Expect the Miraculous ....

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - 2 Chron. 28 / NT - Mark 7:24-37

"And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." - Mark 7:37

In the 21st century, people are still intrigued enough by illusionists to pay good money to see their shows. The awe factor seems to be alive and well as audiences watch the varied escapades of a Criss Angel, David Blaine or David Copperfield. It is a sad fact that while so many are amazed by an illusion, they are ho-hum when it comes to the truly miraculous.

When the Lord traveled throughout town and country, he performed many miracles. People were overwhelmed by the power of God present in His ministry. They sought the Lord Jesus from miles around; some for healing and others to simply sit under His teaching and observe His mighty works. For these followers, there was a genuine astonishment beyond measure as they experienced the truly miraculous.

How about it my friend? After you believe that you've seen it all, have you lost the ability to be astonished beyond measure? Is there little or no room for the awe factor when it comes to the mighty power of God? Have you lost the very sense of expectation? And as a result, do you rarely ask the "impossible" from our Lord? Remember, there was a day that "the wall fell down" (Joshua 6:20), "the sun stood still" (Joshua 10:13) and "the iron did swim" (2 Kings 6:6 KJV). The Lord does all things well, so expect the truly miraculous and be astonished beyond measure!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - 2 Kings 16:1-17:5 / NT - Mark 8:1-21

The Undivided Heart ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 7 / NT - Mark 7:1-23

"And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’" - Mark 7:6-7

Isn't it ironic that many people criticize those who are devoted to the company for which they work? They use a derogatory term for such a person by calling them a "company man". There doesn't seem to be any employee loyalty any more. They are very few who have an undivided heart for their employer.

As we read the passage above, we understand that loyalty and devotion has been a rare commodity for generations. Most people are simply focused on themselves and have no real devotion to anyone, including the Lord.  They honor Him with their lips and surface obedience to get all they can out of Him. They are very few who have an undivided heart for the Lord.

Which will it be my friend... lips or heart? Will you wear the cross or proudly display your "fish" bumper sticker, but spend most of your time on personal pursuits? Do you ridicule those who you consider to be "fanatics" for Jesus? Maybe it's time to leave the crowd behind and become one of the very few who have an undivided heart for the Lord.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - 2 Chron. 28 / NT - Mark 7:24-37

Don't Miss It ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 5:7-6:16 / NT - Mark 6:30-56

 "When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened." - Mark 6:47-52

Spring is coming soon. Just a month ago we had our snow  blowers all  revved up,  getting ready for another storm. Soon the flowers will be blooming, the trees will be budding and the grass will be growing. We'll be so caught up with getting our lawn mowers ready to cut the grass that we might miss the miracles around us. Spring  is  amazing,  and  if we're not careful we'll miss the beauty and wonder  of it  because our  familiarity and  busyness  has hardened our hearts.

Imagine the disciples walking with Jesus every day, watching him perform miracles again and again. They saw such wonderful works of God and yet they missed the point and didn't understand. How could this be you might ask. How could anyone participate in feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, having twelve baskets of food left over, and be oblivious to the miracle? Familiarity and busyness can harden the heart.

God is doing tremendous things in your life right now. He's performing miracles moment by moment and if you're not careful, you're going to miss it. As spring arrives take time to watch as the flowers bloom. Slow down and feel the breeze across your face. Take note as the grass sprouts up with new color and fresh life. Step back and watch the Spirit of God mold your life into the likeness of Jesus. Don't be so familiar and busy that you harden your heart.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 7 / NT - Mark 7:1-23

Possibilities ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 4:1-5:6 / NT - Mark 6:1-29

"And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief." -- Mark 6:5-6 

G. Campbell Morgan grew up in a Christian home and never questioned that the Bible was the Word of God. But in college, his faith was severely challenged by the philosophies of the day, and he began to entertain doubts. After a steady exposure to skepticism and unbelief, he wrote, "There came a moment when I was sure of nothing.”

