and even demanded) proof. What they really lacked wasn’t proof. The proof has been around since the beginning. Read Romans chapter one. They lacked perception of the proof.
Application: Answer this question honestly: How do you perceive GOD? Now follow this up by taking the time to locate verses to reinforce the true perception of GOD. Or review those already listed.
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. When he heard this, he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.”
Last Sunday, John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) confessed. He opened up and shared that his perception about the love and acceptance of GOD had been distorted. I related. When I was a child, the thought of GOD terrified me. Every time I made a mistake (which was a lot) or did the slightest thing wrong, I felt like GOD hated me, that he would obliterate me with a holy lightening bolt. He was the authoritarian tyrant who ruled with an iron fist. As I entered adolescence, with its mixed bag of hormones, angst, depression, anxiety, -and especially- doubts, I grew to dislike GOD for dragging me through such a humiliating and hurtful time. Even later, in young adulthood, I became unconcerned with GOD, even flirting with the idea that he didn’t exist. Or if he did, I didn’t care anyway. Matter of fact, I beseeched him several times to put me out of my misery.
After encountering a handful of genuine Christ-followers, a box full of C.S. Lewis books, and a wrestling match with the Holy Spirit (which I lost by the way), I came to the realization that my perception of GOD was skewed. Upon reading the Scripture for myself and praying, I discovered that my perceptions were not only skewed…but completely wrong. Yes, there will be a judgment and an accounting for our deeds, but the GOD who created me did so with love. And loves still. And loved me all along, even in my sin. And he’ll love me forever. And nothing can separate me from his love. And he loved me so much he willingly sent Jesus, a piece of himself, as love personified, as love to take back my life.
This is but one of the many, many changes in regards to perceptions. Others included: seeing storms as opportunities for growth, inconveniences as avenues of fellowship, my past struggles as a chance to help others in a similar place. It was (and is) truly a new life. Like blinders peeled away from my eyes. Gives new meaning to the oft-repeated line of Amazing Grace, “I was blind, but now I see!”
So where does this portion of the Gospel relate. The Pharisees, like me, wanted (and even demanded) proof. What they really lacked wasn’t proof. The proof has been around since the beginning. Read Romans chapter one. They lacked perception of the proof.
Application: Answer this question honestly: How do you perceive GOD? Now follow this up by taking the time to locate verses to reinforce the true perception of GOD. Or review those already listed.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Forgetting The Victory
Mark 8: 4-10 (NLT)
As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.
I have a confession. There are many things in this world I don’t understand. I don’t understand why people are so fascinated with cell phones, Facebook, and “reality” shows. I don’t understand why most people in the US shy away from soccer. I don’t understand why people hate to read or despise growing adventurous in life. But the thing I don’t understand the most is how we as Christ followers are so quick to forget about the miracles and victories Jesus has wrought in our lives. How can we be so elated, joyful, and worshipful over an event or circumstance and then when the next bump in the road comes, neglect to remember who works things out on our behalf.
The thought is evoked in today’s reading. Here, the disciples are confronted with a conundrum. Jesus says, in effect, “here you have a lot of hungry people, we’ve been worshipping and fellowshipping so much, we forgot to eat. Give me some ideas…”
At a loss, the disciples respond with incredulous disbelief. “What do you want us to do about it?”
The first thing Jesus wanted them to do was remember. Both who he is and the miracles they’d already witnessed. Including the nearly identical miracles of feeding people from nothing. (Flip back and read the episodes again in Mark 6 and 7). Not long before, Jesus fed a massive crowd with little more than sardines and breadsticks. Miraculously, the snack filled thousands. With doggy bags to spare. When Jesus laid this dilemma to his closest friends and followers, his desire was for them to remember such things and say something along the lines of…”Let us step up and pray and feed the people through your name…or nothing is impossible for you Jesus…or even, you’ve done it before, you can do it again!” Instead, they mutter, “what do you want us to do about it?” Already relegated to fear, they’d forgotten the recent victory.
