These two chapters open with the crowd being “amazed” by Jesus and then Jesus is equally “amazed” by the crowd. My wife uses the word amazing daily to describe something she thinks is wonderful. But in these moments the circumstances are less than wonderful. The people do not understand or know Jesus. And Jesus responds to them in the same way. Remember, Jesus is the one who knows the thoughts of men, and yet here He was “amazed at their lack of faith” (6:6).
The paragraphs that follow reveal just who Jesus is and why we should have faith in Him. Each of these stories also reveal who we are as people. Are you a person who trusts Jesus or are you holding back? In these two chapters alone we find Jesus performing miracles in front of the many and the few. Jesus doesn’t hold anything back. He heals, provides food, exercises power over creation, preaches the good news and so on.
My question today is, “Am I holding back from Jesus?” “Lord, give me the courage to fully follow Jesus.” As we look to what’s next may we be prepared to be amazed in the wonderful way about what God will do.
Nathan Tillotson
March 1
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Mark 4-5
OK, so there is so much material in these two chapters. Four miracles, one metaphor for life, and three parables--but only one explanation. That’s enough material for an entire semester of Sunday Bible classes! Notice in 4:34 it says that Jesus didn’t explain the parables to just anybody; only to his traveling companions. How curious. Jesus kept the crowds wondering and scratching their heads---and they kept coming back for more. Hmmm...
Gotta love the miracles and the amazement of the people. Anybody remember the commercial, “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie-Roll Pop?” Here’s my question: “How many miracles does it take to get to full FAITH in Jesus?” Good grief, Charlie Brown. I would like to think that I would have been totally sold out on Jesus after that storm died down. By the time I saw 2000 pigs charging down a mountain, I’d have freaked out and followed him forever! I think I would have...wouldn’t you? Of course it’s so easy to think so two thousand years later reading about instead of living it. BUT WAIT, I believe that the storm died down and the pigs are all off the mountain, so...am I sufficiently freaked out and following him forever? Are you?
Jim Bales
February 28
Gotta love the miracles and the amazement of the people. Anybody remember the commercial, “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie-Roll Pop?” Here’s my question: “How many miracles does it take to get to full FAITH in Jesus?” Good grief, Charlie Brown. I would like to think that I would have been totally sold out on Jesus after that storm died down. By the time I saw 2000 pigs charging down a mountain, I’d have freaked out and followed him forever! I think I would have...wouldn’t you? Of course it’s so easy to think so two thousand years later reading about instead of living it. BUT WAIT, I believe that the storm died down and the pigs are all off the mountain, so...am I sufficiently freaked out and following him forever? Are you?
Jim Bales
February 28
Friday, February 26, 2010
Mark 1-3
The Pharisees kill me. What were they thinking? Time and time and time again they witnessed the wonder and complete power of a man that was God and their responses are laughable. Jesus heals a man that has been confined to a mat and paralyzed for his whole life and post-miracle the Pharisees reply, “Why does this fellow talk like that?” That’s right. There is no record of any of them saying, “Whoa, how did he do that?” Or, “Where’s the body double…that was a good trick?” I don’t think it ever says in the Bible that the Pharisees didn’t believe that Jesus was healing people. It wasn’t that they thought He was a fraud and He was pulling the wool over their eyes. They were so caught up in the legalities and the fine print that they somehow missed the beauty and reality of what had just happened before their eyes.
The next time that Mark records the Pharisees unintentional humor [maybe I’m the only one that thinks it’s funny] is on the Sabbath. The scene opens in a synagogue and Mark writes that “a man was there with a shriveled hand.” Sorry, but I must also note the succinctness with which Mark reveals the holy adventures of Jesus…the man wastes no time. So like Mark said, there was a man there with a shriveled hand and the Pharisees were waiting with bated breath to see if Jesus would dare heal someone on the beloved day of rest. Again, not waiting to see if He could actually do it—it was almost like they already knew He was the real deal and He had the power of God living in Him but they thought if they could catch Him accidentally being Godly on the wrong day then they could convince God not to use such a rule-breaking bum to save the world. Jesus sets them straight with a little verbal punishment, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" Silence set in. The Pharisees cowardly demonstrated their immovable position by sitting in silence. I feel Jesus’ pain here--well I’m sure I have no idea of Jesus’ pain…that’s a little sacrilegious; but I understand why he looked at them in ANGER. If you're ever looking for a way push me over the edge, just ignore me. It irritates me like nobodies business...and Jesus too. No one would even acknowledge his question…and he was distressed by their stubborn hearts.
