Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Luke 17-18

Daily Reading
 Luke 17-18

Daily Thought

The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11).

The question is not, "Am I as good as my neighbor?' He is; he is better. "I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get" (Luke 18:12). So he asked for nothing, and that's what he got.

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). The question is, "Am I as good as God?" He's not; not even close. So he asked for mercy, and that's what he got.

Daily Prayer

Father, I live in a world that competes and compares, instead of loves and lifts up. Protect me from the pride of this world. Keep me humble like Your Son. He is God, and yet He thought others better than Himself, and put His life on the line for them. May I learn to love others like He does, rather than learning to serve self like the world does.

Thank You, God, for Your mercy, Your love, Your salvation. Your Son.

Amen

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Luke 14-16

Daily Reading
Luke 14-16

Daily Thought

Jesus told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor... (Luke 14:7-8)

Nolan Ryan, an outstanding baseball player, let his talent speak for itself. Rickey Henderson, also outstanding, didn't. On May 1, 1991, Henderson stole his 939th base to pass Lou Brock and become baseball's number one all-time stolen base leader. Rickey stopped the game, tore third base from the ground and held it over his head like a trophy before the cheering crowd. This was his day! After the game, standing beside his friend, his mentor, and the man who used to hold the record, Lou Brock, Rickey announced, "Lou Brock was the best base-stealer in his time. But today, I'm the greatest of all time."

Unfortunately (for Rickey), on that same day, 44-year old Nolan Ryan threw his 7th no-hitter, the oldest pitcher to throw a no-hitter, and three more than second place, Sandy Koufax. After the game, Nolan Ryan quietly showered and went home.

The next morning, Rickey made the front page of the sports section, but below the fold.  Because above the fold, the large headline read, "Nolan Ryan Steals The Thunder."

"...do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:8-11).

Daily Prayer

Almighty God, You alone are awesome. I throw that word around, "awesome," but it truly belongs to You.  You are King of kings, Lord of lords. To You belongs all wonder and majesty. The sin of Satan was an attempt to take Your glory for himself.

What is amazing is that I do not need to steal Your glory. I am made in Your image, and because of the work of Your Son, I am heir to your riches. I have no merit of my own, but through Your grace, I am a child of God. Wow! Thank You for welcoming me. More than that, for celebrating my salvation. I didn't expect it or deserve it, but I enjoy it. What a wonderful salvation. What a wonderful Savior.

Amen

Monday, October 29, 2012

Luke 12-13

Daily Reading
Luke 12-13

Daily Thought

Then Jesus said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).

Dictionary.com: "wealth" [welth] -noun
  1. a great quantity or store of money, valuable possessions, property, or other riches.
  2. an abundance or profusion of anything; plentiful amount.
  3. Economics: all things that have a monetary or exchange value; anything that has utility and is capable of being appropriated or exchanged.
  4. rich or valuable contents or produce.
  5. the state of being rich; prosperity; affluence.
Pretty much what I expected. But wait! One more. It's #6, and obsolete, but check it out:

6. Obsolete: happiness.

Obsolete.  Look that up; dictionary.com: "obsolete" [ob-suh-leet] -adjective
  1. no longer in general use; fallen in disuse.
  2. of a discarded or outmoded type; out of date.
"Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! It is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life - this is indeed a gift from God" (Ecclesiastes 5:10, 19, NLT).

Daily Prayer

God, You created EVERYTHING. It is all yours. May I always remember that I am a steward of Your riches, not an owner. Forgive me for greed, and keep my heart owned by you. May I hold things loosely, ready to give and share where it would please You most.

I pray that my trust in You will grow strong, weakening my grip on possessions. May I be as generous as You are.

Amen

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Luke 10-11

Daily Reading
Luke 10-11

Daily Thought

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Luke 11:23). In or out and all or nothing. A lawyer asks Jesus how to receive eternal life, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind" (Luke 10:27). That's everything. Even Martha is chastised for serving him as if he were merely an out-of-town guest, instead of worshipping him as the Lord of the heavens and the earth, as her sister does; "Mary has chosen the good" (Luke 10:42). 

Jesus sent his followers, two by two, into the towns ahead of him to announce the coming of the King. If they accept you, they accept me, he tells them; "the one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me" (Luke 10:16). It is time to choose, and you must choose. Some said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons" (Luke 11:15), and if they were not so terribly wrong, they would have been terribly right. Jesus is the King of kings, the Christ, the Son of the Living God, or he is a devil for pretending. There is no middle with Jesus.

Daily Prayer

My Lord and God, Beginning and the End, Alpha and Omega, First and Last, You are the Creator of all things, including me, of course. And in You, all things will be fulfilled and brought to completion. You, therefore, demand and deserve my all. I want to give it to You. Help me do it. Remind me when I hold part of myself back, or when I use You for my own benefit. Like Martha, don't let me get away with treating You as less than You are; don't let me get so busy doing religion that I forget to worship my Savior.

