This week I am reminded that the ultimate will of God. That Will which brought salvation to all of us. The path that led Jesus to the cross and beyond. THAT Will. God's will. was painful. It hurt. It was so bad that Jesus -- who always did what the Father did and said what the father said -- paused and asked - is there another way.
NEVERTHELESS
Not my will but His.
Let that be my prayer this week. Not my will but His.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Not getting to 40 very quickly
I am wayyyyy behind on my posts regarding Easter. If you were following, I am sorry.
I will post some during Passion week.
God Bless.
I will post some during Passion week.
God Bless.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
40 Days to the Cross - Day 19
Day 19 Doing it for the Least
Who is your least?
Scripture
31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?’ 40 “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ 41 Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger and you didn’t take Me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe Me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of Me.’ 44 “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?’ 45 “Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46
Devotion
Jesus says that when we serve those who are the “least of these” we have served Him. Who are the least? Jesus describes some of them as the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick. But who are the least to you? You probably passed them by this week. Maybe it was the student no one else will sit by in the cafeteria. Maybe it was the guy who smells bad at the office. Maybe it was the homesexual or the homeless man on the street. Who do you see as the least? Jesus says “whatever” you do for thse, you do for Him. And he goes further to say that whatever you don’t do for them, you failed to do for Him. The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith. No doubt about that. But the Bible is also clear (here and elsewhere) that we will be judged for our actions. Apparently those who truly belong to Him, will do for the least of these. Those who aren’t won’t. Which one are you?
Questions
What have you done recently for the least?
How will you do more in the future?
What can you do this week for the least?
Prayer
Dear God: Help me serve You by serving the least. Amen
Who is your least?
Scripture
31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?’ 40 “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ 41 Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger and you didn’t take Me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe Me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of Me.’ 44 “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?’ 45 “Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46
Devotion
Jesus says that when we serve those who are the “least of these” we have served Him. Who are the least? Jesus describes some of them as the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick. But who are the least to you? You probably passed them by this week. Maybe it was the student no one else will sit by in the cafeteria. Maybe it was the guy who smells bad at the office. Maybe it was the homesexual or the homeless man on the street. Who do you see as the least? Jesus says “whatever” you do for thse, you do for Him. And he goes further to say that whatever you don’t do for them, you failed to do for Him. The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith. No doubt about that. But the Bible is also clear (here and elsewhere) that we will be judged for our actions. Apparently those who truly belong to Him, will do for the least of these. Those who aren’t won’t. Which one are you?
Questions
What have you done recently for the least?
How will you do more in the future?
What can you do this week for the least?
Prayer
Dear God: Help me serve You by serving the least. Amen
40 Days to the Cross - Day 18
Day 18 Investment
How will you invest the resources God has given you?
Scripture
14 “For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one—to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. 19 “After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I’ve earned five more talents.’ 21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’ 22 “Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I’ve earned two more talents.’ 23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’ 24 “Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a difficult man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money back with interest. 28 “ ‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has 10 talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 25:14-30
Also in Mark 13:33-37
Devotion
How are you investing? In this parable the master gives something to everyone to invest. Some invest better than others, but the one who is criticized is the one who does nothing with what the master gives him. The message is clear. God has given us something in our lives to invest in the Kingdom. We must invest! We must use what God has given us to make a difference. Can you sing – sing for the Lord! Can you write – write for Him. Do you work on cars – serve God with your ability! God want to use you – and he despises the waste of his resources.
Questions
What has God given me?
How have I used that for the Kingdom?
What will I do with what He has given me this week?
Prayer
Dear God: Help me to serve you well with the resources you have given me. Amen
40 Days to the Cross - Day 17
Day 17 Five Foolish Women
Don't be foolish - prepare your heart for Christ's return!
Scripture
The Parable of the 10 Virgins
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them. 4 But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “The sensible ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.’ 10 “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11 “Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘ I assure you: I do not know you!’ 13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour. Matthew25:1-13
Devotion
This is another parable of preparation. Those who are prepared for Christ’s return will be rewarded. Those who are not, will miss out. You will not get a second chance after death or after Christ’s return. We must be about the business of sharing the gospel with everyone.
Questions
What keeps you from sharing the gospel with others?
How can you overcome that barrier?
What small step can you make to make a difference this week?
Prayer
Dear God: Help us to be prepared and help our friends be prepared for the return of Christ. Amen
40 Days to the Cross - Day 16
Day 16 Noah
Be prepared! It is more than a motto for the Boy Scouts!
Scripture
36 “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son —except the Father only. 37 As the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. 38 For in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah boarded the ark. 39 They didn’t know until the flood came and swept them all away. So this is the way the coming of the Son of Man will be: 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this: If the homeowner had known what time the thief was coming, he would have stayed alert and not let his house be broken into. 44 This is why you also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matthew 24:36-44
Devotion
Be prepared! Jesus will return when you least expect it! In the days of Noah, people kept living a normal life with no thought of God or his plans or perspectives. Even though Noah had given them warnings, they paid no heed. In the same way, many people today live their lives as if God does not matter. They may give a nod to him when they need help or on holidays, but really they pay no heed. And like Noah, there are many who are hearing the message of salvation and not making a change. But that does not mean we do not continue to share the message. We do not know when Jesus will return. Share with your friends today!
