My Prayer: Psalm 54:4 (New International Version)
4 Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
The Reading: Luke 21-22
Luke 22:28-34 (New International Version)
28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
33But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."
34Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."
My Thoughts: I think I may have posted this before when I talked about Jesus praying for us. Peter really is my favorite. Don't you know Jesus just had to shake his head sometimes in disbelief at Peter. Peter was going to do great things...but he wasn't there yet. Then later on, verse 61, after Peter has, yes, actually denied knowing Jesus 3 times, "The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered..." Oh, man. Can you imagine? Peter blusters and promises (and cuts off some dude's ear and Jesus has to fix it) and then he messes up in a big way...and then he has to meet Jesus' eye. Oh, man. That's so much worse than getting a phone call at work to talk about how I've messed up in a big way. I cringe, and fret, and stay up at night worrying about it. Can you imagine the upset Peter faced? And Jesus knew it would happen and loved Peter anyway, made plans for his rewards in advance. Peter got a second (or with Peter, third, fourth, fifth) chance. And he did the right thing, the thing that Jesus prayed for. Satan sifted Peter and he failed, but he didn't give up. He did turn back, and he went on to impact the world. Thank you, God, for giving me a second (third, fourth) chance.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Day 24-The mission
My Prayer: Psalm 56
3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
The Reading: Luke 19-20
Luke 19:10 (New International Version)
10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
My Thoughts: I like this story about Zaccheus the tax collector, mainly because Luke tells us that Zaccheus, being a short man, couldn't see over the crowd so he climbed a tree. For some reason, this strikes me as funny. Still, he was dedicated and he was one of the sinners that the teachers of the law didn't approve of. And seeing Jesus was important enough that he climbed a tree. He was an important, rich man. He saw Jesus, Jesus saw him, and Zaccheus made the change...salvation came to his house. My notes say that this verse is the summary of the purpose of this gospel...emphasis on Jesus as the true Messiah, the one eagerly awaited, who came to save what was lost. Who Jesus was and what he was here for in one sentence. And he said it to Zaccheus the sinner.
And just a note...how many days does it take to form a new habit? So I did pretty well for the first 23 days. Today I was too busy fretting over work to get myself together in time to do this in the morning. I keep waiting for everything to kick in...the good habits.
3 When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
The Reading: Luke 19-20
Luke 19:10 (New International Version)
10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
My Thoughts: I like this story about Zaccheus the tax collector, mainly because Luke tells us that Zaccheus, being a short man, couldn't see over the crowd so he climbed a tree. For some reason, this strikes me as funny. Still, he was dedicated and he was one of the sinners that the teachers of the law didn't approve of. And seeing Jesus was important enough that he climbed a tree. He was an important, rich man. He saw Jesus, Jesus saw him, and Zaccheus made the change...salvation came to his house. My notes say that this verse is the summary of the purpose of this gospel...emphasis on Jesus as the true Messiah, the one eagerly awaited, who came to save what was lost. Who Jesus was and what he was here for in one sentence. And he said it to Zaccheus the sinner.
And just a note...how many days does it take to form a new habit? So I did pretty well for the first 23 days. Today I was too busy fretting over work to get myself together in time to do this in the morning. I keep waiting for everything to kick in...the good habits.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Day 23-When or where
My Prayer: Psalm 51:12 (New International Version)
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
The Reading: Luke 17-18
Luke 17:26-27 (New International Version)
26"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.
My Thoughts: It's hard to imagine that one day, I'll be going about my normal business and then in the blink of an eye it's all over. And I won't know when or how or where. Thank God. So what do I do? Am I ready to be judged on this life today? Not really. I've still got plenty to figure out and I hope there's more time to fulfill my purpose.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
The Reading: Luke 17-18
Luke 17:26-27 (New International Version)
26"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.
