Luke 3:1-20 - How to Show Your Faith

In these verses, we get a glimpse of John’s ministry and message. His life was foretold by Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 40:3-5). John ministry was to tell people to prepare their hearts to received the good news of God’s forgiveness through the life and sacrifice of Jesus. As John preached on the coming of the Messiah and the coming judgement upon people for their sinful and selfish behavior, people asked what could they do to escape judgement. In addressing this question, John goes right to the root of the problem. The religious leaders believed and taught that the descendants of Abraham were exempt from God’s judgement of sin through the covenant God made with Abraham. John declares this is not the case (verse 8). Even today, people use this as an excuse to continue with their selfish, sinful lifestyle. When confronted with the reality of their need to turn from their sin and be forgiven through belief in Jesus, they say things like, “I’m a Christian” or “I am basically a good person.” The interesting aspect of Abraham is that he is not an Israelite. Abraham is the father of Israel. However, he is also the father of many nations. God’s covenant of blessing and redemption was for Abraham and all of his descendants not just the nation of Israel and their descendants.

There is a tremendous amount of theology packed into these verses. However, the core of John’s message was that in order to prepare your heart to receive the blessing and redemption of the Abrahamic Covenant, you first need to turn away from your sin and selfishness and turn your life over to God (verse 8). Furthermore, you are to prove you have truly done this by the way you live. You are to not only think of yourself, but give to those in need. You are not to take what does not belong to you (verses 11-14). And, you are to be honest in all your dealings. The proof of your faith is in the actions you take to be a blessing to others (James 2:14-17). When I take an inventory of my life each day, how does it stack up with John’s message? Am I enriching the lives of others or am I so caught up with my own life, I am blind to the needs of others and willing to subtract from their lives in order to protect my own?

Stephen Covey in his book, “The Third Alternative,” says that most people think in two alternatives: Either I win and you lose, or you win and I lose. He calls this a “scarcity mentality.” His says there is a third alternative where both win and calls this an “abundance mentality.” This third alternative is exactly what John declares is the proof of true repentance and the lifestyle God’s true descendants are to live. Jesus declared, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

When I take an inventory of my life each day, how does it stack up with John’s message? Am I enriching the lives of others or am I so caught up with my own life, I am blind to the needs of others and willing to subtract from their lives in order to protect my own? Do I live my life moment to moment with a scarcity or an abundance mentality? Do I hear the words of John the Baptist (verse 7) echo in my head or do I hear the words of Jesus (Matthew 25:21)?

12/27/2012 - Making Sense of It All - Luke 2:41-52

12/27/2012 - Making Sense of It All - Luke 2:41-52

My Thoughts: It seems odd to me that Joseph and Mary did not account for Jesus’ whereabouts before leaving Jerusalem to return to Nazareth after the Passover Festival. I believe it is relative to the story of Jesus because Luke included this fact. I have heard different explanations for this but still it causes me to ponder. From all accounts, Joseph and Mary had 7 children including Jesus. I had a Catholic family across the street with 7 girls! Their house was always hectic but fun to spend time at and a good influence in my life. There is the possibility Jesus was with some of His relatives or family friends. Growing up, my family would take Summer vacations with another family or two. During the vacation, it was not uncommon for me to stay with another family for a couple of days. Later, I understood why the parents would take turns watching all of us kids. I could conceive the fact that Jesus was thought to be with a relative family and both sets of parents assumed he was with the other. This type of sharing of families is rare in our American, modern culture. Less and less do you see cohesive, extended family care. 


This lack of care and nurture by extended family is a detriment to our society. More and more, a family is isolated and alone in caring for their children. Single parenthood is at an all time high. Neighborhoods have become unsafe because no one extends the watch and protection of our children beyond the walls of our own homes. Therefore, child predators move into neighborhoods full of children and wait to pounce. Generation to generation we perpetuate this lack of sharing and teamwork among families and our children grow up more and more isolated, insecure, socially inept, and independent of others. The recent mass shooting of innocent adults and children is a testament to this fact.