Allow me to make this hit home. Although the vote was unanimous, some of you may be saying, “What do we do now? What do you want us to do about it?” regarding the move. But be reminded that the LORD has constantly provided for the needs of the Refugees. See the situation not as another roadblock to faith (as the disciples did in this case); rather, see it as an opportunity to say, “Jesus, you’ve taken care of us thus far and we’ll have the faith you’ll pull off the miraculous in this situation as well! As long as your with us LORD, the road (or building in this case) will be joyful!”
Application: Remember a previous victory/miracle from Jesus. Now think about what’s going on in your life right now. Are there any circumstances you can relate to that miraculous time? If so, remember how Christ brought you through and remind yourself he is able (and willing) to do so again.
As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.
I have a confession. There are many things in this world I don’t understand. I don’t understand why people are so fascinated with cell phones, Facebook, and “reality” shows. I don’t understand why most people in the US shy away from soccer. I don’t understand why people hate to read or despise growing adventurous in life. But the thing I don’t understand the most is how we as Christ followers are so quick to forget about the miracles and victories Jesus has wrought in our lives. How can we be so elated, joyful, and worshipful over an event or circumstance and then when the next bump in the road comes, neglect to remember who works things out on our behalf.
The thought is evoked in today’s reading. Here, the disciples are confronted with a conundrum. Jesus says, in effect, “here you have a lot of hungry people, we’ve been worshipping and fellowshipping so much, we forgot to eat. Give me some ideas…”
At a loss, the disciples respond with incredulous disbelief. “What do you want us to do about it?”
The first thing Jesus wanted them to do was remember. Both who he is and the miracles they’d already witnessed. Including the nearly identical miracles of feeding people from nothing. (Flip back and read the episodes again in Mark 6 and 7). Not long before, Jesus fed a massive crowd with little more than sardines and breadsticks. Miraculously, the snack filled thousands. With doggy bags to spare. When Jesus laid this dilemma to his closest friends and followers, his desire was for them to remember such things and say something along the lines of…”Let us step up and pray and feed the people through your name…or nothing is impossible for you Jesus…or even, you’ve done it before, you can do it again!” Instead, they mutter, “what do you want us to do about it?” Already relegated to fear, they’d forgotten the recent victory.
Allow me to make this hit home. Although the vote was unanimous, some of you may be saying, “What do we do now? What do you want us to do about it?” regarding the move. But be reminded that the LORD has constantly provided for the needs of the Refugees. See the situation not as another roadblock to faith (as the disciples did in this case); rather, see it as an opportunity to say, “Jesus, you’ve taken care of us thus far and we’ll have the faith you’ll pull off the miraculous in this situation as well! As long as your with us LORD, the road (or building in this case) will be joyful!”
Application: Remember a previous victory/miracle from Jesus. Now think about what’s going on in your life right now. Are there any circumstances you can relate to that miraculous time? If so, remember how Christ brought you through and remind yourself he is able (and willing) to do so again.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Three Days Grace (not the band)
Mark 8:1-3 (NLT)
About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.”
Not long ago, two friends (Brent and John, the Pastor not the Baptist) and I discussed the relevance and reasoning behind God using certain numbers. While we couldn’t find a specific “why” answer, its clear that certain numbers are more often used and are, therefore, more significant. The number “three” is one such digit. Three persons in the Godhead. Three crosses. Three denials. Three days in the grave. Three closest disciples. And so on…
Here we get three days where people were so focused on Jesus and his teaching that they neglected their basic need for food. In the fast-paced, highly stimulating world we live in today, imagine being still for seventy-two hours, hanging on every word of a radical and rebellious rabbi. This got me thinking. Would I do the same thing? Not can I. I’ve fasted and focused before. But would I be willing to listen intently as the Savior poured into my life for three consecutive days, unconcerned about anything but him. Disregarding food, shopping sprees, Smartphones, swimming pools, boat rides, exercise, sex, football recruitment updates, television, reading, or EURO 2012 (that’s a prestigious soccer tournament people!). Whatever yours and my thing is. Will I sit and soak in the Savior?
