Monday, March 18, 2024

Do We Care?

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 22 / NT - Mark 14:51-72

"Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept." - Mark 14:72

Emotions greatly differ. Some people rejoice at weddings and others cry, some weep at funerals and others grow quiet, some rejoice at the moment of salvation and others shed tears. No matter how we show emotions, there are moments in life when our souls are touched to the core. The heart that cares is always moved in times of joy or pain and sorrow. The question is: Do we care?

Peter was quite confident that he would never betray his Lord. He followed Jesus to the courtyard and watched as the trial began. He was recognized and in fear he denied the Lord three times, just as Jesus predicted. Peter's emotions were moved at his failure and he wept because he cared.

Does betrayal of the Lord move your heart and emotions? Are you deeply saddened when you sin? Take a closer look at Peter today and then consider your own heart. Have you become so familiar with the process of sin and forgiveness that you no longer feel sorrow when you fail the Lord? We grieve the heart of God whenever we sin (Ephesians 4:30)... Do we care?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 23 / NT - Mark 15:1-20

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Great Goals demand Great Sacrifices...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 21:22-34 / NT - Mark 14:32-50

"Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 'Abba, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.'" - Mark 14:35-36

A young person desires to become a doctor. The path of education and internship is more than grueling. Another individual plans to become a Navy Seal. The training is more than overwhelming. Then there is an athlete that has an eye on an Olympic Gold medal. The preparation absolutely consumes their life. Great goals demand great sacrifices.

Our Lord saw the incredible cup of suffering that was ahead, and He prayed for possible deliverance. But as always, Jesus was fully committed to the will of the Father. He knew the value of our souls and our need for deliverance from sin. He went to the cross with his eyes wide open and heart surrendered. A great goal demanded a great sacrifice.

What has the Lord called you to accomplish my friend? Where has he placed you in His vineyard to labor? Is the work too demanding, or have the years been too discouraging? Have you come to the place where you have experienced your own "Gethsemane"? After you have poured out your heart, may you join the Lord in the words of surrender... "Yet, not what I will, but what you will." Why should you willingly yield? Because, great goals demand great sacrifices.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 22 / NT - Mark 14:51-72

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Words or Action?

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 21:1-21 / NT - Mark 14:12-31

"And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same." - Mark 14:30-31
An inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City reads: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”  While this  is quite a promising slogan, our family, and many others in our community went without mail delivery this winter due to inclement weather. Words are good, but action is where real devotion comes alive.

Peter and all the other disciples spoke with great determination, but when the pressure came, where were they? Jesus knew the heart of everyone, as we read in John 2:25 that He... "needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man." Words of faith take conviction, but steps of faith take courage.

In time the disciples came to know both conviction and courage as they fulfilled the great commission. Do you speak too quickly and make commitments without counting the cost my friend? Remember that at best, we all have feet of clay so, "... be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." (Ephesians 6:10) In His strength alone will words become action.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 21:22-34 / NT - Mark 14:32-50

Friday, March 15, 2024

Stay Alert ...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 19:30-20:18 / NT - Mark 13:24-14:11

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” - Mark 13:32–37

During my college years I worked for a security company. My responsibilities included traveling to all our locations every night to be certain our guards were doing their jobs. I lost count of how many times I found guards asleep at their desks, in their cars or somewhere in the building. I never kept the same schedule, so they never knew when I would arrive. I learned that it takes real effort to stay alert.

Jesus taught a great deal concerning his second coming, but he never pinpointed a set time. He simply left his disciples and all believers with a word of council: Be on guard! Be alert! Watch! He intended for us to stay on top of our game as we waited for his return. He doesn't want sleepers; he wants his followers showing real effort to stay alert.

You can study prophecy for years and still live like the Lord's return will be sometime in the next millennium. The Lord calls us to be spiritually on point. What are you doing to redeem the time for the Lord today? When the Lord returns will he find you showing real effort to stay alert? 

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 21:1-21 / NT - Mark 14:12-31

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Deception ...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 19:1-29 / NT - Mark 13:1-23

"At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.  For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time." - Mark 13:21-23 

Henry Ford had no idea what the auto industry would become. From a simple form of transportation, to cars that cost far more than most homes. And along with the wide array of models to choose from comes the legendary "salesman". As the industry has gone out of control, so has the sales floor. While you might occasionally find an honest salesperson, the truth is this: buyer beware, because deception rules the day.

Deception is in the wind and Jesus told us ahead of time. Being deceived over the price of a car is small potatoes compared to being led astray spiritually. Every town is peppered with car lots and churches. Anyone can find a car or a religion, but will it be the right one? While, you might be able to unload your "lemon" before you suffer too much loss, your loss will be eternal if you buy into a false religion. Buyer beware, because deception rules the day.

Jesus made it very clear in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." and again in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." While the Model T Ford has "come a long way baby", Jesus is still the same "yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) Deception may rule the day, but it doesn't have to rule your heart my friend. Be on your guard and trust in Jesus, because He alone is the real deal!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 19:30-20:18 / NT - Mark 13:24-14:11

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The Power of God ...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 18:22-33 / NT - Mark 12:18-44

"Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?" - Mark 12:24

My Bible software of choice is Logos. While I have other computer programs for Bible study and sermon preparation, I find this resource to be the best. After using Logos for over twenty-five years I have only scratched the surface of its potential. Yet, while having a variety of font sizes, screen options, search formats and study guides, the real power is still in the Scriptures themselves.

Jesus spoke to those who should have known the Scriptures well, but they were too caught up in their traditions and arguments over minutiae. They had slipped into error and furthermore, they were oblivious to the power of God. As they drifted from truth, they also misunderstood the purpose and provision of God for the future. Hope was dashed due to lack of study and faith. They had little to offer those in need since they didn't know the Scriptures or the power of God.

Are you aware of all that you possess in the Word of God my friend? Do you realize that the power of God can change your life and provide every need for now and all eternity? Do you study the Word to learn all that it has to offer? Do you trust the Lord for his capacity to do the impossible? Imagine, even without a computer, you can know the Scriptures and the power of God.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 19:1-29 / NT - Mark 13:1-23

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Rejection or Reception?

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 18:1-21 / NT - Mark 12:1-17

"And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others." - Mark 12:8-9

The historic events that came upon Israel as a nation are devastating and heartbreaking. One event in particular is the destroying Jerusalem in 70 A.D. While ill feelings can be mustered toward Titus and the Roman government, issues of accountability before God take precedence. When the Messiah was rejected and crucified, Israel as a nation was rejected as well.

The key to the above account is found on a hill called Calvary, "...they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard". John 1:11 spoke of it in this way, "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." If this is the case for an entire nation, how is it with everyone who makes the choice to turn their back on Jesus? Rejection of God's Son is never anything less than devastating and heartbreaking.

How have you responded to the claims and invitation of Christ my friend? The above passage from John 1:11 continues into verse 12 with the following promise... "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God". Your response to Jesus will make all the difference in the world. Rejection will bring ultimate devastation, while reception will bring immediate and eternal blessing. Which will you choose?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 18:22-33 / NT - Mark 12:18-24