Title: Do Unto Others/ Topic: Judgement vs. Mercy

Today's Reading: Romans 1; Romans 2; Romans 3; Romans 4

Scripture: Romans 2:1-4
1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

Observation/Application: This verse causes me to engage in deep self-examination whenever I come to it. It's a very convicting verse. I have to stop and consider whether I have been judging people (whether silently to myself or verbally to others) for things that I myself do. We all have such a tendency to excuse or justify our own sin (such as gossip) while judging it in others. This is especially true if someone has offended us. We can feel justified in speaking of their misconduct and in doing so, we ourselves have just engaged in sin by speaking to others of their offense rather than to them directly and leaving it there. I need to have the same tolerance, patience and kindness as God does; and because I've been forgiven of so much, I must also forgive others. Period.

Prayer: Oh Lord, help me to live by this scripture! I want to demonstrate the love, kindness and patience that leads others to repentance, just as you do. Thank you for the great mercy you have shown to me. I so want to be a dispenser of that same mercy to others.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Counter-Culture Relationships/ Topic: Church Discipline

Today's Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Observation: The Bible's teaching on relating to those in the church who are rebellious to the instructions of the apostles is extremely counter-culture. I must say, I don't really like or feel comfortable with it. It's just not nice to exclude someone to teach them a lesson. It's clear that that is what the objective is because Paul emphasizes that he is not to be considered an enemy; this action is to be taken as a warning to him. The fellowship and love in the church was so precious (as it should be today also) that being excluded from it for sinful behavior was wake-up call to the errant believer to change his ways. It also kept the Church from charges of hypocrisy. If the world saw the church disciplining members that were engaged in what they said was sinful, then they truly backed up with action what they preached.

Application: I don't get to choose to do only the parts of the Bible I like. Even when it is counter-culture, the Word has the final authority and I must conform to it, not the other way round. We need to embrace church discipline even if it means we lose members. And we will lose members precisely because it is counter-culture. Anyone who is judged in this way today would simply pack their bags and go to another “less judgmental” church. That does not absolve us of the responsibility to act in accordance with the Word on this, or any other subject.

Prayer: Father, help me and all of your Church to understand that we must conform our lives to your Word whether we like what it says or not. Help us to see your purpose in all of it, even if we don't understand the “whys” immediately. Let us trust you because of who you are when our understanding may not grasp the reasons behind certain instructions. May we please you in all things.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Like a Father/ Topic: Leadership

Today's Reading: Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12
11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Observation: I love this description of how Paul and his team of leaders dealt with the Thessalonian Church. It's a great scripture for any parent to take cues from. A father (or mother) should encourage their children, comfort them and urge them to live lives of high and godly purpose. There are times when God also deals with us using much stronger rebukes and even punishments, but these verses describe his heart toward us.

Application: I want to relate to others that I have influence over in this way. When I die, I want my children to remember me as a person who was encouraging, comforting, and yet never wavering from urging them toward godliness. I want them to know that I only had thoughts of high purpose for their lives.

Prayer: Make me like you, Lord. More and more I want to become like you so that my relationship with others is a source of joy and encouragement to them. I want to be one who is excellent at “spurring one another on to good works”.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Restrained Strength/ Topic: Suffering

Today's Reading: Psalm 125; Matthew 26; Matthew 27

Scripture: Matthew 26:67, 68
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

Observation: Though Jesus had the power to free himself from undeserved suffering and insults at the hands of others, he chose not to use it. He who was the Creator of those mocking him simply let himself be abused.

Application: I have been given authority and power in the name of Christ. Like him, I need to sometimes choose to accept the undeserved abuse of others instead of using my authority to correct them or put them in their place, There is sometimes a call in the Christian life to suffer injustice at the hands of others in order that a greater good may come of it.

Prayer: Father, make me gentle of spirit. I never want to be timid in my use of your power and authority but I do want to be gentle, confident and discerning. I want to be ready to suffer wrong if it means others will ultimately benefit from it. Thank you for your example in this. Thank you for suffering that I may know life.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Standing Firm / Topic: End Times

Today's Reading: Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25

Scripture: Matthew 24:9-14
9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Observation: Jesus gives us warning ahead of time about what will happen before his return to earth. A litany of tests will face those who are believers. We will be persecuted, hated, and betrayed by those we trust, even those who have been a part of the church. We will be tested by false prophets who look and sound good but who are out to deceive us. We will live in a society polluted by moral wickedness that is increasing. Most of those who have believed on Jesus will grow cold in their love of God because they allow the wickedness around them to affect them and draw them away. But he who stands firm through all of this will be saved. While all this is going on, the true gospel will be preached around the world so that everyone can respond to the truth with no excuses before Jesus returns to take us to heaven.

Application: These are sobering words. The key is to be sure that I stand firm through all of these trials. How do I do that? First, I need to realize that Jesus gave this warning to his disciples so I would understand that no one is above falling away from God and so that I would not be taken by surprise when these things happen. I must stay in the Word and in prayer so that I will not be among those who are deceived by false Messiahs. I also need to be very careful not to succumb to the moral degeneration all around me. These are the keys to standing firm to the end. I also have a responsibility to preach the gospel (witness to the truth of Jesus) to others in order to speed the coming of the Lord.

