My Prayer: Psalm 8:1 (New International Version)
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
The Reading: Matthew 27-28
Matthew 28:18-20 (New International Version)
18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
My thoughts: Immanuel, God with us...always, to the very end. In the first chapter, we're told he'll be called Immanuel or "God with us" and here Jesus says that he'll be with us forever. We've got work to do, difficult work sometimes, but we're not alone and in 27 chapters we've seen what having Jesus with us means: power, mercy, kindness, discipline, compassion, wisdom...good things to have with us always.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Day 9-Only human
My Prayer: Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
The Reading: Matthew 25-26
Matthew 26:31-36 (New International Version)
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
31Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
" 'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'[a] 32But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
33Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
34"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
35But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
My Thoughts: They all failed. These are the original disciples we're talking about and they all failed to claim Jesus when it came right down to it. Judas was the one who betrayed him for silver and Peter is the one who denied Jesus repeatedly, but the rest just ran away in fear. And these were the disciples! They failed in a big way, but then...they accomplished the work that Jesus must have known they could do. It would be tough to pick friends if you already knew how they would let you down, wouldn't it? It's good that we don't have that problem. And that Jesus also knew what these men could do, would do, to change the world. And he chose them anyway. Just like he knows how I'm going to fail, to stumble, but there must be something in me, in you if he's picked you, that's he's going to use to change the world. The world? That seems impossible, but I know he can use my life accomplish his work in this world. And yours, too. If we let him.
And a song (I have to figure out how to add mp3's to this...anyone?) I had a very serious song by Michael W. Smith here that matches the Psalm...but then, I decided to go with theology by Billy Joel brought to mind by my heading.
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
The Reading: Matthew 25-26
Matthew 26:31-36 (New International Version)
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
31Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
" 'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'[a] 32But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
33Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
34"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
35But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
My Thoughts: They all failed. These are the original disciples we're talking about and they all failed to claim Jesus when it came right down to it. Judas was the one who betrayed him for silver and Peter is the one who denied Jesus repeatedly, but the rest just ran away in fear. And these were the disciples! They failed in a big way, but then...they accomplished the work that Jesus must have known they could do. It would be tough to pick friends if you already knew how they would let you down, wouldn't it? It's good that we don't have that problem. And that Jesus also knew what these men could do, would do, to change the world. And he chose them anyway. Just like he knows how I'm going to fail, to stumble, but there must be something in me, in you if he's picked you, that's he's going to use to change the world. The world? That seems impossible, but I know he can use my life accomplish his work in this world. And yours, too. If we let him.
And a song (I have to figure out how to add mp3's to this...anyone?) I had a very serious song by Michael W. Smith here that matches the Psalm...but then, I decided to go with theology by Billy Joel brought to mind by my heading.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Day 8-Ready?
My Prayer: Psalm 27:1 (New International Version)
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
The Reading: Matthew 22-24
Matthew 24:36-40 (New International Version)
The Day and Hour Unknown
36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
My Thoughts: I was joking (sort of) with someone a week or two ago about the only solution to one of my problems being for Jesus to just come on back. I was going to start praying for that. Of course, I have thought about it, but it doesn't really seem like a practical solution so I'm back to thinking about others (I had a slightly heated discussion with another somebody about how I shouldn't "worry" about anything but it's OK to think a lot about and try to come up with solutions which seems a little like the definition of worry but that's just this other person for you.) When I read this, I started thinking about what would happen if today were the day Jesus came back. What if today were the day? Would I be ready? No more time. This is what I've done with my life. This is what I have to show. Would I be ready? Would you?
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
The Reading: Matthew 22-24
Matthew 24:36-40 (New International Version)
The Day and Hour Unknown
36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
My Thoughts: I was joking (sort of) with someone a week or two ago about the only solution to one of my problems being for Jesus to just come on back. I was going to start praying for that. Of course, I have thought about it, but it doesn't really seem like a practical solution so I'm back to thinking about others (I had a slightly heated discussion with another somebody about how I shouldn't "worry" about anything but it's OK to think a lot about and try to come up with solutions which seems a little like the definition of worry but that's just this other person for you.) When I read this, I started thinking about what would happen if today were the day Jesus came back. What if today were the day? Would I be ready? No more time. This is what I've done with my life. This is what I have to show. Would I be ready? Would you?
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Day 7-Trees
My Prayer: Psalm 1:1-3 (New International Version)
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
The Reading: Matthew 19-21
Matthew 21:21-22 (New International Version)
21Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
My Thoughts: This last verse is the source of one of my struggles with my Christian faith and growth. I believed it and I prayed for good things...and they didn't come. Of course, I've heard over and over that I have to understand God's will and pray for the right things, but sometimes that seems like a loophole to a fairly clear promise. So what do I do when I'm disappointed in the answer? The answer depends on the day. Sometimes I think I've gained more wisdom with the passing of time and can see the reasons why I should have prayed for a different outcome or reasons why God's answer was better. But sometimes I'm just disappointed and angry. I think those times are becoming fewer as I mature, and I hope that someday, when I can see what my life became thanks to the change Jesus made, that it's all going to be clear. Until then, I have to battle those doubts and disappointments...my Father wants to give me the best in life, better things than I even know to ask for. And He has a plan for that life, a plan far above what I can plan. And He's going to take every bad thing that happens to me and turn it into something good. Here's another translation that seems a little more believable to me...I believe that God does care about the insignificant parts of my life as well as the big decisions. And, thanks to prayer, I've already successfully done things in my life that felt like telling the mountain to go jump in a lake. I have to remember these when I'm confronted by the disappointments.