When I read the word anger, I was convicted. I read and re-read this chunk of scripture knowing that Jesus and anger are not usually in the same sentence. Initially, I was creating a protest scene in my head...Jesus and I grabbed our oversized picket signs, threw them over our shoulders and started marching in circles shouting "down with the Pharisees." I was mad that the Pharisees were being so stuck up and that they didn't understand the heart of the matter. I'm always mad at the Pharisees. I have this little compartment in my head for the stubborn, close-minded men that tried to disprove Jesus and because they were always opposing Jesus, I feel like God has given me permission to judge them and deem their sin unforgivable. But, then God grabbed my picket sign and yanked me back to reality. Silence set in yet again and I felt God laying words on my heart, "you're a stubborn sinner."
We are all stubborn sinners. Maybe our sin doesn't look as pretentious as the Pharisees, or maybe it does, but Jesus died for those men. He died for you. He died for me. None of us deserve it…we don’t deserve to daily bask in the freedom and joy of His mercy. I thank God for reminding me that the Pharisees are in good company, as my ignorance is no different than theirs. In her book Traveling Mercies, Anne Lammot writes, “Grace is the light or electricity or juice that takes you from that isolated place and puts you with others who are as startled and embarrassed and eventually grateful as you are to be there.”
Jenna Trapasso
February 27
The next time that Mark records the Pharisees unintentional humor [maybe I’m the only one that thinks it’s funny] is on the Sabbath. The scene opens in a synagogue and Mark writes that “a man was there with a shriveled hand.” Sorry, but I must also note the succinctness with which Mark reveals the holy adventures of Jesus…the man wastes no time. So like Mark said, there was a man there with a shriveled hand and the Pharisees were waiting with bated breath to see if Jesus would dare heal someone on the beloved day of rest. Again, not waiting to see if He could actually do it—it was almost like they already knew He was the real deal and He had the power of God living in Him but they thought if they could catch Him accidentally being Godly on the wrong day then they could convince God not to use such a rule-breaking bum to save the world. Jesus sets them straight with a little verbal punishment, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" Silence set in. The Pharisees cowardly demonstrated their immovable position by sitting in silence. I feel Jesus’ pain here--well I’m sure I have no idea of Jesus’ pain…that’s a little sacrilegious; but I understand why he looked at them in ANGER. If you're ever looking for a way push me over the edge, just ignore me. It irritates me like nobodies business...and Jesus too. No one would even acknowledge his question…and he was distressed by their stubborn hearts.
When I read the word anger, I was convicted. I read and re-read this chunk of scripture knowing that Jesus and anger are not usually in the same sentence. Initially, I was creating a protest scene in my head...Jesus and I grabbed our oversized picket signs, threw them over our shoulders and started marching in circles shouting "down with the Pharisees." I was mad that the Pharisees were being so stuck up and that they didn't understand the heart of the matter. I'm always mad at the Pharisees. I have this little compartment in my head for the stubborn, close-minded men that tried to disprove Jesus and because they were always opposing Jesus, I feel like God has given me permission to judge them and deem their sin unforgivable. But, then God grabbed my picket sign and yanked me back to reality. Silence set in yet again and I felt God laying words on my heart, "you're a stubborn sinner."
We are all stubborn sinners. Maybe our sin doesn't look as pretentious as the Pharisees, or maybe it does, but Jesus died for those men. He died for you. He died for me. None of us deserve it…we don’t deserve to daily bask in the freedom and joy of His mercy. I thank God for reminding me that the Pharisees are in good company, as my ignorance is no different than theirs. In her book Traveling Mercies, Anne Lammot writes, “Grace is the light or electricity or juice that takes you from that isolated place and puts you with others who are as startled and embarrassed and eventually grateful as you are to be there.”
Jenna Trapasso
February 27
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Matthew 27-28
Judas, Michael Jackson, and Jesus Christ….
I can still remember the first time that I saw Michael Jackson’s video short “Thriller". The dancing was amazing, the zombies were scary, but the weird part was watching these bodies come out of graves.
I am always amazed at the difference in how Judas and Peter handled their betrayal of Jesus. Judas, when “seized with remorse” goes to have a conversation with the priest who claim “what is it to us…. that is your responsibility.” Judas guilt drives him to suicide. Peter, after denying Jesus three times, has a conversation with Jesus that unburdens his guilt and leads him to be the “rock” that Jesus builds his church. One decision brings life and the other decision brings death.
What do you do with this man named Jesus? What do you do with your sin and guilt? The answer to that question determines life or death.
When I read (Mat 27:51-53 NIV) At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. {52} The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. {53} They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
I am always reminded that I have access to Jesus. I need to turn to him and non other for forgiveness and LIFE.
Are you feeling heavy with sin and guilt? No matter how doomed or dead you feel, have a talk with Jesus today. He will bring the thrill back to your life!