Prayer: Father, the Church needs to understand the balance between the victory you promise us and the truth that we will also face persecution and even death for your sake. Make us strong so that we can withstand all that we will face. Keep us vigilant so that we are not lulled into a moral complacency that causes our love for you to grow cold. Make us bold in our witness for you and in our spiritual battle against the principalities and powers of darkness.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Door One or Door Two?/ Topic: Difficult Choices

Today's Reading: Matthew 20; Matthew 21; Matthew 22

Scripture: Matthew 21:43, 44
43 "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

Observation: Jesus gives us two choices. The first is to fall on the stone (Jesus) and be broken to pieces. The second is to be crushed by the stone. The first choice is voluntary and the second is involuntary. Either way, the choice is going to involve pain.

Application: I can choose to voluntarily serve Jesus and have him “break” my sinful nature so that I can produce the fruit of the kingdom or I can keep control of my life and not submit to Jesus, or anyone else, and at the end of my life pay the price of being crushed under the judgment of God because I refused his grace and lordship. I choose door number one.

Prayer: Father, I choose to submit to you and have you do the spiritual surgery necessary to cut out all my rebellion, arrogance and selfishness. Help me to lead others to do the same.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: A Child Shall Lead Them / Topic: Humility

Today's Reading: Matthew 17; Matthew 18; Matthew 19

Scripture: Matthew 18:2-4
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Observation: The disciples had just asked who was the greatest in heaven. I'm sure they were quite surprised when he used a child as an example in answer to their question. Who is the greatest in heaven? Anyone who humbles himself as a child. In fact, Jesus goes so far as to say that no one can even enter heaven without changing and becoming like a humble child.

Application: My opinions don't really matter much to God. My accomplishments don't matter much either. What God considers to be most important is my degree of teachableness. Do I accept correction easily? Do I have to win arguments and be “right” or can I see the viewpoint of others and reconsider my position on issues? Do I persist in behaviors or opinions that are contrary to what God states to be truth in his Word just to assert my own authority? To what degree am I like a child in humility and responsiveness to God's parental authority over me? Am I a compliant or rebellious child of the Father? If I perceive myself to be humble and teachable but others consider me to be arrogant, do I consider that they might be able to see me better than I see myself? These questions deserve deep reflection and not quick answers.

Prayer: Father, I want to be great by being teachable and humble. You have put other people in my life who can see my blind spots when I cannot but I receive no benefit from their insight if I'm too arrogant to listen to what they say. I cannot judge my own heart with accuracy. I need your Holy Spirit to show me my hidden motives. Help me to see myself as I truly am and to have the wisdom to humbly change and grow wiser by doing so.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The Power of Focus/ Topic: Focus

Today's Reading: Matthew 14; Matthew 15; Matthew 16

Scripture: Matthew 14:28-31
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29 "Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

Observation: Peter experiences the power of trusting in Jesus. He walks on water! Keeping his eyes on Jesus and acting on his faith, he step out of the boat and does what would be impossible on his own. But then he changes his focus from Jesus to the huge waves and strong wind ad starts to sink. When he calls out for help, Jesus immediately comes to Peter's rescue but questions why he doubted and succumbed to fear.

Application: This story is a great lesson and reminder to me to keep my eyes on Jesus. If I focus on the huge problems or obstacles that are impossible for me to solve or overcome, I will begin to sink under the weight of them as Peter sank beneath the waves. If I keep my focus on Jesus, I will not fear but will experience the miraculous power of Jesus that enable me to do what I could never do on my own.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that I don't ever have to limit myself to my own resources. You have given me your power to use in my life and have given me the ability to overcome anything through dependence on you. I only need to keep my focus on you where it needs to be. Keep me from distractions Lord.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Watch Your Tongue!/ Topic: Accountability

Today's Reading: Matthew 11; Matthew 12; Matthew 13

Scripture: Matthew 12:36
36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Observation: Yikes! We are accountable for every single word we say. God hears them all.

Application: This would cause a lot more silence on my part (and everyone's part) if we remembered this verse and took it seriously. I need to give careful consideration to all my words and jokes. Do they pass the test of being words that build up, encourage, and speak the truth in love? If they cause damage or promote foolishness, I need to repent of them. I'm reminded of the verse that says, “In a multitude of words, sin is not absent.”

Prayer: Forgive me Father for all the careless and destructive words I have spoken. Help me to weigh carefully every word I speak.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Delay in posting

For the next few days there will be no posting on my blog because we will be in a place where we have no internet access. I encourage you to spend time with the Lord in prayer and in the Word, as I will be doing too. If you are so moved, I would be delighted to have you write some of your own devotional thoughts on whatever scripture you are reading and post them in my comments section. Happy Thanksgiving and God's richest blessings be yours. Love, Cynthia

Title: Who Holds Your Heart?/ Topic: Eternal Life

Today's Reading: Matthew 8; Matthew 9; Matthew 10

Scripture: Matthew 10:37-39
37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Observation: Jesus uses the most important relationships in our lives to demonstrate the kind of commitment to God that is necessary to receive eternal life. God will take second place to no one. We must love him above even our most precious family members. Parents and children cannot be more important to us than God. If we had to choose between the two, what would we pick? The question is not hypothetical. We must make the choice to serve God no matter what anyone we love does. Jesus makes it clear that some people (maybe us) will have relatives who turn against them and even report them to authorities because they are Christians. We need to be prepared for that. But Jesus also makes a promise to us: If we lose our life for his sake we will find true life. If we choose this life and love of family over love of him we will lose our eternal life.