The solution to this societal catastrophe can be found in the community of faith, our local churches. I believe more and more, young parents are looking for ways to counter this trend of family isolation. Many, because of job related transfers, have moved from their childhood cities, leaving relatives far away only to find they are alone and separated from the benefit of extended family care and influence. Is it any wonder we have children left alone during the day and parents completely overwhelmed with raising a family? This is where the community of faith could step in and share the load with each other. As members of the Body of Christ, it is a great commandment we have to love our neighbors and share the load with them. To allow the parents to have one or more days to be alone with each other and share the care of their children. To help single parents go to work knowing while they are at work, someone is there to watch over their children, whom they can trust. To have a community where their children can play and grow up in safety. Jesus died on the cross to tear down the divisive walls among us and build His church. Are we to let His sacrifice go in vain? This is a crucial time in our society for the family and one where the church is designed and meant to step in and help meet this extreme need.

11/21/2012 - Matthew 14

There is something inside of us that desires a miraculous life: To be great, do good, and leave our mark. Why is this? I believe it is hard wired in us from the moment we are conceived. God has a great plan for each of us. A plan to have a positive and good effect wherever we live and wherever we go. God is great and good. He has created us to reflect his greatness and goodness (Genesis 1:28). Yet, we follow in the footsteps of Adam and Eve and listen to the lure of our own greatness (Genesis 3:4-5). Instead of reflecting God’s goodness, we reflect our own self serving image bringing harm not good. What if we only reflected God’s goodness totally trusting in Him and only doing what He says is good and staying away from what He says is evil? What would be the result? Matthew 14:32

Application: Every area of my life. These verses impact my heart, soul, and mind.

Matthew 11:28 - Stressed Out?

Who can’t relate to being stressed out these days? Our email box is full, our phone keeps us constantly connected and alerted to incoming stimuli, our income is covering less and less, our desks are piled high with stuff to do, we have so many projects only partially completed and more being assigned to us everyday. We rush here and there trying to cram it all in and by the time the day is over, we are left with a ton of stuff to push over to the already crowded tomorrow. Partial Attention Syndrome (PAS) is ruining our lives and causing many stress related diseases. What comforting words from Jesus in this reality we live in day after day, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

When is the last time you turned off your phone, shut down your computer, turned off the news, and surrendered yourself to the care of Jesus? Sin in our lives is very stressful and harmful and yet, we commit a major sin each and every week. Exodus 20:8, “Remember to observe the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.”

Application: Every area of my life. This affects my heart, mind, and strength

11/5/2012 - Psalm 1

Verse 3

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

My Thoughts: This metaphor is a deep cry within me. It resonates in me. I am drawn to it and desire to emulate it into my life. Driving through the Texas countryside, you come across ribbons of lush vegetation and if you stop to examine them closely, you will see a stream running through the middle of them. Water is necessary for life to flourish. The psalmist in this psalm is saying God’s word is necessary for me to flourish spiritually. Some have taken this verse to mean monetary prosperity. However, I have known very wealthy individuals who do not consider God much less study His word day and night. I have also known very poor individuals who walk humbly before God and who are full of joy and peace not only to themselves but to all those around them. In fact, I have know wealthy people whose wealth is a very heavy burden to maintain and others whose lack of wealth free them to enjoy the little they have. Does this mean a wealthy person cannot flourish spiritually. In Mark’s account, Jesus encounters a wealthy young man who was unwilling to let go of his wealth to follow Jesus and who was sadden by this fact (Mark 10:21-22). The reason for his sadness was his many possessions. Jesus then turns to His disciples and tells them that it is very difficult for a wealthy person to enter into the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:23). Note: Jesus did not say impossible. In fact, He goes on to tell His disciples that with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27). Therefore, it is not the wealth or lack thereof which keeps us from a rich life spiritually. The key to a rich and fruitful spiritual life is found in verse 2: “But whose delight....” God’s word is a living word, a life sustaining word. When your delight is in reading and thinking about it day and night, you will prosper in your soul and your life will be lush and full of God’s joy, peace, and grace.

