Potential - Rom. 1:21, 22

"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God, or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead." Rom. 1:21, 22

The verse that follows then indicates "...so God let them do whatever their shameful hearts desired." What a PERFECT description of the world today--in light of all the evidence, if we choose to reject God, he will let us; in fact, it even says that he will send a powerful delusion to help us on our way (I still don't know what to do with that one)! God blessed mankind with the ability to reason; however, it appears to be a two-edged sword. Reason also gives us the ability to try to LOGICALLY understand God, and when we can't, it allows us the ability to question, to think up foolish ideas about God and end up with a "dark and confused" mind. God gave us the potential to either be his children with all benefits attached, or utter fools. I can't imagine how much of the world looks like utter foolishness to God, and how it must break his heart.

Holy Spirit, I pray that you help me keep my faith simple. To not over-think the things of God, but to just believe, in faith, that you know what is best.

Today's reading: Rom. 1-4

Last Chance - 1Thess. 4:16

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God." 1Thess. 4:16

What an amazing picture the bible paints of our Lord coming back for his church! This will happen at a time ONLY known by God; it will happen suddenly, in the "blink of an eye;" all the nations will see this event, and there will be great mourning because there will be a realization that it is too late. Lately, God has been emphasizing how great and incomprehensible he is to me. I get so used to looking at things with human eyes, that I fail to REALLY comprehend how overwhelming and awesome he is. To the world, everything will seem very normal and rational until it, all of a sudden, is not. THEN EVERYTHING CHANGES! All the planning, logic and worldviews go out the window, and those who remain on this planet get seven more years to make up their minds about what this all REALLY means. Then, it really will be too late!

Jesus, I don't know why you chose me, I know it CAN'T be because I deserve it! All I can do is thank you.

Today's reading: 1Thess. 4, 5; 2Thess. 1-3

Word Of God - 1Thess. 2:13

"...You accepted what we said as the very word of God--which, of course, it was." 1Thess. 2:13

I always accepted, by faith, that the parts of the bible that were not specifically spoken by Jesus were still the word of God. That, somehow, these 66 books were really a singular communication from God to man. But this is the first time I recall reading Paul saying, specifically, that his words were God's words. I know it was alluded to many times, but this verse just hit me today. I can have confidence that not only did God PERSONALLY commission Paul to preach to the Gentiles (me), but that his words are direct from God to us. Not that I really doubted, but how cool is that?!

Lord, I thank you for sending such a clear and direct message to us.

Today's reading: Mt. 28; 1Thess. 1-3

Lose, Lose Situation - Mat. 26:63

"I demand in the name of the living God that you tell us whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God." Mat. 26:63

I doubt that there was a satisfactory answer that Jesus could have given to this question. I can't help but wonder what the point of asking was. The leading priests had long-plotted to kill Jesus, so the decision had already been made--that's why he was in this position do begin with! I guess they were just confirming what they already believed--he was a blasphemer worthy of death. It begs another question though: If the Jews believed in a coming Messiah, what qualifications were they looking for to believe they finally had the right guy? Wouldn't they expect him to say that, yes, indeed he was the Messiah? How do they get around the whole blaspheming thing? Could it be that his claim would have to be supported by miracles and the fulfillment of prophecy? Jesus WAS the complete package, yet they failed to believe in him. I am just not sure what they were looking for. Ironically, in 27:9, even their rebelliousness was used to fulfill prophecy! If this isn't blindness, I don't know what is!

Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness in the face of the harshest of circumstances.

Today's reading: Ps. 125; Mat. 26, 27

Eye On The Ball - Mat. 23:3, 5

"So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach... Everything they do is for show." Mat. 23:3, 5

What an indictment of the Saducees and the Pharisees! And a lot of Christianity today. Man just can't seem to help himself. He will always tend to gravitate toward the law at the expense of the heart behind the law--ending up in legalism. This seems to be the path of least resistance, and I don't understand why. Maybe it is because we can more easily "measure" compliance with rules and regulations, where "heart" issues are more subjective. In verse 23, Jesus tells the Pharisees that they are hypocrites, that they, "tithe even on the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law--justice mercy and faith." Note that he said "important," relative to the law. I think we would all do well to remember this the next time we begin to feel judgmental--are we judging what is important?!