Application: Searching our hearts is necessary. If our children decide to serve themselves instead of God, will we stand with God, not compromising his standards or will we compromise in order to have peace in the family and closeness with our children? Would we recant our faith in God if our children turned us over to authorities because of our faith? This does still happen in some countries of the world. We haven't been faced with that extreme here in the United States but we need to check our hearts and determine to choose God over everything else, including those we love the most.

Prayer: I love you Lord. I want to make sure that I love you more than anything or anybody. Help me to test my heart so that I know I would stand for you in any circumstance, even giving up those who are precious to me in this life, in order to choose eternal life with you who have sacrificed everything for me. None of my family has done that and they cannot take your place. I pray for each of my loved ones that they will have this same level of commitment to you so that I will not have to be separated from them in this life or the next. Work in us all Lord.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Where Is Your House Built?/ Topic: Foundations

Today's Reading: Matthew 5; Matthew 6; Matthew 7

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Observation: This parable is a further explanation of the one that comes before it. The “Therefore” with which it starts indicates that this sums up the previous one. And the previous one says that not everyone who comes to Jesus having prophesied or done miracles in his Name will be able to get into heaven. Only those who bear fruit, who do the will of the Father, will enter heaven. The bottom line is obedience. God looks on the heart. We can use his authority to do great miracles without having his Word change our character. The wise man changes his life and lives his life based on the words of God.
The foolish man hears the words of God but makes no substantive changes in his life based on them.

Application: This parable explains well the bottom line of being a disciple. A true believer is one who submits his thoughts and actions to God. He himself is not the ultimate authority in his life---God is. Going to church and being able to quote correct doctrine does not automatically make one a Christian, Obedience to the Father and Son through the power of the Spirit is what makes us Christians. It's not a one time decision; it's one we make each day. It's a decision we can walk away from. That doesn't mean each time we disobey we're in danger of losing our salvation. It's the long-term direction of our life that's important. But this parable, each time I read it, makes me stop and examine myself to see if I'm living by God's Word or by my own thoughts and desires. It should do that for each of us. We should never take our salvation for granted.

Prayer: Father, help me to understand that I must fully submit all my attitudes and actions to you. If I'm holding grudges or judging others in an unrighteous way or if I'm arrogant in my opinions and thinking of myself more highly than I ought to, show me my sinful ways so that I may repent of them. I want my heart to be pure and my will to be completely submitted to yours. Help the church to understand what a true disciple is.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: With God Alone/ Topic: Spiritual Strength

Today's Reading: Matthew 1; Matthew 2; Matthew 3; Matthew 4

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-3
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

Observation: After Jesus was baptized and the Spirit descended on him, the first thing that happens is that he is led out to the desert to face the most powerful tempter and deceiver there is---Satan himself. Though the Spirit led him to the place of testing with the devil, it is important to note that God did not do the tempting; Satan did (James 1:13 says that God never tempts anyone to sin). It is instructive that the first thing Jesus does is to spend time alone with his Father in prayer and fasting. He knew he needed wisdom and strength from God to face the enemy and his schemes. His 40 days of solitude, prayer and fasting left him physically weak but spiritually strong and able to great testing he was going to face.

Application: The practices of solitude, prayer and fasting are almost completely lost today in the American church. No wonder we are weak spiritually and losing ground in affecting our society. If Jesus, who was without sin, needed to have this much alone time with God to strengthen him spiritually before facing the devil, what makes us think we can do without it? When we are troubled, our usual response is to try to numb the pain of whatever trial we face by TV, entertainment, drugs, alcohol, sex or some other diversion. We don't actually face down the problem, we try to outrun it or hide from it. The longest amount of time I have ever fasted and prayed for is two weeks during the time of greatest emotional pain and grief I've ever faced in my life. I think it saved my sanity and had an effect on others that I love. Unfortunately, I didn't keep up that intensity of prayer. I think we all need to get back to using these weapons to win victory instead of letting comfort lull us into inaction that allows Satan to work his will in people and in our society.

Prayer: Father, help me to engage in spiritual warfare with every tool you've given me to use. I love warring with praise and bringing my thoughts captive to Jesus is getting easier as I get older. But fasting with prayer and total solitude with you goes against my flesh and desire for a comfortable life. I've only engaged those weapons on rare occasions when I felt my family or others close to me were under extreme assault spiritually and even then it's been for much shorter times than 40 days. Help me to regularly engage in these practices so that I may see the enemy pushed back in my own life and the lives of others.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Passing the Test/ Topic: Discernment

Today's Reading: Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11; 2 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 13

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Corinthians 13:5,6
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

Observation: What do these two scriptures have to do with each other? They both speak of discernment. The first is about discerning whether leaders in the Church are truly from God or from the Satan, but masquerading as true servants of Christ. The second is about discerning whether we ourselves are truly a part of Christ's Body or whether we are deceived about our spiritual condition. According to Paul, some of the “apostles” that were going about to churches and preaching in Jesus' Name were false apostles. They could be detected, according to Paul, by their false doctrine and their motives. These false apostles were polluting the message of being saved by grace alone and they were greedy for money, charging for their ministry (by the way, Paul says receiving money for preaching is not wrong, but the heart of those receiving is what's important). If demons can masquerade as angels of light, it shouldn't surprise us that men can do the same---and that includes ourselves. According to the second scripture we have a responsibility to examine ourselves to see if we are true disciples. Do we believe correct doctrine and think that will get u into heaven? It won't. Our hearts must be humble, able to submit to others, not arrogant, and putting our doctrine into practice by letting it change our behavior. If we give mental assent to correct doctrine but it makes no change in how we behave, we can sing all we want to in church and still be on our way to hell. It's serious.