Application: My entire life. This verse impacts my heart and soul.

Psalm 1:2

But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

My Thoughts: Yesterday, a friend told me they had a very stressful day the day before. When it came time to go to sleep, they were so anxious, they could not sleep. They then, got up and began reading the Bible for the next hour. Afterwards, they went right to sleep, had one of the best nights of sleep in a long time, and woke up totally rested and refreshed. What is it about God’s word that is so comforting and why has it been one of the best selling books ever? I believe it is because its truths are timeless and alive with God’s Spirit (Hebrews 4:12). Finding joy in reading and studying God’s word is a treasure that far surpasses anything I have ever experienced. This is because its joy stays with me and sustains me each and every day.

Application: Life. This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

40 Days in the Word - Day 40: Ephesians 2:4-10

Verse 10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

My Thoughts: The Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). It also says that the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).

One of the most interesting passages, to me, about the human body, is in Proverbs: “Ears that hear and eyes that see--the LORD has made them both (Proverbs 20:12).” Man’s attempt to duplicate mechanically these two parts of the body fall way short of their technology. I love to watch shows concerning nature. When you see the ability of a cuttlefish to change not just their color but even the texture of their exterior, you are dumbfounded by their intelligence and creative ability.

As man, we have a tendency to focus on our creation before we ponder all of creation. To elevate ourselves to a place of superiority to the point of even misunderstanding a well publicized scripture, John 3:16. We interpret the word, “world” in this passage to exclusively mean us when the real meaning is inclusive of all of God’s creation. So the question is, why did God create humans? What is our purpose in all creation? The answer is found in scripture on the day we were created (Genesis 1:27-18). However, this is another scripture which has been misused for the purpose of serving ourselves. We take the word “rule” or “reign” to mean we can do with God’s creation how we see fit and exploit it for our own benefit. The problem is God originally created us to reflect His image and nature to govern His creation with Him in mind, not ourselves. Is God a dictator and exploiter? No! God is merciful, full of kindness, slow to anger, and rich in benevolence (Psalm 103:8). In His image, we are to do the good things He planned for us long ago (verse 10). This is how we are God’s masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made.

Application: Life (Especially, how I take care of and relate to all of God's creation.). This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

Note: I skipped days 38 and 39.

40 Days in the Word - Day 37: Micah 6:8

No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good,
 and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
 and to walk humbly with your God.

My Thoughts: I have heard this passage many times in sermons and in song. It is most ot the time a pleasant passage of instruction. However, it sits in the middle of passages, which declare the wrath and anger of God against His rebellious people. At this point they had abandoned everything they knew about God and all the miraculous things He had done in their past, in order to become a wicked and dishonest people. Individuals had become rich by cheating others out of their hard earned wages. Their commerce had completely become corrupt. The rich became even more rich through extortion and even violence at times. And now the people had become so used to lying, they no longer had the truth within them. (Micah 6:10-12) By the end of Micah 6, you find out the reason they had adopted their evil practices: evil laws and evil leadership (Micah 6:16).

Why did God speak Micah 6:8 to them? Apparently, it was in answer to their own solution to atone for their wickedness: To sacrificially offer gain and beef and if that wasn’t enough, maybe sacrificing their own children! (Micah 6:6-7)

God does not want us to bargain with Him through our own efforts of sacrifice in order to make up for our sinful and selfish behavior. We think that if maybe we do enough good, that will balance out the bad that we do. God desires and requires three things: to always do what is right in mercy and humility knowing that God is always with us. Jesus summed it all up in two commandments (Matthew 22:37-40):

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Application: My entire life. This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