I choose to follow You fully, letting go of anything else which could steal my heart.

Amen

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Luke 8-9

Daily Reading
Luke 8-9

Daily Thought

The teacher and the student share the task of the classroom, and neither is solely responsible for its success. "A sower went out to sow his seed," Jesus begins a lesson, "and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and some fell on the rock, and some fell among thorns, and some fell into good soil" (Luke 8:5-7). The farmer sowed by hand, so you have to wonder why he wastes seed on the path and the rock and the thorns; but in this story the sower is the teacher, and the teacher is Jesus, and Jesus gives all an opportunity to hear the good news and take root and grow.

Now the soil has its part to play. I remember sitting behind a desk, with an eye on the clock, because recess and kickball were only minutes away. The learner had already left the classroom. When grades were important, however, I paid attention--until the test. Afterward, I may or may not have remembered the difference between "I am well" and "I am good." In college, I confess, I cared not for the class or the grade, but only the degree, and did only what had to be done to graduate. But there came a time when I connected class to life and listened and learned and understood and applied what I was taught. "Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away" (Luke 8:18).

Jesus was traveling "through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God" (Luke 8:1). His classroom included stories and illustrations, displays of power over demons and storms, healing the sick and raising the dead, and feeding thousands. Finally, it was time for the test, and the midterm had one question, "Who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God" (Luke 9:20). The seed had taken root and was ready to grow.

Daily Prayer

My Lord and God, the heavens declare Your glory, the world Your beauty and Your order and Your thoughtfulness and Your care. There was a time when I missed the message, but that was my fault. I was not paying attention, thinking of other things (usually myself). Thank You for opening my eyes and my heart. I see You everywhere I look.

Keep me attentive, Lord, to Your wonders and Your ways. May I always love Your Word and delight in knowing You better. I'm paying attention now.

Amen

Friday, October 26, 2012

Luke 6-7

Daily Reading
Luke 6-7

Daily Thought

He pointed at the guy and said, "There but for the grace of God go I," and I wondered if he was more proud he was not than humbled he could be.

A crowd of people gathered to hear Jesus, and he "came down with them and stood on a level place" (Luke 6:17). A level place; don't miss the symbolism as Jesus began to teach, "Blessed are the poor, the hungry, those who weep, those who are hated and reviled. Woe to the rich and those who have a full stomach, those who laugh and are spoken well of" (Luke 6:20-26). He was lifting the humble, and warning the proud; he was standing on a level place. Jesus had a way of doing that. "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27-28).

Yehiel Dinur had survived Auschwitz and was now a witness against Adolf Eichmann, who was on trial for the millions of Jews he had slaughtered. Dinur entered the courtroom, stared for a moment at the butcher, but then collapsed on the floor, and left the room sobbing. "Were you overcome with hatred," 60 Minutes asked, "staring at the face of evil incarnate?"

"No," responded Dinur. The Eichmann he saw was not a demon, but an ordinary man. "I was afraid about myself. I saw that I'm capable to do this ... exactly like he. Eichmann is in all of us." There but for the grace of God go I.

Love your enemies.  They are not unlike you. "Love your enemies, and do good, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:35-36).

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, Help me see others with Your eyes, with Your heart. Help me see myself that way, as well. I know how much You love me. I need to remember how much You love those I see as enemies. You died for all of us, not because of any merit, but because You are love. I need the same humility and the same sacrificial attitude.

May I become more and more like Jesus Christ, who, for the grace of God, became like me, so that I may see God and become like Him.

Amen

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Luke 4-5

Daily Reading
Luke 4-5

Daily Thought

Jesus went from baptism to battle, assaulted by Satan in the wilderness. "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread" (Luke 4:3). Satan's challenge seemed reasonable, Jesus had not eaten for forty days, but hunger hid the temptation which was to clutch again his deity for himself. "Man shall not live by bread alone" (Luke 4:4), answered Jesus, because he had become human for us.

Jesus was dependent on God's Spirit for power on earth, but had not relinquished his authority. "Your sins are forgiven you," Jesus declared to a paralyzed man, to which the Pharisees rightly questioned, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Luke 5:20-21). Good question, but it broke the first tenet of cross-examination. They should have read To Kill a Mockingbird, when Scout explains, "Never, never, never, ask a witness a question you don't already know the answer to. Do it and you'll often get an answer you don't want, an answer that might wreck your case."

Jesus answered them, "Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the man who was paralyzed-"I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home." He did.

Satan had tempted Jesus to prove he is God by serving himself; instead, Jesus displayed his glory by serving and saving others.