Application: We preach an easy gospel in America. If we raise our hand to receive Jesus at a meeting we think we're on our way to heaven. But if there are no changes, I don't believe we are truly saved. Jesus being the head of my life means I don't get to do or think whatever I want to. If I hold on to anger, bitterness, offense or if I am arrogant and won't receive instruction from others but am always argumentative and self-absorbed, I am in danger. I need to question whether I'm really in the faith. Our churches are full of people who can quote correct doctrine but whose souls remain in stubborn rebellion and unforgiveness toward others.

Prayer: Father, help us to be discerning about those in authority that we listen to and give us light into ourselves as well. It is so easy for us to be deceived. Let us eat your Word and take it's message to heart. Let us develop hearing ears that hear what your Spirit is saying to us so that we will be the discerning people we need to be in order to be that Bride you are looking for, without blemish, spot or wrinkle.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The Key to Everything/ Topic: Giving

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 7; 2 Corinthians 8; 2 Corinthians 9; 2 Corinthians 10

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Observation: Giving is the key to unlocking abundance in all areas of life. Paul is talking about giving money, but links giving money generously and happily with God making all grace abound to us so that we abound in every good work (that includes a lot more than material blessing). Paul goes on to say that God, who is the one who gives us “seed” to sow, will increase our supply of seed so that our harvest of righteousness will increase and we will be made rich in every way (again, having our righteousness increase and being made rich in every way includes more than just money). This will result in our being able to be generous on every occasion, giving people what they need when they need it, whether that be material, spiritual or emotional.

Application: Whenever I talk with a Christian who is dissatisfied with their relationship with God and complains about God not giving them what they need I usually get around to asking them whether or not they tithe. I can't recall a time when the answer was a consistent “Yes”. One hundred percent doesn't happen very often in life but that's been true for all the people I've spoken with who seem to always be living with serious lack of provision. I don't believe God punishes people for not tithing, I just believe his Word makes it clear that people who don't tithe or give generously are choosing not to live under his blessing. Their choice to not give simply places them outside of where God's provision flows; not just for finances but for everything. Spiritual understanding and power, as well as money, increase with a cheerful, giving heart. Choosing not to give is choosing lack.

Prayer: Father, I pray that everyone in the Church would learn this simple secret to abundant living. We need your power and blessing to flow to us. The world needs us to live in abundance so we will have both spiritual and material stores to draw from to give to their need. Help us to use the key of giving to unlock the storehouse of blessing you have for us all.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Am I Willing?/ Topic: Commitment

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 3; 2 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 6

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Observation: Look what Paul is willing to go through to minister the gospel to others. He endures hardships of all kinds including beatings, imprisonments, hunger and sleeplessness. He keeps himself pure and sincere, speaking truthfully yet endures dishonor as well as honor, bad report as well as good, and goes through being called phony even though he is genuine. Those who should know him best often behave as if they don't know him at all. His worldly goods he has given up yet he realizes he has everything in Christ and he rejoices even through sorrow.

Application: How committed are we to God? Would we be willing to do what Paul did if it meant we would win many people to the Lord? Do we care more about our comforts than winning souls? How do we respond to people who we've ministered to a lot but who treat us as if they have forgotten what our character is like and condemn us as impostors? Do we have a “whatever it takes” attitude? Do we start blaming God or complaining when we have trouble in life or do we depend even more on him? We need to search our souls for the answers and repent where necessary.

Prayer: Father, I have experienced only some of what Paul experienced but not nearly all of it. I want to know that I would stand for you through anything Lord. Make me strong in my spirit. I know I need to do my part by embracing spiritual disciplines and spending time with you. As I do that, help me to grow stronger every day in the power of your spirit. There is nothing on earth, no relationship on earth, more important to me than you. I want to be a daughter that you are proud of. May I grow in the exercise of my faith so that I am a light to many and win souls as Paul did.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Job and Paul; A Study in Contrasts / Topic: Suffering

Today's Reading: Job 41; Job 42; 2 Corinthians 1; 2 Corinthians 2

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10
8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,

Observation: Paul and his companions suffered greatly; so much so that they despaired even of life. It reminds me of what Job went through. Job started out in his suffering with great trust in God, but as time went on he succumbed to despair and depression and then blamed God as being unfair. He stated it was of no use to serve God because the same fate could befall the righteous as befell the wicked. Paul, on the other hand, when the trials he was under got so bad as to cause him to despair of life, identified correctly the reason for the suffering, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God”. He understood that God was the only one who could deliver them.