Jesus, help me to keep my eyes focused on your ball, not mine.

Today's reading: Mat. 23-25

It's Not Fair - Mat. 20:15

"Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be angry because I am kind?" Mat. 20:15

Even after all these years, every time I read this story my first reaction is, "That's not fair!" It just shows how overwhelming my flesh is, and how difficult it is to really be like Christ in all our worldly circumstances. It makes me realize that perhaps I am not as for down that road of sanctification as I might think. What about the thief on the cross? Isn't he THE classic case of a worker coming late to the field? Have I EVER questioned whether this man was saved? No, but was it "fair" that Jesus offered him salvation on his "deathbed?" The big question is, do I really want to go there? As Jesus pointed out, why does this have to be a question of fairness as opposed to kindness? And do I REALLY want fairness? Am I any better than the thief? Better be careful what I ask for!

Jesus, show me how to offer kindness regardless of merit--since I really have none of my own.

Today's reading: Mat. 20-22

Correction - Mat. 18:18

"If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right but the other person won't accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector." Mat. 18:18

The Bible is such a practical book. While some of what it perscribes may seem radical to us in Western civilization, it actually addresses problems quite well. God's ideal would be that, as Christians, we would display nothing but love and unity to the rest of the world. THAT was the plan, that when the world looks at us it sees Jesus. But then God was also a realist. He knew that we would not always get along, so he gave us instruction on how to handle our disagreements. It's all there, but I think all too often we choose to ignore it because it seems harsh, and we don't want to hurt feelings. This, I believe, we do to the churches' detriment. We end up with church splits, factions and other discord, and wonder why. God ALWAYS knows better! Like kids, we need to listen more often--and be willing to do what he says just because we trust him.

God, help me to trust you in those areas that appear difficult.

Today's reading: Mat. 17-19

Believe - Mat. 14:20

"They all ate as much as they wanted, and they picked up twelve baskets of leftovers." Mat. 14:20

Jesus used this miracle numerous times, and I don't believe that the only message was that he was ABLE to multiply the loaves and fish. Jesus told the disciples (and us) that we will do even greater things than he, but deep down I don't really think we believe it. God is driving a point home here: He can take what "little" we are, and use us to do huge and impossible things that result in abundance for the Kingdom. But we MUST believe! It is, at least in part, because of our unbelief that miracles do not occur. This was illustrated again with Peter walking on water until he looked around, got scared by the large waves, "realized" that he could not do this, and started to sink. What large waves am I being frightened by? Why do I doubt when I KNOW the truth?

Jesus, erase all doubt; help me to think, and believe, as big as you are.

Today's reading: Mat. 14-16

What Miracles? - Mat. 13:57

From 11/22/06 reading:

"Then Jesus told them, 'A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief." Mat. 13:57

People are so much more willing to accept truth from strangers rather than someone they know well. Just prior to this verse it says that, basically because they knew Jesus' family well, "...they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him." Because of this, Jesus did relatively few miracles in their presence. Is this the answer to those (as well as me) who ask why we SEEM to see so many fewer miracles now than back in O.T. times -- or in other parts of the world? Could it be that BECAUSE of our unbelief that we see the H.S do less? Is there less evidence of miracles in the apostate church (Laodicea) of the end times?

Jesus, I will ask you again, help me in my unbelief!!

