My Prayer: Psalm 57:10 (New International Version)
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
The Reading: John 3-5
John 3:16-18 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
My Thoughts: God is love, right? We've all heard it, some of us have said it, and some of us believe it. It's difficult to reconcile a God of love with a God who will someday divide us up...those who know Jesus from those who do not. Really, we couldn't get to God before Jesus, and Jesus will be the one to divide us up...those who he knows and those of us he doesn't know, right? God loved us enough to make the ultimate sacrifice so that we would have a way back to Him. Jesus came and died for us, another example of amazing love. But he also says that someday, he's going to divide us up and say "Depart from me." Everyone has a choice to make. Jesus came to die to give us that choice. When the time comes, we'll be divided up based on what we did with that choice...those who know Jesus from those who don't. God sent the Way, but we have to make the choice.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Day 27-Grace and Truth
My Prayer: Psalm 100:4 (New International Version)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
The Reading: John 1-2
John 1:17 (New International Version)
17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
My Thoughts: The law came through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus. What does that mean? Jesus answered over and over the questions of the Pharisees and teachers who tried to trip him up. He was a great teacher, a rabbi, a man who knew the law and boiled it down to the basics for us. And thanks to him, it doesn't have a hold on us anymore. We could never come to God while under Moses' law. We mess up. I mess up. Jesus brought grace and truth, light in the dark. We spend a lot of time doing our best to check off the list of things on our "Christian To-Do" list, given to us through the law of Moses. Thank God we aren't under that law anymore. I would never measure up. Jesus brought us a new law, a new agreement with God. All we have to do now is follow the Son, the son he sent to save the world.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
The Reading: John 1-2
John 1:17 (New International Version)
17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
My Thoughts: The law came through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus. What does that mean? Jesus answered over and over the questions of the Pharisees and teachers who tried to trip him up. He was a great teacher, a rabbi, a man who knew the law and boiled it down to the basics for us. And thanks to him, it doesn't have a hold on us anymore. We could never come to God while under Moses' law. We mess up. I mess up. Jesus brought grace and truth, light in the dark. We spend a lot of time doing our best to check off the list of things on our "Christian To-Do" list, given to us through the law of Moses. Thank God we aren't under that law anymore. I would never measure up. Jesus brought us a new law, a new agreement with God. All we have to do now is follow the Son, the son he sent to save the world.
Day 26-They do not know
My Prayer: Psalm 100:3 (New International Version)
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
The Reading: Luke 23-24
Luke 23:34 (New International Version)
34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
My Thoughts: So maybe this is the best example of Jesus praying for sinners. He spoke to his Father on behalf of the people responsible for his crucifixion. In that moment of suffering and pain, he prayed for others, the very people responsible for his suffering. What an example. I don't know why I never thought of Jesus praying for me. He did it on the cross.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
The Reading: Luke 23-24
Luke 23:34 (New International Version)
34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
My Thoughts: So maybe this is the best example of Jesus praying for sinners. He spoke to his Father on behalf of the people responsible for his crucifixion. In that moment of suffering and pain, he prayed for others, the very people responsible for his suffering. What an example. I don't know why I never thought of Jesus praying for me. He did it on the cross.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Day 25-Back to Peter
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.
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.
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.
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