Application: Suffering, especially when it is for long periods of time, can wear on us emotionally, spiritually and physically until we do reach a point of despair. Despair is very dangerous. It is what leads many to commit suicide or to go on homicidal rampages or to slowly poison themselves with drugs or alcohol. We need to take a lesson from Paul and Job. Complaining against God and blaming him does nothing to relieve suffering---in fact, it increases hopelessness. We need to choose to control our thoughts and rely more on God because we know he is the only one that can deliver us, as Paul did. Then and only then does our suffering produce something beautiful in our lives. We grow to rely on God more and we also become those who have increased compassion for others and a greater ability to comfort those who are in the middle of great trials.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the lessons of both Job and Paul. I don't understand why we have to go through some of the hard times that we do; it is an unfathomable mystery to me. But I do know that we will go through such difficulties so whether or not I understand the reason, I want to respond to suffering in such a way that I become a better person. I want my troubles to build me not break me. The only way for that to happen is to trust in you and depend on your hand to deliver me. Thank you that you love me and will care for me through anything.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: When Will We Be Changed?/ Topic: End Times

Today's Reading: Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Corinthians 16

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 & 58
51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Observation: The Bible teaches clearly that Jesus will be returning back to earth for a second time. The only question has been when. Theologians have argued for pre-, post-, and mid-tribulation. This is one of the sections of scripture used to support a post-tribulation theology. Paul says “at the last trumpet” the dead in Christ raised imperishable and we who are alive will be instantly changed into our immortal bodies. The last trumpet in Revelation is blown at the end of the tribulation period. Some speculate that because of the many revelations given to Paul (see 2 Cor. 12:1-4) he already had been shown this future event. Verse 58 concludes the thought by detailing how we should be living now until he comes for us.

Application: We can hold our own theology of when the Lord will come for us. I personally have always leaned toward the pre-tribulation theory. But I hold it lightly, realizing that I may be wrong. The point is that we must be ready to serve God through anything because we know for sure that he is coming back and we know who wins the battle---he does! And in light of the fact of his return, we should follow the advice of verse 58 and stand firm through anything, giving ourselves fully (with passion and diligence) to the work of the Lord. Our work for anything else will ultimately be destroyed. Only what is done for God will last.

Prayer: Father, you are sending your Son back for us. May we be found working for you when he comes and standing firm in our faith, regardless of the opposition or of anything we may have to suffer for Christ's sake. Help us to get serious about prayer and daily communication with you. It is vital for our survival. Cleanse your Church from the petty bickering, criticism and rebellion that plague us. Make us into that beautiful Bride without spot or blemish that you are coming for. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Playing theBlame Game / Topic: Suffering

Today's Reading: Job 39; Job 40; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 14

Scripture: Job 40:8
8 "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?

Observation: God asks Job this question. It is one we must all ask of ourselves as well.

Application: I know in my life I have had times when, like Job, I have questioned God's justice and blamed him instead of looking to see if I might be the cause of whatever trouble was coming to me or in order to justify myself with the thought that, “I don't deserve this. I'm an innocent victim”. Job learned, as we must, that sometimes we do have trouble that comes to us for no good reason. God himself declared Job to be righteous and told Satan there was no reason to punish Job with suffering. Yet Job is severely rebuked by God for his attitude of condemning God as being unjust. God is our only source of help in times of trouble. We cannot save ourselves—only God can. Job's suffering did reveal a victim's mentality and a propensity to depend on his own righteous life as a protection against suffering coming to him. A victim's mentality does us no good, ever. Jesus suffered though he didn't deserve it, and he told us we would have to do the same ( Matt. 10:23-25; Rom. 8:17; 1 Pet. 2:19 and others). So if we find ourselves chafing against suffering by blaming God or others, we lose the benefit we could get from it by learning obedience to and dependence on God, and we must repent, as Job ended up doing. There are two causes of suffering: first, our own sin or folly and secondly, suffering for Christ's sake (usually because of the sins of others). If it is for the first, we need to repent. If it is for the second, we have an opportunity to grow closer to God by depending on him and sometimes in doing so, we are also a witness to unbelievers by how we handle it. If we blame God or others in such cases, all witness is lost and we end up in the same place as Job did; in need of repentance from a bitter spirit.

Prayer: Father, teach me to discern the source of my suffering properly. May I repent whenever I need to and may I follow in Jesus' footsteps whenever I suffer for righteousness' sake. Help me to grow closer to you whenever I suffer for the latter, knowing that you are the only one who can deliver me. I never want to have any bitterness in my soul. Forgive me for the times when I have had that and have blamed you as Job did for unjustly allowing me to suffer. Give me a proper attitude toward suffering. I love you.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: No Rejection Allowed/ Topic: Healthy Church Life

Today's Reading: Job 37; Job 38; 1 Corinthians 12

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:21-26
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Observation: Paul is making an analogy between the human body and the Body of Christ. Just as the human body is made up of many parts, and all are needed for good health, so is the Church. If a human body starts rejecting its organs, it will become either weak or dead. And just as the human body has parts that remain covered (with skin or with clothing), so the Church has parts that may not be “presentable” but they are still necessary.

Application: Often people come into churches that are hurting or damaged. Just as the human body heals itself, so the Church is meant to heal its broken members. Sometimes we want to reject certain persons that come into the church because their personalities are annoying to us. They talk too much or too little, they don't dress appropriately or they joke or speak in ways we don't like, they are too loud or too snooty to suit us. But just as the human body gets sick or dies if it rejects its organs, so the church dies if we reject any part. The parts we consider “unpresentable” are necessary for us to be perfected in love, humility, kindness and tolerance (the right kind, not the kind that accepts any behavior or philosophy). If someone is annoying to me, I am the one who needs to change and grow. I also have the responsibility through speaking the truth in love to help them grow. I can't do that if I'm judging them in a negative way. There is no rejection allowed in the Body of Christ unless it is to cut out a diseased part (someone who is unrepentant of of sin and in rebellion to God).

