Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Devotional Day 31 for Wednesday 3/31

Reading: Acts 1

Pray. Go. Tell.  (See yesterday's entry).  The call of every follower of Jesus.  Perhaps, at times, we are prone to focus on the going.  Especially, in America, where we do not see enough of it at times.  When is the last time, you introduced yourself to your neighbors or invited them over for a dinner?  Have you ever crossed over to the over side of town to see what life over there is like?  Are we in danger of living in our own bubbles with ipods in our ears on the way to work, blackberries in our hands on the T, laptops on the tables of our coffee shops, and TVs on in our homes?  Are we missing the simple instruction of loving our neighbors by not first getting to know them?

The temptation may be to put some pressure on one's self.  I MUST meet  my neighbors.  This type of thought only produces anxiety and stress.  You are not meeting your neighbor because you love them but because you have to.  There is a good chance that your neighbors we will see or feel right through that attitude and show little interest in getting to know you more.

Jesus' solution to what he certainly knew were the disciples' failings - pride and lack of love of others (see Peter and James and John, the "sons of thunder" who wanted to call down fire on people) - was prayer.  Prayer is talking to God.  It is waiting to listen to him speak.  It is a reminder we have a Father who loves us and a Brother who died for us.  It is learning to enjoy God's grace and receive his forgiveness and Spirit.  It is being empowered by the truth and presence of God.

Jesus knew prayer was the key to experiencing the "more" of God.  Prayer is not striving.  Prayer is simply spending time in relationship with God.  We do it both individually and corporately.  Alone with the Father and together as a family!

In Acts 1, we see a community of friends who had seen the resurrected Jesus "with one accord devoting themselves to prayer." (Acts 1:14)  Young and old, male and female.  They are obeying Jesus instruction to wait in the place of prayer.  They are devoted to this idea.  Not just occasionally doing it.  It is a part of their daily lives, and they do it together.

Do you wait in the place of prayer?  By yourself?  With others? With your church family?

You should for it in this place of experiencing a relationship with our Father in prayer that the Holy Spirit is most often poured out, and we are transformed into a people who gladly go to tell others about the Jesus we love.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Devotional Day 30 for Tuesday 3/30

Reading: Luke 24:36-52

Jesus appeared to two disciples on the Road to Emmaus and Simon Peter.  Paul records that Jesus appeared to more than 500 hundred people after he rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:6).  In fact, I have heard numerous stories from friends of mine overseas who have met people who have been visited by a radiant Jesus in dreams and visions.  In this passage, Jesus appears to all 11 of the disciples.

It was the unified witness of the early church that Jesus indeed rose from the dead.  The startling growth of the early church which spread this message of the risen Son of God throughout the Roman Empire in just a couple hundred years despite intense persecution from both the government and other religious movements is incredible.  Especially if you consider that their "claim to fame" was that a dead man had risen from the dead and was now seated with God in heaven.  A claim they willingly died for.  At any moment if Jesus' body had been found, the Christian movement would have been completely discredited.  Incredibly, his body has never been found.

Jesus is alive.  He showed his disciples his resurrected body and explained to them how the Old Testament Scriptures predicted his death and resurrection. Without the resurrection, the church has no mission and no real purpose - it is just a museum that reminds us of a wonderful man. With the resurrection, the church has purpose and mission.  We see that Jesus speaks directly to his disciples about this mission at the end of Luke.

He then gave them two clear instructions.

  1. Go and call all people to change their thinking, turn to Jesus, and receive forgiveness of sins in his name.
  2. Wait to go to all people group's until they had received the promised Holy Spirit, power from on high.
I propose the call of every disciple could simply be defined as this.  Pray, go, tell.

We will explore this call more fully over the next few days.

"Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations... But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."  (Luke 24:47,49)

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Devotional Day 29 for Monday 3/29

Reading: Luke 24:13-35

Angels have appeared to a group of women who have journeyed to Jesus' empty tomb proclaiming the resurrection of the Son of God, yet doubts still remain.  Two disciples are heading home disillusioned and without hope.  The reports from the women have only confused them and pained them.  They are returning to what they knew before meeting Jesus.  Sorrow weighs heavy on their hearts.  The painful and very public death of their best friend and leader has destroyed any ability to even dream that the women's report might be true.

Yet, they are not abandoned; their faith in Jesus no matter how weak or nonexistent at this moment is remembered.  The resurrected Jesus himself journeys with them on the road to Emmaus.  He befriends them (again); he listens to their pain; and he begins to explain to them from the scriptures that what happened to their teacher Jesus was meant to.  They stop to retire for the night and still unaware that is Jesus who has journeyed with them.  He sits to eat with them and as he breaks the bread they see him!  It is their Jesus.  He is alive!

He disappears before their eyes, but their faith has returned.  Their faith was not in vain.  Their hopes are re-awakened.  Faith grips their hearts.  Joy fills their souls.  They hug overjoyed with the realization.  He has fulfilled the ancient prophecies.  His death was not in vain.  The resurrection has changed everything.  They rush off to tell their friends.  They cannot but help it!  Jerusalem is beckoning.  A new journey awaits.  All must know.  Sin has been defeated, and death is no longer master.  Forgiveness of sins for all who believe!  Jesus is alive; he is still seeking and saving the lost!  He has found them.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Devotional Day 28 for Sunday 3/28

Reading: Luke 24:1-12

In the cool of the morning, several women journey through a garden to give their last gifts to the man they loved more than any other.  He had delivered some of them from demons, taught them, ate their food, healed them, and showed them the love and forgiveness of God.  Now, he was dead; yet his memory lived on compelling them to honor his body and his life with their gifts.

Strangely, it was in the cool of the morning thousands of years before near the world's beginning that God had walked through a garden to find a man and his wife who had rebelled against his friendship and rule.  That journey resulted in a round of blame shifting and banishment from God's presence into a world cursed by sin.

How different these women's journeys will end!  For on arriving at the burial grounds and finding the tomb, they are perplexed to find the heavy stone rolled away from tomb.  They rush in seeking the body of their Lord.  Only to discover it is not there!  All is not as it seemed just moments ago.

Unsure of what to do they hesitate and there surrounded by the reminders of death two dazzling beings like men suddenly break in to their reality.  Stunned and terrified, the women fall to the ground.  Heaven has invaded earth with the greatest announcement the world will ever hear - "Christ is risen from the dead; he has trampled over death.  The glory of God has defeated the night.  He is not here; he has risen!"

Imagine for a moment the turmoil of these women's dreams just hours before.  Everything they had ever hoped Jesus might be, everything they had hoped he represented of who God was and who they could be had been ripped away.  This man they loved had been mocked and ridiculed for what they believed he was - God's Son.  He had been tortured and executed for his refusal to deny this reality.  Everything they had put their faith in was invalidated and destroyed by their Lord's crucifixion.  They would now be the most ridiculed of people for having given everything to him.  Having abandoned their own lives to follow him.  Quietly they mourned the crushing of their hopes and faith.