As I’m prayerfully considering what to write about this portion of Mark, I’m interrupted. I took care of what needed to be done and, before returning to my notebook, read a portion of Esther. (Jason, the wiser and wittier, and I are still reading through the entire Bible). In chapter five, verses fifteen through sixteen, a three-day fast is called. Yes, I said three! As in the number we’re discussing. And a fast, which this story in Mark also discussed. Not one to buy into coincidence, I knew what to do. Much like those listening attentively to Jesus or written about in Esther, I will give the LORD my focused attention for three days. Time I would have spent doing other things will be fasted; that time will go to meditate on the Scripture or pray.
Application: Join me. Over the next three days, choose one thing to fast (or abstain) from. The time you would have spent doing that, instead give that time to Jesus. For example, rather than surfing the internet after your devotion, read another portion of Scripture, pray for the lost, or write a friend an encouraging letter. It will change your life.
About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.”
Not long ago, two friends (Brent and John, the Pastor not the Baptist) and I discussed the relevance and reasoning behind God using certain numbers. While we couldn’t find a specific “why” answer, its clear that certain numbers are more often used and are, therefore, more significant. The number “three” is one such digit. Three persons in the Godhead. Three crosses. Three denials. Three days in the grave. Three closest disciples. And so on…
Here we get three days where people were so focused on Jesus and his teaching that they neglected their basic need for food. In the fast-paced, highly stimulating world we live in today, imagine being still for seventy-two hours, hanging on every word of a radical and rebellious rabbi. This got me thinking. Would I do the same thing? Not can I. I’ve fasted and focused before. But would I be willing to listen intently as the Savior poured into my life for three consecutive days, unconcerned about anything but him. Disregarding food, shopping sprees, Smartphones, swimming pools, boat rides, exercise, sex, football recruitment updates, television, reading, or EURO 2012 (that’s a prestigious soccer tournament people!). Whatever yours and my thing is. Will I sit and soak in the Savior?
As I’m prayerfully considering what to write about this portion of Mark, I’m interrupted. I took care of what needed to be done and, before returning to my notebook, read a portion of Esther. (Jason, the wiser and wittier, and I are still reading through the entire Bible). In chapter five, verses fifteen through sixteen, a three-day fast is called. Yes, I said three! As in the number we’re discussing. And a fast, which this story in Mark also discussed. Not one to buy into coincidence, I knew what to do. Much like those listening attentively to Jesus or written about in Esther, I will give the LORD my focused attention for three days. Time I would have spent doing other things will be fasted; that time will go to meditate on the Scripture or pray.
Application: Join me. Over the next three days, choose one thing to fast (or abstain) from. The time you would have spent doing that, instead give that time to Jesus. For example, rather than surfing the internet after your devotion, read another portion of Scripture, pray for the lost, or write a friend an encouraging letter. It will change your life.
Monday, June 4, 2012
The Plot and the Process
Mark 7:31-37 (NLT)
Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means,“Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly! Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.”
When many of us read through the Gospels, we’re desensitized to the plot and power within. Is that due to the sheer volume of the miracles Jesus wrought? Is it because Hollywood (or Hollyweird) has high-jacked our wonder with its stunning visual effects? Or is it that we’re just not that impressed with anything anymore? Whatever the reason, we often skip through without so much as a second look…or a deep first one for that matter. But to do so is to miss a simple, yet profound lesson from God.
The Plot: How we see Jesus in this story offers us a glimpse at His way of scripting Life Change in people. People drive the plot. It's for people that Jesus came, died, resurrected, and reconciled. It's people He created in His image and people he changes to look more and more like Him. And it's people he uses to reveal himself to spread the message of love, hope, and healing. People like you and me. People like those who brought Jesus the deaf and dumb man to him to be made whole. Think about it: Where did you hear about Jesus and his good news first? Unless you’re highly favored (and a very rare case indeed) in which Jesus directly revealed himself, you were introduced to Jesus through other people. People whose lives had been changed by him already. I have no idea why he uses people to do the great work…but he does…time and time again.
The Process: Once we’ve brought a “deaf, dumb, crippled, or blind” person to Jesus, we allow Him to heal and change them. We are there as a support, holding them up physically and prayerfully. Let’s make that clear: we don’t change anybody! Jesus does. We simply support them through the slippery slope of sanctification. We’re there to rejoice with them as this man’s friends did. So, say it now. Shout it now! “Jesus has healed me and my friend _______________ (fill in the blank). He has done it! And done it well!”