Daily Prayer

Dear God, I pray to You because You are the One true God. There are no others. I know that You are good and powerful and wonderful. I know that You care about me. I can't quite figure out why, but I'm glad. You cared so much that You sent Your Son to heal me.

God, I need to be healed. Sin leaves me broken, but by Your grace I am made new. You are the only wise God, my Savior. To You be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forevermore.

And thank You.

Amen

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Luke 2-3

Daily Reading
Luke 2-3

Daily Thought

The Son of God, by whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities" (Colossians 1:16), was "wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger" (Luke 2:7). Jesus would grow up and learn reading, writing, and arithmetic; to swing a mallet and build; and most of all that humanity was sinfully in need of the salvation provided by the sacrifice of the lamb of God. When it occurred to the baby that he would be that lamb is left untold, but the experience of Passover drove twelve-year old Jesus to the temple. The blood and death of thousands of Passover lambs must have made an impression, and he asked questions and listened and answered the teachers, "and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding" (Luke 2:47). They had no idea how personal this was to the young man in front of them.

Christmas is when God's Son "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). It was not his deity that set Jesus apart from you and me. It was his perfect obedience. Jesus grew "in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). He grew like we grow, or like we should. The same Heavenly Father who guided Jesus, and the same Holy Spirit who gave him power, will lead and strengthen us, as well. If we let him.

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, may I walk in obedience to Your commandments and Your will. I will work hard at listening to You and doing what You ask. It's not a burden, Your ways are the best for life; but I get in the way. I like to be in charge, and then I become my own burden.

Strengthen me, God, as I work out my salvation; as I turn over my life to You and learn to follow. I want Your favor; I want to hear You say that my life brings You pleasure. May I desire it enough to die to myself and find life in You.

Amen

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Luke 1

Daily Reading
Luke 1

Daily Thought

Luke, in writing his gospel of Jesus Christ, was careful to interview "those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses" (Luke 1:1), which must include Zechariah, perhaps Elizabeth, too, and Mary, her cousin. Zechariah and Mary were each visited privately by an angel foretelling two miraculous births. To Zechariah and Elizabeth, childless, barren, and old, would come John; Mary a virgin, would bear Jesus.

John came first, six months before the Savior of the world, fulfilling Malachi's prophecy spoken four centuries earlier of a messenger who "will prepare the way before me" (Malachi 3:1), "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17; cf Malachi 4:5). John was the New Testament version of the Old Testament prophet, making his home in the desert, boldly rebuking evil rulers, calling the people to repentance, and preparing a nation to meet their Savior and Lord.   

After Malachi, God muted his prophets, until the silence was shattered by song; and Mary sang,
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:46-48).

Mary will bear a son and call his name Jesus. "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:32-33). One can hardly blame God for making a bit of noise.

Daily Prayer

My God, You trumpeted the coming of Your Son to humble people hidden in Judea, and they believed in You and faithfully obeyed. Thank You for breaking my pride, as well, and bringing me to a humble state, knowing I need a Savior. You showed me love and gave me Jesus and life has never been the same.

May I walk in the spirit of John, who was unafraid to announce the coming of Your Son. May I be bold and passionate, displaying the same love for people that brought You from heaven to earth to rescue us. May I tell others the good news that rescued me.

Amen

Monday, October 22, 2012

Mark 15-16

Daily Reading
Mark 15-16

Daily Thought

The chief priests and the Hebrew council stood before Pilate, the Roman Prefect of Judea, and accused Jesus of any crime they thought might stick; the most damaging his claim to be King of the Jews. "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you," asked Pilate. But Jesus made no further answer (Mark 15:4-5). Claiming king can get you killed, but Pilate was certain the charges were drummed up by the jealous Jews. 

Pilate had an idea. Every year, to the delight of the Jewish people, a prisoner of their choice was released. He offered Jesus, they chose Barabbas, "so Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified" (Mark 15:15), because whenever your wish is to satisfy the crowds, you will inevitably crucify Jesus. 

Daily Prayer

Lord God, You are so awesome. You exploded from the tomb, conquering death, defeating Satan, and rescuing us from sin. You are risen, You are alive, and You are King.

You truly are the way, the truth, and the life. You are Savior. There is no other Name under heaven by which we may be saved. You humbly died for me. May I boldly live for You. You are the King.

Amen 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Mark 14

Daily Reading
Mark 14

Daily Thought

When a woman poured a flask of very expensive ointment on the head of Jesus, he accepted her offering, but some objected, "Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor" (Mark 14:4-5). In criticizing the woman, they demeaned Jesus. The oil, they said, could have been used for something better; but the woman thought Jesus worth it all.

