A Proper Kind of Altar

Scripture – Judges 6:23-26: ²³But the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” ²⁴So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. ²⁵That same night the LORD said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. ²⁶Then build a proper kind of altar to the LORD your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.”

Reflection: Before doing anything else, God directs Gideon to clean up his worship. Baal was another god of the culture in which Gideon lived. Much like our culture worships money, Baal was considered very influential in the well-being of the people. So Baal had to be honored and served. Altars to Baal were built. The Asherah pole was another part of the Baal worship.

God instructed Gideon to tear down all the Baal stuff, build a proper kind of altar to the Lord and use the Baal stuff as part of the burnt offering to God. He had to clean out all the old stuff and offer it up to God. He wasn’t to hang onto the old and store it away, where he could go back and get it. He was to worship god alone.

That is one basic command God has always had – He is the Lord. He alone is the One we worship. I’ll look around today at the altars and poles I may have stored away. I’ll pull them out and offer them up to the only God in all creation – the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, you are the greatest. In you and you alone I trust. Set me free from the temptation to worship at other altars. Release me from the hold other gods would try to have on me. For in you alone I find eternal hope and life. In you alone, I live.

God's Clear Promise

Scripture – Judges 6:14-18: ¹⁴The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” ¹⁵“But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” ¹⁶The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.” ¹⁷Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. ¹⁸Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.” And the LORD said, “I will wait until you return.”

Reflection: Often I feel like Gideon. The Lord shows me what He wants and says, “Go!” And my response is, “But Lord…” I can think of all kinds of excuses or problems or questions. Yet God’s answer has been consistent with His people over the course of human history: “I will be with you.” The fact is, God can do anything and He can use anyone to accomplish His will – even me.

Gideon still needs a sign of some kind. I’m encouraged by the fact that the Lord is okay with that. He’ll wait and give Gideon some time.

Does god see me as a “mighty warrior?” (See yesterday’s reading.) What sign do I need to be sure of God’s call? I’ll keep my eyes open to that today. I have a lot of ideas rolling around in my head. I’ll see which, if any of those, are from God.

Lord, thank you for your trust and faith in me. Forgive me for my weakness of faith. Move me forward. Move me as you want. Thanks for your patience. Please give me a clear sign this day.

Reading for Sunday, December 30

Scripture – Judges 6:19-22: ¹⁹Gideon went in, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak. ²⁰The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. ²¹With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared. ²²When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, “Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!”

The More-ness Within

Scripture – Judges 6:11-13: ¹¹The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. ¹²When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” ¹³“But sir,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian.”

Reflection: The angel of the Lord came to speak now to Gideon. He finds Gideon “threshing wheat in a winepress.” What an odd picture. But then, as the writer adds, he was trying hide it from the Midianites. Normal patterns had been changed in an effort to deceive the enemy.

I find the angel’s greeting interesting. He calls Gideon a “mighty warrior.” What did Gideon think of that? He was just a farmer’s son, trying to do his work in secret. Yet the angel saw much more in him. God has a way of doing that. Jesus constantly tapped into the more-ness He saw in people. Often I set limits on myself that God never intended. What would happen if I truly let Christ lift me beyond those limits? Will I have the courage to let that happen?

Lord Jesus, you know the plans you have for me. You know the more-ness that is part of who I am right now. Encourage me and lift me and use me this day. Set me free from my fear of your power working through me.

God Always Hears

Scripture – Judges 6:7-10: ⁷When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of Midian, ⁸he sent them a prophet, who said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. ⁹I snatched you from the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. I drove them from before you and gave you their land. ¹⁰I said to you, ‘I am the LORD your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not listened to me.”

Reflection: God answered the cry of His people. In fact, God always hears when I call on Him. Sometimes I make the mistake of equating “answered prayer” with getting what I want. Yet often God has an answer that’s different from what I had in mind. Part of faith for me is trusting that His answer is always best.

In this passage the people cried out for help. In response, God sent a prophet to essentially point out what they did wrong and why they were in trouble. I find that to be helpful, as well. God doesn’t just fix my problems. He helps me see how I got into trouble and how I can avoid repeating my mistakes.

I’ll pay attention to God’s voice and direction today. I’ve been making some unhealthy choices lately. I’ll let Him take control of my health and lead me into some new behavior.

Thank you, Lord, for your on-going presence and dialogue in my life. Keep me open to you today. Lift me to new life. Thanks for your faithfulness.

A Subtle Temptation

Scripture – Judges 6:1-6: ¹Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. ²Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. ³Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country. ⁴They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. ⁵They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts. It was impossible to count the men and their camels; they invaded the land to ravage it. ⁶Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help.