Today's reading: Mat. 11:13

Sifting - Mat. 10:34

"Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! No, I came to bring a sword." Mat. 10:34

Mat. 10:32-42 gives an interesting perspective from which to look at our life and purpose on this earth. To put it bluntly, our lifetimes are one big qualifying event for entry into the Kingdom, and some of the "races" are going to be brutally difficult! This set of verses says that God is "sifting" the earth with a "sword," some will make it and some will not. For those of us who have already "qualified," our job is to go back and help those that are struggling. God wants as many as possible to finish this race successfully. That we cannot be passive bystanders is made clear by the fact that later in the verse, family members are at risk--BY DESIGN! I don't know how I feel about that design, but as we have said SO many times before, it's not about me.

God, give me the vision to always see those people you want me to help; then the courage to actually do something!

Today's reading: Mat. 8-10

Law Redefined - Mat. 5:20

"But I warn you, unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can't enter the Kingdom of heaven at all!" Mat. 5:20

The Sermon on the Mount turned current Jewish thinking on its head. The belief was that it was all about obeying the law; if you did this list of things you were OK. What Jesus did was completely redefine what the list was and meant! It basically said that the Pharisees were wrong, and they were not going to heaven (unless they changed)! That what was important was the HEART behind the law, not the letter of the law itself. That if you were looking to the law for salvation, this is what the law REALLY says, and you are not capable of obeying it. Note that nowhere in the Beatitudes does it say, "God blesses those who obey the law." God blesses those who have the heart of God, or in King David's case, "A man after God's own heart." God isn't looking as much at what we do, as he is why we are doing it and what fruit comes of it.

God, you know the motives of man -- you know my motives, and they are far from always pure. Please forgive me and change my heart.

Today's reading: Mat. 5-7

Proof - Mat. 3:4-5

"Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born?" he asked them. "In Bethlehem," they said, "for this is what the prophet wrote..." Mat. 3:4-5

It is amazing to me that the Jews refused to accept Jesus as Messiah. Matthew spends the first three chapters hammering home the point that Jesus WAS the fulfillment of prophecy. Even Herod believed! He used prophecy to lead his soldiers to Bethlehem, and started killing children based on this prophecy! The Jews knew what the prophets said better than anyone, let alone the Pharisees -- they had NO EXCUSE to not recognize Jesus as being the fulfillment of those prophecies: Virgin birth (how often does this happen?!); Birth in Bethlehem; Herod's response; Being from Nazareth; John the Baptist. I guess the only rationale for the Jews' unbelief is that that was fulfillment of prophecy as well!

Jesus, I pray for the salvation of Israel and of all the Jews, your chosen people. How their unbelief must break your heart.

Today's reading: Mat. 1-4

Thorns - 2Cor. 12:7

From the 11/18/06 reading:

"But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud." 2Cor. 12:7

I thank God for this verse. Without it, Paul is Super-Christian, and I lose my ability to relate to him. This makes him human. Everyone wonders what his thorn was, but I think it was God's wisdom that he kept that knowledge from us. Otherwise, we would compare we would compare his thorn with what we believe our is/are, make judgments and comparisons and miss the whole point. God knows what is best for us, and if we did not have issues to deal with, we would start to think that we don't need God. That's just how we human beings are, if God were to make us perfect, we would probably end up rejecting him in this life! Basically, to stay consistent with a theme, we suck! So the conclusion I draw is that the thorns we bear are actually for our PROTECTION, for "in our weakness, he is strong." What a concept!

One observation I made in this verse that I never noticed before, is that Paul's thorn is described as a "messenger from Satan." Is this a person? I always thought of Paul's thorn as being some ongoing sin or character flaw. Could it be that a thorn could be an actual person that we just can't get along with (but it becomes apparent that God has put this person in your life for a reason)? That we would have to find a way to love/forgive, and basically learn how to live with this person? Maybe even bless them?! Wouldn't it be just like God to make the lesson other people rather than ourselves?

Lord, you know me. You know I have multiple thorns. Help me to face my weakness so your strength will be revealed.