Yet, here in the early morning hours, everything changed.  He is not here, he is risen.  Just as he said he would.  The words of Jesus come rushing back into their minds, "The Son of Man must be handed over to evil men and be crucified but on the third day he will rise."  Their faith has in the most shocking of ways been suddenly affirmed.  Everything they had lived for is suddenly validated.  By the resurrection of the man Jesus Christ.  He is alive!  His promises were true.  He was God.  Eternal life is possible.  We will rise one day with him.  Hope for today.  Faith for tomorrow. Life awakened from within.  In one moment, all of history turns.  Nothing will ever be the same.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Devotional Day 27 for Saturday 3/27

Reading: Luke 23:44-56

The King is dead (vs. 37-38).  The innocent man has been crucified (vs. 47).  The crowds leave mourning (vs. 48).  His acquaintances witness these things from afar (vs. 49).  Creation groans waiting for the Son of Man to be revealed.  Darkness reigns (vs. 44-45).  Life breathes its final breath (vs. 46).  He is buried; his lifeless body laid on the hard, cold rock of a newly hewn tomb (vs. 52-53).  Death's cruel finality is all too real.

Yet, in the midst of these verses, a glimmer of doubt remains.  Jesus' acquaintances particularly the women seem to be waiting, watching to see what will happen (vs. 49, 55).  They have not lost their love for the man who knew "everything they ever did" (John 4:39) yet told them "your faith has saved you, go in peace." (Luke 7:50)  A good man named Joseph still looks for the kingdom of God (vs. 51).  On the Sabbath day, they rest.  Waiting in quiet solitude... for Sunday to arrive.

"For there is hope for a tree,
   if it be cut down, that it will sprout again,
   and that its shoots will not cease.
Though its root grow old in the earth,
   and its stump die in the soil,
yet at the scent of water it will bud
   and put out branches like a young plant."
Job 14:7-9

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Devotional Day 26 for Friday 3/26

Reading: Luke 23:26-43

Jesus has been sentenced, beaten, and flogged.  He is sleep deprived.  His exhausted body is led away to the mount of crucifixion.  While the crowds had called for his death (vs. 21), there are many yet who understand the tragedy of these events.  They weep and mourn behind him.  Their hero, the innocent one who knew no wrong is being led away to death.

Jesus is so weak he cannot carry his own cross; yet in the midst of his exhaustion, he turns to the grieving crowds.  "Weep not for me!" he startlingly declares.  For Jesus knows something these crowds know not of - the coming judgment of Jerusalem.  For if while the Son of God was with them they rejected the Christ, what will happen when he was gone.  The life, healing, peace, and reconciliation he brought to the land of Palestine and the people of Israel is about to be stuffed out.  The wood will dry and the fire of judgment will burn it up (vs. 31, Ezekiel 20:47).

Who can escape the coming wrath?

Even as he is nailed to and hung on a cross, the heart of God is revealed in these words that echo for all eternity: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

Perhaps, the criminal on the cross next to Jesus heard these words, perhaps he had heard the stories of the greatest teacher and healer Israel had ever known, the stories of how he healed the paralytic and forgave the prostitute.  And as this robber prepares to face the sentence for his evil deeds, hope for the first time in a very long time begins to awaken in his heart.  He watches Jesus' marred body on the cross thrust violently into the ground.  He watches as his fellow criminal bitterly rails against the Son of God pouring out his anger for the just judgment he as a thief is experiencing.

The whole time the words of Jesus are burning in his ears... "Father forgive them... father forgive them... forgive them.. they don't know what they are doing."  Faith and fear seize him at the same time.  He cries out in a desperate plea to his dying friend, "Do you not fear God?  We are getting what we deserve but this man has done nothing wrong."  He pleas with him to turn before it is too late.

Then, he himself turns to Jesus.  Fear and hope in his eyes.  He has one request: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."  Jesus words are sweeter than the ones that first brought hope to his life, "This day you will be with me in Paradise."  Faith fully fills his heart.  He faces death at peace with God and man.  Eternity await, judgment is past.  Forgiveness is free.  Life is eternal.  Love is real.  Mercy triumphs... over judgment.  Death is as close as ever, but Jesus awaits him.  He'll see him - on the other side.

"But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.  For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  (2 Cor. 3:16, Rom. 10:13)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Devotional Day 25 for Thursday 3/25

Reading: Luke 23:1-25
Additional Reading: Hebrews 1:1-14

The longest day in human history began with the betrayal of an innocent man.  It continued with a sham trial that lasted until day break.  Now in the early morning hours, Jesus stands before the only man in Jerusalem that can seal his fate - the Roman governor Pilate.

The author Luke's primary focus in this passage is the innocence of Jesus highlighted by Pilate's reluctance to sentence him to death.  Here are Pilate's words and actions.

  • "I find no guilt in this man."  (vs. 4)
  • He sent him to Herod when he found out Jesus was outside his jurisdiction (vs. 6-7)
  • "After examining him, I did not find this man guilty of any the charges against him (vs. 14)
  • "Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us..." (vs. 15)
  • "Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him." (vs. 15)
  • Pilate addressed them once more desiring to release Jesus... (vs. 20)
  • "I have found no guilt in him deserving death." (vs. 22)
Why is the innocence of Jesus so important to Luke?  To understand why, we must understand that Jesus was preparing to offer his life as a sacrifice for all sin.  According to Leviticus 22:21, "And when anyone offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or from the flock, to be accepted it must be perfect; there shall be no blemish in it."

Jesus' innocence is of primary importance because a less than perfect offering could not accomplish what the author of Hebrews reveals it accomplished: "Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins... by which he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:12,14)

Jesus led a perfect life and was the perfect sacrifice.  Because of this he is able to forgive and make holy all who come to him acknowledging their sin.  He has borne our sin on the cross.  Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus.  No sacrifice on our part is necessary.  This reality is what Luke and the author of Hebrews point us to.  Allow this truth to sink deep into your heart.

Devotional Day 24 for Wednesday 3/24

Reading: Luke 22

The story of the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus could seem to be the most tragic story ever told.  One of the greatest (if not the greatest) moral teachers the world has ever known is murdered out of envy.  A man whose life would be emulated by many millions is cut short despite no finding of guilt worthy of death.  The hero of the poor and healer of the sick is betrayed for a small sack of coins.  The one who preached "turn other cheek" and "love your enemies" is slapped, mocked, and hated.  The one who promised life to all those who followed him is stripped of life himself.

For Jesus' disciples (and for those who read the story for the first time), this story indeed seemed like a tragedy.  A great injustice had been done.  Something went tragicly wrong.