Brad Childers
February 26
I can still remember the first time that I saw Michael Jackson’s video short “Thriller". The dancing was amazing, the zombies were scary, but the weird part was watching these bodies come out of graves.
I am always amazed at the difference in how Judas and Peter handled their betrayal of Jesus. Judas, when “seized with remorse” goes to have a conversation with the priest who claim “what is it to us…. that is your responsibility.” Judas guilt drives him to suicide. Peter, after denying Jesus three times, has a conversation with Jesus that unburdens his guilt and leads him to be the “rock” that Jesus builds his church. One decision brings life and the other decision brings death.
What do you do with this man named Jesus? What do you do with your sin and guilt? The answer to that question determines life or death.
When I read (Mat 27:51-53 NIV) At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. {52} The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. {53} They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
I am always reminded that I have access to Jesus. I need to turn to him and non other for forgiveness and LIFE.
Are you feeling heavy with sin and guilt? No matter how doomed or dead you feel, have a talk with Jesus today. He will bring the thrill back to your life!
Brad Childers
February 26
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Matthew 26
Two Day Turn-Over
What a couple of days of contrast! We start out with Jesus being anointed at a feast and we end with him being spat on and betrayed. I guess I could say “Life’s like that.” But that’s quite a turn around for just a couple of days.
How do you react when life whip saws you that way? I know that I enjoy the foot-washing, but don’t care for the back-beating. I want to know what went wrong and how can I get back to being the one folks want to be seen with… not the one they want to spit on. But Jesus seems to handle them both in stride. What’s his secret?
Maybe it’s because he knows what’s coming.
Maybe it’s because he knows the one who will see him through.
Maybe it’s because he knows he’s only worth 30 silver pieces.
Here’s some Bible trivia: Why did Judas get paid thirty pieces of silver for betraying Jesus? It was the price God told the Jews to pay if they hurt somebody’s slave:
If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull must be stoned. (Exodus 21:32)
Interesting: Jesus is treated like Judas’s slave. They paid Judas just as though they had accidentally backed their ox cart over a slave boy he had owned. Could it be that this was the key to Jesus handling his fate so calmly. He knew that he had “made himself nothing” as Paul would later write, “Taking on the very nature of a servant.”
When we see ourselves as the servants of God and the servants of our neighbors, we stop expecting perfume and foot-washing. We know we are destined for cleaning up aisle three and getting kicked while we do. We know that we will have some close friends turn their back on us and others run away. So we don’t panic or moan when it happens.
If you follow the money in this chapter it leads from the prostitutes perfume to Judas greedy hands and trips him up badly.
If you follow the Savior in this chapter he goes from being the hero to the zero… and keeps walking straight ahead toward what God had NEXT for him the whole time.
I know who I want to follow this week… God help me to do so!
Jeff Walling
February 25
What a couple of days of contrast! We start out with Jesus being anointed at a feast and we end with him being spat on and betrayed. I guess I could say “Life’s like that.” But that’s quite a turn around for just a couple of days.
How do you react when life whip saws you that way? I know that I enjoy the foot-washing, but don’t care for the back-beating. I want to know what went wrong and how can I get back to being the one folks want to be seen with… not the one they want to spit on. But Jesus seems to handle them both in stride. What’s his secret?
Maybe it’s because he knows what’s coming.
Maybe it’s because he knows the one who will see him through.
Maybe it’s because he knows he’s only worth 30 silver pieces.
Here’s some Bible trivia: Why did Judas get paid thirty pieces of silver for betraying Jesus? It was the price God told the Jews to pay if they hurt somebody’s slave:
If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull must be stoned. (Exodus 21:32)
Interesting: Jesus is treated like Judas’s slave. They paid Judas just as though they had accidentally backed their ox cart over a slave boy he had owned. Could it be that this was the key to Jesus handling his fate so calmly. He knew that he had “made himself nothing” as Paul would later write, “Taking on the very nature of a servant.”
When we see ourselves as the servants of God and the servants of our neighbors, we stop expecting perfume and foot-washing. We know we are destined for cleaning up aisle three and getting kicked while we do. We know that we will have some close friends turn their back on us and others run away. So we don’t panic or moan when it happens.
If you follow the money in this chapter it leads from the prostitutes perfume to Judas greedy hands and trips him up badly.
If you follow the Savior in this chapter he goes from being the hero to the zero… and keeps walking straight ahead toward what God had NEXT for him the whole time.
I know who I want to follow this week… God help me to do so!
