Godly Conduct...

 Today's Rdings: OT - Judges 15 / NT - Luke 3

"Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham." - Luke 3:8

I attended Bible College at a school that was centered on a mega-church campus. People came down the aisle to profess faith in Christ at every service and there were baptisms every week. Yet I would often meet the most evil people in the community that were "saved" and baptized in that church. They claimed a godly connection without a godly conduct.

John cut to the core of true conversion with the words "Bear fruits in keeping with repentance". He took away all hope of being a child of God through family or religious relationship. It really doesn't matter where someone grows up and attends church. Genuine connection with God begins with a repentant conversion that leads to godly conduct.

Where do you trace your beginning with Jesus my friend? That moment may bring nostalgic warmth to your heart, but has your life changed for the better since that time? Have you become more godly and Christ-like from year to year?  Consider the words of 2 Peter 1:10, "Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall." Remember, true godly connection produces godly conduct.

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - Judges 16:1-22 / NT - Matt. 4:1-11

Taken for Granted?

 Today's Rdings: OT - Judges 14 / NT - Mark 1:35-45

"And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, 'If you will, you can make me clean'. Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, 'I will; be clean.'" - Mark 1:40-41

How do you ask for something? Do you frequently say, "If you don't mind would you...?" or "Would you be willing to...?" or "If it wouldn't be too much of a bother would you...?" The intent is to show respect and consideration for the one we are approaching. We are careful not to take them for granted.

This leper approached Jesus with the very same respect and consideration. He was fully confident that the Lord was able to make him clean in the words "you can". But he understood that there was a great difference in what Jesus "can" do and "will" do. While he came with certain faith, he was careful not to take the Lord for granted.

In the passage above we have more than a request made to a friend. This leper came to the Lord of the universe with a very personal need. He came with respect and consideration of the "will" and wisdom of God. Take note my friend and the next time you approach the Lord with a request, give Him the respect that He deserves and the consideration that He knows what is best for His child. Be careful not to take Him for granted.

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - Judges 15 / NT - Luke 3

What's Your Plan?

 Today's Rdings: OT - Judges 13 / NT - Mark 1:21-34

"And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them." - Mark 1:31

People desire good health for a number of reasons. They yearn for renewed strength to travel, play sports or make more money. There is also the undying hunger for "eternal youth" without any real goal. Some people make every effort to prolong the "looks" of youthfulness even when age has taken its debilitating toll. But, what good is health without a plan to use it well.

Peter's mother-in-law didn't hesitate to put her healing to good use for others. When the Lord touched her and lifted her up she immediately began to serve. Her renewed strength was a blessing and she knew just how to show her gratitude. She served the Lord and those who joined Him in ministry. She had new-found health and had a plan to use it well.  

Are you praying for healing and new strength for the days ahead my friend? Should the Lord bless you, what will you do with what He gives? Give it some thought; when you finally have a new lease on life with health and vigor, what's your plan?

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - Judges 14 / NT - Mark 1:35-45

Be a Hero ...

Today's Rdings: OT - Judges 12 / NT - Mark 1:1-20

"The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him." - Mark 1:12-13 

Someone once said that heroes are made, not born. Well, after his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and three other non-commissioned officers had become casualties, Corporeal Alvin C. York, a conscientious objector of World War I, assumed command.  Fearlessly leading seven men, he charged a machine gun nest which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In this heroic feat the machine gun nest was taken, together with four officers and one-hundred-twenty-eight men and several guns. York was promoted to Sergeant and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Medal of Honor and nearly fifty more decorations for his heroism. By going where no one would want to go and doing what no one would want to do, York became a hero.

Jesus left heaven's glory, came to earth and was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness. The battle ground was not desirable nor the fight pleasurable. But our Lord went where He was told to go and became our eternal hero. He charged the bastion of Hell and confronted the great enemy with the Sword of the Word and won the day. As with any war there were many more battles that followed, but the victory was achieved by the One who went where no one would want to go and did what no one would want to do and became our hero.

This simple point comes to this my friend; has the Lord directed you into a situation that no one would want to go? Have you hesitated and questioned the wisdom of such leading? Is it possible that the Lord has set the stage for you to do what needs to be done so others might be blessed? Yes, the Spirit still drives His people into the wilderness, but with eternal purpose in mind. You too can win the day and be a hero... by going where no one would want to go and doing what no one would want to do, for the Glory of God and blessing of others.

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - Judges 13 / NT - Mark 1:21-34

Obedience ...

Today's Rdings: OT - Judges 11:29-40 / NT - Lk. 2:39-52 & Mt. 3

"And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 

 " - Luke 2:51

"But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

" - Matthew 3:15

Every sports team has one head coach and many players. Quite often the best coaches are those who were once players themselves. They are good leaders because they were good followers. A true "servant-leader" understands the value of both qualities in the game of life. Obedience is the prerequisite to oversight.

Jesus is our Lord and Master, yet at one time He was an obedient son and cooperative baptism candidate. He set the example for all "servant-leaders" as mentioned in Hebrews 5:8, "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered." Obedience is the prerequisite to oversight.

Do you have the qualities to lead others my friend? God may have called and gifted you, but the lessons learned through submission to others are character building. And just as significantly, our continued surrender to the Lordship of Christ is imperative. Obedience is always the prerequisite to oversight.

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - Judges 12 / NT - Mark 1:1-20

Following Directions ...

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 11:1-28 / NT - Matt. 2

"When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written" -- Matthew 2:4-5

Instruction booklets are great when we actually follow their directions. I can't remember how many times I skimmed through the booklet, followed my own plan and ended up starting all over again. These booklets were not written for our reading pleasure. Directions are only as good as they are followed.

As a group of foreign dignitaries inquired concerning the birthplace of the Messiah, the answer came quickly. The Biblical Instruction Booklet was immediately opened and the answer was found. The priests and teachers knew where to look for direction, but while others quickly followed, they were satisfied in just knowing. Directions are only as good as they are followed.

What have you learned from your Biblical Instruction Book my friend? Are there steps to take that you have put aside for another time? Have you shared such steps with others, so they might find their way spiritually? Don't just know the Bible... follow its leading as well. Remember, directions are only as good as they are followed!

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - Judges 11:29-40 / NT - Luke 2:39-52 & Matt. 3

Choose Wisely...

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 10 / NT - Luke 2:22-38

"And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.'” - Luke 2:34-35

Steve Jobs caused the falling and rising of many geeks in the world. He never apologized for his technological viewpoints, even when they went against the popular flow. In certain ways the computer, cell phone and tablet world has taken one of two paths; people either love or hate Apple products. The simple fact is; you have to make a choice.

In a far more significant and eternal way, Jesus will always cause the falling and rising of people in the world. He is a sign of righteousness and accountability packaged with mercy and grace that is spoken against. And the way an individual responds to His claims will reveal the thoughts of their heart. The simple fact is; you have to make a choice.

You can either love or hate Jesus, but the end result is much more important than which computer you use. Jesus put it this way in John 14:6,"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The bottom line is this; you can embrace Jesus or reject Him... but you have to make a choice. And your eternal destiny hangs in the balance. Choose wisely my friend... choose wisely.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Judges 11:1-28 / NT - Matt. 2