"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11
God counted the Bereans as more noble than others because of the way they received and responded to His word. Their approach to God's message is a helpful example for every Christian. They received the message with EAGERNESS. They wanted to hear God's Word and readily gave their attention to it. They EXAMINED the Scriptures. They did not take for granted that every thing they heard preached and taught came from God. They went to the Scriptures themselves to check out the truthfulness of the message. By doing this they let the truth take a deeper hold on their life. They eagerly received the message and examined the Scripture EVERY DAY. Their encounter with God through His Word was a regular, disciplined activity and not an occasional affair.
Father, help me to be eager to hear Your Word, to be diligent to examine your Word, and to be regularly in fellowship with You through Your Word.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
God Leads
"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to....During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'...we got ready to leave at once for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." Acts 16:6-7, 9-10
Sometimes even Paul groped around a little before He understood where God was leading Him. God does not usually give us a road map ahead of time. Rather he leads us as we prayerfully seek Him and obey His command. If we are submissive to Him then He will get us where He wants us to be just as He did with Paul. Sometimes we just need to relax and let God lead trusting that He is able to lead those who seek Him. Keep doing the last thing God led you to do until He changes your course. Don't stress out! Rest in God's wisdom, power, and grace!
Father, I trust You to lead me and use me according to Your will. Give me a sensitive and submissive heart toward You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sometimes even Paul groped around a little before He understood where God was leading Him. God does not usually give us a road map ahead of time. Rather he leads us as we prayerfully seek Him and obey His command. If we are submissive to Him then He will get us where He wants us to be just as He did with Paul. Sometimes we just need to relax and let God lead trusting that He is able to lead those who seek Him. Keep doing the last thing God led you to do until He changes your course. Don't stress out! Rest in God's wisdom, power, and grace!
Father, I trust You to lead me and use me according to Your will. Give me a sensitive and submissive heart toward You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
No Problem
Acts 15 presents two conflicts, each having the potential to harm relationships between God’s people. In one conflict, the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers is at stake, and in the other, the relationship between Paul and Barnabas is tested.
The apostles and elders of the church met the first challenge in an orderly and careful manner. They were careful to encourage the Gentile believers, sending two men as representatives as well as a letter of instruction. As a result, the church continued to grow.
In Paul and Barnabas’ case, however, they were not able to come to a mutual solution to their disagreement, and as a result 4 missionaries went out instead of just 2—not necessarily a bad thing.
Nothing stops God. His plans forge ahead, prospering in situations which give men fits.
Father, I realize that we (the church) belong to You and that Your plans will be accomplished. Help me to sense your direction and follow You.
In praise,
JIM
The apostles and elders of the church met the first challenge in an orderly and careful manner. They were careful to encourage the Gentile believers, sending two men as representatives as well as a letter of instruction. As a result, the church continued to grow.
In Paul and Barnabas’ case, however, they were not able to come to a mutual solution to their disagreement, and as a result 4 missionaries went out instead of just 2—not necessarily a bad thing.
Nothing stops God. His plans forge ahead, prospering in situations which give men fits.
Father, I realize that we (the church) belong to You and that Your plans will be accomplished. Help me to sense your direction and follow You.
In praise,
JIM
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sowing the Gospel Seed
"At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." Acts 14:1-2
As Paul and Barnabas preached the Gospel many believed while others refused and even poisoned the minds of other people against it. When two people side by side hear the same word of God one may believe and live while another refuses and dies. We cannot determine the response of a person to the message but we can determine to be faithful in sharing it. We take responsibility to be faithful sowers of the seed and leave the result to the hearer and God. As we sow the seed of God's word some may fall fruitless on barren ground but if we do not sow the seed it will certainly bear no fruit. We must be willing to take the chance that some of our efforts will fall on barren ground in order that other seed may find ready and receptive hearts.