Today's reading: Ps. 124; 2Cor. 11-13

Get A Clue? - 2Cor. 8:7; 2Cor. 9:7

"...now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving." 2Cor 8:7

"You must each make up your own mind s to how much you should give." 2Cor 9:7

Some things that stood out to me in 2Cor 8-9: Giving is a ministry; Our giving proves our love is real; It isn't important how much we give; We should each make up our own mind as to how much; Godly people give generously; We will be enriched so we will have excess that we can share; If we give little, we get little, and vice versa; God will provide an abundance so we can give; We glorify God by giving. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I think God is making a point here.

Lord, increase my generosity, help me to be a cheerful giver. I want to please you in this area.

Today's reading: 2Cor. 7-10

Reflection - 2Cor. 6:3

"We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry." 2Cor. 6:3

Today's readings talk about the transforming work of Christ being such that we are no longer the same person we used to be, we are a completely new creation. This new creation will increasingly reflect Christ more and more, until the only thing that the world sees when it looks at this person is Christ. No longer is there an effort to satisfy self, anything we do is what Christ wants us to do. Wow! Another incredibly convicting set of verses. My only hope is if this is a process. Like sanctification, we are all a work in progress, on a continuum of sorts. I continue to struggle with my worldly desires -- though I see these desires dim as I draw closer to God, they are still there.

I truly want to be able to say that the way I live my life will hinder no one from seeing Christ. That EVERYTHING I do is ONLY what Christ wants me to do. But I know that this is not the case, I am way too weak in SO many areas of my life. I am more likely to reflect, "The spirit is willing but the body is weak," or, "I believe, help me in my unbelief." Sad but true. In 2Cor. 6, Paul describes a perfectly surrendered and yielded life. One that puts ZERO value on life here, in anticipation of our eternal life in our "real" home with Christ. Where we are willing to take ridicule and abuse as long as the message is communicated accurately. Where we "live by believing and not by seeing." I have a ways to go on the continuum; I wonder what I reflect in the meantime?

God, even though I am nowhere near where I know you want me to be, at the very least help me to not slip backward, always progressing forward -- no matter how slowly.

Today's reading: 2Cor. 3-6

Not About Me - Job 42:10

"When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!" Job 42:10

All the way to the end, the book of Job seems to emphasize that everything is about God, and very little is about us. When God restores Job, it is AFTER he prayed for HIS FRIENDS, not after any prayer (which I am sure there were many) for himself. He does want good things for us, look at the way in which he restored Job, he didn't have to do that. But he also wants us to understand very clearly our position relative to him. We are nothing more than another creation of his. Granted, a very special creation, in that we were created in his image and for a very special purpose not offered to any of his other handiwork; but, just a creation nonetheless. HE IS GOD AND WE ARE NOT. Job paid a price to learn a lesson, we should heed it.

Thank you God for Job.

Today's reading: Job 41, 42; 2Cor. 1, 2

Risen - 1Cor. 15:13, 32

"For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either... If there is no resurrection, `Lets feast and get drunk, for tomorrow we die.'" 1Cor. 15:13, 32

Paul knew that the resurrection was the key, just as it is now. Without it, we have nothing -- just a faith based on words. That is why his eyewitness accounts are so important: "...he was seen by more than five hundred of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive..." How do you argue with this?! It takes only one credible witness to satisfy the courts, in this case we have more than five hundred! He is basically saying to the people of the time, "If you don't believe me, ask any of them!" This should be an open and shut case, but because we are dealing with humans, it could never be that simple. And it still isn't. The resurrection is still the single event upon which our entire faith rests. We have eyewitnesses, and documented evidence, yet to the world, the jury is still out. If it is not true, I am with Paul, lets just forget about everything and party!

Lord, I thank you for giving us concrete evidence for who you are!