Jeff Walling
February 25
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Matthew 24-25
Johnny lived a life of drugs and gangs. He loved football and played on the JV team at the local junior high. Some visitors came to his school from ESPN, including a professional football player, to talk about the dangers of “at-risk” behavior. Johnny heard all of this before and tuned out--- until one of them announced that each student would have the opportunity to experience what it would feel like to lay down in your casket- something that might happen soon if they did not change their lifestyle. Child after child walked up to the casket quietly, laid down and for a few minutes had the cover closed. Johnny got in. Dark, quiet, a little cold, he laid inside the box designed for each person who lives on this planet. Thoughts raced through his head about his family, how he has wasted his life so far, how he can and will change, and what about after this life???
Steven Covey in one of his books discusses the concept of “Beginning with the End in Mind.” Our Lord Jesus and many other Biblical writers agree. Read today’s Scripture- the focus is “Jesus is returning and so how does this impact my life now?” There are 2 certainties in life: (1) Jesus is Lord and will return to judge each of us, and (2) we will all leave this earth and face the greater reality of God’s presence. Part of I Peter 1 says, “If you call on the Father Who judges each person’s work without partiality, conduct yourselves during the time of your stay here in fear, knowing that you were redeemed not with corruptible things…but with the precious blood of Christ.”
May the Lord bless you as you seek Him today!
Jack Exum
February 24
Steven Covey in one of his books discusses the concept of “Beginning with the End in Mind.” Our Lord Jesus and many other Biblical writers agree. Read today’s Scripture- the focus is “Jesus is returning and so how does this impact my life now?” There are 2 certainties in life: (1) Jesus is Lord and will return to judge each of us, and (2) we will all leave this earth and face the greater reality of God’s presence. Part of I Peter 1 says, “If you call on the Father Who judges each person’s work without partiality, conduct yourselves during the time of your stay here in fear, knowing that you were redeemed not with corruptible things…but with the precious blood of Christ.”
May the Lord bless you as you seek Him today!
Jack Exum
February 24
Monday, February 22, 2010
Matthew 22-23
Anyone who thinks Jesus is a mild-mannered weakling who has no backbone has never read these chapters! During His final week on earth, Jesus knows his time for making known the will of God is short. He only has a few days to live, and he intentionally uses every moment to drive home His message.
Matthew 23 is the most scathing discourse Jesus ever delivered. He shreds the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, and does everything He can to shock them into examining their motives and beliefs.
For a long time I thought Jesus was just writing them off, declaring they had no hope because of how badly they had misinterpreted God’s intent and then forced those beliefs on a largely naïve, illiterate, and unsuspecting populace. But the more often I read this chapter, the more I’ve come to believe the message Jesus delivered was based in love.
Yes, He was mad at the religious leaders for twisting the truth, for taking advantage of their position and extorting money, for loving the praises and prestige of men rather than humbly seeking God’s approval. But He also loved them; loved them enough to call them to account for their behavior, and go to extreme lengths to get them to see the error of their ways. It’s easy to sit here in 2010 and judge the Pharisees, and declare we’d never be like them. Funny – that’s exactly what they told Jesus – they wouldn’t have killed the prophets in the past if they had been around in those days.
I suspect you, like me, have had some moments with God where He was shouting and going to extreme lengths to get my attention. About things I needed to change. About attitudes, prejudices, twisted theology. About seeking people’s approval and accolades rather than His.
God loves me too much to let me continue on the wrong path when I stray. May I see His hand in my life as He corrects me and guides me back into His will, and may I be less stubborn than I have been about surrendering my will to His – before He has to bring out the 2x4 to get my attention!
Lee Thrasher
February 23
Matthew 23 is the most scathing discourse Jesus ever delivered. He shreds the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, and does everything He can to shock them into examining their motives and beliefs.
For a long time I thought Jesus was just writing them off, declaring they had no hope because of how badly they had misinterpreted God’s intent and then forced those beliefs on a largely naïve, illiterate, and unsuspecting populace. But the more often I read this chapter, the more I’ve come to believe the message Jesus delivered was based in love.
Yes, He was mad at the religious leaders for twisting the truth, for taking advantage of their position and extorting money, for loving the praises and prestige of men rather than humbly seeking God’s approval. But He also loved them; loved them enough to call them to account for their behavior, and go to extreme lengths to get them to see the error of their ways. It’s easy to sit here in 2010 and judge the Pharisees, and declare we’d never be like them. Funny – that’s exactly what they told Jesus – they wouldn’t have killed the prophets in the past if they had been around in those days.
I suspect you, like me, have had some moments with God where He was shouting and going to extreme lengths to get my attention. About things I needed to change. About attitudes, prejudices, twisted theology. About seeking people’s approval and accolades rather than His.