Father, help me to be a faithful sower of the Gospel seed without fear that some may not believe in order that those who are ready to believe may hear and live.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
As Paul and Barnabas preached the Gospel many believed while others refused and even poisoned the minds of other people against it. When two people side by side hear the same word of God one may believe and live while another refuses and dies. We cannot determine the response of a person to the message but we can determine to be faithful in sharing it. We take responsibility to be faithful sowers of the seed and leave the result to the hearer and God. As we sow the seed of God's word some may fall fruitless on barren ground but if we do not sow the seed it will certainly bear no fruit. We must be willing to take the chance that some of our efforts will fall on barren ground in order that other seed may find ready and receptive hearts.
Father, help me to be a faithful sower of the Gospel seed without fear that some may not believe in order that those who are ready to believe may hear and live.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Church God Uses
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." Acts 13:2-3
In Acts 11 God had led this same church at Antioch to take an offering for the relief of the Jewish Christians who suffered under famine in Jerusalem. They willingly responded. Now in this chapter we see God asking for two of their best leaders to be sent out on missionary campaigns through the Roman Empire. Again they willingly responded and through their faithfulness God changed the world. The kind of church that God uses to change the world is a church that is willing to give when He asks and to go when He calls. Will we be that kind of church? Will you be that kind of Christian?
Father, I want to be a Christian you can use in a church you can use to change the world. Help us to be attentive to Your voice and willingly give and go as You ask.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
In Acts 11 God had led this same church at Antioch to take an offering for the relief of the Jewish Christians who suffered under famine in Jerusalem. They willingly responded. Now in this chapter we see God asking for two of their best leaders to be sent out on missionary campaigns through the Roman Empire. Again they willingly responded and through their faithfulness God changed the world. The kind of church that God uses to change the world is a church that is willing to give when He asks and to go when He calls. Will we be that kind of church? Will you be that kind of Christian?
Father, I want to be a Christian you can use in a church you can use to change the world. Help us to be attentive to Your voice and willingly give and go as You ask.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Surprised by God
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. ...But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished."
Acts 12:5, 16
These earnestly praying Christians are sometimes criticized by modern readers for not expecting an answer to their prayers. But could it be that God's answers are sometimes so astonishing that we could never have imagined that He would answer in the way He did? I'm sure they expected a more normal answer than the miraculous midnight rescue operation run by the angel of the Lord. God is amazing and those who make a habit of earnest prayer will at times be taken aback in awe by the mighty works of God even when they expected an answer. If I'm never astonished by the work of God then is God really at work around me?
Father, You are amazing. Your works are astonishing and often beyond expectation. Thank you for being active around me in response to prayer. May I always seek you with expectation and sometimes be astonished by the result.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Acts 12:5, 16
These earnestly praying Christians are sometimes criticized by modern readers for not expecting an answer to their prayers. But could it be that God's answers are sometimes so astonishing that we could never have imagined that He would answer in the way He did? I'm sure they expected a more normal answer than the miraculous midnight rescue operation run by the angel of the Lord. God is amazing and those who make a habit of earnest prayer will at times be taken aback in awe by the mighty works of God even when they expected an answer. If I'm never astonished by the work of God then is God really at work around me?
Father, You are amazing. Your works are astonishing and often beyond expectation. Thank you for being active around me in response to prayer. May I always seek you with expectation and sometimes be astonished by the result.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Hand of the Lord
"The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord....When [Barnabas] arrived and saw the evidence of God's grace, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." Acts 11:21, 23
A "great number" of people came to the Lord in Antioch because "the Lord's hand was with" those who shared the message. When Barnabas came He saw "evidence of God's grace" at work in this new church. The church at Antioch was an amazing group of believers. They responded to news of a famine with a generous offering and later they became the mission base for Paul's campaigns throughout the gentile world. This amazing ministering and missionary church was God's work from the start. All the people and leaders had to do was stay faithful, submissive, and receptive to God. Would God do the same thing in Copperas Cove? Will we be faithful, submissive, and responsive?
Father, I long to see our church become like the church in Antioch. Please put your hand on us and pour out your grace so that 'great numbers' are brought to the Lord, taught, and led to be ministry and mission-minded.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
A "great number" of people came to the Lord in Antioch because "the Lord's hand was with" those who shared the message. When Barnabas came He saw "evidence of God's grace" at work in this new church. The church at Antioch was an amazing group of believers. They responded to news of a famine with a generous offering and later they became the mission base for Paul's campaigns throughout the gentile world. This amazing ministering and missionary church was God's work from the start. All the people and leaders had to do was stay faithful, submissive, and receptive to God. Would God do the same thing in Copperas Cove? Will we be faithful, submissive, and responsive?
