The Real Deal ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 22 / 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 "salesmen". 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 Year 3 - Isaiah 23 / NT - Mark 13:24-14:11

Real Power ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 20-21 / 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 (NIV)

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 Year 3 - Isaiah 22 / NT - Mark 13:1-23

Be Fruitful ...

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

"At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard." - Mark 12:2

Maryhill Winery opened in 2001, but it wasn't long before it became the 15th largest winery in a state seemingly overflowing with successful wineries. Craig and Vicki Leuthold established this family business with the goal of creating a quality and beautiful destination winery. But, this would never have happened if there had been no fruit.

Why should the Lord's expectations be any different? He planted his people in a land of unbelief and idolatry. They were supposed to make a difference by influencing others with a thriving faith in the living God. By such a lifestyle they should have been very productive, but sad to say... no fruit.

Has the Lord's expectations changed for us? Hmmm... well, lets read John 15:8, "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Let's not just be "busy" in ministry from year to year my friend. God placed us in His vineyard for His eternal purpose and glory... to bear much fruit.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 20-21 / NT - Mark 12:18-44

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