Today's Reading: Jeremiah 45; Jeremiah 46; Jeremiah 47; Psalm 105; John 21
Scripture: John 21:2-3
2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 "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.
Observation: The disciples have seen the Lord alive after they watched Him die on the cross. And Jesus told them to wait until He gave them instructions. But they grow tired of waiting for something to happen and Peter (who else?!) finds a few others quite ready to join him in a fishing expedition. But their best efforts at something they were supposed to be experts in proved fruitless.
Application: It may be frustrating waiting on God for results to show up (don't I know that!), but my own human efforts at diversion or human attempts to produce some level of personal success, will end up in frustration. (It is pretty fantastic that Jesus shows up and teaches them that even in the fishing business, it is better to consult a Jewish Carpenter than to rely solely on one's own abilities and skills.)
Bottom line: Wait on the Lord. Work that He does in a short time will bring in far greater results than my lifetime of independent human effort.
Prayer: Lord, help me to learn to wait patiently on You and then to work faithfully with You, giving everything I've got to accomplish everything You have for me to do.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Title: The Second Chance / Topic: Grace
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 26; Jeremiah 35; Jeremiah 36; John 20
Scripture: John 20:24-27
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Observation: Why Thomas was not there when the others saw the Lord is something we are not told. But it caused him to have to rely on the other disciples account of what they saw. It wasn't enough for Thomas. "I have to see and touch it for myself," was his statement. In fact, Thomas willfully refused to believe if his conditions weren't met.
And amazingly, Jesus met Thomas, even in his stubborn unbelief. Jesus shows up just for Thomas. And he rebukes him for his doubt.
Application: I love the fact that Jesus came back for Thomas. I have a little Thomas in me. It comforts me to know that my Lord gives a second chance to the doubter. In His grace, there is another opportunity to get with it and lay hold of faith.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord. Your faithfulness, mercy, and grace are amazing. It is a great comfort to know that You will reach out to us in our need and gives us the opportunity to respond. Help me not to take too long.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 20:24-27
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Observation: Why Thomas was not there when the others saw the Lord is something we are not told. But it caused him to have to rely on the other disciples account of what they saw. It wasn't enough for Thomas. "I have to see and touch it for myself," was his statement. In fact, Thomas willfully refused to believe if his conditions weren't met.
And amazingly, Jesus met Thomas, even in his stubborn unbelief. Jesus shows up just for Thomas. And he rebukes him for his doubt.
Application: I love the fact that Jesus came back for Thomas. I have a little Thomas in me. It comforts me to know that my Lord gives a second chance to the doubter. In His grace, there is another opportunity to get with it and lay hold of faith.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord. Your faithfulness, mercy, and grace are amazing. It is a great comfort to know that You will reach out to us in our need and gives us the opportunity to respond. Help me not to take too long.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Title: The Secret Disciple / Topic: Fear
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25; John 19
Scripture: John 19:38-40
38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
Observation: Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple -- he believed in Jesus, but he was emotionally dependent upon the respect of the Jewish community that opposed Jesus, so he hid it. Apparently Nicodemus was about the same. What I find sad is that these two men missed out on having a great relationship with Jesus. Having to hide and pretend that they didn't approve of Him must have been hard, and humiliating. But it was more important to be accepted by their friends, so they kept it secret. What a pity.
Application: I can sometimes act like a secret disciple, especially around those who are hostile toward Jesus. What I want to be is living out that great relationship with Jesus in an open an vibrant and visible way.
Prayer: Help me Lord, to be motivated more by love for You than by fear of men. May I be bold and courageous to gladly claim You as my Lord no matter what.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 19:38-40
38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
Observation: Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple -- he believed in Jesus, but he was emotionally dependent upon the respect of the Jewish community that opposed Jesus, so he hid it. Apparently Nicodemus was about the same. What I find sad is that these two men missed out on having a great relationship with Jesus. Having to hide and pretend that they didn't approve of Him must have been hard, and humiliating. But it was more important to be accepted by their friends, so they kept it secret. What a pity.
Application: I can sometimes act like a secret disciple, especially around those who are hostile toward Jesus. What I want to be is living out that great relationship with Jesus in an open an vibrant and visible way.
Prayer: Help me Lord, to be motivated more by love for You than by fear of men. May I be bold and courageous to gladly claim You as my Lord no matter what.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Title: In The End / Topic: Judgment
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalm 112; John 18
Scripture: 2 Kings 24:20 It was because of the LORD's anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence. [emphasis added]
Observation: God gave so many chances to His people -- both to Israel and Judah -- to repent and come back to Him. But again and again they went back to their sinful ways, rejecting God and rebelling against Him. But there is an end to opportunities to repent. There is a time when the chance that was just missed is the last chance of all!
Application: It is a frightening thought to have just missed the last opportunity to turn to God. But that will happen. There will be those who, rejecting God, will not have another chance to get back to Him and receive forgiveness and the opportunity for salvation.
Bottom line: Don't wait. If there is something that you know you need to get right with God, do it now! The time is coming when your time will be up and it will be too late.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy that delays judgment so that as many people as possible can come into Your kingdom. Lord, please send a wave of revival across our land. We so need it. Too many people are lost and we need the tide to turn. Send revival I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Kings 24:20 It was because of the LORD's anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence. [emphasis added]
Observation: God gave so many chances to His people -- both to Israel and Judah -- to repent and come back to Him. But again and again they went back to their sinful ways, rejecting God and rebelling against Him. But there is an end to opportunities to repent. There is a time when the chance that was just missed is the last chance of all!
Application: It is a frightening thought to have just missed the last opportunity to turn to God. But that will happen. There will be those who, rejecting God, will not have another chance to get back to Him and receive forgiveness and the opportunity for salvation.
