Jesus Is Coming Soon

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come Lord Jesus."
Revelation 22:20

Three times in this final chapter of Revelation the Lord Jesus says, "I am coming soon" (vv. 7, 12, 20). The promise is clear. His coming is certain.

"Soon" from God's point of view and from ours may not have exactly the same meaning. It is like waiting for Christmas. To adults it always comes quickly but to children the days seem to pass slowly. But in the scheme of eternity Jesus' coming will be soon and it will be swift "like a thief in the night."

With this three-fold promise in mind (along with the many other promises of His coming throughout the New Testament) we are to live in anticipation of His coming. We are to live daily in readiness for His coming. We are even to live desiring His coming. John's response to Jesus' promised coming is "Amen. Come Lord Jesus." Whatever attraction life in this world may hold for us, it is nothing in comparison with what life with Jesus in heaven holds for us. So we say with John, "Amen. Come Lord Jesus."

Father, help me to be mindful of Jesus' coming that I may not only live ready for His return but that I might even grow to desire His coming and heaven more than I desire this world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

P.S. On Monday we begin First Light 2010. Reading guides are available at the Welcome Desk in the Worship Center. The readings will also be posted on the sidebar of this blog page at www.firstlightjournal.blogspot.com. We will read the first half of the Old Testament and the entire New Testament in 2010. You can read both or either the Old Testament or New Testament readings. The blog entries will primarily focus on the Old Testament readings.

Rich Fellowship

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'" Revelation 21:3

Revelation 21 paints an amazing picture of heaven as a place of utter beauty and glorious perfection. It's gates are made of pearl, it's streets are paved with gold, it's foundations are made of the most precious gems. As notable as the building materials is what will not be present in heaven. There will be none of the unbelieving, vile, immoral, impure things we encounter daily in this world. But the most remarkable thing about heaven will be the presence of God. As God had once dwelt openly with Adam and Eve in the garden He will dwell with us in heaven. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12)!

That which makes heaven "heaven" is God openly present in fellowship with His people. We have a foretaste heaven now every time we become keenly aware of God's presence in our life and enjoy rich fellowship with Him. As great as these occasional experiences of God may be they will pale in comparison to the experience we will have in heaven. Prepare for heaven someday by walking with God today. "One day Jesus will call my name. As days go by I hope I don't stay the same. I want to get so close to Him that it is no big change on that day that Jesus calls my name" (Wayne Watson).

Father, how great are the moments of intimate fellowship that I enjoy with You in these days of my earthly journey. Each one is a rich foretaste of an even greater fellowship that I will enjoy with You in heaven my eternal home. Increase the richness of my present fellowship with You and increase my anticipation of eternal fellowship with You in heaven's glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

A Sobering Reminder

"If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. " - Revelation 20:15

John's vision recorded in the book of Revelation serves a sobering reminder that judgment is coming. Those of us who have put our faith in Christ can face that judgment with hope and confidence because we are co-heirs with Christ. But those who have not trusted in Him will forever be separated from Him in hell. The weight of that truth is staggering. Every person who does not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ will be condemned to the lake of fire. There will be no second chance. No opportunity to recant. No changing your mind.

A proper understanding of the coming judgment helps us to see -

• The need to tell others about Christ.
• The grave consequences of unbelief.
• The enormity and power of the grace of God.

Father, my heart is both joyful and burdened. I am joyful because I know that I am your child and that great things await me in heaven, but I am also sad because of how many people I know who haven't placed their faith in you yet. I fear that they will not come to know you as savior and they will suffer eternally. Father use me to draw many souls to you.


Matt

THE FEAST

Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God." Revelation 19:9

If you don’t have an invitation, you won’t get in.

Okay, we’re evidently not talking about an event at the White House. No, the invitation only occasion mentioned here is the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, and it will be nothing short of heavenly. This much anticipated celebration will only be attended by people who are followers of Jesus Christ: truly blessed people! And you don’t have to worry about misplacing your invitation.

We’ve all enjoyed some good eating during these weeks spanning Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the food at the Wedding Supper—while it will undoubtedly be wonderful—will not be the highlight of the event. The Lamb, the victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Himself, will be there and all eyes will be on Him. Our imaginations fail us, but we are assured that this supper will be an awesome occasion.

Better still, the blessing mentioned in verse 19 is a current reality, not something we have to wait for. We can experience the abundant life promised by Jesus right now and all the time.

Father, thank you for inviting me to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. I look forward to attending! Guide me to help others hear about their invitation to the Supper.

Following, Jim

Come Out and Be Separate

"Then I heard another voice from heaven say: 'Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues...'" Revelation 18:4

Revelation 18 foretells God's judgment upon Babylon. The great city will fall into ruins under the weight of God's righteous judgment. In Old Testament days Babylon was a world power which had troubled, conquered, and taken Judah, God's people, captive. In the New Testament Babylon became symbolic of the godless world order and was often used to designate Rome which was the center of world power at that time. Today Babylon is any place and any people who do not recognize God's authority and who live in rebellion to His ways. The present world system and all its powerful leaders and cities will fall under the judgment of the God toward whom they turn their noses up.

The call to believers is "Come out of her, my people." We are to avoid the sins of this world and to live holy lives as God's people. The temptation is always present to buy into the ways of this world and the world's pull is subtle. We must be alert! The world's end is not our end and the world's ways must not become our ways. Let our lives be marked by loyalty to Jesus Christ alone.

Father, as I live in this world help me not to be lured and captivated by the world but rather to live a faithful life in Jesus Christ that bears witness for Him to the world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

Merry CHRISTmas!

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful ones."
Revelation 17:14

So much of Revelation is difficult to interpret and therefore many varied interpretations abound. However, the essential truths are clear. The forces of evil accompanied by rebellious men will wage all out war on the Lamb (Jesus) but He will "overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings." And we as his "called, chosen, and faithful ones" will be victorious in and with Him.

Father, I thank you on this day for the humble coming of Christ into the world 2000 years ago, for His coming into my life as Savior _________ years ago, and for His future coming and triumph as King of kings and Lord of lords.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

"Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes on him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed." Revelation 16:15

As we celebrate the first coming of Christ this Christmas season it is appropriate for us to anticipate His second coming with assurance that He will once again come as promised. Many will be caught off guard by the coming of Christ. But let us be dressed and ready through continual anticipation and preparation. Live each day as if it may be the day.