Judas, likewise, put a price on Jesus, and "went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. They were glad and promised to give him money" (Mark 14:10-11). To Judas, Jesus was a commodity, worth 30 pieces of silver. He came to Jesus for what he could get out of Jesus, and "he went up to him at once and said, 'Rabbi!' And he kissed him" (Mark 14:45). But the woman adored Jesus; to her, Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God, her Savior. She looked for nothing from him, rather she gave him her all. 

Daily Prayer

My God and Savior, what is amazing is that You gave Your all for me before I cared. You poured out Your blood for my sake, an act of love I can barely fathom. I am learning more about You, knowing You better each day, following more faithfully, loving You more fully. It is a lifetime of growth, but there is no better life to live.

My desire, my God, is to empty myself for You, as You did for me; to give up my desires and replace them with Yours; to lose myself in Your love for others; and to worship You by giving myself to You completely. 

Amen

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Mark 12-13

Daily Reading
Mark 12-13

Daily Thought

Jesus had been telling stories, called parables, and in many of them, the Jewish religious leaders fared badly. So badly, they wanted him gone, if not dead. To this end, they posed questions of him publicly to discredit him. Some Pharisees and Herodians came together to ask Jesus, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" (Mark 12:14). But Pharisees and Herodians don't come together; they don't like each other. The Herodians were pro-Rome, while the Pharisees were fiercely anti-Rome, and that was the trap of the question. Yes or no, either answer would get him in trouble, so Jesus said both. He asked for a coin (he didn't have one), and noting the image of Caesar on it, said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:17). Jesus is saying, it's Caesar's money, it's his picture on it, so give it to him; and give to God what has his image. "So God created man in his own image, male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:26). Caesar gets his money, but he doesn't get you. 

The problem is power; we want it, and God has it. Caesar is legitimate, but there will be many Caesars. "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Mark 13:8), each vying for dominion; but there is one King of kings, and at the end of time, "they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory" (Mark 13:26). Of course the disciples want to know when, so they will be ready. "But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come" (Mark 13:32-33). 

Growing up at home, my dad popped into my room every so often. Just to say "hi," to see how things were going.  I didn't have a lock on my bedroom door; wasn't allowed to. It was my bedroom, but it was Mom and Dad's house. No locking them out. Sometimes he knocked, more often he didn't. Sometimes my bedroom door would suddenly swing open, which meant it could suddenly swing open anytime. Some of my friends hid stuff in their rooms. Stuff they didn't want their parents to see.  Not me. 

Daily Prayer

Lord God, I look forward to Your return. I know when You come back, it will be as victorious Savior, King of kings. You will put all things in order. Sin, evil, pain, and tears will be no more. The world will be filled with Your glory, holiness, love, beauty. It will be good.

May I be a light in this world, illuminating Your Kingdom to a world that needs to see what is ahead. When You come, Lord, may You find me living a life reflecting Your glory.

Amen

Friday, October 19, 2012

Mark 10-11

Daily Reading
Mark 10-11

Daily Thought

The rich man asked Jesus, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). Jesus told him to follow the commandments, and the man claimed he had since youth. His question was sincere, but really, he wanted Jesus to assure him he was safe, keep up the good work. Jesus loved him too much to do that, "and looking at him, loved him, and said to him, 'You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me'" (Mark 10:21). Eternity demands everything, so he told the man to give away the one thing he wouldn't. 

This was not what the man expected, and "he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (Mark 10:22). The man believed he obeyed the commandments, that he loved the Lord God with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might" (Deuteronomy 6:5), but he wouldn't love God with all his money. 

The game of Monopoly teaches us about money. The object is to become the wealthiest player by buying, renting, and selling property. It teaches us to pay our bills on time, to avoid debt, to use money to make money, to own buildings and charge rent, to save in case of emergencies. With enough money, you can control everything, except one thing. No one can control the dice. Money cannot promise everything, and it cannot promise eternity, but God can. "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24). 

Daily Prayer

God, I think about what Your Son left to come to me. He did not consider being God something to hang onto if it meant He could save me. You Son allowed my sin to break His relationship to His Father and the Holy Spirit. He left what was closest to Him because of His love for me.

I release my hold on everything, God. May nothing stand between me and You. May my love for You be complete and full. Most of all, I give up myself. I am off the throne, and You are in charge. I die to myself, and the life I now live is Yours.

Amen

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Mark 8-9

Daily Reading
Mark 8-9

Daily Thought

The disciples grew up looking for Israel's Messiah, and found him. "You are the Christ," said Peter (Mark 8:29). The "Christ," the Hebrew Messiah; but Jesus is much more than that, and is calling them to much more, as well. To the Jews, there were two types of people, Jews and the unclean non-Jews (called Gentiles). For centuries, Israel followed a system of purity, including a special diet, that kept them holy, set apart from the non-Jews. But Jesus had declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), a shocking pronouncement to the food-restricted Jews, and a sign of things to come.