Prayer: Father, help us to have the correct view of our brothers and sisters in the Church. Instead of being critical of others that we don't like for some reason, may we see them as a gift to help us become more loving, kind and more like You. Those that we are naturally drawn to may spur us to growth in certain ways but there is a kind of growth that can only come to us when we are challenged to love and accept those that are very different from us. Help us to be healthy by not rejecting our own organs that You have placed in our Body.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Free to Serve Others / Topic: Evangelism

Today's Reading: Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9; 1 Corinthians 10; 1 Corinthians 11

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Observation: Paul freely chooses to make himself a slave to others in order to win them to Jesus. Now that's commitment! He cared so much for others that he would limit his freedoms in order to fit in and relate to those he was witnessing to about God. He built bridges of commonality with people not to be a “people-pleaser” but so that they would trust him and hopefully receive the gift of salvation.

Application: I remember the story of missionaries who were from Los Angeles and went to the backwoods of Cajun country in Louisiana to minister the gospel. The first thing they were confronted with was the “gift” of a boiled pig's head, complete with hair and eyeballs staring at them. It stunk and made them feel like retching but they knew that if they wanted to build connection with these people, they would have to graciously eat this gift with gratitude, as it was considered a local delicacy. They loved these uneducated, backwoods people to put aside their freedom to choose to eat what appealed to their cosmopolitan tastes in order to create a connection that would allow them to bring salvation to those dear souls. Are we willing to do the same?

Prayer: Father, help us to be willing to give u our freedom to please ourselves in order to serve others in a way that opens them to your love, forgiveness and salvation. We will have an eternity to celebrate with you and have all our desires met. How wonderful it will be to look around at the wedding feast of our Lord in heaven and see others who are there because we became their “slaves” in order to get them there. What joy!
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Practical Love/ Topic: Brotherly Love

Today's Reading: Job 35; Job 36; 1 Corinthians 7; 1 Corinthians 8

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:9-13
9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

Observation/Application: Sacrificial love and deference toward others goes against our cultural norms but we are called to live out these qualities as Christians. Our own preferences or knowledge of theological truth is never the measuring stick of whether or not we can engage in certain activities when we are with other s in the Body of Christ. Love is the measuring stick. We are to consider the understanding, maturity and background of a person before we do anything that may cause them to stumble. A modern day example (since we don't sacrifice animals anymore) would be the drinking of wine with dinner. Certain Christians have been taught it is absolutely ungodly and immoral. Others have struggled with overcoming addiction to alcohol. There is nothing in scripture to support that drinking wine is sinful, in fact Jesus drank wine. Getting drunk is mentioned as being sinful but not drinking in moderation. But if my knowledge of that fact gives me the freedom to drink wine, I am constrained by love not to do so if I know it will offend or harm a brother or sister. To serve wine at a dinner where there is a person present who has struggled with addiction to it is to put them in peril of being caught up in that trap again. Out of love, I limit my freedom to protect my brother. It's a very practical principle which applies to many areas.

Prayer: Father, teach us to love in deed and in truth. May we care for one another enough to find out what the other people around us struggle with so that we may love and serve them in practical ways.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: To Judge or Not to Judge / Topic: Responsibility

Today's Reading: Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4; 1 Corinthians 5; 1 Corinthians 6

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:4-6; 5:12-13
4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written."

12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."

Observation: These two sections of scripture seem to contradict each other. The verses in chapter 4 say that even if our own conscience is clear, it does not necessarily mean we are innocent. We don't always know the motives of our own heart so we can't possibly judge the motives of others' hearts. Paul promises that God will come to sort it all out and that we should suspend judgment until he comes. Then Paul says we are not to go beyond what is written. This is key to understanding the later verses in chapter 6 which clearly indicate that it is our responsibility to judge those in the church. We are to judge the behavior of fellow believers by what is written (standards of behavior in the Word). We cannot be sure of judging another believer's motives if the behavior is within bounds of what is written, even if the motives may be impure. That judgment belongs to God.

Application: We need to understand what is our responsibility and what is God's. If we can keep that clear we will have fewer problem in the Body of Christ. We will leave certain judgment in God's hands and also fulfill the responsibilities hi gives us to judge other things.

Prayer: Father, help us to be wise in how we conduct ourselves. Give us wisdom to determine the difference between what is under your dominion alone and what you have given us dominion over. May we not cross the line.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Building for Eternity / Topic: Choices

Today's Reading: Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1; 1 Corinthians 2; 1 Corinthians 3

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Observation: Our choices in this life have eternal consequences. They determine the kind of building we will have in heaven. Are we building with gold, silver and precious stones? These represent the times when we obey God and crucify our flesh to make decisions that honor God. Or are we living according to our flesh, engaging in gossip, criticism, divisiveness, materialism and the like? If we live according to our flesh, Paul likens that to building with wood, hay and stubble that will be burned in the fire of judgment. In that case , we will be saved as one escaping from a fire. Our lives will be saved but there will be no rewards for us. If we follow God and deny our flesh we will be rewarded with more than we can imagine.

Application: We forget sometimes that our everyday choices have eternal consequences. Choosing to indulge our flesh in front of the TV is not building with gold , silver and precious stones. Are we willing to have temporal values and instant gratification rob us of eternal (that means forever folks; a lot longer than this life) blessing? We need o consider these things as we make our choices.