Today's reading: Ps. 149; 1Cor. 15, 16

No Words - Job 40:1-5

"Then the Lord said to Job, `Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?'" "Then Job replied to the Lord, `I am nothing--how could I ever find the answer?... I have nothing more to say." Job 40:1-5

What other response could any human being have? Any amount of righteousness you might feel, I'm sure evaporates in the presence of God. Even if Job was right (God did not exactly say he was wrong), God's point is that he is in no position to argue with God. That our words are indeed ignorant because our perspective is SO limited as to what God is REALLY doing. We just CANNOT know! I think our response can be no more than Mary's when she found out she was going to have a child. "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants." Lk. 1:38

God, I pray that I never give Satan a foothold because of my pride.

Today's reading: Job 39, 40; 1Cor. 13, 14

Body Parts - 1Cor. 12:22, 23

"In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care." 1Cor. 12:22, 23

Is it just me that is recognizing how lame we as human beings are? How many footholds and open doors we offer to our enemy? This section of 1Cor. gives a perfect analogy of how the church should be viewed and run -- as a body, a HEALTHY body. That ALL the parts are important and necessary, and some that appear to be the weakest are really the most critical. That we should give greater focus and care to these parts. Do we do this? I guess it depends on how we define these "parts," but I fear we are weak in this area, and in the process leave ourselves vulnerable to attack. My sense is that it is probably not the "visible" church that is most important; rather, the prayer teams, small groups and intercessors that are the core strength. Where is our focus?

Lord, show us how to properly care for our body.

Today's reading: Job 37, 38; 1Cor. 12

Eternal Prize - 1Cor. 10:27; 11:19

"I discipline my body like an athlete training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 1Cor. 10:27

"But, of course, there must be divisions among you so those of you who are right will be recognized!" 1Cor. 11:19

After dealing with yesterday's verse and today's, I am recognizing that living the way God REALLY wants me to takes enormous discipline -- like an athlete training to WIN, not just participate. It is more discipline than I have been willing to impose to date. Am I just a participant? What is God calling me to? One thing I know is that I disqualify myself far too often after I have preached the Truth. Without greater discipline, I fear that the risk is great; in fact, I am confident that based on 1Cor. 11:19, ultimately, church splits are caused by poorly trained "athletes."

Jesus, give me the endurance to run the race to win, not just participate.

Today's reading: Ps. 122; 1Cor. 9-11

The Greatest Commandment - 1Cor.8:1, 11

"While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church... So because of your superior knowledge, a weak Christian, for whom Christ died, will be destroyed." 1Cor. 8:1, 11

This is so convicting to me right now. Lately, I have felt myself having little patience with other Christians who were acting in ways that "they should know better." And this is not in just one area, it is spreading to a point where my so-called "superior knowledge," has made me cold to their circumstances. Almost like I was judging them, or maybe worse, something that the Bible says God hates, "haughty eyes." While my "knowledge" may be right, my reaction is not, because "...it is LOVE that really builds up the church." Leave it to Satan to take even something like biblical knowledge and find a way to use it against me (we should all read Screwtape Letters at least once a year!). I risk tearing down another Christian because I refuse to make the effort to empathize -- where is the love in that? Shouldn't I know better?

Lord, may it never be that another Christian stumbles because of me. Soften my heart, show me YOUR ways.

Today's reading: Job 35, 36; 1Cor. 7, 8

Who's The Judge? - Job 34:7, 10; 1Cor. 4:5

"Has there ever been a man as arrogant as Job, with his thirst for irreverent talk?... The Almighty can do no wrong. He repays people according to their deeds." Job 34:7, 10

"So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful." 1Cor. 4:5

I can just imagine how confused Job must have been. I am sure that he had been raised with the same theology as what Elihu cited in Job 34, but I also believe that somehow, deep down, Job KNEW he was right before God. Now, there was no Holy Spirit then, but the Spirit was dispensed on a selective basis -- I believe Job had it. He did not have the benefit of the New Testement to tell him that deeds don't govern circumstances, but I believe God blessed him with the Holy Spirit. If this is the case, as stated earlier in 1 Cor., Job KNEW the mind of God; this gave him the confidence that Elihu sees as arrogance. I realize that this all sounds like speculation, but it is what the Spirit tells ME.

