Be Productive ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 17-18 / NT - Mark 11:12-33

"And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs." - Mark 11:13

At the beginning of every baseball game both teams look like winners. Their uniforms are clean and pressed and their cleats are crisp and sharp to grip the field for a stellar game. From all appearances the game should produce amazing scores for both teams. But quite often the outcome will be disastrous for one or the other competitor. Looks never guarantee fruit.

While the reader might find the encounter of Jesus with the fig tree a puzzle, the illustrated point is quite clear. As with the leaf bearing fruitless tree, so were God's people of that day. From a distance they looked real good, but up close there was only emptiness. Spiritual looks never guarantees spiritual fruit.

You might be well prepared for your next ministry assignment my friend. But, it doesn't always matter how you dress or how you look. What really matters is a life of spiritual fruit. Don't just be satisfied with the pinstripes on your uniform or green leaves on your limbs... it's all about the hits and the fruit. Be productive for Jesus!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 19 / NT - Mark 12:1-17

Keep Asking ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 16 / NT - Mark 10:46-11:11

"And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,  “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” - Mark 10:47-48 

I often marvel at those who are facing situations that require the help of a specialist. I ask them if they have contacted the right person for an appointment and I am told that they called and left a message. Many weeks may pass by with no return call, so they give up.  When you really want help... you've got to keep asking.

Blind Bartimaeus was weary of being blind and wanted relief. He heard that Jesus was passing by and cried out for help. The crowds rebuked him, but he was determined and wouldn't give up. When there appeared to be no answer, he "cried out all the more". This poor beggar recognized that he had to keep asking.

Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:7 to keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking. His reasoning had nothing to do with his being too busy or unable to hear. He wants us to exercise faith and determination in our asking. The issue comes to this: everyone needs help, but not everyone wants help. Those who really want help from the Lord will keep on asking.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 17-18 / NT - Mark 11:12-33

Paying Attention...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 14:24-15:9 / NT - Mark 10:17-45

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” -- Mark 10:33-36

Have you ever listened to a discussion between two children? Quite often you will hear two conversations about very different topics and neither child has any idea what the other is talking about. We can understand this phenomena occurring with children, but when it takes place with adults it is quite revealing. Someone isn't paying attention.

Jesus spoke of a series of dramatic events that would fall into place in a short time. These moments would be painful, challenging and life changing for everyone. Yet, in the very midst of this revelation James and John were focused on their own selfish desires. As a result, they totally missed the Lord's message. They weren't paying attention.

Do you ever come away from your devotions, Bible study or worship having missed the Lord's message my friend? Is it possible that He was speaking quite clearly, but you were preoccupied with your own selfish desires? In the spiritual school of life, great truths are only heard by those who pay close attention.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 16 / NT - Mark 10:46-11:11

Childlike Faith...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 14:1-23 / NT - Mark 10:1-16

"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." - Mark 10:15

Statistics tell us that conversions to Christ are fewer in number during the latter years of life. One might think that the older a person is, the wiser they would become and therefore more prone to believe. But, too often age brings pride and self-sufficiency. On the other hand, children generally know nothing of either deficiency.

Yes, I speak of pride and self-sufficiency as deficiencies. Anything that inhibits an individual from receiving the kingdom of God is most definitely a deficiency. All too often, the more that we know, the greater our arrogance. The more we achieve, the greater our independence. Jesus came right to the point... keep it simple like a child, or you'll never get the picture of faith.

When was the last time you turned down the helping hand of someone my friend? Do you wonder why you did that? Was it really because you didn't want to impose? Or was it a deeper issue of personal pride and self-sufficiency? Accepting the helping hand of the Lord and embracing his grace demands nothing more and nothing less than a childlike faith.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 14:24-15:9 / NT - Mark 10:17-45

To Serve ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 13 / NT - Mark 9:33-50

"They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, 'What were you arguing about on the road?' But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest." - Mark 9:33-34

I've been told that at certain business luncheons the biggest moment is who gets to pay the check. The decision is made by who has had their American Express Gold card the longest. The earlier the year the most successful the person. It's all about being ahead of the rest of the crowd by being first.

Who is the greatest? While the argument was quite heated, it couldn't be answered by credit card memberships. Furthermore, when the disciples were asked to admit the subject of their discussion, they were rather quiet. Why not tell Jesus what was on their mind? Could it be that they already knew that to be first, one had to be servant of all?

We live in an upside down world my friend. Our Lord, Creator and Redeemer has made certain things quite clear. The way of worldly success is quite upside down. If you want to get ahead of the rest of the crowd, you can only get there by being the very last, and servant of all. Take a lesson from the one who... "did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 14:1-23 / NT - Mark 10:1-16

Ask...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - 2 Kings 17:24-41 / NT - Mark 9:2-32

"But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it." - Mark 9:32

How often were we told by our teachers not to be afraid to ask questions? How many questions did we ask? There are so many reasons why we don't ask questions when we are in doubt. Sometimes we are too proud, sometimes too embarrassed and sometimes too afraid. But whenever we fail to ask, we fail to learn.

The disciples were walking with the Lord Jesus day by day. He taught them great truths that changed their lives and his wisdom was beyond measure. What a wonderful opportunity to ask the Lord about everything they ever wondered about. Yet, they were afraid to ask about the Lord's death and resurrection. The result was tremendous sadness and frustration during the days of his Crucifixion and resurrection. I often wonder if they would have been better prepared by having asked questions. Whenever we fail to ask, we fail to learn.

The Lord has opened a door of opportunity for us in the words of Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" and James added in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Be confident to ask, and you will grow in your understanding. Be willing to ask, and you will be certain to learn.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 13 / NT - Mark 9:33-50

His Plan...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - 2 Kings 17:6-23 / NT - Mark 8:22-9:1

"And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see men, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly." -- Mark 8:22-25

I broke my ankle in a motorcycle accident a number of years ago. The damage was far more extensive than expected and the recovery took a lot longer than usual. But, as the Doctor promised, time and rest brought healing. Such is the case with the human body, for we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:1). A good physician considers all the differing needs of his patient and has a plan.

When the Lord performs surgery on us He considers every need we have from top to bottom. Sometimes, as with this blind man, the personal need may require a very different approach than past occasions. The Lord is concerned with our body, soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). As the Great Physician, the Lord takes each of us into his care with individual attention and he has a plan.

Too often, we grow impatient with the Lord's work in our lives. We expected healing, improvement or change to come in our way. Then the Lord gives us a thorough "scan" and chooses a different way to proceed. Will you trust the Great Physician for what he does best my friend? Will you wait for his unique and individual care to bring you his blessing? Remember, he has a plan... and his plan is always PERFECT!!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - 2 Kings 17:24-41 / NT - Mark 9:2-32