Bottom line: Don't wait. If there is something that you know you need to get right with God, do it now! The time is coming when your time will be up and it will be too late.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy that delays judgment so that as many people as possible can come into Your kingdom. Lord, please send a wave of revival across our land. We so need it. Too many people are lost and we need the tide to turn. Send revival I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Title: Immovable / Topic: God's Steadfastness
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 18; Jeremiah 19; Jeremiah 20; Psalm 93; John 17
Scripture: Psalm 93
1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.
Observation: What a beautiful Psalm! I am so aware of my need to be reminded of the steadfastness of God -- that He shall not be moved. Our world is in turmoil with nasty political conflict at home, and ominously threatening terrorist enemies abroad. So often, the allies of hell seem to be winning! It's alarming.
That's the picture of the "thunder of the great waters" -- the sea of humanity in great turmoil. Thundering with waves of violence, hatred, death, and destruction. But God is more mighty than any ocean. His throne is firmly established, His "statutes stand firm" -- His rule and rules will prevail, no matter what.
Application: I must fix my eyes on Him and not let the turmoil of the waves get me down. I tend to be a news-aholic and listening to the doom and gloom of what's going on in the world can be upsetting. I need to limit the amount of time I give to that stuff and spend more time getting lifted up with God. And I also need to pray for our world. It needs intercession right now in the worst way.
Prayer: Lord, help me to not be a spectator to the destruction derby that is this world. Help me to be a warrior to seek Your face and pray in the Divine Deliverance and Heavenly Helpers we so desperately need. Lord, help me to stand on You and not be swayed by the news of the day. May I use what I hear and know to be Your agent amidst the ocean waves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 93
1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.
Observation: What a beautiful Psalm! I am so aware of my need to be reminded of the steadfastness of God -- that He shall not be moved. Our world is in turmoil with nasty political conflict at home, and ominously threatening terrorist enemies abroad. So often, the allies of hell seem to be winning! It's alarming.
That's the picture of the "thunder of the great waters" -- the sea of humanity in great turmoil. Thundering with waves of violence, hatred, death, and destruction. But God is more mighty than any ocean. His throne is firmly established, His "statutes stand firm" -- His rule and rules will prevail, no matter what.
Application: I must fix my eyes on Him and not let the turmoil of the waves get me down. I tend to be a news-aholic and listening to the doom and gloom of what's going on in the world can be upsetting. I need to limit the amount of time I give to that stuff and spend more time getting lifted up with God. And I also need to pray for our world. It needs intercession right now in the worst way.
Prayer: Lord, help me to not be a spectator to the destruction derby that is this world. Help me to be a warrior to seek Your face and pray in the Divine Deliverance and Heavenly Helpers we so desperately need. Lord, help me to stand on You and not be swayed by the news of the day. May I use what I hear and know to be Your agent amidst the ocean waves.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Title: Peace? / Topic: Peace
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 16; Jeremiah 17; Psalm 96; John 16
Scripture: John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Observation: It is obvious to me that all the things we think will bring us peace will not. Today, a cease-fire agreement, a truce, went into effect in Lebanon. "Peace, peace," that's what all the commentators are saying. hmmm... we will see...
I think also of the material possessions or accomplishments or relationships that people seek to bring them peace and security. All these things are a mirage of peace. From a distance, peace looks attainable -- it looks real. When you get close, it disappears in a shimmer of light.
Jesus is the only true and lasting source of peace.
Application: Cling to Jesus. Make Him your source and foundation. Everything else will crumble or burn.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help me to keep my eyes on You and to hold on.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Observation: It is obvious to me that all the things we think will bring us peace will not. Today, a cease-fire agreement, a truce, went into effect in Lebanon. "Peace, peace," that's what all the commentators are saying. hmmm... we will see...
I think also of the material possessions or accomplishments or relationships that people seek to bring them peace and security. All these things are a mirage of peace. From a distance, peace looks attainable -- it looks real. When you get close, it disappears in a shimmer of light.
Jesus is the only true and lasting source of peace.
Application: Cling to Jesus. Make Him your source and foundation. Everything else will crumble or burn.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help me to keep my eyes on You and to hold on.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Title: Not Mr. Popularity / Topic: Rejection
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 13; Jeremiah 14; Jeremiah 15; John 15
Scripture: John 15:18-20
18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also..."
Observation: Jesus makes it clear that I am not here to win some sort of popularity contest. That's a relief because "the world" sure is not beating a path to my door! Sometimes it gets discouraging to see the direction the world is headed. But Jesus warned us that the life we are called to live is in sharp contrast to the world. We are supposed to be swimming upstream, against the flow of our culture.
Application: It's simple. I shouldn't be surprised that non-christian people don't love what I stand for. But I must stand for truth and right and justice anyway, even in the face of scorn or persecution. (Actually, I have never faced real persecution -- just a little disapproval.)
Prayer: Lord, help me to worry about one thing: pleasing You. Make me a doer of what is right regardless of the environment I'm in. May I follow You and You alone, taking up my own cross every day.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 15:18-20
18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also..."
Observation: Jesus makes it clear that I am not here to win some sort of popularity contest. That's a relief because "the world" sure is not beating a path to my door! Sometimes it gets discouraging to see the direction the world is headed. But Jesus warned us that the life we are called to live is in sharp contrast to the world. We are supposed to be swimming upstream, against the flow of our culture.
Application: It's simple. I shouldn't be surprised that non-christian people don't love what I stand for. But I must stand for truth and right and justice anyway, even in the face of scorn or persecution. (Actually, I have never faced real persecution -- just a little disapproval.)
Prayer: Lord, help me to worry about one thing: pleasing You. Make me a doer of what is right regardless of the environment I'm in. May I follow You and You alone, taking up my own cross every day.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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