"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
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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
"'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
Monday, October 26, 2009
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
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
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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
"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
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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
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
Monday, October 19, 2009
"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.
"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.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
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
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
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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
"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
Monday, October 12, 2009
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
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
Sunday, October 11, 2009
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
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
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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
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
Monday, October 5, 2009
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
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
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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
"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
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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).
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
"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
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