Prayer: Father let us be strengthened in our spirits . Our fleshly impulses are so strong that they often rule our decision making by default. We need your Spirit to whisper to us and help us to follow closely so that we all have lots of treasure in heaven, where it will last forever.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Individual and Church Body Responsibilities/ Topic: Accountability

Today's Reading: Job 31; Job 32; Galatians 5; Galatians 6

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-5
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.

Observation: This passage caught my attention because of the news of the recent moral failure of a nationally known pastor. The passage begins by speaking to those who are spiritual leaders in the body about their responsibility to gently restore anyone who has been caught in a sin. That corporate responsibility to the body is followed by a warning that those spiritual leaders have a personal responsibility to watch their own lives and make sure that they don't fall prey to the temptation of sin. How do they do this? By being willing to share their burdens with each other (openness) and not thinking of themselves as being “too good” to sin, thus deceiving himself (v.3). Each person has a responsibility to test his own actions and not to compare themselves with others. Our standard of comparison is only to God's Word.

Application: We all have both individual and corporate responsibilities. We must examine ourselves and be open and accountable to others so as to avoid falling into sin. We must never get the idea that we have reached a spiritual level of maturity which disallows us from falling into temptation and sin. We must also watch and care for each other and restore a brother or sister caught in sin with gentleness and humility. We are responsible for ourselves (carrying our own load) and we are also responsible to help others when their load gets too big (bearing one another's burdens).

Prayer: Help us to be humble and open so that we don't find ourselves engaging in hidden sins that will bring us (and others) down. May we receive correction without negative reaction, knowing that it is given in love to keep us from the enemy's trap. Help us to be responsible in the way you intended, for ourselves and for one another.

This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The Christian Magna Carta/ Topic: Status

Today's Reading: Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3; Galatians 4

Scripture: Galatians 3:26-29
26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise

Observation: This is the Christian Magna Carta. Anyone who receives Jesus Christ as Lord of his/her life is now declared by God to be of equal status before God. There is neither Jew nor Greek – racial inequality and prejudice are now out the window. Before God, all races are the same. No child of God has special “rank” based on his race. Slave nor free – socio-economic standing carries no weight with God. Rich and poor alike are esteemed the same. Male nor female – sexual inequalities are done away with. No need for women's liberation; God has made them free and equal in worth to men. In fact, once we receive Jesus, we are considered to be Abraham's seed; the chosen children of God. All cultural, sexual and economic biases have been eliminated., Hallelujah!

Application: We are free before God from all bias and prejudice but we still live in a fallen world that puts these things on us. We have all been raised in homes that taught us to think better of some group of people than others. In my home I was taught all three. Some races were better than others, educated and middle-class people were better than the poor and uneducated, and boys were definitely much better than girls. When I received Jesus, I came into a family where the Head of the house doesn't tolerate this kind of prejudice. I have had to have my thinking changed---we all need our thinking changed--- to conform to the Father's. Thank God He set us free indeed. We have equal worth before him; a clean slate! Now the rewards we earn in heaven are based on nothing other than how much we allow him to conform us to his image here on earth, not on anything we were born with or into. Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we're free at last!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for setting us free from the judgment of the world and its value system. Conform my thinking, my actions and my words to reflect your character more and more. It is for freedom that you set us free. May we walk in it!
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The Simple Gospel/ Topic: Truth

Today's Reading: Job 28; Job 29; Galatians 1; Galatians 2

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

Observation: The Galatians were led astray from the simple gospel that saved them. That gospel was that they are saved by grace through the sacrifice of Jesus and that no works of their own were needed to add to what Jesus did to save them. Paul adjures the church in the strongest language to reject anyone or even any spiritual being that gives them a “revelation” of anything that changes or perverts the gospel that they originally believed. They had been led astray by men who came and preached with authority and with a spiritual “aura”; but were preaching a false gospel.

Application: I am amazed at the number of Christians I meet today who have been led astray by “another gospel”. As with the Galatians, the usual confusion comes because of additions to the simple message of salvation through grace. Scientology, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and a wide variety of lesser known “new age” religions all add to the something to the gospel preached by Paul. Some very good people with integrity follow these religions. We need to marinate in the Word so that we will not be led astray like the Galatians were. Jesus and Paul both warned that future believers would be led astray. It's up to us to know the Word and stay close to God through prayer and worship in order not to be deceived.

Prayer: Keep us strong Lord. Keep our minds clear and our spirits attuned to the truth. Protect us from deception and help us to lead others who have wandered from the truth back to the simplicity of your gospel.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Switching Places/ Topic: Courage

Today's Reading: Job 26; Job 27; Mark 15; Mark 16

Scripture: Mark 15:43
43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.

Observation: It's an interesting contrast between the disciples, who have been openly following Jesus for three and a half years, and Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the ruling elders who have been plotting against Jesus for years, but who has secretly been his disciple too. (See the verse below)

John 19:38-- Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.

When Jesus was arrested and tried, all those who had openly been his disciples fled and deserted him. But Joseph, who had been afraid to admit he was a follower of Jesus because his peers were all antagonistic toward the Lord, finally overcomes all his fears and boldly goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus' body so he can give him a proper burial. He risks all his relationships to express his love for Jesus at this time. He couldn't do it while Jesus was alive, but it's as if the horror of his death awakens in him a courage to want to do the right thing and give honor to the dead man he followed by making sure he suffered no more humiliation. He would make sure that the body of his Lord was properly enbalmed and laid to rest with dignity.