At the beginning of chapter 8, Jesus fed 4,000 people. In chapter 6, he fed 5,000. Mark is the shortest of the gospels, and yet he tells one story that is almost identical to another. Almost - the key is in the difference. Everything is the same, except now he is "in the region of the Decapolis" (Mark 7:31), where lived many Jews and many more Gentiles. Jesus is feeding the unclean the same way as he fed the clean; and the similarities makes the differences more offensive. Jesus cares about people you're just not supposed to care about, and treats them the same.

Back in the boat, Jesus returned to the "Jewish" side of the sea, and was met by the Pharisees, who "began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him" (Mark 8:11). Prove yourself, they demanded. Instead, "he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side" (Mark 8:13), back to the people you're just not supposed to care about.

Daily Prayer

My God, but not just mine, You are the God of the heavens and the earth, and all who live in this world. My love for You is displayed by my love for others - all others. I must be the good Samaritan, going overboard to care for those most unlike me. Build in me that kind of love, a love that sacrifices everything. 

I'm so glad You have that kind of love, God, because without it, I would never know You. I was most unlike You, doing what I wanted, following my ways and rebelling against Yours, and You loved me. Thank You for caring.

Amen

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Mark 6-7

Daily Reading
Mark 6-7

Daily Thought

Jesus "marveled because of their unbelief" (Mark 6:7). Jesus was accustomed to being marveled at. His miracles, his teaching, his kindness and his confidence set Jesus apart and above the typical celebrity, and left people astonished and in awe. Then Jesus went home. You would never know of Nazareth if it wasn't where Jesus grew up. Population 500, it was a little place, 25 miles southwest of Capernaum, in the middle of nowhere. Jesus came home, "and they took offense at him" (Mark 6:3). They knew Jesus, and his brothers and sisters and his mom, and they don't mention his dad, because it is a small town and there were rumors about his birth. He was too ordinary to be extraordinary. He wasn't what they expected of a prophet, let alone a Savior. They deserved better; "and he could do no mighty work there" (Mark 6:5). 

Later, far from home, outside Israel, a woman fell at his feet. "Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter" (Mark 7:26). Jesus is Israel's Messiah, the Savior of God's children, and he rebuffs this foreign woman, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs" (Mark 7:27). 

I don't know how to make that not sound rude, yet the woman accepts her role as dog, and still insists on her food. She is not allowed at the table, she is not of the tribe of Israel, she doesn't worship the God of the Bible, she doesn't read the Bible, she doesn't follow the Law. She knows she is unclean and unworthy, and so she does not ask Jesus to give her what she deserves because she is good; she asks Jesus to give her what she does not deserve, because he is good. "And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone" (Mark 7:30). 

Daily Prayer

My God, You are righteous and good, but more than that, I am glad You are full of grace. I do not deserve Your favor, I am neither righteous nor good, and yet You looked upon me with love, and sent Your Son to bring me back into Your family. Thank You.

May I look at others as You look at me. May I see each person as a special creation, lovingly made by You, and give them the grace and the goodness You have shown me. 

Amen 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Mark 4-5

Daily Reading
Mark 4-5

Daily Thought

Jesus was a storyteller, and a good one. His stories engaged his listeners, requiring them to think, to be attentive if they were to learn anything of the kingdom of God. Thus, the sincere seeker is separated from the cynical skeptic, "for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away" (Mark 4:25). He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

If Jesus was a simple storyteller, he'd be interesting, entertaining even, but that would be the end of it. And so he got in a boat with them, "and a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling" (Mark 4:37). They were deathly afraid, until Jesus said, "'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm" (Mark 4:39). Then they feared all the more. It is one thing to face a storm, and quite another to see the King of storms in action; "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:41). 

What followed was bizarre, Jesus cast demons from a crazed man into a herd of pigs, and the pigs plunged into the sea and drowned. The towns people cared not for the pigs, but for the loss of wealth. Jesus cared for the soul of the man he saved. A little girl on the edge of death was next on the agenda, except Jesus was interrupted by a woman "who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse" (Mark 5:25-26). Death could wait while Jesus paused to heal this woman, but death didn't wait and the little girl died. No matter, the King of the storms, the ruler of demons, and the healer of disease, was no simple storyteller, but the Lord of life. "Little girl, I say to you, arise" (Mark 5:42), and she did. 

Daily Prayer

My Great God, what an amazing thing, Your Son born a baby to Mary. No earthly father, but a Heavenly Father, a poor family, peasant shepherds announcing His birth, a Friend of sinners and outcasts, Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Big things come in small packages.