Yet, in Luke 22 if we look closely, we do not get this sense at all from Jesus.  Although he is being betrayed, mocked, and sentenced to death, we do not get the sense that he feels that things have suddenly spun out of control or that God has betrayed him.  In fact, it seems from his actions and words that he believes God's sovereign plan is unfolding, and he willingly though at times painfully embraces the Father's plan.  Let us look at his words and actions in this chapter.

  • Jesus arranges for his own farewell dinner (vs. 7-13)
  • He understood he was giving his life up for his friends that they might have life (vs. 14-20)
  • He knew who would betray him and yet did not interfere with his plan (vs. 21-23)
  • He gave Satan permission to "sift" Peter and prayed that Peter's faith might not fail (vs. 31-34)
  • He knew his coming ordeal would fulfill Old Testament prophecy (vs. 35-38)
  • He knew the great agony that lay ahead of him and accepted the Father's plan (vs. 39-44)
  • He shows care for the disciples even in the midst of his own agony urging them to pray as they face their own temptations (vs. 40,46)
  • Jesus heals the ear of his enemy and rebukes the crowd that has come to arrest him (vs. 47-53)
  • He choose to openly affirm his identity as the Son of God rather than deny it and avoid death (vs. 66-71)
Jesus knows, controls, and accepts everything about his death.  He will die at the hands of evil men, but he chooses that path.  It is not a tragedy, but the unfolding of God's wonderous plan to reconcile all men and women back to himself.

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."  (Colossians 1:19-20)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Devotional Day 23 for Tuesday 3/23

Reading: Luke 20 & 21

In Luke 20, we see that Jesus is rejected by those who seemingly should have been the most willing to receive him - the supposed religious elite.  Their rejection of the Christ meant coming destruction for not only them but their city as Luke 21 points to.  Sadly, our actions never just affect ourselves; they ripple over into the lives of others.

Thankfully, as we will see in the next 3 chapters.  Jesus' actions will have MASSIVE ripple effects for all humanity leaving none without hope.  This great news - the death and resurrection of Jesus - is what we will celebrate as a global church in the coming weeks!

"For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son that who so ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16)

Monday, March 22, 2010

Devotional Day 22 for 3/22

Reading: Luke 19:28-48

For any person in the world, this moment in Jesus' life would be the pinnacle of their life, dreams, and ambitions.  The unmitigated adulation of the fans, the snubbing of the critics, the accolades of the crowds, the pomp, the celebration, the march to capitol hill - this scene has it all.  Jesus had the backing of the crowds on the way to the biggest feast of the year for the nation of Israel.  Jerusalem was never so a buzz.

Yet, Jesus is not remembered for the triumphal entry.  In fact, he seemingly fell from popularity more quickly then any celebrity ever has.  A week later, the crowds would turn on him demanding his death.  He would be mocked, whipped, stripped, and nailed to cross.  He would be remembered for all history by that symbol not the climatic entrance into Jerusalem.

For it is when the lights go out and the cameras stop clicking that our true self is revealed.  It is in the agonizing  moments in the garden the night before his death that Jesus struggles to accept his coming death.  Yet, we know what drove him to it.  His love for a city and the people of the world it represented.


"And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!"  (Luke 19:41-42)

Devotional Day 21 for Sunday 3/21

Reading: Luke 18:31-19:27

The book of Luke shifts with these chilling words:


"See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him..."

Until now, we have seen Jesus moving in the power of the Holy Spirit, setting the demonized free, healing the sick, preaching good news, and helping the despondent and the poor.  A man on a mission who seems unstoppable.  Until now.

Here for the first time we get a glimpse of his ultimate objective.  Not the palace in Jerusalem but the cross outside the city.  Jesus at this point has become a national celebrity.  Yet, he has not changed.  He has come to lay down his life as a ransom for many.

So, in this passage, we are no surprised to see him stopping for a desperate, blind beggar and an equally desperate yet greedy tax collector.  When Jesus could have been mourning his fate or enjoying his last moments of celebrity status, we instead find him (as we always find them) caring for the deepest needs of those around him.  Giving the blind man back his sight and the despised man back his reputation.  He is indeed the friend of sinners, and he aims to demonstrate it fully on the cross.

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all..."  (2 Corinthians 5:14)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Devotional Day 20 for Saturday 3/20

New Testament Reading: Colossians 1:19-23
Additional Reading: Matthew 5:1-9

Not only is Jesus supreme in all things (see yesterday's entry) but the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in him (vs. 19) and through him to reconcile to himself all things (vs. 20).  That means God himself came down to earth in the form of a man in order to restore creation back to its original good and restore relationship with humanity.  How did God bring about this reconciliation?

First, we must understand that we were alienated from God because our minds were filled with hostility towards God.  These hostile thoughts manifested in evil deeds (vs. 21).  We did not love God or love all his ways.  Instead, we chose to live by what we thought was right in hostility to what God said.  Until your realize that your thinking denied God or in some part rejected God's ways, you will not see a need to be reconciled.

Second, it is the through the work of the cross, the blood Jesus that God made peace with us (vs. 20).  Why did Jesus have to die?  Because God was going to eventually destroy all evil; and if we still remained in hostility to God enjoying this present evil age, we would have been subjected to God's wrath. Peace had to be made.  So, Jesus not only took our sin on himself, but he also bore the just wrath of God dying in our place.  What should have come upon us, came upon him.  We are no longer enemies of God.  Peace with God is possible if we choose to accept what he did on the cross.  It is the year of the Lord's favor (Isa. 61).

What are the results Jesus' reconciling work on the cross?

1)  He has reconciled you to himself.  A harmonious, transparent relationship with him is now possible (vs. 22).

2)  He has reconciled you into his body (vs. 22)  You are one with Christ.  You are also one with his body (the church) of which he is the head (Eph. 4:15).

3)  When this world ends, he will present all those who have faith in Him (vs. 23) holy and blameless and beyond reproach before God (vs. 22).

4)  Although not stated in verse 22, we also are called by Jesus to be ambassadors of this good news that Jesus has reconciled ALL things to himself.  We can fulfill Jesus' call be be peacemakers by proclaiming this news of reconciliation!  Then, we are truly fulfilling our role as adopted sons of God.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."  (Matthew 5:9)

Friday, March 19, 2010

Devotional Day 19 for Friday 3/19

New Testament Reading: Colossians 1:11-18
Additional Reading: Galatians 1:3-5

We will take a short 2 day break from Luke to look closely at a passage in Colossians 1.  On Sunday, we will return to Luke and through week 4 of this 40 days  follow Jesus through Jericho, Jerusalem, the cross, the grave, and the resurrection.