God loves me too much to let me continue on the wrong path when I stray. May I see His hand in my life as He corrects me and guides me back into His will, and may I be less stubborn than I have been about surrendering my will to His – before He has to bring out the 2x4 to get my attention!
Lee Thrasher
February 23
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Matthew 20-21
Many years ago I made a trip through the wine country of California. The countryside was dotted with rows of grapevines. These vines represented a vibrant industry that is a familiar sight for folks that live in that area. Vineyards were also common in the lives of those that listened to Jesus, and he loved to use the familiar to explain the divine. Three vineyards appear in Matthew 20 and 21.
In the first vineyard, we can sympathize with some weary workers who have spent a long day working in the sun only to discover that some late comers who only worked for the last hour have received the same amount of pay. Where is the justice in that? The landowner reminds them that they are being paid the wage that they agree to. This reminds me that, as a Christ follower, I have also made a commitment. I committed to follow Him with the unique set of gifts, talents and circumstances that God has given to me alone. I must trust Him with the provisions that He has provided for my journey.
In the second vineyard, we are asked to consider that words alone do not constitute obedience. It is through our willingness to act that we truly honor the will of the Father.
The last vineyard a paints a picture of violent rebellion and the disastrous consequences that lie in wait when we become arrogant and lose the spirit of thankfulness that should flow from our hearts to the Giver of all good gifts. These verses encourage me to walk in trust, obedience, and thanksgiving so that I may be a fit worker in His vineyard.
Kathleen Tatro
February 22
In the first vineyard, we can sympathize with some weary workers who have spent a long day working in the sun only to discover that some late comers who only worked for the last hour have received the same amount of pay. Where is the justice in that? The landowner reminds them that they are being paid the wage that they agree to. This reminds me that, as a Christ follower, I have also made a commitment. I committed to follow Him with the unique set of gifts, talents and circumstances that God has given to me alone. I must trust Him with the provisions that He has provided for my journey.
In the second vineyard, we are asked to consider that words alone do not constitute obedience. It is through our willingness to act that we truly honor the will of the Father.
The last vineyard a paints a picture of violent rebellion and the disastrous consequences that lie in wait when we become arrogant and lose the spirit of thankfulness that should flow from our hearts to the Giver of all good gifts. These verses encourage me to walk in trust, obedience, and thanksgiving so that I may be a fit worker in His vineyard.
Kathleen Tatro
February 22
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Matthew 17-19
Peter is easy for me to understand. One day I’d like to pull out all the verses that start with “Simon Peter answered” or “Peter said to Jesus”. He seemed to have no problem inserting himself into a conversation! Such is the case in Matthew 17. Peter has just been the one to speak up and declare that Jesus is the Son of God. Then he takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him. If the contrast of those two situations isn’t enough, now he says something I confess leaves me shaking my head. Peter has once again been singled out with James and John for some special time with Jesus. Jesus takes them to the top of a mountain, and there before their eyes, changes. “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light.” Then Moses and Elijah appear. What a scene! What does Peter have to say now? “I can’t believe my eyes?” “Why did He choose me to see this?” No, he says: “Lord, it’s good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Huh? Shelters? What is Peter thinking? Mark says he was so frightened he didn’t know what he was saying. And yet he spoke. Boy can I relate! Words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them. I don’t know what to say, but I’m uncomfortable saying nothing. Silence is difficult for me. I think it was for Peter too. Even when the “glory of the Lord” was right before his eyes, he could not be quiet! Many times in Scripture, Peter opens his mouth and takes a big bite of his foot! But there is something else that strikes me about this story. Out of all the people around Jesus, he chose Peter to be especially close to him. On many occasions Jesus singles him out and asks him to speak. He does this later in the same chapter. Jesus asks “What do you think, Simon?” This talker finds great comfort in those words. Could the Lord of the earth be interested in what I have to say? Wow! Even in my weakness, Jesus desires relationship with me and assigns value to my thoughts and words. Thank you, Jesus, for hearing all my words and understanding the heart behind them.
Julie Hallman
February 21
Julie Hallman
February 21
Friday, February 19, 2010
Matthew 14-16
Going through today's passages, it is hard for us to understand the Lord's ways which at times are against our ways. Herod did away with John the Baptist for John had been saying to him: "It it not lawful for you to have her". In other words he was letting him know that what he was doing was not pleasant to God. Sometimes in our own lives we do not like to hear the warnings of God.
The things that defile a man, as the Lord says in Matthews 15:18, are "But the things that come out the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean'. For out of the heart come out evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander".
Simon Peter had been short of the glory of God as well as we all are, but he confessed from his heart: "You are the Christ, the son of the living God."
We are all short of the glory of God, but through Jesus Christ, we can find the way to be not only clean but saved. It is in Jesus Christ that we are saved. Praise God!