Father, I thank you that you sent Christ once in fulfilment of Your promises and that You will do so a second time. Help me to keep Christ's coming in mind and to live each day to His glory so that I'll welcome Him unashamed at His coming.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Glory to God

"Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways, King of the ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Revelation 15:3-4

Observe all the descriptive words used of God in this heavenly song. Great, marvelous, Lord, almighty, just, true, King, holy. Adjectives and titles are piled one on top of the other in attempt to describe the indescribable God. How great He is indeed!

It is a good question, "Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name?" Others may not recognize God and give Him glory but let us not fail exalt Him. Use these words and add your own to tell Him how great He is in your sight today.

Father, You are great, and Your deeds are great and marvelous. You are the Sovereign Lord and all power is Yours. You are holy, holy, holy. All glory belongs to You. Though others may not praise You let my lips never cease to declare Your glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

PASSIONATE PATIENCE

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Revelation 14:12

It’s a stealth verse. Tucked into a passage which tells about the eternal torment to be experienced by the enemies of God is a quiet reminder for God’s people to persevere. And since I often come up short in the endurance department . . . well, let’s just say this verse reached out and got my attention.

THE MESSAGE takes a more positive approach to this verse: Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, keeping God's commands, staying faithful to Jesus. I like the idea of being “passionately patient;” it’s a proactive type of endurance, more like perseverance. Here is a call to continue in obedience and faithfulness to God, recognizing that the process can be a great struggle at times.

Father, help me to experience this passionate patience today. I want to obey You and remain faithful to Christ in all I think, say, and do.

With you, following Him,
Jim

Faithful in Suffering

"This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints." Revelation 13:10

Revelation 13 portrays a day of great deception of the general masses and persecution of Christians during the reign of the beast (antichrist). To the persecuted Christians, John wrote the above call for endurance and faithfulness in the face of suffering.

We can only imagine the difficulty those days will bring and how great the need will be for Christians to hang tough in life and death circumstances. However, many of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world are enduring intense persecution even as you read these words. For them the great tribulation is now. Pray that imprisoned, enslaved, abused, and deprived Christians will be filled with "patient endurance and faithfulness." Pray that the wives and children of martyred church leaders will be filled with strength and grace. Pray that persecutors will be gloriously saved as was the case with the Apostle Paul.

Although our difficulties pale in comparision, the enemy is on the attack in our country. Pray that American Christians will live more fully surrendered to God and deeply resolved to stand faithful for the cause of the Christ at any cost.

Father, bless my persecuted brothers and sisters around the world with the strength and grace to endure in faithfulness under the most adverse circumstances. Make their faith and courage a powerful witness to their persecutors. Help me and my fellow Christians in America also to stand firm in trials and against the enemies attack to your glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

If you would like to know more about how you can pray for and support persecuted Christians visit www.opendoorsusa.org.

Overcomers

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11

Revelation 12 describes the cosmic spiritual battle between Satan (the seven-headed red dragon) and God. Satan wrestles with the angels of God and then he fights against the people of God. But the faithful saints are able to overcome the dragon's attack because as John writes in another book "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Revelation 12:11 gives three keys to the faithful saint's victory over Satan. First of all is "the blood of the Lamb." It is through Christ's atoning death and triumphant resurrection that we are victorious. Next is "the word of their testimony." Our testimony and assurance that we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation that holds us steady when Satan hurls darts of doubt and fear our way. Finally, is the fact that "they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Self love makes us an easy target for Satan's deceitful schemes because he can easily convince us that his way of pleasure promotes our self interest better than God's way of obedience. It is only when we die to self and love Christ more than our own life that we are ready to stand as an overcomer in the face of Satan's deceitful schemes.

Are you trusting in the power of Christ's blood? Do you have a confident testimony of a personal relationship with Jesus? Do you love Christ more than your own life? If you can say yes to these three questions then you are ready to live as an overcomer.

Father, I want to be an overcomer in Christ. Help me to grow strong in faith, grow close in fellowship, and grow deep in obedience that I might stand against the enemies deceitful schemes and glorify Christ.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

P.S. Don't forget to pick up a 2010 First Light Reading Guide on Sunday at the Welcome Desk.

God's Faithfulness

"But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." Revelation 10:7

As we celebrate Christmas we remember that God's promises given through His prophets were fulfilled. Promises like, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14, see Matthew 1:22-23). And, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2, see Matthew 2:5-6).

As we look toward the return of Christ we do so with the confidence that God will again fulfill all that He promised through His prophets. Be confident of the faithfulness of God as You celebrate one coming of Christ and anticipate the next coming.

Father, "Great is thy faithfulness!" I thank you for the fulfilment of Your promises in Christmas and count on Your faithfulness in my present life and in the future coming of my Lord Jesus.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Repentance

"The rest of mankind that were not killed by the plagues still did not repent..." Revelation 9:20

Repentance is the choice between death and life. In the end times some when presented with the opportunity to repent of sin and turn to God will choose death rather than life, judgement rather than salvation. The hardness of a human heart filled with pride and rebellion toward God is baffling. They are so blinded by sin that they will not see that true life is found in turning to God alone.

Enough about them. What about us? We repented in the past and are assured that we have life in Christ but what is the current condition of our heart toward God? Are you humble and responsive to God and His Word? Or is there some point at which you have become resistant and rebellious?

Father, it is easy for me to see and condemn the harness in others but not so easy to see it in my own life. Search me and bring to light any point of resistance toward Your word and work in my life. Lead me to repentance and life.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

P.S. If you want to continue the First Light Bible reading journey in 2010 pick up a reading guide at the welcome desk in the Worship Center. We will read the first half of the Old Testament and the entire New Testament. You can read one or the other if you desire a more streamlined approach.

Silence in Heaven

When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. - Revelation 8:1



Silence in heaven? Of all the things I've ever imagined happening in heaven silence wasn't one of them. But here it is in Scripture. We imagine that heaven will be full of praises and songs that declare the holiness of God. But silence too can be a form of worship.


"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10



As the angels anticipated the 7 trumpet judgments they fell silent. When was the last time you fell silent before the Lord? As an expression of worship, take the next few minutes to be silent before the Lord.



Praying for you,

Matt

Before the Throne

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."
Revelation 7:9

This is John's vision of heaven. The kingdom of God is great. Although from our present earthly vantage point we may sometimes wonder if the kingdom is advancing, when we stand in the throng in heaven before the throne of the Lamb we will know without a doubt that God was effectively fulfilling His purpose throughout history.

The saints will be more in number than can be counted and they will come from every nation, tribe, language, and people group. Every one of them will have made to heaven the same way--through the blood of Jesus. "They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (v.14b). Therefore it is no surprise that one of our major preoccupations in heaven will be to praise Jesus Christ, the Lamb.