40 Days in the Word - Day 36: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

My Thoughts: In this verse, Paul makes a connection between spiritual health and physical health. In fact, he goes so far as to say our bodies do not belong to us to do with as we care. Unfortunately, many of faith do not make this connection. Physical discipline and spiritual discipline are connected and one will affect the other positively or negatively. Many physical ailments are directly associated with your spiritual health. Therefore, it is also true that spiritual atrophy is linked to how we take care of our bodies. Paul also says that he trained his body like an athlete in order to not disqualify himself to preach God’s word (1 Corinthians 9:27). I know it to be true in my own life. When I honor God with my body, I feel much stronger spiritually. I also find that I have more control over my body and desires, when I am strong spiritually. Physical purity cannot be separated from spiritual purity and vice versa. Paul makes a strong statement to support the importance of physical discipline. He says our bodies are not just a receptacle of our spirit, but also the Spirit of God. My connection with my Creator is affected by how good I take care of His creation, me.

Application: Spiritual Health. These verse impact my soul and body.

Note: I skipped day 35.

40 Days in the Word - Day 34: James 4

Verse 10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

My Thoughts: Do you ever get tired of trying to be yourself? I get exhausted just thinking about it. Always seeing everything and everybody through my lens of self. What does that person think about me? Am I going to have a good day? How does this outfit look on me? I wonder if they like me? I wish they would just shut up long enough for me to speak. I wish they would understand me. I need to make a good impression on them. Okay, okay, enough already! Wouldn’t it be nice to take a vacation from me? Even for a day. Maybe this is what Jesus meant when He said, “Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it....” (Luke 17:33)

Application: Every area of my life. This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

Note: I took a day off yesterday and skipped day 33.

40 Days in the Word - Day 32: James 2

Verse 14-17
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

My Thoughts: These verses hit me right between the eyes. James legitimizes our faith through our actions of social justice. Do I take care of the poor around me or am I too busy, too self absorbed, and too un-Christian, to spend any time or resources to help someone less fortunate than me? Watch this moving video and listen to the words. 

Jesus said, “If you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me.” And, then Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.” (Matthew 25:31-46)  

On November 2 and 3, 2012, in Austin, Texas, you will be given a chance to demonstrate your faith by participating in an event to assist those who are less fortunate. I know this will be a one-time event, but our hope is that through this event, you will learn practical and easy ways to show kindness and help those in need. And maybe, pass these methods of kindness to others who God has blessed with more than they need. To find out how you can attend this event, click on the logo below.
 
Application: Being a Christian. These verses impact my heart and soul.

40 Days in the Word - Day 31: James 1:22-25

Girl Looking Into a Mirror by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Verses 23-24
For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.

My Thoughts: What is James saying here? Can you really forget what you look like? Or, is the image you remember the same as the real one? In context, James is using this metaphor to compare listening to the word of God and then forgetting what it says. It seems ridiculous that you would forget what you look like. However, what do we do to remember what we look like? Most of the time, we look into a mirror. But, sometimes, we want to remember what we looked like in the past, so we look at a picture of ourselves then. The problem with using an old picture to remember what we look like, is that we change. The person I was, say twenty years ago, does not look like the person I am today. I like to sing the Chevy jingle, “Like a Rock.” There is a line in this song that gets me every time, “Twenty years now, where they go? Twenty years, I don’t know? I sit and I wonder sometimes, where they're gone.” 

The word of God helps me to be who I am really suppose to be. The way God intended me to be when He created me. As the years go by and things happen in my life, especially bad things, I lose sight of this and behave according to those experiences instead of according to who the word of God helps me to be. James goes on the tell us if we not only listen, but do what the word of God tells us, we will not lose sight of who God designed us to be or forget the person He created us to be. God created each of us uniquely and with unique purpose for our lives. When we read and study God’s word, remembering it by putting into practice what we learn, we discover and maintain the person, God wants us to be (James 1:25).  

Application: My whole life. These verses impact my heart, soul, and mind.

40 Days in the Word - Day 30: James 1:19-20

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

My Thoughts: Being able to communicate well is a very important skill. Yet, a key component of communication is listening. I’m ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). So, I am not wired to pay attention to just one stimulus at a time, especially focusing on what someone is saying to me. I really have to work at being an active listener. In elementary school I was given many exercises on reading and writing, but the only exercise I had to help me listen was sitting in an uncomfortable desk and hearing...