In this passage from Paul's letter to the Colossians, we read Paul's prayer for them.  May we pray the same thing for those in the body of Christ in this region and city.  Let us look at his prayer and its implications.

  • May you be strengthened with power (vs. 11).  This implies our faith is prone to weakness.  I have on many times begun to doubt the truth of what I believe.  Paul prays for strength to endure with joy!  He longs for us to have faith.
  • May you give thanks to the Father (vs. 12).  Our faith is in a good Father that has qualified us to share in the wonderous inheritance of all the saints of light.  God has qualified us.  What liberation!  It is what He has done for me not what I have done for him! My faith is increased with this knowledge.
Paul then shifts the focus of his prayer to a declaration of WHY we can endure and give thanks - Jesus the Son of God.  Do you know that you can declare what God has done in prayer?  Such prayers have great power.

  • The Father has delivered us from the domain of darkness (vs. 13) AND transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son (with the saints of light!).
  • It is through Jesus this redemption is possible (vs. 14).  Jesus paid the debt we owed for our sin.  Forgiveness is now not only possible but free!
  • Jesus is the image of the invisible God (vs. 15).  God has been made visible through Jesus.  It is not a "blind faith" we have but one based on the revelation of God through the life and death of the man Jesus.
  • Jesus created ALL things (vs. 16).  Not only the creation we see but the invisible - including fallen angels, rulers, and dominions.  The dominion of darkness is the result of that which Jesus created having rebelled against the worship of its Creator.
  • Jesus holds all things together (vs. 17).  Not only has Jesus created ALL, but he continues to sustain it.  Without this knowledge, we might fear the power of darkness.  Will it ultimately triumph in this world? Has God's creation gone beyond His control?  Clearly, this is not the case.  Jesus holds ALL things together including that which has fallen.  Satan cannot act unless allowed to by God (see the book of Job).  Ultimate victory over darkness and the restoration of creation with a new heaven, a new earth, and new resurrected bodies is guaranteed.  Ponder this and let your faith be strengthened.
  • Jesus is preeminent (vs. 18).  He has created ALL things.  He is seeking to redeem humanity. And after destroying all that remains of evil, he will make ALL things new (Rev. 21:5). The Father has ordained for Jesus to do this SO THAT in all things He might have the supremacy (Col 1:18, NIV). It is in this supremacy of over all evil, all creation, and over our lives that we have the faith to believe that he has indeed...

"(Given) himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age..." (Galatians 1:4)

We will continue this theme tomorrow.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Devotional Day 18 for Thursday 3/18

New Testament Reading: Luke 18:1-30
Additional Reading: Colossians 1:1-12

Luke 18 begins with Jesus telling a story of a persistent widow who gains justice for herself by her consistent asking of a judge for justice.  There are several important things to note about this story.

1)  The widow had a just and simple request.  The judge is initially unjust; he refuses to give her the justice she deserves. (vs. 5)

2)  The widow did not use many words (vs. 3), but she was consistent (vs. 5).  See Matthew 6:7 for Jesus' instructions on how to pray succinctly.  God is looking for consistent prayer not correct verbage or great verbosity.

3) God will not delay long (vs. 7).  We can expect God to move on the behalf of those who cry out to him. While we must acknowledge his time is often different than ours and there may even be good reasons (unknown to us) why he delays, this should in no way discourage us from continuing to ask.  In fact to do so, would be to disobey what Jesus is exhorting us to do!

4)  The primary point of this story is discovered by Jesus' concluding question.  "When I return will I find faith on the earth?" (vs. 8)  Consistent prayer reveals a heart that has faith in the goodness of God and trusts God to be faithful to his word.  Lack of prayer reveals a person who does not see a need for God and therefore lacks faith.

The point of this story is further illustrated by the following three accounts in Luke 18.

First, Jesus tells another parable of man who was confident in his own righteousness and a man who understands his sinful condition.  The first man is not seeking justice from God (as the widow did) instead he is seeking recognition. The latter man cries out to God out of heart that knows that knows God must justify him because he is a sinner.  (Luke 18:9-14)

Second, Jesus uses children and infants to illustrate how one must enter the kingdom with complete trust in God despite their inability to understand God's plan fully.  We may not understand why God has not yet responded to our prayers, but our consistency in continuing to come to him in prayer reveals we have faith to trust him even when we don't understand.  Those who have that faith enter the kingdom!  (Luke 18:15-17)

Finally, Jesus' interaction with a rich young ruler reveals a great hindrance that keeps us from faith.  Wealth or simply the treasures of this world that we are unwilling to give up to follow Jesus rob us of our faith.  Nothing is worth more than Jesus.  While God does not always call us to sell everything, he does call us to have nothing we value more in our lives than him.  (Luke 18:18-25)

If the call of Jesus seems impossible for you to achieve, you are near to the kingdom.  For it is when you realize that with "man it is impossible" that you come like the broken tax collector and the little infant who cries for his mother's milk- you are coming to a place where you are willing to cry out to God for help.  It is only "possible" through him.  That is why we pray.

"We always thank God... when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus. Of this... gospel  you have heard before... as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing."  (Colossians 1:3-6)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Devotional Day 17 for Wednesday March 17

New Testament Reading: Luke 17
Old Testament Reading: Habakkuk 3

In the end of his book after all his questioning of God's purposes, Habakkuk concludes with a prayer that reveals the prayer of man who had severely questioned God yet ultimately put his trust in God's greatness.  May we like Habakkuk stand in awe of HIS deeds. (See yesterday's story!)

Habakkuk's Prayer (condensed)

 LORD, I have heard of your fame;
       I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
       Renew them in our day,
       in our time make them known;
       in wrath remember mercy.
 God came from Teman,
       the Holy One from Mount Paran.
    
    Selah (Ponder)
    
His glory covered the heavens
       and his praise filled the earth.
His splendor was like the sunrise;
       rays flashed from his hand,
       where his power was hidden....

    Selah (Ponder)

 Though the fig tree does not bud
       and there are no grapes on the vines,
       though the olive crop fails
       and the fields produce no food,
       though there are no sheep in the pen
       and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
       I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
       he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
       he enables me to go on the heights.
    
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

Devotional Day 16 for Tuesday March 16

New Testament Reading: Luke 16
Old Testament Reading: Habakkuk 2

Luke 15 & 16 are primarily about God's heart for people who do not know him and the importance of communicating that love to them.  Jesus' heart always longed for those who did not know him to be welcomed back into his family.  He wants every person every where to know his Father's love. It also seems that Jesus is especially concerned about those who have lost their way in life and those who are destitute and sick.