Reflection: This is a snapshot of Israel’s on-going problem. It also reflects some of my own life – more than I care to admit. “Again,” the passage begins. God’s people have trusted the Lord. They’ve turned to Him and obeyed Him. He’s taken care of them. Yet the old pattern is that they eventually turn from God and give into their own human nature. And so the writer of Judges begins this section with “again….”

I read one time that, when it comes to really trusting Christ, “we do no better even though we do know better.” My primary pathway to trouble is the one on which I trust myself. I begin thinking I can do things in my own power and strength. While I don’t make a conscious decision to move away from Christ, I just stop paying attention to Him.

Lord, I’m sorry for doing that. In many ways over the years, with your help, I’ve become much better at staying focused on you. Still, it’s easy to slip away and sort of make you an afterthought. Forgive me for that. Keep me on a better path today.

God's Great Gift

Scripture – John 1:10-14: ¹⁰He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹²Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—¹³children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. ¹⁴The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Merry Christmas!! Not many comments today. Just be aware of the mysterious, life-changing gift God has given through His Son – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Have a blessed day.

A Most Ordinary Night

Scripture – Luke 2:12-16: ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” ¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” ¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What an experience that must have been for those shepherds. It would have been an ordinary night at work for them – just another night tending sheep. However, God broke into their lives that night at that time. First there was the light. Then they heard the message of the first angel. Then all at once a “great company” of angels appeared. And then, it was quiet again on the dark hillside outside of Bethlehem. I wonder who spoke first after that. Who came up with the idea to go and check out this story they’ve been told? However that happened, they went to Bethlehem that night, and as far as we know, besides His parents, they were the first people to see Christ on earth.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It was to ordinary, working people that Christ first appeared. I’ll remember that God uses ordinary people. All He needs is a willingness on my part to hear His word, go and see what’s happened, then tell people what I’ve seen. Luke continues by telling us that’s what the shepherds did. So will I.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I can’t describe the impact you’ve had in my life. Thank you for coming for us all – and even for me. Give me words to tell what I know of you. Guide me as to when and how to speak. Thanks again.

The Point of It All

Scripture – Luke 2:1-7: ¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register. ⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) For all that goes on during the Christmas season – all the commercials, crowds, TV specials, pageantry, noise – for all of that there is no good reason without this basic truth in vs. 7. Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus. All of human experience tipped toward hope when she laid Him in the manger. Everything changed in that moment. This is what we celebrate – the birth of our Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep my focus on the manger over these next few days. For in the manger God’s Son is found. With all there is to do, I’ll remember His birth is the point of it all.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you again for your Son. I can’t thank you often enough. I live in hope and peace and possibility each day because of what you’ve done. Thank you for your amazing act of grace.

Reading for Sunday, December 23:

Scripture – Luke 2:8-11: ⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Uncomplicated

Scripture – Matthew 1:22-25: ²²All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” ²⁴When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. ²⁵But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Two things catch my attention here. First, Mary was a virgin when she became pregnant with God’s Son. That’s something I usually sort of skip over. But I heard someone speaking bout this recently who pointed out Jesus was God’s “begotten” Son. He was not adopted. Jesus has a “divine bloodline” of sorts. That’s part of His uniqueness. That’s why, in His birth, He became “God with us.” The second thing I notice is the simple obedience of Joseph. God’s command was clear to him, and he obeyed.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Most of the time, God’s directions are very clear to me. I know what He wants me to do. I’ll confuse the issue with questions, when in fact there’s really no “issue” at all. That happened just yesterday. I’ll pay closer attention today. I’ll do what Christ calls me to do.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you for speaking clearly, Lord. I’m sorry for avoiding your directions. Use me today. Keep me open and ready to do your will.

A Righteous Man

Scripture – Matthew 1:18-21: ¹⁸This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. ²⁰But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Joseph was a righteous man. There’s a lot of cultural background to this story. Yet the end result is this: Joseph took Mary home as his wife. That opened him to a lot of questions and implications. That demonstrated an enormous step of faith on his part. And it marked the beginning of a huge responsibility for this righteous man – much more than he first signed up for. Yet he accepted his role, and as far as we know, he fulfilled it. We don’t know much more about Joseph. Like a lot of fathers, he just stayed in the background. Yet of all men, God chose him to be the head of the household in which Jesus was raised.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll stay ready for whatever new responsibilities God has for me today – publicly and privately.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you for your trust in me, Lord. Remind me often today of Joseph. Keep teaching me how to live righteously and faithfully.