My Thoughts: It's hard to imagine that one day, I'll be going about my normal business and then in the blink of an eye it's all over. And I won't know when or how or where. Thank God. So what do I do? Am I ready to be judged on this life today? Not really. I've still got plenty to figure out and I hope there's more time to fulfill my purpose.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Day 22-Lost sheep
My Prayer: Psalm 139:1-2, 5 (New International Version)
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
The Reading: Luke 14-16
Luke 15:3-7 (New International Version)
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
My Thoughts: Some people had trouble with Jesus because he spent so much time with sinners instead of "good" people who followed the rules. I've always liked this parable. I think it's because it's easy for met to understand. I lose things. A lot. I am very familiar with the desperate desire to find something (like my debit card). I'll do what it takes to find what's lost. I like this parable because of the shepherd picture. When he finds the sheep, he doesn't yell at the sheep or beat the sheep. He picks the sheep up, carries it back, and tells everyone to celebrate because the sheep is found. And our Shepherd tells us that there's a party in heaven every time a sinner comes back. There's no grumbling over how stupid we sheep are to have gotten lost, separated. There's a party when we come back. Jesus comes to us where we've gotten mired and lost because of our bad decisions, and he picks us up to carry us back. And there's a party to celebrate.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
The Reading: Luke 14-16
Luke 15:3-7 (New International Version)
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
My Thoughts: Some people had trouble with Jesus because he spent so much time with sinners instead of "good" people who followed the rules. I've always liked this parable. I think it's because it's easy for met to understand. I lose things. A lot. I am very familiar with the desperate desire to find something (like my debit card). I'll do what it takes to find what's lost. I like this parable because of the shepherd picture. When he finds the sheep, he doesn't yell at the sheep or beat the sheep. He picks the sheep up, carries it back, and tells everyone to celebrate because the sheep is found. And our Shepherd tells us that there's a party in heaven every time a sinner comes back. There's no grumbling over how stupid we sheep are to have gotten lost, separated. There's a party when we come back. Jesus comes to us where we've gotten mired and lost because of our bad decisions, and he picks us up to carry us back. And there's a party to celebrate.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Day 21-Dearest Friends
My Prayer: Psalm 37:3-4 (New International Version)
3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
The Reading: Luke 11-13
Luke 12:27-34 (The Message)
"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
My Thoughts: This is the passage where Jesus says, "Consider how the lilies grow..." but sometimes I like so see what The Message translation says (www.biblegateway.com is easy, easy, easy to do this) because it's supposed to be updated (in a paraphrase sort of way). The NIV says, "Do not be afraid, little flock..." and here we're "dearest friends." I've read over and over now that we are loved like children, and even sinful fathers want good things for their children. How much more will God give to us? This is also the passage that ends with Jesus telling us to store up our treasures in heaven. The Message says, "It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." It's good advice...again, focus on that one thing (from yesterday) and the details will be taken care of.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
The Reading: Luke 11-13
Luke 12:27-34 (The Message)
"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
My Thoughts: This is the passage where Jesus says, "Consider how the lilies grow..." but sometimes I like so see what The Message translation says (www.biblegateway.com is easy, easy, easy to do this) because it's supposed to be updated (in a paraphrase sort of way). The NIV says, "Do not be afraid, little flock..." and here we're "dearest friends." I've read over and over now that we are loved like children, and even sinful fathers want good things for their children. How much more will God give to us? This is also the passage that ends with Jesus telling us to store up our treasures in heaven. The Message says, "It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." It's good advice...again, focus on that one thing (from yesterday) and the details will be taken care of.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Day 20-Mary in a Martha World
My Prayer: Psalm 113:2-3 (New International Version)
2 Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The Reading: Luke 9-10
Luke 10:38-42 (New International Version)
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
My Thoughts: There's a book that we sold at Lifeway called (something like) Being Mary in a Martha World. I haven't read it, but I get the concept. We have lives that are packed with activities and responsibilities and hobbies and things that take all our energy to keep going. Most of the time, these things feel like neccessities. Martha felt it was neccessary to make Jesus feel comfortable and welcome in her home. These were good goals until they distracted her from what's really important. Mary understood what was important. She had an opportunity that few had and that she would never have again. She had a chance to be near Jesus. I think Jesus might say the same thing to me that he said to Martha..."Cheryl, Cheryl, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." So then the challenge becomes making that one thing the focus and making the right choices over and over again. Right. Well, I can usually tell when I'm worried and upset, so maybe I can just switch my thoughts to the one thing that matters...being close to Jesus.
2 Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The Reading: Luke 9-10
Luke 10:38-42 (New International Version)
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
My Thoughts: There's a book that we sold at Lifeway called (something like) Being Mary in a Martha World. I haven't read it, but I get the concept. We have lives that are packed with activities and responsibilities and hobbies and things that take all our energy to keep going. Most of the time, these things feel like neccessities. Martha felt it was neccessary to make Jesus feel comfortable and welcome in her home. These were good goals until they distracted her from what's really important. Mary understood what was important. She had an opportunity that few had and that she would never have again. She had a chance to be near Jesus. I think Jesus might say the same thing to me that he said to Martha..."Cheryl, Cheryl, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." So then the challenge becomes making that one thing the focus and making the right choices over and over again. Right. Well, I can usually tell when I'm worried and upset, so maybe I can just switch my thoughts to the one thing that matters...being close to Jesus.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Day 19-The Golden Rule
My Prayer: Psalm 119:89-90 (New International Version)
89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
The Reading: Luke 6-8
Luke 6:31 (New International Version)
31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
My Thoughts: We learned the Golden Rule in elementary school. It's a good lesson, but it's easy to forget. Many times we really go for "Do to others before they do to you." Jesus tells us to treat others the way we want to be treated before he talks about loving our enemies...because even sinners can love the people who love them. Most of the time, I get caught up in treating people the way they treat me. If they disrespect me, then I'm so, so, so tempted to return the favor. I'm supposed to be better than that. I'm supposed to be changed. I'm supposed to treat others the way I want to be treated, not return what I'm getting. It's really too bad we don't have the Golden Rule posted around as a reminder the way I did in elementary school. Maybe it would help us remember.
89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
The Reading: Luke 6-8
Luke 6:31 (New International Version)
31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
My Thoughts: We learned the Golden Rule in elementary school. It's a good lesson, but it's easy to forget. Many times we really go for "Do to others before they do to you." Jesus tells us to treat others the way we want to be treated before he talks about loving our enemies...because even sinners can love the people who love them. Most of the time, I get caught up in treating people the way they treat me. If they disrespect me, then I'm so, so, so tempted to return the favor. I'm supposed to be better than that. I'm supposed to be changed. I'm supposed to treat others the way I want to be treated, not return what I'm getting. It's really too bad we don't have the Golden Rule posted around as a reminder the way I did in elementary school. Maybe it would help us remember.
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