Application: Take a moment to do two things. First, thank GOD for using little old you to help him accomplish his eternal work of revelation and restoration. And lastly, pray for opportunities like this story, to guide an “unwhole” friend to Jesus so he may make them whole.
Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means,“Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly! Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.”
When many of us read through the Gospels, we’re desensitized to the plot and power within. Is that due to the sheer volume of the miracles Jesus wrought? Is it because Hollywood (or Hollyweird) has high-jacked our wonder with its stunning visual effects? Or is it that we’re just not that impressed with anything anymore? Whatever the reason, we often skip through without so much as a second look…or a deep first one for that matter. But to do so is to miss a simple, yet profound lesson from God.
The Plot: How we see Jesus in this story offers us a glimpse at His way of scripting Life Change in people. People drive the plot. It's for people that Jesus came, died, resurrected, and reconciled. It's people He created in His image and people he changes to look more and more like Him. And it's people he uses to reveal himself to spread the message of love, hope, and healing. People like you and me. People like those who brought Jesus the deaf and dumb man to him to be made whole. Think about it: Where did you hear about Jesus and his good news first? Unless you’re highly favored (and a very rare case indeed) in which Jesus directly revealed himself, you were introduced to Jesus through other people. People whose lives had been changed by him already. I have no idea why he uses people to do the great work…but he does…time and time again.
The Process: Once we’ve brought a “deaf, dumb, crippled, or blind” person to Jesus, we allow Him to heal and change them. We are there as a support, holding them up physically and prayerfully. Let’s make that clear: we don’t change anybody! Jesus does. We simply support them through the slippery slope of sanctification. We’re there to rejoice with them as this man’s friends did. So, say it now. Shout it now! “Jesus has healed me and my friend _______________ (fill in the blank). He has done it! And done it well!”
Application: Take a moment to do two things. First, thank GOD for using little old you to help him accomplish his eternal work of revelation and restoration. And lastly, pray for opportunities like this story, to guide an “unwhole” friend to Jesus so he may make them whole.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Author’s Note
At its inception, the LifeTogether devotion was a glimpse into the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ (specifically the book of Mark) and what they mean for us as Refugees. Nearly eight chapters and two months later, we shifted gears and focused on the “Back to the Basics” series that John (the Pastor not the Baptist) preached through the winter. Then I got out of the way for Jason (the wiser and wittier) as he guided us through such relevant topics as the Fruits of the Spirit, when God doesn’t make sense, the trials and triumphs of grace, and putting our faith in action.
As the torch is once again passed to me, my desire is to complete what was once left undone. To finish exploring the message and methods of Jesus through the book of Mark. (You may review the October and November devotions if need be.) One minor change to the formula: there will be an Application to end each day with. This will simply be a practical way to apply what you learned that day.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve you. And thank God that we at Refuge have LifeTogether. Press on-
Today, spend the time you would usually spend on the devotional praying that the LORD will open your spiritual eyes, ears, and heart as we explore the remainder of the Gospel of Mark. If you still have time left over, review the previous entries on Mark from October and November.
Be the Gospel-
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Morning Message
Scripture References:
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Title or topic of message:
Notes:
Questions I have about the message:
How can I apply this message to my life?
Friday, June 1, 2012
Reflection and Meditation
Just as our daily devotions this week were a little different, our reflection and meditation time will be a little different as well. Instead of answering new questions, I want you to spend a few minutes thinking about the questions that we have already asked ourselves this week.
For each question, I want you to write down the biggest thing that God revealed to You through the devotion that accompanied it:
1. Do I really believe that my sins have been forgiven?
2. Does my family know, by the way I treat them, that I love Christ?
3. Does my giving reflect my love for Christ?
4. Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
For each question, I want you to write down the biggest thing that God revealed to You through the devotion that accompanied it:
1. Do I really believe that my sins have been forgiven?
2. Does my family know, by the way I treat them, that I love Christ?
3. Does my giving reflect my love for Christ?
4. Does my life prove that my faith in Christ is real?
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