I wanted to share a story today that shows how much God is willing to do to reveal his love to those people.
On Sunday, we baptized a young man.  Just a week earlier he made a commitment at our Sunday gathering to follow Jesus, yet it was very apparent to all of us who had met him that God has sovereignly been working in his life for some time.
He had grown up in a semi-dangerous environment.  Throughout his teen years, he turned to alcohol and drugs.  He left Boston two years ago to try and escape a life that was spiraling downwards but instead became addicted to even harder drugs.  However while away, he met a friend who invited him to church.  It was during a handful of visits to that church that he began to realize Jesus was real.
The young man returned to Boston and was able to suddenly stop doing drugs.  A few months ago, he began praying and worshiping Jesus alone.  God was moving in his life.  He met two members of our church at a Dunkin Donuts he worked at.  They were there trying to convince another employee that had said he was going to come to church but hadn't come yet to come!  Instead, they met a different young man who was hungry for God.
As that young man shared his story on Sunday, you could tell how much he loved Jesus.  Jesus had done so much in his life, and he was truly grateful.  His journey is just beginning!

As we pray during these 40 days, pray that God would lead us to those like this young man who God's hand is undeniably working on. May we have the boldness to speak up so the lost who are searching for answers know where Jesus' family is.

"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? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'"  (Luke 15:4-6)

Devotional Day 15 for Monday March 15

New Testament Reading: Luke 15
Old Testament Reading: Habakkuk 1

Sorry all!!!  I got behind on my posts.  I felt led to Habakkuk early this week.  It is the account of one man's questioning of God's decisions in world affairs.  It is a prophetic book that reminds us no matter how much turmoil there is in the world and how much of life we may not understand we can trust in a God who has a plan to care for and revive his people and the nations.  May our trust be in that knowledge!

"I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told."  (Habakkuk 1:3)

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Devotional Day 14 for Sunday 3/14

New Testament Reading: Luke 14
Old Testament Reading:  Jonah 4

I believe we are on the verge of many who have not known God being swept into relationship with Him in the coming months.  The message we preach (the gospel, story of Jesus life, death, and resurrection and it implications for our lives) will bear fruit.  It is inevitable.

(God is even using those of you who are reluctant laborers like Jonah to see the gospel change people's lives.  Isn't that great?  God will use you to bring salvation to people even if you don't feel like!  Just be prepared for some "fish swallowing" experiences!  Haha!)

The real question is will we be prepared to receive a surge of new lovers of Jesus into our midst?  Will we open up our lives, homes, and hearts to those who will need to be loved, taught, and healed?

Jonah cannot.  He preached the message, but he could not handle the harvest.  In 2005, God spoke to me clearly in a vision.  He said, "Build me a structure that can contain the coming revival."  We have been laboring to do that for the last 5 years.  Now comes the test.  Will God's love have filled and expanded our hearts enough that we can welcome in hundreds of new believers into our church community with love, grace, and diligence?  Are we prepared to teach people what it means to be a follower of Jesus (Matthew 28)?

Jonah cannot because he despises the cultural differences between him and the people he has preached to.  He cannot see beyond their sin.  He cannot see God's grace.  Grace is getting what you do not deserve.  Thousands will come into the kingdom still carrying the wounds and baggage of past sin.  Grace means they receive unconditional love and friendship from both Jesus and his church as they seek to turn to God.

Why?  Because God love's them.  Ask for and allow God to fill your heart with His love.  Jesus, fill me with the love of the Father.  Holy Spirit, pour out the love of God into my heart, today!

"And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left?"  (Jonah 4:11)




Friday, March 12, 2010

Devotional Day 13 for Saturday 3/13

New Testament Reading: Luke 13
Old Testament Reading:  Jonah 3

By God's mercy and grace, our reluctant preacher (Jonah) has been given a second chance.  He responds this time to God's command to go the great city of Nineveh (vs. 1).  The book of Jonah reveals God's great passion and love for cities.  Thus, it reveals God's great love and passion for people.  Cities are densely packed areas of people; people Jesus loves.  Cities often reflect the best of the ingenuity and creativity of humans who are created in God's image.  They also often reflect the depravity humanity's sinful nature.  Interestingly, in Revelation 21:2, we see that a city is the centerpiece of the new heaven and new earth.  God has always had cities on his mind!

Nineveh was a great city that was also filled with wickedness and sin.  It was especially known for it violence as was demonstrated by its ruthless conquest of neighboring nations.  Yet, God despite all its evil wants this city to turn to him.  Just like he longs that none would perish but all would turn to him (2 Peter 3:9), and he longs for Boston to turn to him.  The God of the Bible is a god who longs for his creation to know him.

God in his sovereignty has always used human messengers and laborers to communicate his message of love and forgiveness to allow people to turn from the coming judgment of God.  Jonah - despite his reluctance - is used by God to bring this message to Nineveh.  The result is the city turns to God from the greatest to least crying out to God for forgiveness and salvation (see yesterday's entry).  They know their specific sin - violence (vs. 8) - and confess it to God.

Today, we would do well to confess our specific sin to God knowing he longs to cleanse us from all sin through his blood shed on the cross.  What joy to know we are forgiven and cleansed!  What joy in Nineveh when God relented from sending judgment (vs. 10)!

"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?  And how are they to believe in him they have never heard?  And how are they to hear without someone to preach to them?"  (Romans 10:14)

Devotional Day 12 for Friday 3/12

New Testament Reading: Luke 12
Old Testament Reading: Jonah 2

In Jonah 2, a reluctant preacher has been swallowed by a fish and finds himself nearing death and Sheol (place of the dead).  In Luke 12:16-21, a rich business man is also nearing death and the requiring of his soul by God.  Both men have led selfish lives.  The reluctant preacher has disobeyed God's call to tell others about his love and mercy.  The rich businessman has hoarded his great wealth for himself to feast on pleasures.  One dies.  The other is given another chance.  What is the difference between these two men?

On his way to certain death, Jonah calls out to the Lord.  The rich fool never does.  The difference between life and death, between heaven and hell is one cry.  A cry for salvation to the God of Israel, the Messiah of the nations - Jesus Christ.  We must not wait to ask for salvation from the only man who died to save us from sin, death, and hell.  As Jesus' story of the rich fool illustrates, we never know when our ability to breathe and thus cry out will be taken from us.

"When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple... Salvation belongs to the Lord!"  (Jonah 2:7,9b)

"And it shall come to past that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."  
(Acts 2:21)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Devotional Day 11 for Thursday 3/11

New Testament Reading: Luke 11
Old Testament Reading: Jonah 1

Feel like you don't know how to pray?  Frustrated by the seeming ineffectiveness of your prayers?  The disciples in Luke 11 saw something in Jesus' prayer life that they wanted.  They asked him to teach them how to pray (vs. 1).  Following Jesus' instructions on how to pray has significantly helped my prayer life. Let's take a brief look.