Father, I long to see our church become like the church in Antioch. Please put your hand on us and pour out your grace so that 'great numbers' are brought to the Lord, taught, and led to be ministry and mission-minded.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Without Prejudice
“ . . . But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.” Acts 10: 28
Peter’s Jewish roots caused him to have a cultural prejudice against Gentiles. So when God called him to deliver the message of the gospel to Cornelius’ house Peter had to overcome his own personal feelings in order to obey.
The good news of Christ is for everyone! We must be careful not to exclude anyone simply because of their culture, their attitude, their economic-level, their education-level, or their age. Everyone’s need for God is the same. When we, intentionally or unintentionally, ignore certain groups of people because of our personal feelings towards them then we are being disobedient to God.
Your servant,
Matt
Monday, April 20, 2009
An Ordinary Disciple, An Extaordinary Work
"In Damascus there was disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, 'Ananias!' "Yes, Lord,' he answered!" Acts 9:10
The Lord sent Ananias to minister to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus. Ananias was instrumental in helping Saul take his first steps in the Christian life. We never hear of Ananias again in the Biblical record. He was just an ordinary disciple of Jesus who was sensitive and obedient to the Lord's leading in His life. Although his name is little known to us, Ananias played a significant role in Saul's life and thus in the Christian mission. The Lord knew Ananias name and entrusted him with a significant task. Every disciple who listens for the Lord's leading and obeys plays a significant role in God's kingdom whether his or her name ever becomes famous or not. Are we willing to be ordinary disciples who listens for God's call and respond obediently?
Father, I am an ordinary person who wants to be involved in your extraordinary work. Help me like Ananias to hear when You call and to say "Yes, Lord."
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
The Lord sent Ananias to minister to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus. Ananias was instrumental in helping Saul take his first steps in the Christian life. We never hear of Ananias again in the Biblical record. He was just an ordinary disciple of Jesus who was sensitive and obedient to the Lord's leading in His life. Although his name is little known to us, Ananias played a significant role in Saul's life and thus in the Christian mission. The Lord knew Ananias name and entrusted him with a significant task. Every disciple who listens for the Lord's leading and obeys plays a significant role in God's kingdom whether his or her name ever becomes famous or not. Are we willing to be ordinary disciples who listens for God's call and respond obediently?
Father, I am an ordinary person who wants to be involved in your extraordinary work. Help me like Ananias to hear when You call and to say "Yes, Lord."
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Led by the Spirit
"The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and and stay near it.' Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. 'Do you understand what you are reading?' Philip asked. ...Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus." Acts 8:29-30
By following the Holy Spirit's leadership Philip ended up near a man at just the right time to share Jesus with Him. Could the Holy Spirit be telling me or you to "stay near" someone so that we will be positioned to share Christ with them when the opportune moment comes? I think that this is exactly how the Holy Spirit works. God leads Christians to build relationships with unsaved people around them so that when the opportune moment comes (also called "a divine appointment") we will be in a position to share Christ. The opportune moment may be a crisis or a curious question or any other circumstance that God uses to open a persons heart to hear the gospel. The question is "Will we be in position and ready when the time comes because we have obeyed the Spirit's leadership?"
Father, lead me by your Spirit to stay near those who you want me to help find Christ. As you create the divine appointment help me to ready and willing to serve you in their lives.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
By following the Holy Spirit's leadership Philip ended up near a man at just the right time to share Jesus with Him. Could the Holy Spirit be telling me or you to "stay near" someone so that we will be positioned to share Christ with them when the opportune moment comes? I think that this is exactly how the Holy Spirit works. God leads Christians to build relationships with unsaved people around them so that when the opportune moment comes (also called "a divine appointment") we will be in a position to share Christ. The opportune moment may be a crisis or a curious question or any other circumstance that God uses to open a persons heart to hear the gospel. The question is "Will we be in position and ready when the time comes because we have obeyed the Spirit's leadership?"