Father, I thank you that through the blood of Christ I will be included in the great throng of saints in heaven. Continue building your glorious kingdom and use my life during these days on earth to advance it.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Wrath of the Lamb

"Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" Revelation 6:15-17

For we who have received Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord the end times will mean gathering before the throne of the Lamb and praising Him (see yesterday's blog comments). 1 Thessalonians 5:10 proclaims Jesus as the One "who rescues us from the coming wrath."

However, for those who are outside of Christ the last days will be terrible days of wrath. The Lamb who loves the world so much that He died for sinners will yet judge those who persisted in their sin against God rather than turning to Him for salvation. None will escape. Notice the list of those enduring wrath includes royalty, generals, powerful, as well as poor slaves. Every one needs to trust in Jesus now.

Father, Your wrath is a righteous judgment against sin. Except for Your grace through Christ I would deserve the full expression of Your judgment. Thank You for amazing grace. Continue to bring people around me from judgment to grace and from death to life. Use me now as Your instrument to lead them to the Lamb so that they too may praise Him.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Praise the Lamb

"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne..."
Revelation 5:6

The Lamb on the throne is Jesus Christ. When Abraham led Isaac up Mt. Moriah to sacrifice him in obedience to God, Isaac asked, "Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham replied, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son" (Genesis 22:7,8). Abraham spoke prophetically of Christ.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Peter later wrote, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake" (1 Peter 1:18-20).

Jesus is the Lamb of God and He is worthy "to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12).

Lord Jesus, You are the Lamb whom the Father provided to take away my sins and I rejoice in You. You were slain and now You reign. I gladly give you honor and glory and praise along with all that I have of power and wisdom and strength and wealth. You are worthy!

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Praise God

"In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures...Day and night they never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'"
Revelation 4:6,8

I've heard it said that we are never more God-centered than when we are praising Him. Think about our praying. When we confess we are focusing on our sin. When we give thanks we are focusing on our blessings. When we ask we are focusing on our needs. But when we praise we are focusing on God in all His glory. I think, therefore, that it is sometimes difficult for us to come up with words to express praise to God because we are not used to thinking of something other than our self. But there is great joy and freedom when we truly learn to unselfishly worship God.

A great place to start in praising God is by using the words of praise in the songs of Revelation like the song of the "living creatures" in verse 8. Praise God because He is holy--intensely and thoroughly holy. Praise Him because He is the Lord. Praise Him for His almighty power. Praise Him for His eternal being as the one who was, is, and is to come.

Father, you are worthy of praise! Help me to lift my eyes from my self to freely worship and praise You. You are holy. You are Lord. You are Almighty. You are eternal. You are worthy of my praise.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

First Love

"You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." Revelation 2:3-4

There is something to be said for maintaining faithful commitment to Christ over time and through trials. However, Jesus seeks not only faithfulness but love. He created us not simply to tough it out for Him but to live in a love relationship with Him. Therefore, in this letter to the church at Ephesus while Jesus commended them for their faithful commitment at the same time He called them to renew their "first love." He says, "Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first" (Revelation 2:5).

It is our highest calling and greatest privilege to love the Lord. Yet in the routine of living the Christian life we can neglect our love relationship with God. The Lord desires Your faithfulness but He prizes above all Your love. Are you walking in "first love" with Jesus? If so, keep on fanning the flames. If not, remember the times when you did experience "first love" with Him and return to the things you did at that time in order to re-stoke your love relationship with Jesus now.

"Oh Lord please light the fire that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love that burns with holy fear." (from "Oh Lord You're Beautiful" by Keith Green)

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Lord of Glory

"His face was like the shining sun in all its brilliance." Revelation 1:16

When you think of Jesus how do you picture Him? As a lowly carpenter in sandals? Or do you see Him as John describes him in this vision recorded in Revelation 1:12-18?

Praise God that Jesus entered into our world as a babe in manger, walked upon our earth as a humble carpenter, and gave His life on the cross as a suffering servant! But we must realize that He is now exalted, glorified, and reigning. When we pray we speak to the Lord of heaven and earth who is clothed in majesty and possesses all authority. His eyes see all, His Word is powerful, and His hands hold His servant fast.

As we celebrate Christmas be thankful for Christ's humble humanity but worship Him in His glorious majesty.

Savior and Glorious Lord Jesus, thank you for your humble sacrifice on my behalf and help me to see You more and more in Your present glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

He is Able

"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Spirit. ...To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only God our Savior be glory..." Jude 1:20, 24

Jude's brief letter is a strong warning to Christians who live in a corrupted world surrounded by corrupted people (some even pretending to be religious). Isn't that an apt description of our world? They key issue is "How do we stay faithful and pure in a world like this?"

Jude's answer as reflected in the above verses is two sided. One side of the equation in our struggle to remain faithful is our own effort in building a strong relationship with God. Jude says, "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Spirit." Through keeping ourselves anchored in truth through Scripture and connected with God through prayer we are helped to stand firm.

The other side of the equation is God's gracious and powerful work on our behalf. He is the one "who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy." Praise the Lord!!! Our ultimate safe passage through this corrupted world depends not as much on our doing as on His. Yes we are to work at it but we must above all trust in His work. In cooperation with Him we'll arrive safely home.

Father, I thank you for Your amazing grace and power that keeps me safe in this sin corrupted world. As I seek to build up my own spiritual strength help me above all to trust in Your gracious work to keep me safe and strong day by day.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Walking in the Truth

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4

We all know the joy of seeing our children walk in the way we taught them and the agony of seeing them stray. The apostle John felt this joy over the progress of His spiritual children in the truth. He also felt the agony of seeing some of them go astray (see verse 9 concerning Diotrephes).

Who are our spiritual children? Who is it that can bring us great joy or deep agony through their faithfulness or lack of it to the truth? May God give us many spiritual children and a commitment to help them progress in the truth.

Also, consider that this verse not only reflects the heart of John for his children but the heart of God for His children. We bring God joy or agony by our walk. May our lives bring Him joy today as we walk in the truth.

Father, keep me in the truth so that my walk may bring You joy today and use me to help others progress in the truth.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Approaching God with Confidence

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15

We can pray with certainty rather than doubt if our aim is the will of God. While it may seem that God's will is a limiting factor, it is in fact a guiding force that brings us into the highest possible good. If God's will would deny us any thing that we think good it is because God desires to give us something of greater value.