Luke 11:2-4

Father  We have a good Father in heaven who longs to give us good gifts (vs. 11-13).  An encouraging thought as we come to pray.  God is our Father, a good father.

Hallowed be your name.  Our Father is God.  He is holy.  He deserves all worship.  We begin by praising him for who he is.  Our posture is one of worship.  Let us delay for a few moments all petition.  Instead, let us "hallow"  his name.  I have found that when I do this I am greatly built up in my Spirit.  It is good to linger here.

Your kingdom come.  As we worship, it will become apparent as we consider our own lives and the world around us that his name is not being worshiped in many areas.  We pray for his kingdom to come.  His healing, salvation, and deliverance to come in our lives and among the lives of those around us.  May Jesus' kingdom come.  May people see him for who he truly is.

Give us each day our daily bread.  God cares about your daily needs.  I ask him to provide for my family.  Grant healing for those close to me that I know our sick.  Our Father wants us to make our requests known.  He knows what we need and responds when we ask (vs. 10).

And forgive us our sins.  We have a daily need to be forgiven of our sins.  We are very aware of God's Spirit within us helping us grow into Christ's image.  We are righteous in Christ as he lives and reigns in our hearts.  We have been forgiven of all our sins.  We have been made saints, no longer sinners.  Yet, we are aware that sadly we at times succumb to the temptations of our flesh.  When, we do we can come again to the cross of Jesus and receive forgiveness from our loving Father.

For we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.  As we realize the freedom and joy that comes from knowing our sins our forgiven, it should free us to forgive those that have hurt, offended, and sinned against us.  In prayer, I release and bless those who have pained me.  Oh the joy and freedom that brings!

And lead us not into temptation.  As I finish my time of prayer, I ask for two more things.  First, I pray that God would keep me from temptation in sin.  I am aware this life is a constant battle. I want to be part of seeing his kingdom come not distracted by the passing pleasures and temptations of this world.  After all, I am a saint not a sinner!  I don't want sin to have any place in my life.

How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (vs. 13)  Second, I ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Luke reveals to us that of all the good gifts our Father could give us the greatest, most useful, and primary gift is the fill of the Holy Spirit.  It is through the submersion and immersion of the Spirit's presence that we can head out into the world full of faith, joy, and boldness.  The Holy Spirit is with us wherever we go.  He is working through us to see the kingdom come!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Devotional Day 10 for Wednesday 3/10

New Testament Reading: Luke 10
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 53:10-12

In Luke 10, Jesus asks us to pray. He asks us to pray as we go out into the world for the Lord to send out more laborers to the people He longs to know, love, and heal.  Jesus sends out the twelve in Luke 9 with power to cast out all demons and heal the sick.  Just one chapter later, Jesus is commissioning a group of 72 with similar power and instructions!  Jesus is wanting to commission you.  He wants you join him the place of prayer so that we can truly reflect power of the kingdom (see yesterday's entry).  He wants you to go out into the world.  He wants you to pray for others to follow your example.

Like Jeremiah, you may think, "Ah, God, I do no know how to speak; I am only a youth." (Jeremiah 1:6)  I do not yet even feel fully secure in your love.  "Yes, I know."  says your Friend.  But, "Behold, I am with you always." (Matthew 28:20)

It is not the depth of our understanding or strength of our emotions that we are counting on.  It is the presence of God with us.  The 72 come back; they had not been with Jesus very long before they were sent.  They return in joy, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" (Luke 10:17)

Friends, you have his presence and his name - the name of Jesus.  May his name be on the tips of our lips and in the depths of our hearts.

Devotional Day 9 for Tuesday 3/9

New Testament Reading:  Luke 9
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 53:6-9

"He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases." (Luke 9:1)  This verse is especially compelling given it comes on the heals of the stories in Luke 8 of the fully demonized man and a woman with an incurable disease.  I wrote yesterday that over the weekend God was speaking in our gatherings about this exact subject.  Has power over all demons and to heal the sick really be given to followers of Jesus?

The reality is whether we believe it or not it has.  Sunday, I was fully aware of God's desire to set people free from the powers of darkness manifesting themselves in habitual sin, unhealthy addictions, and paralyzing thought patterns.  Certainly, I feel I have no personal power or skill to help people even cope or manage with these types of issues.  But, I do know the man prophesied about in Isaiah 53 does.  His name is Jesus.

In Luke 9, we find Jesus going up on a mountain to pray. (vs. 28)  As he is praying, his physical appearance for a moment is unmasked. (vs. 29)  He is seen for who he truly is - the Son of God. (vs. 35)

Jesus has given authority and power to his followers.  How will it be revealed to a world that so desperately needs the kingdom to come in its full power?  Paul writes:

"We all... beholding the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image." 
(2 Cor. 5:18a)

We follow Jesus to the place of prayer.  As we pray, we reflect on who God is.  We ask for his Holy Spirit to fill us.  We begin to behold His glory.  We begin to be changed - degree by degree - into his image (2 Cor 5:18b). We begin to reflect Jesus to the world; faith in his power and authority to arise within us.  His truth lays hold of us.  We go out knowing the kingdom is coming - through us.  

Monday, March 8, 2010

Devotional Day 8 for Monday 3/8

New Testament Reading: Luke 8
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 53:1-5

On Friday night, our church had a prayer meeting.  The living room was packed with people.  Throughout the night, God spoke through different people.  It was a joy to see God speaking to different people linking their words, images, and visions together.  It is like you were actually hearing the voice of God.  One young woman felt God spoke to her that God wanted to, "Heal incurable diseases and sicknesses."

On Sunday, God totally changed what I had planned to speak on directing my attention minutes before I preached to Luke 8 and the story of the demoniac.  The result was 2 people surrendered their lives to Jesus asking him to forgive them of their sins and free them from shame and pain.  Several more people responded coming to Jesus to ask him to free them from various patterns they felt bound to.  One person expressed feeling as if "a weight" had been lifted off her.

After the Sunday meeting, I talked to one young man who said that he felt that God was saying, "I want to forgive sins that seem unforgivable and heal sicknesses that seem incurable."

To be honest, unlike Friday where I felt the overflow of the Holy Spirit filling me with joy and faith, on Sunday I felt completely dry.  Yet, God kept speaking, and God accomplished so much on Sunday despite how I felt.    Faith is not based on a feeling.  Faith is based on the truth of God's word; and in Luke 8, we see that it is Jesus that sets the demoniac free, makes the incurable woman well, and raises the little girl from the dead.  This Jesus is still alive; he is still setting people free.  He died to make it possible.  Let your faith rise as you read these stories and let us remember from Isaiah 53 that Jesus made it all possible through his death on the cross.  Praise God!