Thank you God for your Holy Spirit.

Today's reading: Job 34; 1Cor. 4-6

Foolish Wisdom - 1Cor. 1:27-29

"God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise... so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God." 1Cor. 1:27-29

I used to think the whole idea of God choosing the "foolish things of the world" to exhibit the true power and message of Christ was just his way of being contrary -- to do something opposite what the world expects "just because he could." But now I understand that there was actually a very practical purpose: "... so no one could boast in the presence of God." That NO aspect of human wisdom, knowledge or power gains a person anything -- it MUST be recognized that there is absolutely NOTHING without Christ. And we cannot in any way earn it, he has to give it. It is again, us having to give up on any reliance on ourselves, and turn to God for everything "...only boast in what the Lord has done."

Jesus, crucify daily, any thoughts I have of self-importance apart from you.

Today's reading: Job 33; 1Cor. 1-3

Simplicity - Gal. 5:16

"So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." Gal. 5:16

Why do we as human beings complicate the simple act of living? Because the enemy knows just the right buttons to push! But if we simply work at honoring God with every decision; let his Holy Spirit direct instead of us doing all the driving (as if we even know where we are going!), the Bible tells us that the result is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. However, if we follow our "natural " desires, it leads to everything in Gal. 5:19-21. Seems like a no-brainer, but as Neal would say, "we suck." I believe that about says it!

Lord, show me how to let go and REALLY let you!

Today's reading: Job 30; Ps. 120; Gal. 3, 4

Protective Custody - Gal. 3:23

"Until faith in Christ was shown to us as the way of becoming right with God, we were guarded by the law. We were kept in protective custody so to speak, until we could put our faith in the coming Savior." Gal. 3:23

God knew what he was doing when he picked a lawyer as his ambassador to the Gentiles! Christianity is on trial (or at least salvation by faith in Christ alone), and the letter to the Galatians is Paul's case for faith laid out in methodical and compelling fashion. I LOVE the guardian analogy! It perfectly explains God's purpose for the law and how he intended to use it; and as a Gentile, I must guard myself from slipping back into the law that I once knew: "He who dies with the most toys and accomplishments wins!" and "I don't need anyone's help, I can do it on my own." Part of Paul's analogy is that we had to obey our guardian until we reached an age our father set. In the real world, this is an age of supposed maturity. It initially made me question the analogy as I don't believe we have the maturity to handle the freedom that salvation offers (shown by the very actions that Paul is addressing in the Galatians). Then I realized, that unlike a child who is slowly gaining knowledge and maturity as he ages, we get the Holy Spirit the moment we are saved! We have EVERYTHING we need, we just don't realize it right away. How cool is that?!

Lord, help me to continually be sensitive to what your Holy Spirit is teaching and doing in my life.

Today's reading: Job 30; Ps. 120; Gal. 3, 4

Saved By Faith - Job 29:14; Gal. 16

"All I do is just and honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban." Job 29:14

"...no one will ever be saved by obeying the law." Gal. 2:16

Even though Job was not aware of it, he was showing us that our works will never get us to God. That in this world, the evil and the honorable are rewarded, and it does not seem that God is paying attention. That it is simply not fair! But we know the end of the story -- we know that Job is restored; we know that our God is just. Job, however, was never given the satisfaction of knowing the purpose of his ordeal. The difference is that Paul had an answer straight from God, and therefore a hope -- We are saved ONLY through faith in Jesus Christ. Everything else is noise and distraction.

Lord, help me to NEVER get caught up in works, or my circumstances to the point where I begin to believe that they have any real meaning to you. Keep my faith simple.