Father, lead me by your Spirit to stay near those who you want me to help find Christ. As you create the divine appointment help me to ready and willing to serve you in their lives.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Who is in Control?
"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!" Acts 7:51
"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:55
What a contrast! The "religious" people resisted the work of the Holy Spirit because they wanted to maintain control of their lives and religion. Stephen released full control of his life to the Holy Spirit even to the point of martyrdom. The religious leaders lived on in narrow-minded jealousy, bitterness, and anger toward everything that threatened their "self" control. Stephen died in peace with a joyful realization of the presence and blessing of the risen Lord Jesus. Who is in control of your life? I am sure that when skydiving the first step out of an airplane is tough but after that comes the exhilaration. So also the first step of yielding control to the Holy Spirit is tough for us but after that step comes the exhilaration of a Spirit-filled life.
Father, I must confess that I am too much in control of my life and thus have been guilty of resisting Your Spirit. Help me to take the step of full surrender to Your Holy Spirit today so that I might live joyfully and powerfully as Stephen did.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:55
What a contrast! The "religious" people resisted the work of the Holy Spirit because they wanted to maintain control of their lives and religion. Stephen released full control of his life to the Holy Spirit even to the point of martyrdom. The religious leaders lived on in narrow-minded jealousy, bitterness, and anger toward everything that threatened their "self" control. Stephen died in peace with a joyful realization of the presence and blessing of the risen Lord Jesus. Who is in control of your life? I am sure that when skydiving the first step out of an airplane is tough but after that comes the exhilaration. So also the first step of yielding control to the Holy Spirit is tough for us but after that step comes the exhilaration of a Spirit-filled life.
Father, I must confess that I am too much in control of my life and thus have been guilty of resisting Your Spirit. Help me to take the step of full surrender to Your Holy Spirit today so that I might live joyfully and powerfully as Stephen did.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Ministry of the Word
"So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.'" Acts 6:2
Place anything you like after "in order to." It is never right to neglect the ministry of God's Word. Even important tasks must not be allowed to take away from the church's all important ministry of preaching and teaching the Word. The pastor must prepare and preach the Word faithfully. Connection Group leaders must prepare to faithfully lead their groups to discover, discuss, and apply the truths of God's Word. God's Word changes lives for eternity (see Acts 6:7). Other ministries must be done and so other people able and qualified must step forward to serve in the church and in the Connection Groups so that needs are met and the life changing ministry of the Word is not neglected.
Father, thank you for Your life changing Word and our church's commitment to proclaim it. Help me to do my part to ensure that the ministry of the Word of God is not neglected.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Place anything you like after "in order to." It is never right to neglect the ministry of God's Word. Even important tasks must not be allowed to take away from the church's all important ministry of preaching and teaching the Word. The pastor must prepare and preach the Word faithfully. Connection Group leaders must prepare to faithfully lead their groups to discover, discuss, and apply the truths of God's Word. God's Word changes lives for eternity (see Acts 6:7). Other ministries must be done and so other people able and qualified must step forward to serve in the church and in the Connection Groups so that needs are met and the life changing ministry of the Word is not neglected.
Father, thank you for Your life changing Word and our church's commitment to proclaim it. Help me to do my part to ensure that the ministry of the Word of God is not neglected.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What's Happened-
So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it....Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And everday, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:38-39, 41-42 (ESV)
or what's different? Let's think about the situation at hand for a moment. The apostles are put into prision for speaking the name of Christ in public, they are freed by an angel, they are told to go and speak in the Temple courts. Morning arises, the High Priest finds out what is happening i, he gets enraged and calls all the men to be brought before the council. Yet, despite all the obstacles and hurdles that the apsotles are facing, they stand firm in their mission and calling from God.
The question that comes to my mind is, What has happened to the church in America? Is God not at work anymore, or is it us? I believe the answer is obvious, it is us. To many times I tend to lean upon my own abilities, get things done that I know I can accomplish on my own, but what would happen in my life if I started living radically for Christ. Not dependent upon myself, but totally dependent upon God. Would I be willing to take that step of faith, not sure of what lies ahead but trusting God in every step? These men lived this way and God did amazing things through them. What would FBC Cove look like if we lived lives like these men in Acts 5?