What do you not have that Scripture makes plain is God's will for you? Is it daily bread, peace, wisdom, power, effective service, bold witness, inexpressible joy? All these God is ready to give if we will only pray as Jesus taught us, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Approach Him with confidence in prayer.

Father, I am too often short-sighted seeking my will rather than Your infinitely greater will. Fill my heart more fully with the desire for Your will. Let my prayers become a confident adventure in seeking after and attaining Your will.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

Thank God for the Victory

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Happy Thanksgiving! In the midst of counting our blessings today we are still aware of our struggles. Struggle is a good way to describe the Christian life. We are locked in a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, between the world and the Word, between the devil and the Lord. At times it is overwhelming and victory seems elusive.

But fear not for victory is certain! Christ has already won the victory! The outcome of our struggle is not in doubt. "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). While we continue down here in the struggle, He has given us His Spirit to enable us to walk in the victory He has won. So give thanks today that "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

Father, I thank you for the victory you have given me through Christ and for the Spirit who lives in me to enable me to walk in the victory today. Help me to be a "more than conqueror" through Him.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark

Longing for Jesus and Heaven

"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:2-3

The best is yet to be! We anticipate Christ's return and the transformation of our lives to be like His. This anticipation creates in us a longing that motivates growth in purity now.

Or do we actually think little of His coming and dread the thought of this present life passing away? I'm afraid that too often the thought of Christ's coming is far removed from our lives and has little impact on our present living. We love this life too much and are, therefore, unable to fully embrace the life to come. Yet that is like holding so tightly to a fistful of pennies that we are unable to receive a billion dollars.

May our longing for Christ increase so that the transformation of our lives accelerates and the joy of heaven infuses us with anticipation.

Father, I am too much preoccupied with the things of this world. Lift my eyes up to behold Christ and fill my heart with fresh longing for His presence now and in eternity. Purify me so that I may glorify Him in this world as I await the next world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

We can love the Father or the world but not both. These are competing loves and only one of them can ultimately possess our heart. The world is contrary to the Father and His ways. If we would love the Father we must relinquish love for the things of this sinful world. If our heart is filled with the desires of the world and our life is occupied by the pursuit of them, we will not be able to truly love the Father. Two competing loves compel us to choose which one we will give our heart and life.

Father, I choose you. I want to be a lover of you yet You know how very alluring and subtle is the world's pull on my heart. Help me to relinquish every vestige of love for the world so that I may love you exclusively and fully.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Walking in the Light

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But we we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
1 John 1:5-7

"God is light." This is a fundamental truth about God that we must not only understand but order our life by if we desire to have fellowship with God. Light is purity, holiness, and truth. In God there is absolutely no impurity, unholiness, or falsehood. He is incapable of sin and deception. He is utterly holy.

Therefore, those who desire to walk with God must walk in the light where God dwells. If we toy with the darkness while claiming to walk with God our claim is an empty self-deception.

But who can hope to be as holy as fellowship with God requires? The one who comes to Jesus Christ for cleansing!!! If our desire is to walk with God, He will gladly make us fit for His presence and initiate us into wonderful fellowship with Him through the blood of Jesus. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1:9). Receive the light of God through faith in Christ. Remain in the light of God through faith in Christ. Walk in fellowship with the God of light through faith in Jesus Christ.

Father, you are pure light beyond the limits of my understanding or imagination. I praise and rejoice in Your utter holiness. I also rejoice in Your grace through Jesus Christ that enables me to walk with You in the light. I humbly and gratefully embrace the cleansing of His blood and fellowship with You today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

FISHING LESSONS

Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"

"No," they answered.

He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" John 21:1-7a

If I were Peter, I would have felt like a failure as a disciple - having denied Jesus (even though he was alive again!). It's as if Peter decided that the disciple gig might be up and that he should consider his options. Or he might have just been looking for a chance to get out on the water and clear his mind. Fishing had been his trade and I can imagine that he had been good at it. Trouble is, he can't even succeed as a fisherman - at least not on this particular night. How frustrated he must have been!

Three random observations: (1) Six of the disciples announced they were going with Peter. My thinking is that they were not going to let him be alone at such a down time in his life. Even if they had also wanted to get out, the end result was that these friends stayed with Peter. These men stuck together in difficult times.

(2) When Jesus told the men to try fishing from the other side of the boat, the intended outcome was certainly to help them realize he had appeared to them again. But it's also as if Jesus considered Peter's bruised ego and provided the huge catch to help him out. I see this as an example of how Jesus cares for us on so many levels.

(3) When Jesus performs a miracle, he does it up big. The catch of fish impresses the disciples so much that they make an exact count for the record book (153 large fish, according to verse 11)! It's good to quantify the things that God does so that we will remember them and can share them with other people.

Lord, thank you for your grace and care. Thank you that you do things in significant ways - 2000 years ago as well as now.

Following,
Jim

Not Seeing but Believing

"Then Jesus told him (Thomas), 'Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" John 20:29

Thomas turned from a doubter to a believer once he had seen the Risen Lord with his own eyes and touched Jesus with his hands. Although we call him "Doubting Thomas," he was not alone. Mary Magdalene and the other eleven disciples also had to see before they believed.

They all believed when they saw, heard, and touched the Risen Savior. But Jesus pronounced a special blessing on those like us who would come to believe without seeing. Through the testimony of those who saw Him, through the work of the Holy Spirit, and through the witness of the church we have come to believe and be blessed.

Father, thank you for the Scripture, the Spirit, and the church which bear compelling witness to the death and resurrection of Jesus so that even though I have not seen Him I am blessed to believe.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Mission Accomplished

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:30

There has never been a more significant event in recorded history. The Son of God was crucified. The enormity of it is beyond our comprehension. What did Christ “finish” on the cross?

He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. - Romans 4:25

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. – 1 Peter 2:24

With his death on the cross, Christ did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He conquered sin, and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. Praise God, we have a Savior and his name is Jesus!

Father, I know that I am wicked and that I deserve death. Thank you for intervening. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for me. Thank you for your grace that allows me to inherit Christ’s righteousness by faith.

Humbled by grace,
Matt

What's Your Response

"You are not one of his disciples, are you? the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." John 18:17

As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it saying, "I am not." John 18:25

One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. John 18:26

As predicted by Christ, Peter denied Him three times and the rooster crowed and Peter went off into seclusion. When you are asked outside of the church if you have a relationship with Christ how do you respond? We just recently finished up a great crosswalk series called "Just walk across the room" where we learned how to tell others about Christ. Whether you are at work, school, shopping, or getting gas, if someone ask you if you have a relationship with Christ, what is your response?