You came humbly and changed the world. You defeated all enemies, including the last enemy - death. You have established an eternal kingdom of peace and declared the good news of salvation. I'm listening and believing, and my life has been changed forever. Thank You, my God and Savior.

Amen

Monday, October 15, 2012

Mark 1-3

Daily Reading
Mark 1-3

Daily Thought

In Mark's Gospel, everything happens "immediately" (Mark 1:10, 12, 18, 20, 21, 23, 29, 30, 42; and that's just chapter 1). Jesus begins in Galilee "proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel'" (Mark 1:14-15). He healed many, cast out demons, and preached in their synagogues, and in no time at all, "people were coming to him from every quarter" (Mark 1:45); and this provoked critics, as well. No good deed goes unpunished, and immediately the religious leaders put forward their own spin on Jesus, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "by the prince of demons he casts out the demons" (Mark 3:22). They didn't like Jesus.

God's command, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," was a favorite of the Pharisees; "On it you shall not do any work" (Exodus 20:8, 10). The Pharisees listed 39 categories of work, no cooking, no washing, no harvesting, etc.; then added one for Jesus, "No healing." There were six other days to heal, so Jesus could easily avoid conflict, but Jesus always demands a choice. It was the Sabbath and he immediately found a man with a withered hand. "Come here," he said, and brought the man in front of the Pharisees. "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" Are you for me or against me? But they were silent (Mark 3:3-4). Their silence was their choice. 

Daily Prayer

God, the desire of my heart is to follow You, to reflect You in all that I do, and to declare You in what I say. I will not be silent, or silenced by others, but I will stand for You and declare the wonders of knowing you and living in Your creation. 

Your Law teaches me to love You and care for others. May my actions speak as loud as my words, but may that not stand alone. I serve in Your Name, but no one will know that unless I tell them. Strengthen me, God, and make me gentle and bold. 

Amen

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Matthew 27-28

Daily Reading
Matthew 27-28

Daily Thought

From where he sat in a prison cell, Barabbas could not hear Pilate speaking in the courtyard. Only the shout of the crowd. It was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd; "Pilate said to them, 'Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?'" And the crowd cried, "Barabbas" (Matthew 27:17, 21).  

Barabbas, in chains, in prison, a rebel, a murderer, and a thief. He heard his name shouted from the crowd, "Barabbas! Barabbas!" 

"Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!" (Matthew 27:22-23).

Alas, all Barabbas could hear was, "Barabbas! Barabbas! Crucify him! Crucify him!!" Imagine, then, the surprise on Barabbas's face when he was set free. "Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified" (Matthew 27:26); and an innocent man was crucified on the cross he deserved. 

Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed.
~Isaiah 53:4-5

Daily Prayer

My God, my God, I am not forsaken. I deserve to be, but You loved me by death. Death on a cross. Your Son took what I deserved. He took my place and my penalty and set me free. 

I show someone the smallest amount of grace and I pat myself on the back - as if I'd done something grand. You demonstrate Your love in this, that even while I sin, and keep sinning, and delight in sin, you died for me. 

Now, how can I keep sinning? I must not. I must embrace righteousness, because I have received Your grace and mercy. I am newly born, a saint. Thank You, God. 

Amen

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Matthew 26

Daily Reading
Matthew 26

Daily Thought

A woman approached Jesus with a flask of top-shelf perfume and poured it on him; and the disciples objected, "Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor" (Matthew 26:8-9). Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Son of God became Son of Man, born in a manger to die on a cross for the sins of the world. In "two days," he tells his disciples, "the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified" (Matthew 26:2). 

The religious leaders hated Jesus and "plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him" (Matthew 26:4). They enlisted one of the disciples, Judas, to betray Jesus into their hands, "and they paid him thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:15). They put Jesus on trial before a jury of the Jewish council, and declared him guilty; "he deserves death" (Matthew 26:66). The disciples abandoned him, and Peter, with a last chance to defend Jesus, denied him instead, "I do not know the man" (Matthew 26:72, 74). 

But "a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table" (Matthew 26:7) and worshipped her Savior; and she got it right. "Wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world," said Jesus, "what she has done will also be told in memory of her" (Matthew 26:13). It just happened again.

Daily Prayer

My God and Savior, You ask for my worship, nothing more, yet nothing less than to love You with all my heart and and soul and mind and strength. To give You my all, just as You gave yours. 

May I simply follow You, every step, every day. I want to do grand things, but the simple are harder, and I must begin there; to be content, to tell the truth, to serve others, to love my neighbor. This is the perfume of worship that pleases You. May my life smell good.

