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