Father, thank you for loving me and having a relationship with me. I pray that when I am asked about you that I will be bold and tell others about your amazing gift and ultimate sacrifice for me. Help me to respond in such a way that it honor's You!

Your Servant
Chris

THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE

May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21b

On the same night that Jesus and his disciples shared the Passover meal which we now call the Last Supper, Jesus prayed for himself, the disciples, and for us. John 17 is that prayer.

Something that Jesus asked on behalf of future believers − you and me included − was that we would be so devoted to him that non-believers would come to believe that God really did send him: that is, that Jesus is who he claimed to be. I don't think it's any accident that Jesus' words, "...that the world may believe..." bring John 3:16 to mind.

Jesus' prayer is being answered in our lives! And (obvious conclusion) the closer we walk with God, the easier it will be for non-believers to come to faith in Christ.

Father, help me to be a more devoted follower so that people around me will be able to respond positively to you.

Seeking to be more devoted to Christ,
Jim

His Presence Always

"But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." John 16:7

How could it possibly be best for Jesus to go away and leave His disciples without His bodily presence on earth? It is better because from His throne in heaven Jesus has poured out His Spirit to be with and to dwell in His followers. In His earthly body Jesus' presence was limited but through the Spirit His presence is without limit. Therefore He could later promise, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

Jesus' presence with us is no less real than it was with the original disciples. In fact Jesus' presence with us is better than it was with the original disciples. He Himself said, "It is for you good..." We have the incredible privilege of His unlimited, unfailing presence with us each day through the Holy Spirit. Are you realizing the joy of His presence by walking in close fellowship with Him? Claim His presence today and draw near Him.

Father, I thank you that You sent Your Son Jesus to save me from sin and I think You that You sent Your Holy Spirit to be Jesus' presence with me today and always. I receive the presence of the Holy Spirit today and joyfully walk with Jesus.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Remain in Jesus

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you." John 15:4

What an amazing invitation! "Remain in me." What an incredible promise! "I will remain in you." It is an invitation that we have yet to fully claim and a promise we have yet to fully experience.

Remaining in Christ is not a static relationship but a living and potentially ever-deepening relationship. Yesterday's remaining does not cover today's needs and opportunities. Each day calls for fresh remaining in Jesus in an ever-deepening relationship that produces new fruit.

Father, I want to so remain in my Lord Jesus and to know His abiding presence in me. Help me to more fully answer this invitation and experience the fulfillment of this promise to Your glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Really Loving Jesus

"I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me." John 14:30-31

Jesus spoke these words on the night before His crucifixion. "I will not speak with you much longer" points toward His coming death and departure from this world--the completion of His mission. But Jesus made it clear that His death would not be the result of "the prince of this world" (Satan) having the upper hand on Him. Much to the contrary, it would be because of His love for the Father that Jesus would die. Through obedience even to the point of death Jesus demonstrated His love for the Father to the world.

Earlier Jesus had said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (14:15, see also verses 21 and 23). The disciple's love for Jesus will be reflected in the same way that Jesus demostrated His love for the Father which is through obedience at any cost. How truly can we claim to love Him?

Father, show me any lack of obedience in my life. Convict me of any failure to fully love Jesus with full obedience to His commands. As He so faithfully loved You, help me to love Him.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

"I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master..." John 13:16

As He finished washing His disciples' feet, Jesus stated this principle of discipleship. The servant (disciple) does not rise above the master (teacher) but seeks to become like him in every way.

If the master is a servant then what will the servants be? Jesus is the Master with all authority and yet He humbled Himself in lowly and sacrificial service to humanity. Have we become like Him?

Father, I have far to go in becoming like Jesus. As You hold His life before me in Scripture help me to capture a vision and passion to become like Him in humble service.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God's Glory Above All Else

"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" John 12:27-28

As the time for His death drew near, Jesus felt the heaviness of the suffering He was about to undergo. His flesh would have cried out "Father, save me from this hour?" but His deep commitment to the will of God caused Him to cry out instead, "Father, glorify your name!" The Father would have answered either prayer from His beloved Son, so praise be to God that Jesus prayed the latter!

Jesus' attitude was that if the Father's glory was to come through the sacrifice of His flesh then so be it. Nothing was of greater concern to Him than the Father's glory because in the Father's glory was the ultimate good. When we are flesh-driven our primary concern is for personal survival and prosperity. But if we are Spirit-driven, as Jesus was, then our primary concern becomes God's glory. Have your prayers lately reflected a flesh-driven or a Spirit-driven mindset?

Father, I know in my head that Your glory is the greatest treasure but I need Your help to grow into an attitude like Jesus that says from the heart "Father, glorify Yourself even at the expense of my flesh."

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

For God's Glory

"When he heard this, Jesus said, 'This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.'" John 11:4

Jesus' consuming desire was for the glory of God His Father. He saw the opportunity for God's glory in all things including the report of Lazarus' illness. And was God ever glorified as Jesus raised Lazarus' from the dead demonstrating His authority over death!

But the resurrection of Lazarus was a sign to signify a greater resurrection yet to come. So Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believers in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (11:25-26). Lazarus' sickness did not end in death, as Jesus promised, although he did temporarily pass through death.

No one who has faith in Jesus will never experience sickness that ends in death.! We may pass temporarily through death but our end will be resurrection life with Jesus!

Father, be glorified whether in my health or sickness, whether in my life or death. You are the Lord of life and I praise you that no sickness I ever face will end in death. Help me to live the life you have given me to the fullest today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Good Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." John 10:11

"I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me" John 10:14

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." John 10:27

Any good shepherd would go through anything to protect his flock. As I read these verses there were a couple of key points that stood out to me.

In John 10:11, Christ tells us that "the good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." Wow, this verse is a reminder of the amazing sacrifice that Christ suffered on the cross for His sheep.

In John 10:14, Christ tells us "I know my own sheep, and they know me." Words of encouragment. I want to be known by Christ, I don't want to just know about Christ.

In John 10:27, Christ tells us "I know them and they follow me." This was the verse that hit the hardest. I have to ask myself am I truly following Christ? Many times I tend to get on the wrong trail and I am reminded by this verse that I am to be following Christ. Not easy but eternally worthwhile.

Father, thank you for being the good shepherd. I must admit, there are days when I fail miserably in following you and I confess it's because of my sinful desire to stray down the wrong path. Help me to listen to your voice and follow the GREAT Shepherd.