Application: Sometimes we judge people unfairly. I would have labeled Joseph a coward for not openly taking a stand for Jesus while he was alive. But he risked everything to stand up for him at a time when those who had openly followed him were now all gone----hiding and afraid. Pressure reveals much of what is in a person's heart. God can be working things deeply inside of others that we don't see until much later.

Prayer: Father, let us pray for your work to be done in others and keep trusting that even when we don't see it, our prayers will have an effect and bring about the fruit of change that is necessary. And may we never think of ourselves as being above being tempted as the disciples were to “run and hide” when we should stand and fight. Keep us strong and unified together for your glory.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Controlling the Body, Releasing the Spirit/ Topic: Discipline

Today's Reading: Job 25; Mark 13; Mark 14

Scripture: Mark 13:38
38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Observation: The disciples really wanted to be there for Jesus. They wanted to support him by watching and praying with him during his greatest hour of need. But there bodies controlled them. They were tired. They gave in to their physical needs and missed the spiritual blessing of sharing the fellowship of Jesus' sufferings as he wrestled with the sacrifice he knew was coming.

Application: Reading this passage really convicted me about the need I have for bringing my body under the control of the Spirit through discipline. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 says, “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” I am very aware that the love I have for comfort and and the fact that I have not been good at denying my body anything it wants has resulted in a physical body that is weak, undernourished, overweight, out of shape, and lethargic. This causes me to me to give in to the needs of my body and MISS OUT on spiritual adventures with Jesus, which is truly what I have the deepest desire for. In order for me to achieve my spiritual goals I must be willing to put in the time to beat my body into shape so that it is my slave. Only then can I truly have all the spiritual riches I desire.

Prayer: Father, Jesus was so right when he said our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. I need your help and your grace to overcome the strong call of my weak flesh. It's amazing that something so weak can be so strong! Mercy Lord! Help me to do that which I hate (exercise, healthy diet, etc.) in order to achieve my spiritual goals. I love you.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Beware of Flattery/ Topic: Discernment

Today's Reading: Job 23; Job 24; Mark 11; Mark 12

Scripture: Mark 12:13- 15
13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn't we?" But Jesus knew their hypocrisy.

Observation: The Pharisees and Herodians (and Saducees) that were in the audience listening to Jesus wanted to bring him down. But they start their conversation with him with flattering words. What makes the words flattery is that they are uttered insincerely. The compliments they give him are true. Jesus is everything they say he is, but they don't honor those things about Jesus. They are simply trying to get him to let down his guard so that he might “slip up” in what he says and then they will have “evidence” to use against him. But Jesus discerns their true motives and is aware of their duplicity.

Application: Anytime someone begins to flatter me, I must see it as a red flag and have my spiritual ears tuned in to what the Holy Spirit wants to tell me about this person. It's up to me to listen to the Spirit to discern what his/her motives are. As with this example in Jesus' life, the words can be true but the motives impure. I must not let the truth of the words put me off my guard. The Bible says that one of the ways the anti-christ will gain power is though flattery (Daniel 11:32). So anytime someone gives you a compliment, especially if they do it a lot and with an effusive manner, be on your guard and check what their motivation is. They may be seeting you up for a trap or to get you to buy into their agenda for you.

Prayer: Father, keep me from ever being a person who uses flattery, for you make it clear in your Word that it is sin. And give me a discerning heart so that I may detect it right away when others are trying to use flattery on me. May we walk in truth and love with one another. Give us pure hearts.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Are You Secure Enough to Serve?/ Topic: Identity

Today's Reading: Psalm 121; Mark 9; Mark 10

Scripture: Mark 10:41-45
41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Observation: Human beings are wired to need and want recognition and admiration. Success and accolades boost our sense of value and significance. But Jesus said it's not really a heavenly value to accumulate the praise of other men or to be “top dog”. What is rewarded and cheered in heaven is a person who is willing to serve others; That person is considered truly great in heaven. Jesus demonstrated this with his life. He could have demanded money, position and the adoration of others for his miraculous feats. He would have received it too. But he didn't need or seek the praise of men. His strong sense of identity and mission allowed him the freedom to serve without feeling like he was inferior, or that others viewed him as that.

Application: I really believe that in order to have a servant spirit as Jesus said we should if we desire greatness in the Kingdom, we have to be very secure in who we are. We have to know we have great value to God in order to serve others. Without that secure sense of identity, serving others will make us feel that others think that they are better than we are, especially if they behave with arrogance toward us. Every time I read this scripture I remember the words I read in my mother-in-law's Bible: “You never know what kind of servant you are until someone treats you like one”. If we react to that treatment with anger and resentment or with the other extreme of an “I deserve this because I really am nothing” attitude, it reveals that we are not secure in our identity with Jesus. We are too dependent on what other people think of us. Every one of us should consider deeply how we truly do react to being treated like a servant and what that response says about us.

Prayer: Father, I know I still deal with insecurities in my life. Though you have haeled me a great deal, I still react negatively to people who treat me as if I'm “less than” they are. If I really understood my preciousness to you, I could blow off their insults because I would realize that their need to put themselves up by putting others down only reveals their own lack of a secure identity in you. Instead of reacting to them I need to pray for them. I want to be a great servant here and thereby also great in your kingdom. Help me to mature to that place Lord.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.