Amen

Friday, October 12, 2012

Matthew 24-25

Daily Reading
Matthew 24-25

Daily Thought

When Harold Camping was setting dates and making all the noise about the second coming of Jesus last year, those who listen to Jesus rather than Harold went on with life as usual, not because they don't believe Jesus is coming back, but because they don't believe Harold knows when; "See that no one leads you astray, concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only" (Matthew 24:4, 36). By life as usual, that doesn't mean as in "the days of Noah, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, unaware until the flood came and swept them all away" (Matthew 24:37-39). Those who listen to Jesus are at all times looking toward Jesus, ready for his coming at any moment, while they eat and drink and marry.  

Life as usual, then, for those always anticipating the second coming of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, includes giving food to the hungry, drinks to the thirsty, welcoming strangers and clothing naked people (it actually says that, Matthew 25:38), and visiting the sick and those in prison. "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'" (Matthew 25:40); and there is the surprise, Jesus has been here the whole time.

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, You came to save the world, and You told the world You will return. God, may all find Your salvation, so that all will be prepared when You come back. I don't know the day, so may I live everyday anticipating you're coming, that great day of the Lord. 

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Matthew 22-23

Daily Reading
Matthew 22-23

Daily Thought

Jesus describes God's kingdom as a wedding feast, and all of Israel invited. The celebration promised to be spectacular, "my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered and everything is ready" (Matthew 22:4). One condition, however, proved to be an obstacle: the required attire was a particular wedding garment. The invitees took offense, preferring their own fancy clothes, and refused the invitation, "they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business" (Matthew 22:5). 

There is an attitude in those who "make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues" (Matthew 23:5-6). They dress for success and exalt themselves, but Jesus exposes their woefulness with the harshest of words, "you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence; you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones; you serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell" (Matthew 23:25, 27, 33). That's quite a rampage over clothes. 

Jesus reveals what the clothes cover up, our hearts. "They do all their deeds to be seen by others" (Matthew 23:5), but seen by God, "all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment" (Isaiah 23:5), like filthy rags. Thus, the wedding garment, "he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10). You don't wear filthy rags to God's party. 

Daily Prayer

Holy God, remove from my heart all that stains who I am. Clean me from the inside-out. Dying for my sins, Your Son made me new again, then clothed me in his righteousness. I wear these clothes with pride, not because they make make me look good (which they do), but because they show off Your glory. 

May I wear your righteousness every day, so that people see You in me. 

Amen

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Matthew 20-21

Daily Reading
Matthew 20-21

Daily Thought

On occasion, when we were kids, my dad would play street football with us. He was the quarterback, and drove us crazy. Who the best players were was clearly established and they were chosen first, yet my dad would send them running to the right with defenders in tow, then toss the ball left to Billy. Billy had been chosen last and was left undefended. Touchdown Billy!

This smacks of Jesus, who likewise dismayed his disciples. In his kingdom, "the last will be first, and the first last" (Matthew 20:16). Not sure what that meant, a couple disciples tried to come out on top the conventional way. James and John, the sons of thunder (Mark 3:17 - great football nicknames), coaxed their mom to approach Jesus, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom" (Matthew 20:21). Jesus didn't say he would, but he told them, "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave" (Matthew 20:26-27). Down is the new up in God's kingdom.

The religious leaders thought themselves the best players in Israel, but Jesus told them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you" (Matthew 21:31). You see, they were righteous men and thought God needed them. Sinners know better. Sinners need a Savior. 

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, I do not deserve Your grace. Of course, I don't. It wouldn't be grace if I deserved it. You have so much love for me, and for all of us, that You never run short of grace. There is enough for all. Even the thief on the cross, who came into Your kingdom just in time. 

I know I don't deserve the riches of Your Kingdom, but I'm thrilled that they are mine. I look forward to eternity, to being in Your presence, being in Your Kingdom, being Your child, co-heir with Jesus Christ, sharing in His glory. That's amazing. 

Thank You.

Amen

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Matthew 18-19

Daily Reading
Matthew 18-19

Daily Thought

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (Matthew 18:20). Has anyone who quotes this verse ever asked, where is Jesus when you are by yourself? He's with you, of course, so let's stop pulling this verse out in small groups, saying how neat it is that Jesus is here. When we read what comes before and after, we discover it is about something much more than that. 

What follows is Peter asking how many times he should forgive his brother, suggesting seven, and Jesus replying, "not seven times, but seventy-seven" (Matthew 18:22). Jesus tells a story of a gracious king who forgave the extravagant debt of a servant, yet the servant was ungraciously unwilling to forgive another of a meager amount. Because of the servant's greed, the king rescinded his grace and cast the wicked fool into prison. God is the king, and the selfish servant could be us, and the lesson is, "so also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart" (Matthew 18:35).  