At Just the Right Time

Scripture – Galatians 4:4-7: ⁴But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, ⁵to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. ⁶Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There’s something about vs. 4 that strikes a chord at a deep level. “When the time had fully come…” From God’s eternal perspective, He determined it was time for Jesus to be born. Why He chose that particular time is something I’ll never know this side of glory. What I do know is, because He came, God sees me as a child – an heir to His kingdom. Because He came I live in hope today. Because He came I have been set free.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As I live in this freedom, I will look for opportunities to share this story. For perhaps today I’ll meet someone for whom the time is right to receive this great gift.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I read once that, while you may seem slow, you’re never late. You always come through at the right time. Keep me open today to the people I encounter. Keep me ready to speak when appropriate. And if necessary, give me words to augment that speaking.

Living in God's Eternal Now

Scripture – Isaiah 9:6-7: ⁶For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Isaiah wrote in the present and future tense. That’s fitting. For God operates from an eternal perspective, where past, present and future are all the same. Isaiah never saw Jesus. Yet he still writes as though He’s already born. Of His reign, Isaiah says it will happen. At the same time it is already an accomplished fact. We just haven’t seen it in its fullness yet. Christmas highlights some of the mystery of our faith. Bethlehem is an experience that has happened, is happening and will happen.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live in the present – in what Paul Tillich called “The Eternal Now.” I will remember what God has promised and live as though it has already happened.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for coming. Thank your for coming again and again. Empower me to live as a member of your eternal reign today. And please, bring peace today to our troubled world.

God Is in Control

Scripture – Matthew 10:26-31: ²⁶“So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. ³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Sometimes I lose sight of the fact that God is in control. All the time, God is in control. When evil seems to be winning; when darkness seems to overwhelm the light; when despair raises its head and hope seems to diminish; God is in control. He doesn’t miss a thing. At some point everything will be revealed. God’s justice and righteousness will prevail.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll live in that promise today and on through this Christmas season. The Bethlehem story tells of the birth of new possibility. I am never without hope.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth for me – for the world. In you I always have an upward point of view. Each day is full of promise and possibility. Forgive me for forgetting that. Carry me forward today. Show me again your amazing power.

On My Account.....

Scripture – Matthew 10:17-20: ¹⁷"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. ¹⁸On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. ¹⁹But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, ²⁰for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a prophecy that would come true for all the disciples (except Judas, of course). They would be persecuted. They would be brought before all kinds of people on account of Jesus. Jesus, however, points out the reason for that. They will be His witnesses in those situations. I’m aware I have never been arrested or forcibly brought before anyone because of my faith in Christ. At the same time, I have found, if I keep open, Christ does give me words to speak in whatever situation I encounter.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll keep myself open and ready to speak as He directs today. I will not avoid talking about spiritual matters. In fact, I’ll look for opportunities to do that.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, I don’t know what this day holds or where you may lead. Help me faithfully follow and give me whatever words are needed. Thanks for your faithfulness.

Reading for Sunday, December 16:

Scripture – Matthew 10:21-25: ²¹"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. ²²All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. ²³When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ²⁴"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!

The Kingdom Is Near

Scripture – Matthew 10:5-10: ⁵These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. ⁶Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. ⁷As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' ⁸Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. ⁹Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; ¹⁰take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The twelve were sent out with authority and power to do miraculous things. They were also instructed to preach a simple message – “The kingdom of heaven is near.” There is a thin line at the edge of the kingdom. It’s sometimes hard to tell exactly when a person has come in. I think of water lapping at the edge of a lake. At what point do I move from just getting my feet wet to being in the lake? Many people are very close. At this time of the year I believe people come closer to Christ than at any other time. How can I help them take that simple, clear step and enter this kingdom that is so near?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will watch and listen for those opportunities. As spiritual things come up, I will be ready to extend an invitation to go deeper.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a sensitive spirit today. I don’t know who I’ll see or where conversations may lead. Just keep me ready to speak of my experience with you and ready to invite people to continue in their spiritual explorations. May your kingdom welcome new people this day.

Choosing People

Scripture – Matthew 10:1-4: ¹Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. ²These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; ³Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ⁴Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus chose an interesting group of people to be His closest disciples. I wonder how He made those choices. We really know very little about most of them. In the church I find it easy to keep turning to the same people over and over when there are jobs to be done. Yet how many other people are just waiting to be asked?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll expand my vision. I’ll look for new people to ask. And I’ll stop making decisions for people. It’s real easy to cross someone off the list because I think they don’t have time or interest. I will practice giving more people opportunities to serve Christ through the church.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’m sorry for living with such limited vision. You chose people I probably would have overlooked. Open my eyes. Help me see the people right under my nose.