Your Servant
Chris

Before the night Falls

"As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4

Jesus was very conscious that His earthly ministry was only for a season. Therefore, He had a sense of urgency about doing God's work while the day was at hand before the night fell.

Like Jesus we all have seasons of opportunity to do the work of God. No season will last forever. The night will fall and the opportunity will be gone. We too must live with a sense of urgency that compels as to do God's work during the day of opportunity before the night falls.

There are days of opportunity to do a particular ministry and to touch a particular life. But when the night falls that opportunity will be passed though others will come. Then there will be the day when the night falls on our life in this world and all opportunity to do God's work here will close. While the day is at hand let us do the work of God!

Father, make me conscious of the fleeting days and the coming night so that I might do Your work with a Christ-like sense of urgency while the opportunity is at hand.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Real Discipleship

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.'" John 8:31

Real discipleship consists of living in the teaching of Jesus. The Greek word translated "hold to" by the NIV is the same word used in John 15:5 and translated "remain" or "abide." It means to make yourself at home and continue in something. Discipleship is not launching out on our own agenda with a prayer and hope for God's blessing. Discipleship is listening to Jesus' word and making our home in it. Discipleship is not merely believing Jesus' word. It is submitting to Jesus' word. Are you living as a disciple of Jesus today?

Lord, examine me and show me the true condition of my discipleship. Help me to become an attentive listener to Your voice and a faithful doer of Your word that I might be a real disciple of Yours.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Sent Living

John 7

¹⁶Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.

¹⁸ ... but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth

²⁸ … I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, ²⁹but I know him because I am from him and he sent me."

³³ Jesus said, "I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me.

Jesus understood that he had been sent by his Father. This understanding enabled him to remain focused on his mission and confident in the face of opposition and danger. Jesus was surrendered to the mission God gave him. We too have been sent by God (Matthew 28:18-20). Our mission is to carry the message of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20). Are you living as though you’ve been sent by God?

Father, I know that you have sent me on mission for you and I commit myself to live for your purposes.

Praying for you,

Matt

When the Going Gets Tough...

"On hearing it, many of his disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?'...From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
'You do not want to leave too, do you?' Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:60, 66-69

How far are you willing to go with Jesus? Only until it becomes too hard? Or are you willing to go all the way?

The "disciples" who turned back on the occasion recorded in the text were not the last to start and not finish the journey of discipleship with Jesus. Those who turn back often begin with the wrong aim. They only want what Christ can do for them. Once the benefit gained is outweighed by the cost of discipleship they leave the trail.

Peter on the other hand represents the faithful who stick with Christ when obedience is hard as well as when blessings are abundant. Peter persevered because he had become convinced of who Jesus is and that the only life worth having comes through following Him.

If we are going to be in company with Peter then we must move from one who has set out on the journey with personal benefit in mind to one who has become so convinced of Jesus that we could not do anything other than follow Him. Are you there yet?

Father, I want to go all the way with Jesus through this life. Deepen my conviction of who He is and strengthen me for "hard" obedience.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Do You Want to Get Well?

"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, 'Do you want to get well?" John 5:6

On the surface, Jesus' question seems unnecessary--even lame. The man had been an invalid 38 years. Surely he wanted to get well! But Jesus' question is actually very valid. Obviously this is true or else Jesus wouldn't have asked it!

The fact is that often those who want to get well don't really want to get well. They want to be made well but they don't want to do what is necessary to get well. In the case of the invalid man, he would have to trust and obey Jesus even when it seemed difficult or impossible.

Is there something in your life that you want Jesus to cure? I'm not thinking of a physical ailment but rather of some bondage to sin or some deep hurt in your life. Do you tell Him that you want to get well and then stop short of doing what He prescribes for holiness and healing? Until we are ready to obey Him, even when it is difficult, we do not really want to get well. Hear Jesus ask you, "Do you want to get well?"

Lord Jesus, please reveal to me if I have said to you "I want to be made well" but then have not been willing to trust and obey You so that I can become well. Help me to become ready for your healing.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Real Food and Drink

"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." John 4:14
"'My food,' said Jesus, 'is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.'" John 4:34

"Water" and "food" are basic needs and appetites of human life. Without water we thirst and without food we hunger. But we also have deeper, spiritual appetites that we do not as quickly recognize. We know that we want and need something more but we do not readily recognize what it is that we want. We thirst for "living water" which only Jesus can supply. We hunger for "God's will" which we receive only as we follow Jesus in faith. Only as we come to Jesus for the satisfaction of this deeper, spiritual thirst and hunger do we find real fulfillment.

Father, help me to be as attuned to my spiritual appetites as I am to my physical appetites and so to daily drink and eat the water and food that Jesus alone supplies.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

More of Jesus

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

These are the words of John the Baptist. His assignment from God was to prepare people to welcome Jesus. Once Jesus was on the scene, John's role was to fade away and give center stage to Jesus.

Don't we all share John the Baptist's assignment? Every Christian has the opportunity and calling to prepare the way for Jesus into the lives of people. There are people around us to whom we can serve as John the Baptist. We may not have the same fire and peculiarities as John but we can be a voice that points people to Jesus. Our aim is to always be that Jesus will take center stage and at that point that we we'll gladly move to the side.

Father, help me to see the people around me today whose lives you desire to enter. Use me as a "John the Baptist" to them.

I'm praying for you.
Mark

Waves of Grace

Note: Did you remember that we were beginning John today?

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16

I love this verse! The ESV says, "From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace." Picture a large rock landing in a pond. As it hits the surface it starts a ripple effect sending out wave after wave. Jesus is the Rock of God. He hit the world 2000 years ago and the waves of grace are still rolling out. We did not merely experience His grace once upon a time when we were saved but we are still experiencing it today. The waves of His grace lap over us one after the other. The same truth is stated in Lamentations 3:22-23, "...his compassions never fail. They are new ever morning; great is your faithfulness." Turn toward the Rock and enjoy the waves!

Father, I thank you for the abundant, continuous waves of Your grace that come to me through Christ. I welcome and anticipate the fresh waves of Your grace that will roll over my life today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Keep Growing

"...be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:17-18

Being carried away from truth into error is a scary thought. How often have we seen it happen in the lives of others? Even in our own life? We must ever be on our guard.

The best antidote for error is consistent spiritual growth. Caring for our bodies through good eating, exercise, and rest makes us less susceptible to disease. So in the spiritual realm care for our souls makes us less susceptible to error. If we are pressing forward with Christ growing stronger in the Spirit we will be better able to stand firm in the truth. So let us ever seek to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Father, grant me the grace and knowledge of Jesus today that will enable me to grow strong in You without falling.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Note: Don't forget tomorrow we go back to the Gospel of John and then we will return to the letters of John.