Armando Perdomo
February 20
The things that defile a man, as the Lord says in Matthews 15:18, are "But the things that come out the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean'. For out of the heart come out evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander".
Simon Peter had been short of the glory of God as well as we all are, but he confessed from his heart: "You are the Christ, the son of the living God."
We are all short of the glory of God, but through Jesus Christ, we can find the way to be not only clean but saved. It is in Jesus Christ that we are saved. Praise God!
Armando Perdomo
February 20
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Matthew 12-13
One of Matthew’s main themes is to show Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In these two chapters
we find plenty of things for Jesus to save people from. But what strikes me is that Jesus calls
believers to be sowers of good seed regardless of rampant evil in the world. The farmer in
chapter 13 scatters seed everywhere. He doesn’t make a distinction about where he’s
throwing seed, he only gives a description.
As you meditate on today’s reading ask yourself where you are scattering seed. Do you
believe that Jesus really is the Lord and Savior every person in the world needs?
I believe God is calling us to do what Jesus did; to be an agent of healing and relief for anyone
caught in sin and the destruction caused by sin. Today may you see and may others see that
God is the Lord and Savior of your life.
Nathan Tillotson
February 19
we find plenty of things for Jesus to save people from. But what strikes me is that Jesus calls
believers to be sowers of good seed regardless of rampant evil in the world. The farmer in
chapter 13 scatters seed everywhere. He doesn’t make a distinction about where he’s
throwing seed, he only gives a description.
As you meditate on today’s reading ask yourself where you are scattering seed. Do you
believe that Jesus really is the Lord and Savior every person in the world needs?
I believe God is calling us to do what Jesus did; to be an agent of healing and relief for anyone
caught in sin and the destruction caused by sin. Today may you see and may others see that
God is the Lord and Savior of your life.
Nathan Tillotson
February 19
Matthew 10-11
Matthew 10: “Jesus called them one by one. Peter, Andrew, James and John...” If you grew up going to church---you are humming along right now!! I am always reminded when reading this passage that Jesus picked these guys to help him, and then he sent them away to go do the work. He gave them a little training and then pushed them out into the big, bad world. I always think of them following Jesus around like puppy dogs but in reality-they got some real-life on-the-job training, too!
Matthew 11: Jesus promises REST-- I sure hope it comes soon!!! I’m ready for it. Aren’t you? Oh wait. He says that the REST is here. All we have to do is COME TO HIM! It sounds so simple and wonderful, and yet so many times I forget or decide to try to handle things on my own. UGH! Anyone remember this old song. I can hear my grandma singing it...
“O heart bowed down with sorrow! O eyes that long for sight! There's gladness in believing; In Jesus there is light.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me;
For I am meek and lowly in heart And ye shall find rest unto your soul.”
Jim Bales
February 18
Matthew 11: Jesus promises REST-- I sure hope it comes soon!!! I’m ready for it. Aren’t you? Oh wait. He says that the REST is here. All we have to do is COME TO HIM! It sounds so simple and wonderful, and yet so many times I forget or decide to try to handle things on my own. UGH! Anyone remember this old song. I can hear my grandma singing it...
“O heart bowed down with sorrow! O eyes that long for sight! There's gladness in believing; In Jesus there is light.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me;
For I am meek and lowly in heart And ye shall find rest unto your soul.”
Jim Bales
February 18
Monday, February 15, 2010
Matthew 7-9
Could Matthew be any cooler? I was a nerd and I added up all the verses in the three chapters we read today. Guess how many it was? 101. Of those 101 verses, ONE was dedicated to Matthew’s commitment to following the Lord. I love Matthew for this…“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” The beautiful thing about this is the frank language…“so he got up and followed him.” I’m picturing a current-day Matthew and he’s the guy who wears hiking boots and puffy vests wherever he goes in case nature beckons him. He’s got a scruffy beard, as do all whimsical adventurers. He marches to the beat of his own drum and he just keeps marching until the next voyage approaches him. That’s how my head wants to draw him because I want to believe he was the unique one; and his leap of faith to join Jesus’ Holy squad was the award-winning performance in this scripture but I had my eyes opened to something today.
While Matthew’s commitment was a notable act of faith and a great example of the attitude we should have in following Christ, I think Jesus is the big deal here. Jesus is the adventurer. He was the one marching to the beat of His own drum. He was intriguing…unique, captivating, confident, righteous—but in an unassuming way. Who wouldn’t have joined his team? I’m sure there are some of you who prefer to live a little on the safe side [you like marching to the beat of Jesus Loves Me in your own living room] and you’re not identifying with my attraction to Jesus’ individuality in relationship to that era…but stick with me for another minute.