Father, help me to become a man that is totally sold out for you. I confess that to many times in my life I have tried to do things on my own. I am asking that you change me, help me to have the boldness, strength, courage and power that is displayed in the lives of the apostles in chapter 5.
Acts 5:38-39, 41-42 (ESV)
or what's different? Let's think about the situation at hand for a moment. The apostles are put into prision for speaking the name of Christ in public, they are freed by an angel, they are told to go and speak in the Temple courts. Morning arises, the High Priest finds out what is happening i, he gets enraged and calls all the men to be brought before the council. Yet, despite all the obstacles and hurdles that the apsotles are facing, they stand firm in their mission and calling from God.
The question that comes to my mind is, What has happened to the church in America? Is God not at work anymore, or is it us? I believe the answer is obvious, it is us. To many times I tend to lean upon my own abilities, get things done that I know I can accomplish on my own, but what would happen in my life if I started living radically for Christ. Not dependent upon myself, but totally dependent upon God. Would I be willing to take that step of faith, not sure of what lies ahead but trusting God in every step? These men lived this way and God did amazing things through them. What would FBC Cove look like if we lived lives like these men in Acts 5?
Father, help me to become a man that is totally sold out for you. I confess that to many times in my life I have tried to do things on my own. I am asking that you change me, help me to have the boldness, strength, courage and power that is displayed in the lives of the apostles in chapter 5.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Fresh Power
"On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ... After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."
Acts 4:23-24, 31
When their mission was threatened the Apostles' natural reaction was to gather with the church. And the church's natural reaction was to seek God in prayer. And God's response was to fill them with fresh power to continue the mission. Do we realize that our mission is threatened today by our secular culture? Do we pull together as a church to seek God in prayer as if everything depended on Him? Do we expect fresh power from god to continue the mission?
Father, forgive us when we fail to embrace our mission and fail seek You together as we ought for the power and direction we need to share the Gospel in our culture. Remold us after the pattern of the early church.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Acts 4:23-24, 31
When their mission was threatened the Apostles' natural reaction was to gather with the church. And the church's natural reaction was to seek God in prayer. And God's response was to fill them with fresh power to continue the mission. Do we realize that our mission is threatened today by our secular culture? Do we pull together as a church to seek God in prayer as if everything depended on Him? Do we expect fresh power from god to continue the mission?
Father, forgive us when we fail to embrace our mission and fail seek You together as we ought for the power and direction we need to share the Gospel in our culture. Remold us after the pattern of the early church.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, April 12, 2009
"While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: 'Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?'" Acts 3:11-12
Every significant spiritual work is Jesus' work. Peter readily recognized and gave glory to Jesus for the healing of the lame beggar. When we see spiritual work being done and impacting the life of people we should recognize that it is Jesus who is doing it. Our tendency may be to credit a person or take credit ourselves for the work being done. We are privileged to be God's instrument in the work but like Peter we need to quickly give God the glory and thank Him that He has allowed us to participate.
Father, I thank you for the privlege of participating in your work. Help me to recognize your working and to always give you the glory with a grateful heart.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Every significant spiritual work is Jesus' work. Peter readily recognized and gave glory to Jesus for the healing of the lame beggar. When we see spiritual work being done and impacting the life of people we should recognize that it is Jesus who is doing it. Our tendency may be to credit a person or take credit ourselves for the work being done. We are privileged to be God's instrument in the work but like Peter we need to quickly give God the glory and thank Him that He has allowed us to participate.
Father, I thank you for the privlege of participating in your work. Help me to recognize your working and to always give you the glory with a grateful heart.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, April 9, 2009
No Chance
"This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." Acts 2:23-24
Death didn't have a chance! God was in charge. Jesus surrendered Himself to death for our sins according to God's will. He fully experienced the agony of death and the judgment for our sin. But death was unable to hold Him! He arose victorious over sin, death, and the grave. Now in Him, through faith, we share His indestructible life. Sin, death, and the grave have lost their hold on us. We may taste death but we will not abide in death for the One whom death could not hold will call us out into eternal life. Death still doesn't have a chance!