Slave or Free?

"They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." 2 Peter 2:19

False teachers promise freedom in lustful pleasures but in fact they lead people into slavery. We may imagine that freedom is living without boundaries, doing what we want, but in the end we become slaves to our pleasures and we are never able to satisfy them.

As much as we may desire to be the master of our own destiny the truth is "a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." I can either be a slave to sin or to Jesus Christ. Peter declared himself "a slave of Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1; although the NIV translates 1:1 with the word "servant" it is the same Greek word for "slave" that is used here in 2:19). I too declare myself "a slave of Jesus Christ" for under the mastery of Jesus I am truly free to live. Within His boundaries is true freedom.

Father, I gladly call myself a slave of Jesus Christ. Help me to live today mastered by Jesus and so to walk in Your freedom.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

"For if you possesses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:8

"Ineffective and unproductive." What an epitaph to have written over one's spiritual life! May it not be mine or yours.

To keep from being ineffective and unproductive we need to possess and grow in the qualities listed in verses 5 through 7: "Add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."

Are you adding? Are you building on the foundation of faith that God has given you (see v.2)? Those who do not rest content with faith alone but build on their faith a vibrant, Christ-like life will never be found to be ineffective and unproductive. Let's build!

Father, may the words ineffective and unproductive never be Your assessment of my life. Help me to build on the faith You have given me a life that is effective and productive to Your glory.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

NOTE: After we finish reading 2 Peter on Thursday, we will begin the Gospel of John on Friday. Remember that we skipped over John earlier in the year to save one of the Gospels for the end of the year.

ANXIETY

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

These words speak to me in so many ways (and I often need them to).

CAST all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Throw it as far as you can.
Cast ALL your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Don't hold on to any of it.
Cast all YOUR anxiety on him because he cares for you. Most of our fears are of our own making.
Cast all your ANXIETY on him because he cares for you. Receive peace instead of stress.
Cast all your anxiety ON him because he cares for you. Big problems look small in his hands.
Cast all your anxiety on HIM because he cares for you. Almighty, everlasting, holy GOD.
Cast all your anxiety on him BECAUSE he cares for you. One reason is enough with God.
Cast all your anxiety on him because HE cares for you. Your personal, loving Savior.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he CARES for you. God is active on your behalf.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares FOR you. Indicates the object of God's attenion.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for YOU. Even with all your flaws.

Father, thank you, thank you, thank you for your abiding care.

Praying that you will find everything in Christ,
JIM

Dispensing Grace

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10

As we use our God-given gifts to serve others, God is dispensing His grace through our lives to those whom we serve. What an awesome thought! God working through us to manifest His grace to another person.

God has deposited His grace into us in the form of a spiritual gift. He means for His grace to pass through us in service. Service is not just an obligation we must fulfill. It is high privilege to handle God's grace and dispense it to others in His name! Who would God have you to grace today?

Father, thank you for your gifting and the high calling to serve up your grace to those around me. Help me to be a faithful dispenser of Your grace in the name of Jesus.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Make Me a Blessing

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:9

Our natural inclination is to repay evil with evil and insult with insult. Our sinful nature likes to get even. But the inclination of the life of Jesus in us is to repay evil and insult with blessing (cf. 1 Peter 2:23).

As they crucified Jesus, He prayed for their forgiveness. And so he charges us, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). Our inheritance is a blessing in Christ and therefore we are to "dish out" blessing to those who are around us without regard to how they may treat us.

Father, "Make me a blessing, Out of my life may Jesus shine; Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today." (from "Make Me a Blessing" by Ira B. Wilson)

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

In His Steps

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

"To this you were called" refers to doing good (God's will) at any cost, even suffering. Christ suffered in order to do God's will, which was our salvation. While obedience may cost us, we have the example of Christ suffering in God's will to inspire and strengthen us. Our call then is to "follow in his steps."

The phrase "in his steps" inspired a novel of that title written by Charles M. Sheldon in 1896. The novel inspired the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) craze in the 1990s. Both the novel and the WWJD movement remind us of our calling to imitate Jesus by following in His steps even when it requires suffering. Will you follow at any cost?

Father, help me to walk in the footsteps of Jesus by obeying your will at any cost today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Called to be Holy

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, 'Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16

What a rich chapter 1 Peter 1 is! The question is not what to highlight but what not to highlight. I chose the verses above for comment because of their impact on my spiritual growth.

As a college student, I struggled with a particular temptation. I memorized 1 Peter 1:15-16 to help me in that struggle because Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Every time that particular temptation raised its ugly head I quoted these verses to remind myself of God's call to holy living and then I would pray for God's strength to be holy in this area of my life. Through Scripture and prayer I found victory over sin!

God is holy and those who want to live close to Him must be holy. If we trifle with sin we will not walk close to God. But if we understand His character, take His call to holiness seriously, and rely on His strength we can be victorious over sin and walk close to our Holy God.

Father, I praise Your holiness and I desire to live holy. Grant me the strength and grace through Scripture, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit to be holy as You are holy.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Ministers of Reconciliation

remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. - James 5:20

Yesterday as we focused on our Connection to the World we learned from 1 Corinthians 5:17-21 that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation, and that God makes his appeal through us.

This verse from James illustrates that truth even further. There are people all around us who are in sin and facing death. These people need to be reconciled to God, and God has called us to be his ambassadors to these people.

Father, I know that it is an honor to represent you, The Most High King, and yet I confess, that often times I am fearful and timid when it comes to sharing the gospel with others. I ask that you would burden my heart for the lost and give me a love that would compel me to share Christ with them.

Humbled by grace,
Matt

Effective Prayer

"You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3

These verses set two principles of effective prayer before us. First, in order to pray effectively you must pray. That seems pretty basic yet prayerlessness is prevalent among Christians. When we do not have something that we need to do God's will the problem may be that we have failed to ask God for it. Bring your needs to Him in prayer. He is waiting for you to ask.

Second, in order to pray effectively you must pray with right motives. The wrong motive is a selfish desire for our own pleasure. The right motive is a desire for God's glory in your life (see John 14:13). God is glorified when in answer to prayer He accomplishes His will in our life. His will is good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2) and it includes our daily bread, forgiveness, guidance, and deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:11-12) among other things. Set your heart right before Him and ask Him boldly to meet your need according to His will.