Matthew 21:21-22 (The Message)
21-22But Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don't doubt God, you'll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you'll tell, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God."
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Day 6-What's important?
Instead of going to the family reunion, I decided to something out of ordinary...no time to think, no time to be sad. I went for a hike at Lake Catherine, a place I've never been before. And I think it almost worked. I pushed my body to the limit (which really isn't all that far), and only spoke to people who didn't know me or my story, and drove with the top down. It was a good day. Now I just have to stop feeling bad about it.
Anyway, back to my program...
My Prayer: Psalm 63:1 (New International Version)
1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
The Reading: Matthew 16-18
Matthew 16:15-18 (New International Version)
15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
My Thoughts: Peter knew Jesus. He's one of my favorite people to read about because he didn't do things perfectly but he got the important stuff. There's a book titled If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. It's a good book, a thorough look at Peter's episode of getting out of the boat...where he almost got it right. He had a good heart, but he messed up. And Jesus knew that would happen, knew that he would mess up over and over. But Peter knew Jesus, and proclaimed his faith...and he would be used to change the world. He wasn't perfect, but he got the important stuff.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Day 5-You Can't Go Home Again
The Prayer: Psalm 143 (New International Version)
1 O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
The Reading: Matthew 13-15
Matthew 13:53-58 (New International Version)
53When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. 55"Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" 57And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."
58And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
My Thoughts: Those people couldn't see Jesus as he was because they knew him...or thought they knew him. Knew parts of him very well that made it difficult to understand other parts. He was the carpenter's son, this was his family, how could he know so much, be so much more, than that...and they didn't like it. I think we do this all the time. We see parts that we like, we want to hold on to and then reject the rest because it's hard to understand. And that limits our faith. And that limits our miracles. We want to be comfortable with Christ but that limits our belief in what he can do...all-powerful Christ who performs miracles. The carpenter's son, Mary's son who can save us all.
1 O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
The Reading: Matthew 13-15
Matthew 13:53-58 (New International Version)
53When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. 55"Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" 57And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."
58And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
My Thoughts: Those people couldn't see Jesus as he was because they knew him...or thought they knew him. Knew parts of him very well that made it difficult to understand other parts. He was the carpenter's son, this was his family, how could he know so much, be so much more, than that...and they didn't like it. I think we do this all the time. We see parts that we like, we want to hold on to and then reject the rest because it's hard to understand. And that limits our faith. And that limits our miracles. We want to be comfortable with Christ but that limits our belief in what he can do...all-powerful Christ who performs miracles. The carpenter's son, Mary's son who can save us all.
Day 4-What if?
My Prayer: Psalm 19:1-2
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
The Reading: Matthew 10-12
Matthew 10:32-34
32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. 34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
My thoughts: It's difficult to get a true picture of who God is...judge, merciful father, an angry god who wipes out towns who don't repent or a caring one who creates a way to save the world...sending a part of himself to that world to suffer and die for it. And they're all parts of that God. It's a little easier to understand Jesus. Either we believe him to be who he said he was or we believe him to be...what? A person who makes the claims that Jesus did...and isn't truly God...is a crazy person, right? Sure, he taught good things...mercy, loving your neighbor, but he also said he was the Son of God, sent here to save the world. And he performed miracles, which sort of helps me make up my mind that he was telling the truth. But I've said before that I have a simple faith. I don't have to understand it all, all the parts of God, and still believe.
OK, and I had a day without a song, so I'm back to my old tricks. I couldn't find a recording to link to, but check it out on iTunes or something.
Nichole Nordeman - What If
What if you’re right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you’re right?
What if it’s true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true?
What if he takes his palace in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?
(Chorus)
But what if you’re wrong?
What if there’s more?
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?
What if you dig, What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions inside
That’s all you find
What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Then folklore that must be told and retold
(Chorus)
You’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land so long
But what if you’re wrong?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
The Reading: Matthew 10-12
Matthew 10:32-34
32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. 34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
My thoughts: It's difficult to get a true picture of who God is...judge, merciful father, an angry god who wipes out towns who don't repent or a caring one who creates a way to save the world...sending a part of himself to that world to suffer and die for it. And they're all parts of that God. It's a little easier to understand Jesus. Either we believe him to be who he said he was or we believe him to be...what? A person who makes the claims that Jesus did...and isn't truly God...is a crazy person, right? Sure, he taught good things...mercy, loving your neighbor, but he also said he was the Son of God, sent here to save the world. And he performed miracles, which sort of helps me make up my mind that he was telling the truth. But I've said before that I have a simple faith. I don't have to understand it all, all the parts of God, and still believe.
OK, and I had a day without a song, so I'm back to my old tricks. I couldn't find a recording to link to, but check it out on iTunes or something.
Nichole Nordeman - What If
What if you’re right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you’re right?
What if it’s true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true?
What if he takes his palace in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?
(Chorus)
But what if you’re wrong?
What if there’s more?
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?
What if you dig, What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions inside
That’s all you find
What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Then folklore that must be told and retold
(Chorus)
You’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land so long
But what if you’re wrong?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?
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