Father, I thank you that Jesus tasted death for my sake and conquered death that I might be forgiven and freed from death's claim on me. Help to live today without fear and in joy this life in Christ over which death has no hold.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Death didn't have a chance! God was in charge. Jesus surrendered Himself to death for our sins according to God's will. He fully experienced the agony of death and the judgment for our sin. But death was unable to hold Him! He arose victorious over sin, death, and the grave. Now in Him, through faith, we share His indestructible life. Sin, death, and the grave have lost their hold on us. We may taste death but we will not abide in death for the One whom death could not hold will call us out into eternal life. Death still doesn't have a chance!
Father, I thank you that Jesus tasted death for my sake and conquered death that I might be forgiven and freed from death's claim on me. Help to live today without fear and in joy this life in Christ over which death has no hold.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
All for the Kingdom
"After his suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
Before the cross, Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom, taught in parables about the kingdom, and instructed disciples to pray "Your kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10). Then in the critical days between His resurrection and ascension He continued to make the kingdom of God the focus of His precious final hours with His disciples. The kingdom of God, the God who reigns and the people over whom He reigns, is to the major concern of those who follow Jesus. We live under the King's authority and we serve and witness that His kingdom might be strengthened and expanded to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). We need to live our lives in light of the big picture--God's eternal kingdom--and not merely in light of our immediate circumstances.
Father, help me to see the big picture of Your kingdom each day and to live each day with a kingdom focus and commitment as a faithful follower of King Jesus.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Before the cross, Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom, taught in parables about the kingdom, and instructed disciples to pray "Your kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10). Then in the critical days between His resurrection and ascension He continued to make the kingdom of God the focus of His precious final hours with His disciples. The kingdom of God, the God who reigns and the people over whom He reigns, is to the major concern of those who follow Jesus. We live under the King's authority and we serve and witness that His kingdom might be strengthened and expanded to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). We need to live our lives in light of the big picture--God's eternal kingdom--and not merely in light of our immediate circumstances.
Father, help me to see the big picture of Your kingdom each day and to live each day with a kingdom focus and commitment as a faithful follower of King Jesus.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
A Living Savior
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, he has risen!" Luke 24:5-6
He is alive! Because He was not there (in the tomb) He is here (with us). Have you embraced His presence today? Are you living in fellowship with Him? Or do we live more as if we honor a noble dead man whose dreams and memory we seek to carry on?
Father, I thank you that you were not there in the tomb and that you are here with me in this very moment. I embrace your presence so that I might live and serve with You today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
He is alive! Because He was not there (in the tomb) He is here (with us). Have you embraced His presence today? Are you living in fellowship with Him? Or do we live more as if we honor a noble dead man whose dreams and memory we seek to carry on?
Father, I thank you that you were not there in the tomb and that you are here with me in this very moment. I embrace your presence so that I might live and serve with You today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, April 6, 2009
More Than Words
"When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what are they doing.'" Luke 23:33-34
How amazing it is that Jesus' first words from the cross were words of forgiveness and yet it is not surprising because the cross is all about forgiveness. Jesus spoke forgiveness from the cross. Jesus secured forgiveness through the cross. The words He spoke required that He die for sinners so that we could indeed realize the forgiveness of God in our lives. Our dollar bill used to be backed by gold so that it was certain that the promise represented by the bill was good because of the gold that stood behind it. God's promise of forgiveness to us (see 1 John 1:9) is good because it is backed by the power of the cross.
Father, I thank you for the sure promise of forgiveness backed by the power of the cross. During this Holy Week show me any sin in my life that needs to be confessed and forgiven. Draw me near you through the cross of Christ.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
How amazing it is that Jesus' first words from the cross were words of forgiveness and yet it is not surprising because the cross is all about forgiveness. Jesus spoke forgiveness from the cross. Jesus secured forgiveness through the cross. The words He spoke required that He die for sinners so that we could indeed realize the forgiveness of God in our lives. Our dollar bill used to be backed by gold so that it was certain that the promise represented by the bill was good because of the gold that stood behind it. God's promise of forgiveness to us (see 1 John 1:9) is good because it is backed by the power of the cross.