"And by his wounds we are healed."  (Isaiah 53:5b)

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Devotional Day 7 for Sunday 3/7

New Testament Reading: Luke 7
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 118:26-29

In Luke 7, we see Jesus responding to a soldier's faith and moved to action by a mother's grief.  We see his kindness in assuring John he is the Christ and in granting forgiveness to a weeping prostitute.  We see God act sovereignly as He intervenes with out invitation in raising the grieving widow's son from the dead, yet he also responds to the faith of the centurion (vs. 9) and prostitute (vs. 50).

In this all we see Jesus demonstrating the love and care of his Father.  We can be assured of the goodness of God's character when we read of Jesus' life; he is the exact representation of God's nature (Hebrews 1:3).

Therefore, let us bless his name today! (Psalm 118:26)  He has truly made his light shine upon us (vs. 27).  We know Jesus is our God (vs. 28).  We celebrate and thank him for his steadfastness of his love (vs. 29).  Let us rejoice in God's love as we gather together to worship Jesus this Sunday!  Why?  Because our sins were many.

"Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven - for she loved much."  (Luke 7:47)

Let us love Him without measure.

Devotional Day 6 for Saturday 3/6

New Testament Reading: Luke 6
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 118:19-25

Here we see Jesus getting away to pray alone at night (vs. 12).  Jesus often chose the lonely hours when people were asleep to be alone with his Father in prayer.  Jesus was not a closeted Christian during the day; he was with his disciples and the crowds ministering to them the truth, love, and power of God.  Yet, we see Jesus embracing a lifestyle of sacrifice (here sacrificing sleep) to be with God - a source of greater rest and strength than sleep.

It is interesting to note Jesus' persitance in prayer; it says " ...all night he he continued in prayer to God." (vs. 12)  Jesus was not just thanking his Father for the day and asking him to bless his tomorrow.  He was earnestly seeking direction and power from God.  Many disciples were following him; Jesus' time (like all of ours) was limited.  He needed to know who to invest in who to spend the majority of his time with.  God reveals who they are to Jesus and the 12 disciples are formed into a group that would launch the church and shake the cities of the Roman world with the gospel.  All because Jesus prayed!

We also see that Jesus came back with his team (vs. 17) in a whole new level of supernatural power (vs. 19). This too is the result of prayer.  We may long for the gospel to shake our cities but are we willing to imitate Jesus in the place of prayer?  We must if Christ's longings in us for the lost in our cities is to be fulfilled.  As we pray, he will guide our steps and freely give us of his Spirit's power.

Today, we can pray in accordance with Psalm 118:19-25.  Thanking Jesus that he has opened up the gates of righteousness to us through his death on the cross.  He was the stone the builders rejected, but it was God's purpose that he would be rejected and crucified so that he might be glorified.  His apparent defeat meant that we became recipients of God's unmerited grace - we enjoy the spoils of his victory (as the widow and Naaman did) an unhindered relationship with God now and the promise of life forever!

Finally, we pray for success.  Success in Christ's character being formed in us. (Luke 6:20-42)  That the fruit of his Spirit would be begin to grow in our lives and that we would be doers of his word (vs. 43-49).

"Save us, we pray, O Lord!  O Lord, we pray, give us success!"  (Psalm 118:25)

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Devotional Day 5 for Friday 3/5

New Testament Reading: Luke 5
Old Testament Reading: II Kings 5:1-19

In Luke 5, faith is required in two instances.  First, there is Jesus' call to his disciples (Simon & Levi); they must both realize that despite their sinfulness God has chosen to redeem their lives.  They must exercise their faith to obey Jesus' call and follow him - they must believe in God's grace.  Second, we see the faith of the sick and their friends as they come to Jesus for healing.  These instances are not unlike the story of Naaman in the Old Testament who like the widow in yesterday's entry struggled to believe and obey God's voice.  This is the challenge of anyone who wants to follow Jesus - to trust in God's grace and obey his call.

Naaman was a powerful and valiant man.  A revered commander of the armies of the mightiest empire in his world.  Despite his outward success and physical strength, he had a hidden, crippling weakness.  Something his wealth, power, and wisdom could not overcome.  It was an incurable disease called leprosy.

Naaman likely did not realize that is was the LORD God of Israel that had given him his success. (vs. 1)  In this story, we see an amazing demonstration of God's sovereign grace.  In the midst of God disciplining his people Israel through Syria, He is also working to bring a powerful, pagan warrior to faith in the Himself.  Thus, we see something of God's passion for his own glory in this story.  He is not content to allow a Syrian commander to think by his own skill or aptitude he has become so successful.  Instead, he wants this commander to acknowledge HIM as the sovereign LORD of ALL nations.

So, God who so often loves to use the lowly and weak people of this world (think fishermen and tax collectors) to carry his message uses a terribly evil circumstance, the capture of an Israelite girl into slavery, to save Naaman and get the glory he deserves for Naaman's success.

While God orchestrated every moment of Naaman's life and journey to Elisha the prophet, God leaves ONE thing left for Naaman to do.  It is the thing that God leaves every human to do.  God requires him (and us) to take a step of faith and obey his command.  Naaman must believe his divine cleansing can be fulfilled in the  muddy waters of the Jordan river.  It is at the the prophet's simplistic command to go wash in the Jordan river 7 times that Naaman balks. How often do we balk at receiving God's grace and forgiveness?  How often are we (as Naaman was) seeking to do some "great deed" for God (be it a long fast, more active church participation, or more holy living) to gain God's favor and give him a reason to answer our requests?  How often do we miss God's one requirement - go wash in the blood of his Lamb? (see here for vs.)

It was Naaman's pride and self-sufficiency that almost led him to refuse God's grace.  This refusal would have resulted in the slow subjection of his life to disease and complete isolation from God.  Luckily or sovereignly, Naaman had some good friends who encouraged him to obey.  Naaman washed in the Jordan and came out healed.  His life was completely changed, and God's mercy and sovereignty were finally acknowledged as Naaman's final declaration makes clear.

"Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel... and from now on your servant will not offer burnt offerings and sacrifice to any god but the Lord."  (II King 5:15,17)

Devotional Day 4 for Thurs. 3/4

New Testament Reading: Luke 4
Old Testament Reading: I Kings 17:1 - 18:1

In Luke 4, Jesus returns to his hometown after a remarkable time of ministry in Galilee.  News of him has spread throughout the region; yet in his hometown, he meets resistance from those who should have known him best.  (In Matthew 13:58, we see clearly that this resistance was due to their unbelief.)  Jesus mentions two Old Testament stories while trying to teach them.  These two stories (Elijah and a widow & Namaan) reveal how a lack of trust and a lack of understanding of God's grace hinder and destroy our faith AND how God is able to work in the midst of our difficult circumstances to reveal His grace and restore our trust in Him.