Today's reading: Job 28, 29; Gal. 1, 2

Revelation - Mk. 16:6, 7

"He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body... Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died!" Mk. 16:6, 7

Putting myself in the place of these women at this moment, it must have felt like one of these movies where a revelation hits, and all of a sudden the flashbacks begin. All the pieces suddenly fit! All the strange statements suddenly make sense! This is REALLY happening! Jesus IS alive! He IS the Messiah! We WILL see him again! This had to be overwhelming -- did Mary, Mary and Salome even speak to each other on the way back from the tomb? The rare moments when I have experienced a supernatural revelation, when I KNEW God was speaking directly to me, I was left speechless -- literally.

Mark crafted this chapter well. He tells us in 15:47 that, specifically, Mary and Mary "..saw where Jesus' body was laid." Then when they go back the next morning, the "young man" in white says to them, "Look, this is where they laid the body." They knew where that body was laid, and it was not there! The passage ends with them fleeing the tomb trembling and bewildered, too frightened to talk. My bet is that this is exactly accurate -- along with their brains moving a hundred miles a second trying to make sense of it all, and starting to connect all the dots (Lk. 9:21). It had to be a surreal moment in time!

Jesus, help me to live every day with the revelation of what you did fresh in my mind; let me never cease being overwhelmed.

Today's reading: Job 26, 27; Mk. 13, 14

Stay Alert - Mk. 14:38

"Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak." Mk. 14:38

I don't believe that Jesus is only addressing this specific circumstance when he said this; what temptation would he be referring to? However, earlier in 13:33, he refers to us not knowing the day or hour when the Messiah will return, and so therefore to, "...stay alert and keep watch." Well, this brings it into a better context for me. If we do not stay alert, living in anticipation of Jesus' return, we may very well succumb to the temptations of this world. Namely, the lie that this is all there is. We may start living like we actually belong here! Then, all of a sudden (slippery slope), the things of this world rise to greater importance than the purpose Christ put us here for. In fact, it may get so bad that it might require a pastor to write a book to remind us that we even have a God given purpose!

Jesus, I am hugely unsuccessful at living every day like it is my last. In my weakness, please let me never lose sight of why I am here. Help me to stay "awake" and alert.

Today's reading: Job 25; Mk. 13, 14

Anything? - Mk. 12:24

"...You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it." Mk. 12:24

Every gospel has Jesus saying this in one way or another, and I have always struggled with it. Does he really mean ANYTHING? Because I know that I (and everyone else I know!) have prayed, in faith, for things we have not received. And I am not talking about frivolous things, I am talking life and death kind of stuff. I know the whole, "in God's will" thing, but these verses say "ANYTHING" -- does it mean that or not? Is it a lack of faith on my part? Am I not "knocking" often or hard enough? Am I harboring unforgiveness? I would really like an answer to this one, but fear I may have to wait to ask the Man himself -- it is frustrating though.

Jesus, you know I trust you -- I just don't understand this. Why should there be a difference in what I see the disciples doing in Acts, and what I am doing today?

Today's reading: Job 23, 24; Mk. 11, 12

The Promise - Ps. 121:8

"The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."
Ps. 121:8

When I read Ps. 121, my first reaction was, "Yeah right! Tell that to Job!" That the Psalm writer was obviously caught up in that idea that God will cause everything to be good in the life of a believer. However, as I re-read the Psalm more carefully, I noticed that there was actually no such message in this passage. It doesn't say bad things won't happen, it says: God watches over me; he will not let me stumble and fall; he protects me and keeps me from evil; preserves my life and has an interest in me now and forever. Once again, his promise has little to do with circumstances, it deals more with our response to those circumstances. In this light, this Psalm absolutely applies to Job -- he didn't stumble or fall, and his life was preserved (saved) for eternity. Job, in fact, probably clung to verses like this when all seemed lost.

God, thank you for guarding me -- help me to trust you more.

Today's reading: Ps. 121; Mk. 9, 10