In James 1, James connects anger to a lack of listening. This is so true. Have you ever found yourself getting frustrated and even angry with a person who constantly finishes your sentences for you or just plain talks over you. In Stephen Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” he explains that putting into practice what James says is crucial to communication and cooperative synergy. To seek first to understand before being understood. My tendency is to seek first to be understood. To get my point across before listening to the other person and even then I’m not really listening. I’m formulating my next point in my head while they’re speaking. I have wasted so much time in communication that goes nowhere or worse, goes completely South because I did not listen first before speaking. However, I am learning that by actively listening in order to understand, I am engaging in much, much fewer arguments.

Application: All relationships. These verses impact my heart and mind.

Note: I skipped days 27-29 due to being ill the last few days. I will try to get back to those days at the end of this series.

40 Days in the Word - Day 26: Philippians 3:15-4:7

Self Portrait of Rembrandt as the Apostle Paul

Verse 4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

My Thoughts: Here is the Apostle Paul under house arrest with no guarantee he will ever get out and he pens these words...Always be full of joy.... How do you do that? I can leave my house full of joy for the day when a person cuts me off in traffic and that joy is gone in a flash. Here is Paul previously saying follow my example and part of this example is to always be full of joy and rejoice. I believe the key to Paul’s constant joy is in the phrase, “in the Lord.” There is a peace and joy in knowing the presence of Christ which is beyond explanation, but is real . God’s peace in Christ is a real constant that is always available in every circumstance and every situation (Philippians 4:7).

Application: Every area of life. This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

40 Days in the Word - Day 25: Philippians 3:1-14

Verses 13-14
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

My Thoughts: It is perplexing to me how my past controls my present and my future. I will be watching a movie and all of a sudden I am overcome with emotion not understanding why this scene dials it up. Or, I will turn on someone who says something to me which dials up anger venting way more than they deserve. I will imagine doing something extraordinary but hear in my head, “You can’t do that!” We all have scripts good and bad. However, it seems the bad scripts are the ones that bind us to the past and prevents us living life to its fullest, much less dream about the future. The Apostle Paul had those bad scripts. Ones which were about rules and religion which led to hatred towards the church of Christ (Philippians 3:5-6). However, he had discovered a secret to letting go of the past and seeing it in the reality of the future he knew God had for him. The result: Liberation from his past and the strength to press on to attain a glorious future. What was that secret? Knowing Christ Jesus as Lord (Philippians 3:8). Paul had discovered the power of experiencing the resurrected Jesus. Not just a cognitive understanding but an experiential reality in which the past is forgotten and forgiven. And, all things are possible in the present and in the future (Matthew 19:26).

Application: Every area of my life. These verses impact my heart, soul, mind, and body.

40 Days in the Word - Day 24: Philippians 2:1-16

Verses 3-5
Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

My Thoughts: In the picture above, Ken Blanchard defines humility in a way that speaks volumes. Also, Jesus said if you strive to find your life, you will lose it. (Matthew 10:39). There are thousands of books and hundreds of seminars to help you find out who you are suppose to be, but if you don’t understand this simple statement, you will waste hours and hours of study and thousands of dollars. In verses 3-5 of Philippians 2, Paul defines humility as getting your mind off of yourself and onto the interest of others with the same attitude Jesus had. What attitude was that? To not only get your mind off of yourself, but lose yourself completely by following His example of serving others. In fact, Jesus says if you want to be great, become a servant. Jesus then goes on to say if you exalt yourself, you will be humbled, but if you humble yourself, you will be exalted (Matthew 23:11-12). Most see humility as weakness. However, for those who embrace and put into practice these simple truths, they will lose sight of who they think they are suppose to be and gain insight into who they truly are to be. By being weak to yourself and rich towards others, the true identity of who you are will be exalted.

“Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

Application: Every area of my life: These verse impact my heart, soul, and mind.

40 Days in the Word - Day 23: Philippians 1:12-30

Verse 21
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

My Thoughts: When I read this passage, I think of Mother Teresa, not me. I struggle with letting go of everything in order to live completely for Christ. To live in the moment, not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Honestly, I struggle to focus while listening to a friend tell me about their life. My mind is wandering off thinking about my schedule and things I need to do. I am in a hurry at the 10 only checkout line, impatient with the person ahead of me with 20 items. I drive somewhere totally unaware of the trip to get there. The reality is that Jesus is in the moment. He is there with me and my friend totally aware and sensitive to each of us. When He walked on earth, He lived a life in each moment, full of compassion for others. When the parents interrupted Him to bless their children, His disciples were not in the moment, but Jesus was completely as He embraced each child (Mark 10:13-16). In this passage, Paul was very much in the moment. For Paul, to continue to live was to live for Christ and if he died, he’d be with Christ completely. I want to live each moment here in this life so that the veil between me and Him would be almost non-existent and the transition through the veil a promise to be fulfilled someday.

Application: Every area of my life. This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

40 Days in the Word - Day 22: Philippians 1:1-11

Verse 9-10
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return.

My Thoughts: Paul, when he wrote Philippians, was in prison in Rome for preaching the Good News about Christ. Not being able to travel anymore, he wrote letters to the churches he had help to form, including the church at Philippi. As he prays for the Philippian church, he emphasizes his realization that the reason to gain understanding and knowledge in their new faith, was two-fold. One, to grow in love more and more. Second, to understand what really matters in life. The result was to live a pure and blameless life. To allow the word of Christ to richly dwell in me (Colossians 3:16), is to produce a pure and blameless life exemplified by an ever increasing love for God and for others. When we plan our day, set our calendar, and prioritize our tasks, this is the paradigm everything should filter through. This is what really matters in life. All else should flow out of it. For most of us, me included, our need to make money, have a roof over our heads, put food on the table, realize our ambitions, and just be plain busy, dominate our time. We then try to fit what is most important in life into our schedule. When I review my past week or even mouth and look at how much time I spent with God, my family, friends, or even my beloved pets, I find it to be very little. Paul is saying to prioritize God first and time for others before we plan any other event or task. For Paul, in chains, restricted and dependent in prison, it was clear what the priorities of life are. To live a pure and blameless life by loving God and others. Usually for me and most others, it takes some kind of tragedy, like illness or a national disaster, to get us realigned with what is most important in life: faith and those closest to me. Jesus Himself, summed all the commandments up into just two: Love God and love others and said if we keep these, we will fulfill everything else (Matthew 22:37-40).

Application: Relationships. These verses impact my heart.

Note: I missed Day 21 (The Resurrection: Mark 16:1-20) and will try to get back to it at the end of this series.

40 Days in the Word - Day 20: Mark 15:33-39

Verse 39
When the Roman officer* who stood facing him* saw how he had died, he exclaimed, "This man truly was the Son of God!"

My Thoughts: John Wayne portrayed this Roman officer in “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” You can watch this clip by clicking on the picture above. I remember watching this movie as a young boy and the impact this scene had on me. Here was one of the men who nailed Jesus to the cross, erected the cross, and watched Jesus die as the sky darkened and the earth shook. This Roman officer’s revelation that Jesus was the Son of God is at the heart of everyone’s quest to connect with the divine. I look at the events in my life that brought me to the foot of the cross when I realized Jesus was truly the Son of God. It was my sins as well that nailed Him there as surely as if I had been this Roman officer hitting the spikes in Jesus’ hands and feet. This moment in my life was also one of the darkest and yet greatest moments of my life.