Father, I thank you for the sure promise of forgiveness backed by the power of the cross. During this Holy Week show me any sin in my life that needs to be confessed and forgiven. Draw me near you through the cross of Christ.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, April 5, 2009
"And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." Luke 22:44
As we reflect on the suffering of Jesus this passion week, our tendency may be to reflect on the outward sufferings of Jesus (i.e. the flogging, the thorns, the blows, the nails, the spear, etc.). But perhaps His greater suffering was inward. He agonized over the cross as He prayed in the garden. So great was His anguish and so intense was his praying that His sweat was filled with blood. We cannot we fully comprehend the depth of his anguish but we can be grateful that He endured it for our sake. Without His suffering inwardly and outwardly we would have no salvation.
Lord Jesus, I thank you that you suffered the deep agony of the cross for my sake. Draw me close to you through this Holy Week.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
As we reflect on the suffering of Jesus this passion week, our tendency may be to reflect on the outward sufferings of Jesus (i.e. the flogging, the thorns, the blows, the nails, the spear, etc.). But perhaps His greater suffering was inward. He agonized over the cross as He prayed in the garden. So great was His anguish and so intense was his praying that His sweat was filled with blood. We cannot we fully comprehend the depth of his anguish but we can be grateful that He endured it for our sake. Without His suffering inwardly and outwardly we would have no salvation.
Lord Jesus, I thank you that you suffered the deep agony of the cross for my sake. Draw me close to you through this Holy Week.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, April 2, 2009
When Little Becomes Much
"I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." Luke 21:3-4
The widow gave far less than others and yet she gave far more because she gave all she had. We don't have to have much to give much. You may think that what you can give, whether money or ability, doesn't amount to much in comparison to what others are able to give but if you give yourself fully to the Lord He will take great delight in your offering. It is not the amount of what we give that impresses our Lord but the amount of the sacrifice that is represented by our gift.
Father, I thank You for all the blessings that you have given me and pray that You will help me to give back to You all in the spirit of the poor widow.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
The widow gave far less than others and yet she gave far more because she gave all she had. We don't have to have much to give much. You may think that what you can give, whether money or ability, doesn't amount to much in comparison to what others are able to give but if you give yourself fully to the Lord He will take great delight in your offering. It is not the amount of what we give that impresses our Lord but the amount of the sacrifice that is represented by our gift.
Father, I thank You for all the blessings that you have given me and pray that You will help me to give back to You all in the spirit of the poor widow.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Living in Two Worlds
"[Jesus] said to them, 'Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.'"
Luke 20:25
With the dawn of April comes tax time and so how timely are these words of Jesus. From our money which bears the seal of the United States of America we owe to our government what is due for the services and freedoms that we enjoy. But we also owe to our God that which bears His seal and image--our lives. We can be loyal Americans and faithful Christians but we must recognize the proper place of each authority. To the United States we owe something; to God we owe everything. It is not something to our country, something to God, and the rest is ours. All is God's, even what we give to our country in obedience to Him, and so all is to be used under His authority and for His glory.
Father, I have been created in your image and sealed with the blood of your Son. I am yours by creation and redemption and therefore I confess that all I have and all I am are yours. Help me daily to give you fully what is yours.
I'm praying for you.
Mark
Luke 20:25
With the dawn of April comes tax time and so how timely are these words of Jesus. From our money which bears the seal of the United States of America we owe to our government what is due for the services and freedoms that we enjoy. But we also owe to our God that which bears His seal and image--our lives. We can be loyal Americans and faithful Christians but we must recognize the proper place of each authority. To the United States we owe something; to God we owe everything. It is not something to our country, something to God, and the rest is ours. All is God's, even what we give to our country in obedience to Him, and so all is to be used under His authority and for His glory.
Father, I have been created in your image and sealed with the blood of your Son. I am yours by creation and redemption and therefore I confess that all I have and all I am are yours. Help me daily to give you fully what is yours.
I'm praying for you.
Mark
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