I asked God to reveal something new to me today before I started reading in Matthew and as I flipped the pages through the miracles that Jesus performed, I thought of the lost that witnessed Jesus on that day…the awe, the wonder, the hope they must’ve felt as Jesus redeemed the discouraged and sick and as he washed away polluted pasts. How relieved were they when they heard that God was so accessible to them…“Ask and you shall receive?” It is so wonderful that we serve a God that knows our hearts so well -- that understands the depth of humanity and our need for Him. I know He chose to send Jesus Christ to earth with the ability to heal and inspire and redeem so that people would look to the Father and want to know Him.
Jesus isn’t walking the earth anymore “proving” the power and love of God but he left us here with his adventurous Holy Spirit. I know that if our lives were revealing the same God that Jesus’ was, the lost would be asking who He was and they would feel that same promise of love, acceptance, and deliverance. They would believe it when we told them that when our God walked the earth He said, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Jenna Trapasso
February 17
While Matthew’s commitment was a notable act of faith and a great example of the attitude we should have in following Christ, I think Jesus is the big deal here. Jesus is the adventurer. He was the one marching to the beat of His own drum. He was intriguing…unique, captivating, confident, righteous—but in an unassuming way. Who wouldn’t have joined his team? I’m sure there are some of you who prefer to live a little on the safe side [you like marching to the beat of Jesus Loves Me in your own living room] and you’re not identifying with my attraction to Jesus’ individuality in relationship to that era…but stick with me for another minute.
I asked God to reveal something new to me today before I started reading in Matthew and as I flipped the pages through the miracles that Jesus performed, I thought of the lost that witnessed Jesus on that day…the awe, the wonder, the hope they must’ve felt as Jesus redeemed the discouraged and sick and as he washed away polluted pasts. How relieved were they when they heard that God was so accessible to them…“Ask and you shall receive?” It is so wonderful that we serve a God that knows our hearts so well -- that understands the depth of humanity and our need for Him. I know He chose to send Jesus Christ to earth with the ability to heal and inspire and redeem so that people would look to the Father and want to know Him.
Jesus isn’t walking the earth anymore “proving” the power and love of God but he left us here with his adventurous Holy Spirit. I know that if our lives were revealing the same God that Jesus’ was, the lost would be asking who He was and they would feel that same promise of love, acceptance, and deliverance. They would believe it when we told them that when our God walked the earth He said, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Jenna Trapasso
February 17
Matthew 5-6
Are you kidding me??? We are supposed to be HAPPY when we are: poor, mourning, meek, hungry, needing mercy, insulted….. seriously?
That does seem to be Jesus’ theme on the Sermon on the Mount, but it seems so opposite to this world. Maybe even counterintuitive… What does that mean? Counterintuitive is defined as contrary to what intuition or common sense would indicate.
It seems so backwards, but isn’t that the way God works. Let’s look at some of the Bible’s examples: whoever wants to find his life must lose it, when someone hits you turn the other cheek, Jesus gives us life through His death. Yep, pretty backwards!
Looking at Matthew 5 and 6 through Jesus' counterintuitive lens brings this thought to mind. What is the motivation for what I do?
Click on this link to read Matthew 6:1-6.
Who is our audience? Who are we trying to please?
Click on this link to read Matthew 6:16-21.
Who am I trying to impress here on earth? Should my motivation be for others to see my good? If others see my deeds, where is my reward?
Often when I read the words of God, I am realigned to how I should think and live. It is as if the worldly scales fall from my eyes and I see life like God sees life.
Unfortunately, my view of life sometimes is one of trying to please people on this earth and to make them think I am amazing. This worldly motivation of people pleasing, as Bill Hybels puts it, is a dead-end street that leads to anxiety, confusion, and bondage. But God-pleasing is the path to peace, fulfillment, and true liberation.
I need to be more counterintuitive! How about you?
Brad Childers
February 16
That does seem to be Jesus’ theme on the Sermon on the Mount, but it seems so opposite to this world. Maybe even counterintuitive… What does that mean? Counterintuitive is defined as contrary to what intuition or common sense would indicate.
It seems so backwards, but isn’t that the way God works. Let’s look at some of the Bible’s examples: whoever wants to find his life must lose it, when someone hits you turn the other cheek, Jesus gives us life through His death. Yep, pretty backwards!
Looking at Matthew 5 and 6 through Jesus' counterintuitive lens brings this thought to mind. What is the motivation for what I do?
Click on this link to read Matthew 6:1-6.
Who is our audience? Who are we trying to please?
Click on this link to read Matthew 6:16-21.
Who am I trying to impress here on earth? Should my motivation be for others to see my good? If others see my deeds, where is my reward?