Application: Every area of my life. This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

40 Days in the Word - Day 19: Mark 14:3-9

[above] Painting of Mary Magdalene by Guido Reni

Verse 3
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

My Thoughts: Jesus defended this woman’s actions by telling those who criticized her that she was preparing his body for burial (vs. 8). Who was this woman and did she really know ahead of time that Jesus was going to die? It is recorded in Matthew’s account of this event that right before, Jesus had said that he was going to be crucified (Matthew 26:2). There was a high possibility that she was traveling with Jesus and heard Him say this (Luke 8:2). Also in Matthew’s account, we find out that it was Jesus’ disciples who were the critical ones (Matthew 26:8). Why did this woman understand what was about to happen to Jesus and His own disciples did not? I believe the identity of this woman is Mary of Magdala, also known as Mary Magdalene. She was believed to have been a prostitute whom Jesus cast out seven demons from (Luke 8:2). She was one of the most celebrated disciples of Jesus and the most important female disciple in the movement of Jesus. We also know she intently sat at Jesus’ feet when he taught (Luke 10:39). Along with John, She was the only other disciple to stay close to Jesus through His trial and remain at the foot of the cross of Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19:25). She also was the first disciple to witness Jesus’ resurrection (Mark 16:9). Because Mary was a devout disciple, she knew Jesus was about to be handed over the Pharisees to be killed.  This is the very reason Jesus proclaimed for all time and throughout the world, the deed of Mary here in the home of Simon the leper would be told and discussed (vs. 9). In light of this, Mary inspires me and challenges me to be a disciple of Jesus just like her. I want to daily sit at the feet of Jesus by reading and studying His word and allow Him to speak into my heart so that I honor Him just as Mary did.

Application: Discipleship. These verses impact my heart, soul, and mind.

40 Days in the Word - Day 18: Mark 11:24-25

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."

My Thoughts: This is one of those verses easy to read but hard to live. There are people in my life who have done me and my family seriously wrong. Do I hold a grudge against against them? To the sense that it consumes me with hate and ill will towards them? No. However, to the sense that I ruminate about them from time to time? Yes. To the point that I don't want them back in my life? Yes. So, am I still holding onto a grudge against them? I’d like to say no, but on the other hand, I can’t give a definitive yes. Do I think, however, I am living in un-forgiveness with God? Not at all. God’s mercy is new every morning and when I am tempted to to let an emotional wound take root in my heart, I have a Savior in Jesus, who can listen with perfect empathy towards me and heal me and forgive me. Therefore, whenever I am in communication with God and those feelings of betrayal and hurt comes into my mind, it is a great opportunity to process them with the One who went through the ultimate betrayal and hurt, Jesus.

Application: Relationships. These verses impact my heart and soul and mind.

40 Days in the Word - Day 17: Mark 10:17-31

10/5/2012 - Mark 10:17-31

Verse 27
Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God."

My Thoughts:  In Jesus’ response to this rich man as to gaining eternal life, Jesus gives a partial list of commandments. Jesus leaves out some commandments and in particular:

1. Do not worship any other gods besides Me
2. Do not make idols of any kind

Jesus exposes two commands which the rich man could not keep when Jesus says to this man,  “Go and sell all you have and give it away to the poor and then follow me.” This rich man’s security and faith was in his riches and not in God. This man was unwilling to let go of all he possessed in order to follow God with all his heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). His possessions had taken the place of God and had become his idol. Is there anything in my life that I am unwilling to trust into God’s hands in order to follow Him completely? Can I give up wanting what the Jones have? Am I holding onto bitterness towards a parent? Is there something or someone in my life that takes the place of God? As I look at the list, it is obvious that there are areas which still seem impossible to let go of. The disciples reaction to Jesus' response to the rejection of this rich man (verses 23-24) was, “Then who in the world can be saved?” Jesus’ answer to them is the key to obtaining eternal life. Salvation is an act of God and not man. There is no one who is perfect except God and Jesus declares himself God to the rich man before He answers him (verse 17). Jesus was sinless and took the penalty of our sin to the cross so that we could obtain eternal life through His sacrifice (Romans 3:23-26; Romans 6:23).

Application: Every area of my life. These verses impact my heart, soul, mind, and body.