Today, we will look at the story of the widow.  Elijah has been living with a widow and her son who lived near Sidon, a city know for its pagan idol worship, during a severe famine.  Despite their poverty, they share their last supplies of food with Elijah only to find God miraculously begins to multiply their food each day while Elijah is with them.  In the midst of this remarkable provision that has saved their lives from starvation, the woman's son suddenly dies.

The woman responds with a declaration that reveals her view of God and herself.  She says, "What do you have against me man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?" (vs. 18)  This statement reveals that she believes God is against her and that her son's death because of her sin.  God's previous provision in her life seems to be forgotten instead in the midst of hardship she can only see her sin.

How often do we when difficulties come or life becomes emotionally challenging do we become aggravated with our circumstances and with God?  It is in these moments that we often feel that God has become very distant from us, and sadly we become increasingly aware of our own failures and sins.

The miracle of this story is that Elijah (the prophet of the Lord no less!) does not heap judgment on this woman because of her sins (as we might expect) in fact he doesn't even tell her to repent.  Instead, he takes her son, prays for him, and her son is restored to life!

The woman is stunned.  With a single intervention of God's grace, this woman is brought from a place of doubt, anger, and condemnation to faith in who God is and trust in what His word says.  She responds, "Now I know your are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth." (vs. 24)

Today, if you are struggling feeling God is angry with you... if you feel overwhelmed by your sin.. if you feel spiritually isolated... let me assure you God is working the the midst of your difficult circumstances to begin to reveal his grace to you.

Here in this Old Testament story we see that God is a God of grace.  He is willing to work miracles even for those who are despondent and bitter.  He is using your painful circumstances to make your faith stronger.  Before this tragedy the widow's faith could be shaken by any trial or hardship; but through the most painful experience possible (the death of her son), God is able to reveals who he is and enables her to trust His word again.

"The people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of diseases, and laying his hands on everyone, he healed them."  (Luke 4:40)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Devotional Day 3 for Wednesday 3/3

New Testament Reading: Luke 3
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 118:17-19

In Luke 3, we find an amazing verse.
"Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."  (Luke 3:21-22)
John the Baptist had appeared on the scene proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  He preached the word of the Lord powerfully - many people realized their sin, turned to God, and were baptized.  Some people thought John was the Christ, the Anointed One or Messiah.  John assured them he wasn't.  He pointed to one who was coming, one who would judge the world (vs. 17) and baptize (immerse, submerge) people with the Holy Spirit (vs. 16).

Jesus told people to repent and proclaimed that he could forgive sins.  Unlike John, who told people to turn to God.  Jesus said, "Turn to me."  He was God.  Yet, he was also man, and as a man he prayed.  When he prayed, the Holy Spirit fell on him.  The presence of the Holy Spirit in this physically tangible way was affirmation of Jesus' relationship with the Father.  He was the beloved Son of God in who the Father was well pleased.

Incredibly, Jesus told his followers that if they asked for the Holy Spirit; they would receive the same experience he did (Luke 11:13).  Paul wrote that God, "Sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba, Father!'"  The Holy Spirit not only empowers us to live like Jesus but confirms to our hearts that we are God's sons and daughters.  That was Jesus' experience and it can be ours.

Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit!  Keep filling us with your love and power by the Spirit's work.

"Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord."  (Psalm 118:19)

Monday, March 1, 2010

Devotional Day 2 for Tuesday 3/2

New Testament Reading: Luke 2
Old Testament Reading:  Psalm 118:9-16

Luke 1 & 2 are filled with worship, prayer, and God breaking into people's lives.  Some people you'd expect to God to show up in their lives like a priest named Zechariah.  Interestingly, he seems the most surprised to find out that God can actually do the impossible - make his barren wife pregnant!  Others like an unassuming young woman named Mary and tired shepherds respond to God's sudden activity in their life with statements and acts of faith along with wonder and worship.

Psalm 118:14 says, "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."  Do you know God can strengthen you?  As we looked at yesterday, He is your help; He can set you free.  I remember when God freed me from depression in college.  Before I became depressed, I used to love to worship and sing.  During the months I battled depression, I used to cry through many worship times.  I had completely lost my joy; but when God set me free, I sang more than ever before - walking down the street, when I got home from work or school, at church meetings, everywhere!  God became my song.

As we pray, let's remember the mighty things God has done for us.  You may say I can't think of any - then start with the small ones.  Don't be afraid raise your voice with shouts of joy!  It will revolutionize your prayer life.

"Shout of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: 'The Lord's right hand has done mighty things!'"  (Psalm 118:15)

Devotional Day 1 for Monday 3/1

New Testament Reading: Luke 1
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 118:1-8

One of the major themes of the books of Luke & Acts is prayer.  Over the next 40 days why not read 1 chapter a day of Luke and then into Acts?  Look for how prayer is involved in Jesus' conception, birth, life, death, and instruction to his disciples.  It was in the place of prayer that Jesus aligned himself with the Father's will, was empowered by the Holy Spirit, and was transfigured.  Let's model Jesus' example!

Often times when I go to pray, I found myself tired or distracted by my thoughts.  Psalm 118 encourages us.  It is good to pray these verses back to God as you go to pray.  It begins by reminding us that God's love and mercy endures forever!  How freeing to know as we go to pray that God loves us and no matter what we have done, how far we have strayed, or how tired we feel there is mercy available to us because of Jesus' death on the cross!  Thank Him for that.

It does not end there.  Verse 5 reminds us that if we call out to Lord in the midst of our anguish; he will set us free.  Do you feel bound as you approach God?  Cry out in prayer.  He will answer.  Do you need help to pray?  God is your help (vs. 7).

We may think.  Why I am I fasting?  Why am I walking up early?  The answer is found in verse 8.

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."  (Psalm 118:8)

Intro to Daily Devotionals

As we were praying this morning, God put it on my heart to write a short, daily devotional for people to follow each of the 40 days of the fast.  My hope is that is will allow us to unite as we read, ponder, and pray through the same things.  At the least, it will help me keep some structure in how I am seeking God each day.

If you are ever interested in praying with us early in the morning, the details are below.

Early Morning Prayer  6AM - 7:15AM
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays
Ruggles Baptist Church
874 Beacon Street  Boston  2nd Floor

My Thoughts on the 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting

From my blog...

The 40 Days
Starting tomorrow morning (March 1), many Christians from across the nation and especially in New England will be embarking on a 40 day Daniel fast to pray for an awakening in the churches and universities of New England.  To learn more about this effort visit http://www.jhopboston.org .

Prayer in Luke & Acts
I have lately again been struck about the role of prayer in the books of Luke and Acts.  In Luke, we see Jesus over and over again spending time in prayer with God aligning himself with the Father's purposes and receiving power from the Holy Spirit.  

40 Days of Prayer & Fasting for Awakening in New England Churches & Universities Starts March 1

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