Seeing People

Scripture – Matthew 9:35-38: ³⁵Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) One of the amazing things about Jesus is the compassion He genuinely feels for people. I’m not very good at that. At this time of the year, for example, I try to avoid crowds. And when I’m out in a crowd, I look for a private space in the middle of it. It’s only when I remember Christ that I can let myself feel compassion for a crowd. It’s amazing what a difference that will make in a crowded store.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look for people today. I will see individuals. I will avoid blanking people out as just part of a crowd.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, give me eyes and ears and a heart like yours today. Show me the people today. Teach me to care about them as the unique individuals they are – people created and loved by you. I’m sorry for seeing them sometimes as obstacles that slow me down. As you have loved me, teach me to love others. Thank you.

Simple Explanations

Scripture – Matthew 9:32-34: ³²While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. ³³And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." ³⁴But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Sometimes people refuse to believe what’s right in front of them. There are a few people that, when they speak, I’m already sure they won’t follow through with what they say. No matter what they do, I tend to look for an ulterior motive. These Pharisees couldn’t stand the idea of Jesus being from God, so they made up reasons to disbelieve him. But the crowd – the ordinary people – were amazed. They could recognize the truth.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes I think I know better than everyone else. I’ll pay attention to the voices around me today, and give them more credence. Sometimes I make things too complicated. I’ll listen for simple explanations. Sometimes those are right.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please forgive the arrogant attitude that keeps trying to rise within me. Remind me that you speak through a number of voices. Remind me that the message of Bethlehem is really quite simple. I don’t’ need to over-think it. I just need to say thanks. So, thank you.

Living With Expectancy

Scripture – Matthew 9:18-26:¹⁸While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” ¹⁹Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. ²⁰Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. ²¹She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” ²²Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that moment. ²³When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, ²⁴he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. ²⁵After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. ²⁶News of this spread through all that region.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here are two different people who came to Jesus expecting Him to help them. I wonder where the ruler gained such faith. What would have led him to think Jesus could bring his daughter back from death? I don’t know. But I know he came and asked Jesus to come. Jesus went with him. And the girl was raised. On the way to the ruler’s house, an unnamed woman believed she could be healed of her chronic disease by simply touching Jesus’ cloak. Jesus saw her, and she was healed. Often I simply forget to come to Jesus. Here He’s ready and willing to help and to heal. It just takes the simple act of faith on my part to come expectantly.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) This is such a simple lesson, I can’t believe I have to write it down. Yet today I will remember to go to Jesus with my concerns and problems before I do anything else. I know He can and will help me with whatever I need. I will expect Him to continue His amazing work.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’m sorry I forget this simple lesson. Please lift me up and carry me into this new day. Be my Lord – the Director of my life and will. Be my Savior – the One in whom I find eternal hope in the finite concerns of daily living.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Reading for Sunday, December 9:

Scripture – Matthew 9:27-31:²⁷As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” ²⁸When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. ²⁹Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”; ³⁰and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” ³¹But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

Honest Questions

Scripture – Matthew 9:14-17:¹⁴Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” ¹⁵Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. ¹⁶“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. ¹⁷Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) How interesting! John’s disciples come with basically the same question as the Pharisees (back in verse 11). Yet Jesus answers them with what seems a much softer tone of voice. They were asking an honest question. I’ve heard many people ask questions that are really not questions – they’re just excuses to start an argument. I’ve learned to pretty much avoid getting sucked into those conversations. Other people, however, will ask honest questions. Here, for example, John’s disciples were sincere people who didn’t understand the difference in behavior between what they had been taught and what they saw in Jesus’ disciples. Jesus always gives honest questions an honest answer.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) What are the questions I have? How honest are they? I’ll be careful before I ask today. I’ll be aware of what I’m really asking, and I’ll ask honestly.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’m sorry for the times I play games – sometimes asking questions that are really not questions. Remind me to be honest with other people, with myself and with you. Thank you for taking me seriously. Thank you for being honest with me.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Finding Matthew

Scripture – Matthew 9:9-13:⁹As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. ¹⁰While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. ¹¹When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” ¹²On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I’m not sure which is more striking – that Jesus called Matthew or that Matthew got up and followed Jesus. I mean, he was at work, sitting at his desk. And he just got up and left to follow this man called Jesus. Matthew was one of the outcasts in his society. I wonder what it meant to him to be recognized as a person and invited to join a new movement. Jesus ended up at Matthew’s house for dinner, with, I presume, many of Matthew’s friends – also outcasts. What an interesting gathering that must have been.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I would love to have dinner at Matthew’s house with his friends. I would welcome the opportunity to talk about spiritual things with non-church people. How can I make that happen? What “Matthews” do I overlook each day? I’ll keep an eye out today. I’ll look for opportunities to move out of the church setting and meet people where they live.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, first of all, is this what you want me to do? I’ve had a sense of this call for a long time, now. I’ve managed to keep myself busy with other things so I’ve never really explored it. Please show me your open door today. How might I serve you as witness today?