Often when I read the words of God, I am realigned to how I should think and live. It is as if the worldly scales fall from my eyes and I see life like God sees life.
Unfortunately, my view of life sometimes is one of trying to please people on this earth and to make them think I am amazing. This worldly motivation of people pleasing, as Bill Hybels puts it, is a dead-end street that leads to anxiety, confusion, and bondage. But God-pleasing is the path to peace, fulfillment, and true liberation.
I need to be more counterintuitive! How about you?
Brad Childers
February 16
Friday, February 12, 2010
Matthew 1-4
Jesus for the Rest of Us
For me, starting to read the New Testament is always so exciting… and frustrating. You’re ready to hear about the wonderful ministry of the God-man who changed the world: Miracles, healings, conflicts with Pharisees, forgiveness for the hurting. But then Matthew starts the whole thing with this long list of “Who’s your Daddy?” And that’s the part I have to write a blog about!
But maybe that’s what I need to see right now. Look over those names. The list starts with two of the biggies: David and Abraham. These men of faith are the ones we’ve studied for centuries. One leaves his family and country to follow God in faith. The other is the man after God’s own heart who wrote the 23 Psalm. Add to that names like Issac, Jacob, Solomon and the boy-King Josiah. Matthew wants us to know that Jesus sure had some awesome pedigree!
Yet I keep looking down the list and I see some names that I wouldn’t have included in the first chapter of my life story. There are folks that embarrass me: Rahab, the harlot, Tamar of Judah’s shame and even Bathsheba – though Matthew doesn’t call her by name. There’s king Rehoboam, who’s willfulness rips apart Israel as a country and king Manassah who’s one of the most wicked of Judah’s rulers. What are these people doing in the list.
Then I look farther and see names nobody ever talks about…because we don’t know their story. Anybody want to tell me the story of Eliakim, Akim or Eliud? These are unknowns, nobodies. Faces from the crowd. And maybe therein is the power of this long list.
Jesus was for the whole world. He came from great men and bad men. He came from famous people and un-knowns. His relatives were the rich and the poor, the scoundrels and the saints, the blessed and the cursed. He is the savior for the best of us and the savior for the rest of us.
When I watch his parents nearly divorce, his baptizer try to refuse and Satan try to take him out on his first day on the job… I get it. He’s walking this road for me and for you – no matter who you are. He is our Lord. Not just from realms on high but from right down the street.
No wonder he was so popular.
No wonder children loved him.
No wonder the sinners and the saints sought him out.
And no wonder that by the time I get to the end of my section, Jesus has everyone following him:
“Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” (Matthew 4:25)
Jeff Walling
February 15
For me, starting to read the New Testament is always so exciting… and frustrating. You’re ready to hear about the wonderful ministry of the God-man who changed the world: Miracles, healings, conflicts with Pharisees, forgiveness for the hurting. But then Matthew starts the whole thing with this long list of “Who’s your Daddy?” And that’s the part I have to write a blog about!
But maybe that’s what I need to see right now. Look over those names. The list starts with two of the biggies: David and Abraham. These men of faith are the ones we’ve studied for centuries. One leaves his family and country to follow God in faith. The other is the man after God’s own heart who wrote the 23 Psalm. Add to that names like Issac, Jacob, Solomon and the boy-King Josiah. Matthew wants us to know that Jesus sure had some awesome pedigree!
Yet I keep looking down the list and I see some names that I wouldn’t have included in the first chapter of my life story. There are folks that embarrass me: Rahab, the harlot, Tamar of Judah’s shame and even Bathsheba – though Matthew doesn’t call her by name. There’s king Rehoboam, who’s willfulness rips apart Israel as a country and king Manassah who’s one of the most wicked of Judah’s rulers. What are these people doing in the list.
Then I look farther and see names nobody ever talks about…because we don’t know their story. Anybody want to tell me the story of Eliakim, Akim or Eliud? These are unknowns, nobodies. Faces from the crowd. And maybe therein is the power of this long list.
Jesus was for the whole world. He came from great men and bad men. He came from famous people and un-knowns. His relatives were the rich and the poor, the scoundrels and the saints, the blessed and the cursed. He is the savior for the best of us and the savior for the rest of us.
When I watch his parents nearly divorce, his baptizer try to refuse and Satan try to take him out on his first day on the job… I get it. He’s walking this road for me and for you – no matter who you are. He is our Lord. Not just from realms on high but from right down the street.
No wonder he was so popular.
No wonder children loved him.
No wonder the sinners and the saints sought him out.
And no wonder that by the time I get to the end of my section, Jesus has everyone following him:
“Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” (Matthew 4:25)
Jeff Walling
February 15
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)