Earlier, Jesus explained how to forgive "if your brother sins against you" (Matthew 18:15). Go to him and seek reconciliation. If that doesn't work, take someone with you. If that doesn't work, take it to the church. Keep trying. Now we are back to that cherished verse, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (Matthew 18:20), but with a better idea of what it means. Jesus is so interested in the good relationships of his children, in reconciliation and forgiveness and love, that when two or three of us get together to work out an offense, Jesus says, "I'm here to help. I'm with you. I'm all about this!"  

Daily Prayer

Father in Heaven, forgive me my sins as I forgive others theirs. That is a dangerous thing to pray, because I am not very good at forgiving. But You are teaching me. I know I have sinned against You. A lot. You not only have forgiven me, You paid the penalty for my sins. The more I understand Your love, Your grace, Your mercy, the better I share it with others.

Thank You God. You have freed me, not only from my own sins, but from the ugliness of bitterness against the sins of others.

Amen

Monday, October 8, 2012

Matthew 15-17

Daily Reading
Matthew 15-17

Daily Thought

The disciples have travelled close behind Jesus since he called them to "follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:22; see also 8:22; 9:9). It was time to find out why. "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13), Jesus asked the twelve men who had watched him heal the sick, feed the hungry, raise the dead, challenge those in power, and speak with the authority of heaven. An answer is demanded of every person who ever lived, and those who believe will respond as Peter, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). 

Peter gave the correct answer, but failed to grasp the full meaning. Jesus may be God, but he said he was going to die, and Peter rebuked him, "This shall never happen to you" (Matthew 16:22). How can God die? But if the man you just called God says he is going to die, you don't tell God, "No," and Peter did. 

What Peter was yet to understand was Jesus is not only his Savior, but on the cross Jesus would show Peter how to be saved, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" (Luke 23:46). A lifeguard knows the most difficult people to save are those trying to save themselves. "Whoever would save his life will lose it," Jesus warns. Rather, when we give up and place our lives in the hands of the lifeguard, we will be carried to the safety of the shore. "But whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25). Peter rightly recognized Jesus is God; now would lose himself and place his life in the hands of his Savior.   

Daily Prayer

Eternal God, no beginning, no end, you are all in all. I chase things that I want, things that get used up or rust or fall apart. Things that cannot and do no last, and will not save me. Everything about You lasts forever. Change my heart, God, to seek what matters. To love what lasts. To love You, to love Your Word (which lasts forever), and to love people (who are made in Your image). 

Amen

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Matthew 13-14

Daily Reading
Matthew 13-14

Daily Thought

Jesus began to speak in parables to the hard of heart, because though "seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand" (Matthew 13:13). They are capable, but they are not willing, and so they do not try to understand and are blind and deaf to the words and ways of God.

Peter, on the other hand, was not capable. He could not walk on water, yet when Jesus said, "Come," Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus (Matthew 14:29). Half way there he realized he couldn't do what he was doing, and sank, but for a brief time he did the impossible because he was willing to believe the impossible. 

"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Jesus chastised Peter. God does not care what we can do, but what we will do. 

Daily Prayer

Creator God, this world is marvelous, full of wonders. It displays Your wisdom and majesty. How great You are. You have power and authority over all things. And You are good. That's why You can promise that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.

God, may I keep my ears tuned to You, listening to Your words and following them. May I live a life full of joy and wonder. May I reflect Your wisdom and goodness in all that I do. May I walk in faith and see the greatness of my God.

Amen

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Matthew 11-12

Daily Reading
Matthew 11-12

Daily Thought

John the Baptist is the one prophesied to announce the coming of Messiah, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you" (Matthew 11:10; cf Malachi 3:1). Now in prison, he asks of Jesus, "Are you the one?" (Matthew 11:3). Jesus says just watch me, "the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them" (Matthew 11:5). You will know who I am by what I do.

This is true for each of us, "The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil" (Matthew 12:35), and the religious leaders fail miserably. They see the good Jesus does, healing a man with a withered hand, then another, a demon-possessed man both blind and mute. "It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons," accused the Pharisees (Matthew 12:24); an accusation which Jesus says is unforgivable, "whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven" (Matthew 12:32). Apparently, what we say is just as important. Simply put, we must not only walk our talk, but talk our walk, as well.

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." ~Matthew 12:34

Daily Prayer

God, thank You for rescuing me. Without You, my life was heading in the wrong direction. No direction, actually. Even the good things I did had little value. They made me feel better for a moment, but they were only bandages on a deeper wound. Your salvation gave birth to true love inside me. It is a love that sacrifices, that does not seek my own, but rather serves others in Your Name.

I did not recognize You at first. Who expects the God of the universe to come humbly and sacrifice Himself for my sake? What an amazing love. What an amazing Savior.

Amen