The Amazing Power of Christ

Scripture – Matthew 9:4-8:⁴Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? ⁵Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? ⁶But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.…” Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” ⁷And the man got up and went home. ⁸When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Without question, I find it easier to say to someone, “Your sins are forgiven.” First of all, I know that to be true. Accepting God’s forgiveness is another issue. A lot of people struggle with that. However, the Bible makes it clear, “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Second of all, this is not something anyone can see. So when I accept God’s forgiveness of my sin and receive the fresh, new beginning He gives, it’s not really something you can see. However, if I were to say to someone who is paralyzed, “Get up and walk,” that would call for an external verification. And that’s where my faith often falls short. What if the person still can’t get up? Jesus knows that. So to demonstrate His authority to forgive sins, He also empowers the man to get up and walk.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) The power available to us in Christ is awesome and quite frightening. So I’m afraid to even imagine myself using it. Yet Jesus has made Himself available to us who believe in Him. I’ll keep practicing boldness in my prayers. I’ll let myself expect Him to do something amazing today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving my sins. Thank you for empowering me to walk. Please keep leading me today and growing within in me. Help me bend my will around yours this day. Keep me open to your amazing work.

Good News for All People

Scripture – Matthew 9:1-4: ¹Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. ²Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” ³At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” ⁴Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? ⁵Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The healing for this man began “when Jesus saw their faith.” I wonder how the conversation went between the men and the paralytic. Did they make the offer to take him to Jesus? Did he ask them? Was there much convincing that had to take place? Was it an entire group effort? All we know is they came. And Jesus saw their faith, and the result was healing. How many people do I know who need Jesus? How many people are waiting for me to bring them to Him?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be intentional as I meet various people today to listen to them. I will listen for their spiritual openness. I will be ready to bring people to Jesus.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) As you have saved me, Lord, keep me open to all the other people you came to save, as well. Remind me that you, indeed, bring good news of great joy for all people. Open the eyes and ears of my heart today. Guide me in my conversations. May I be a bridge today for someone to come closer to you.

Over-Blessed

Scripture – Matthew 8:31-34: ³¹The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”³²He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. ³³Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. ³⁴Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What an interesting scene. The people tending the pigs ran into town and told everyone all that had happened. That would have included what happened with the demon-possessed men, and what happened to the pigs. The men, I assume, were healed – set free from their possession. The pigs, of course, died. The people from the town pleaded with Jesus to leave their region. Did they see the pigs as more valuable than the men?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Is there a dollar figure we can put on human life? I’m not sure how we do that. There are, however, a lot of people who suffer physically because they cannot afford the medical care they need. This leads me to lift my vision to our wider culture – to consider how we value people. The poor and the powerless get less care than the rich (of whom I am one). While I’m not sure what my response will be to this, I will value each person I see today as one created and loved by God. And I will remind myself they are more important than any thing in life.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, this leads me into some uncomfortable areas. I don’t really want to get involved. Yet you have blessed me so much with wonderful and affordable medical care, how can I ignore those who don’t have that? Show me your way in this. At least, keep this issue alive in my mind and heart. Don’t let me just sweep it under the rug. Thank you for what you’ve given me.

Christ's Amazing Work

Scripture – Matthew 8:23-27: ²³Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” ²⁶He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. ²⁷The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Sometimes I wonder why these early disciples found it so hard to trust Jesus. It seems like they were constantly being reminded who He was, yet it never seemed to sink in. Here, for example, they find themselves asking, “What kind of man is this?” They’ve seen so much already, shouldn’t they have a clue by now? At the same time, I find myself constantly learning new aspects of this Lord I profess to follow. And I am still often amazed at things He does.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Will cut these disciples some slack today. For I wasn’t in that boat with them. I’ll keep aware of my own storms and fears. In those moments I will look to Christ for His calming word. I will let myself be amazed.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’m sorry for doubting and questioning the faith of other people. Show me the path that is mine. Help me with my own questions. Thank you for your amazing work in my life. Continue, Lord, to carry me into this new day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Reading for Sunday, December 2:

Scripture – Matthew 8:28-31: ²⁸When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. ²⁹“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” ³⁰Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. ³¹The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”