Father, as the disciples once asked Jesus, "Teach us to pray," so I now ask you to teach me to pray as you would have me to pray.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Controlling our Tongue

"We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." James 3:2

The ability to control our tongue is a mark of spiritual maturity (being "perfect"). Yet the tongue is difficult to control and it has the power to do great damage when it is out of control. It can also do great good when it is under control by building others up in Christ.

How does one control the tongue? James doesn't offer an answer. But Galatians 5:22-23 teaches us that "the fruit of the Spirit is...self control." What we cannot do by our own power God can do by the power of His Spirit in us.

Father, help me learn to surrender control of my tongue to the Holy Spirit that I might be in control and spiritually mature.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

A Friend of God

"...and he was called God's friend." James 2:23

Abraham was God's friend because He believed God's promises (2:23) and because He obeyed God's commands (2:22). Faith in God and obedience to God are inseparable twins. Hebrews 11:8 says, "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."

James says that faith not expressed through obedience is no faith at all (2:17, 26). It is also true that obedience not growing out of faith is equally of no value. A friend of God walks in deep faith and diligent obedience at the same time.

Father, as Abraham was Your friend, I desire to be Your friend. Thank you for condescending to friendship with a mere mortal like myself. Teach me to walk more and more in the faith and obedience that enables me to live in close friendship with You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Doing the Word

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22

Reading God's Word and to listening to the teaching of God's Word provides the opportunity for spiritual growth to take place in our life. But if we stop with reading and hearing the Word we have not finished the task.

Too often we are self-deceived thinking that we have done our duty toward God by reading, hearing, even studying Scripture while God is looking for obedience. It is obedience that seizes the opportunity for growth that reading and hearing the Word provides. It is obedience that expresses true love for God. "If you love me you will obey what I command" (John 14:15).

We who have committed ourselves to reading Scripture must make sure that we complete the task by doing Scripture in our daily life. As you read ask, "What is God saying to me through this Scripture?" and "What would God have me to do with this word from Scripture?" Once you can answer those two questions be a doer of the Word.

Father, may my delight to read Your Word be equaled by delight to do it. As I read show me what you would have me to do and create in me a willing heart to obey.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Satisfied?

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5


"Be content with what you have" which is God Himself. A preoccupation with material things robs us of the enjoyment of the spiritual treasure that is already ours--the ever present, never failing God.


Money and the things it buys is a god that requires our constant service but rarely truly satisfies. But God has already given us Himself and "every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). He will not fail to satisfy when we learn to find our contentment in Him.


Father, forgive the preoccupation with material things that sometimes marks my life and which keeps me from the contentment in You that could be mine. May my soul be satisfied in You who alone satisfies.


I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus"!!! What a needed word this is in these days. We get distracted by so many things and lose sight of Jesus in our daily life.

Harried and stressed souls will find peace as they look upon Jesus. Weak and tried souls will find strength as they look upon Jesus. Confused and misdirected souls will find wisdom as they look on Jesus. Sinful and guilt-stricken souls will find cleansing when they look on Jesus. (You write the next line).

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full int His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace" (from "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" by Helen Lemmel).

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the Savior who endured the cross for our sake. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the exalted Lord now enthroned above all in the heavens. Fix your eyes on Jesus in Scripture. Fix your eyes upon Jesus in prayer. Fix your eyes upon Jesus in silent meditation. Fix your eyes on Jesus!

Lord Jesus, help me now to fix my eyes on You today. You are my wonderful Savior and almighty Lord. Let my vision of You grow until nothing can distract me from You.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

What is Faith?

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

What is faith? What does it look like when expressed in a person's life? Note the parallels between these two verses from the "faith chapter." They help us understand faith.

Faith is "being sure of what we hope for" (v.1) that is believing "that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (v.6). Faith is believing the promises of God that are yet to be fulfilled. Promises for this life and eternity.

Faith is "being...certain of what we do not see" (v.1) that is believing "that He exists" (v.6). We do not see God with physical eyes but we see Him and the unseen spiritual realities with eyes of faith. Faith is walking in fellowship with one we do not see but whom we know is real.

For further thought note how Hebrews 11:26 and 27 show this faith fleshed out in the life of Moses.

Father, may I see with eyes of faith so that I might walk close with You, who though unseen are very real, and that I might follow you faithfully holding tight to Your promises.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Are you Perfect?

"...because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Hebrews 10:14

The death of Jesus on the cross is all-sufficient! There is nothing else needed to secure our salvation or to provide for the continued forgiveness of our sin.

By his sacrifice we are "made perfect forever." We stand in a right relationship with God because we stand in Christ covered by His sacrifice.

By his sacrifice we are "being made holy." We are perfect before God through Christ but we are still becoming holy in our daily experience through the transforming power of Christ in our lives. What we are in standing (perfect) we are becoming in practice (holy). How amazing is the blood of Jesus!

Father, I rejoice in the perfect standing that you have given me before You in Your perfect Son Jesus. I pray that what I am in Christ before You will more and more be expressed in my life each day before people.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

A Superior Salavation

"So Christ was sacrificed once to take way the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:28

In this chapter there are several contrasts between Christ's ministry and that of the old Testament priesthood.

• The priests ministry provided partial, outward cleansing, but Christ provides complete, internal cleansing (9:13-14).
• The priests ministered in a copy of the heavenly sanctuary, but Christ ministers in the true holy of holies in heaven (9:24).
• The priests provided temporary cleansing that had to be repeated again and again, but Christ provided cleansing once and for all that never needs to be repeated (9:25-26).

These are just some of the ways that Jesus is superior to the ministry that men can provide. He is a great Savior. Why would we look anywhere else but to Him?

Father, I thank you for the great Savior and great salvation that you have provided for me in Jesus Christ. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on Him rather than on the temporary things of this world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

We're Not Alone

The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man
Hebrews 8:1-2

I don't know about you, but there are times in my Christian life when I feel all alone. As I read this passage I am reminded that I have a great High Priest who is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for me on a daily basis. Many times when God fills distant, it's not because He has left me but because I have often neglected my time with Him. As we start a new week, if you are feeling like God is a million miles away, remember that "He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence." (Hebrews 9:24) So I would encourage you to set aside a little extra time this week to thank Christ for His sacrifice and to strengthen your connection with Him.

Father, I thank you for your love and mercy. I want to praise you for your mighty works. God, help me to remember that I am not alone, that I have a great High Priest interceding for me on a daily basis. Help me to make more time connecting with you this week.

Your Servant
Chris