The surrounding region was abuzz with reports of miraculous works performed by Jesus. The evidence was in and the numbers of lives touched and changed were numerous. People traveled great distances to hear the Lord and receive healing. Should there not have been a "mighty work" done where ever He traveled? Such would be true were it not for "unbelief".

Unbelief cripples the soul and hinders the mighty work of God. The Lord responds to belief and unbelief. Where there is doubt there is darkness. Where there is faith there is freedom. What is your "Faith Quotient" today my friend? Jesus said in Mark 9:23, "All things are possible for one who believes". Is your life marked by the "possibilities" of faith or the "impossibilities" of unbelief?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 5:7-6:16 / NT - Mark 6:30-56

Personal ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 2-3 / NT - Mark 5:21-43

"After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat." - Mark 5:40-43 

We read about an amazing new medication that will rock the world of health. We read all the testimonies about unbelievable results from many people who have been helped. We're convinced that this treatment will bring hope and healing to a loved one but... it's not available to the public. We need the powerful to become personal.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. In a few weeks we will celebrate his resurrection with joy and singing. We will hear the Biblical account of the Lord's miraculous victory over death. We will be reminded that the resurrection of Christ is the very foundation of our faith. But hearing and singing about it won't bring a change until it comes home. When the risen Savior brings new life to a loved one or friend... the powerful becomes personal.

While resurrection day is yet future, it begins when the Lord brings us from death to life, from darkness to the light, from bondage to freedom. We need the Lord to come home in our hearts before we can be at home in heaven. As Job said in Job 42:5... "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."  The wonderful truth about the risen Christ is... the powerful became personal.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 4:1-5:6 / NT - Mark 6:1-29

A Permanent Vacation ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 1 / NT - Mark 5:1-20

"And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid." - Mark 5:15

In the comedy "What About Bob", a psychiatrist writes his patient a prescription to "take a vacation from his problems". As a result the patient (Bob) finds an uncommon relief and emotional freedom. For many people such a prescription would be just right, but only if the vacation from their problems was permanent.

In this passage Jesus confronts a demoniac and the legion of demons that possessed the man. With divine authority the Lord sends the demons into a herd of pigs and relieves the man of a horrifying condition. As the crowd arrived they found that this man was now "in his right mind",  "taking a vacation from his problems". And since his deliverance was from Jesus, this vacation was permanent.

Does the idea of taking a vacation from your problems sound good my friend? Maybe you have tried a variety of resources and each one has fallen to pieces. Well, if you really want the kind of relief that will restore your "right mind", then turn to the Lord. Only Jesus can provide you with a "vacation from your problems" permanently.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 2-3 / NT - Mark 5:21-43

Finding Your Calm...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 11-12 / NT - Mark 4:21-41

"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”  - Mark 4:39-40

We used to have a very gentle and loving Australian Shepherd. She would greet everyone in the family with a wagging tale and "happy to see you" howl when we came home. But, she had one weakness; she was very nervous around fire engines, buses and loud trucks. No matter how often I would tell her that there's no reason to be afraid, she just couldn't seem to settle down and be at peace. Apparently, she had little faith in what I say.

Is it not amazing that the wind and sea responded so quickly at the words of our Lord? Jesus spoke and "the wind ceased, and there was a great calm". Yet, the disciples were completely unable to experience the same peaceful calm in their hearts. This is far too often the case; the words of Jesus were just not enough to calm their nerves. Apparently they had little faith in what He said.

Is this your story as well my friend? Can you recall numerous verses that tell of God's great power and faithful care of His children? And yet, in the face of stormy situations do you find that you are still often afraid? Is it true that no matter how much you know, you just can't settle down and be at peace? Well, maybe you need a little more faith in the One who "makes the clouds his chariot"... and "rides the wings of the wind" (Psalm 104:3). You need to give your fear to the One who says "Peace! Be still" and find your own "great calm".

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Micah 1 / NT - Mark 5:1-20