Questions
What is one way you can share the message of Christ with your friends?
How will you plan to do that this week?
What is keeping you from doing it?
Prayer
Dear God: Time is short. Jesus will return. Help me share the message of Christ. Amen.
Friday, March 05, 2010
40 Days to the Cross - Day 15
Day 15 Prophecy
Scripture
3 While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3
34 “Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly 35 like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36
Matthew 24:1-36; Mark 13:1-32; Luke 21:5-36
Devotion
Matthew 24 and Matthew 25, known as the Olivet Discourse, constitute the last of three major discourses in this Gospel. They are called major discourses because of the extent, content, and intent of them. In this first part of Matthew 24 Jesus shares some answers to questions the disciples were asking.
When will these things happen? What is the sign of Your coming? What is the sign of the end of the age?
Jesus tells about the signs of the end and the signs of His coming. You can read the chapter.
These questions were asked of Jesus then, and they are asked today. Everyone wants to know the future. The culmination of his answers is found at the end of the Luke passage.
Be on guard. Be alert. Live for Jesus until He comes!
Questions
What are you doing to live for Jesus today?
How can you help others be ready for His return?
What can you share with someone today?
Prayer
Dear God: I know the end is coming - Help me live for you every day and tell others. Amen
Scripture
3 While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3
34 “Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly 35 like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36
Matthew 24:1-36; Mark 13:1-32; Luke 21:5-36
Devotion
Matthew 24 and Matthew 25, known as the Olivet Discourse, constitute the last of three major discourses in this Gospel. They are called major discourses because of the extent, content, and intent of them. In this first part of Matthew 24 Jesus shares some answers to questions the disciples were asking.
When will these things happen? What is the sign of Your coming? What is the sign of the end of the age?
Jesus tells about the signs of the end and the signs of His coming. You can read the chapter.
These questions were asked of Jesus then, and they are asked today. Everyone wants to know the future. The culmination of his answers is found at the end of the Luke passage.
Be on guard. Be alert. Live for Jesus until He comes!
Questions
What are you doing to live for Jesus today?
How can you help others be ready for His return?
What can you share with someone today?
Prayer
Dear God: I know the end is coming - Help me live for you every day and tell others. Amen
40 Days to the Cross - Day 14
Day 14 The Poor Widow
Scripture
41 Sitting across from the temple treasury, He watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. 43 Summoning His disciples, He said to them, “ I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury. 44 For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44
Also Luke 21:1-4
Devotion
As Jesus sat and watched, the crowd filed through and dropped money in the treasury. Imagine Jesus watching as the plate is passed at your church this Sunday. Many rich people were giving large sums. If you were watching with Jesus as the plate is passed at your church, what do you think as large sums are placed in the plate? What do you feel as you see the check with many zeroes pass your eyes? Then the little lady on the end. The widow. She opens her coin purse. You know the one. The one at the bottom of the big purse. Inside the coin purse she pulls out a few coins and drops them in the plate. Be honest. You would probably think she could do better than that. It would not impress you. Or, you might not even think about it at all. Jesus thought highly of it. She had given more. She gave the most! Why? Because all the others gave of their surplus – their abundance - they gave and yet they had much more to give. She, on the other hand, gave it all.
Questions
What do you have?
How do you give?
What more can you give?
Prayer
Dear God: Teach us to give it all. Amen
Scripture
41 Sitting across from the temple treasury, He watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. 43 Summoning His disciples, He said to them, “ I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury. 44 For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44
Also Luke 21:1-4
Devotion
As Jesus sat and watched, the crowd filed through and dropped money in the treasury. Imagine Jesus watching as the plate is passed at your church this Sunday. Many rich people were giving large sums. If you were watching with Jesus as the plate is passed at your church, what do you think as large sums are placed in the plate? What do you feel as you see the check with many zeroes pass your eyes? Then the little lady on the end. The widow. She opens her coin purse. You know the one. The one at the bottom of the big purse. Inside the coin purse she pulls out a few coins and drops them in the plate. Be honest. You would probably think she could do better than that. It would not impress you. Or, you might not even think about it at all. Jesus thought highly of it. She had given more. She gave the most! Why? Because all the others gave of their surplus – their abundance - they gave and yet they had much more to give. She, on the other hand, gave it all.
Questions
What do you have?
How do you give?
What more can you give?
Prayer
Dear God: Teach us to give it all. Amen
40 Days to the Cross - Day 13
Day 13 Woe unto you …
Scripture
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore do whatever they tell you and observe [it] . But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach ….
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. For you don’t go in, and you don’t allow those entering to go in.
14 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You devour widows’ houses and make long prayers just for show.
15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as fit for hell as you are!
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever takes an oath by the sanctuary, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by his oath.’
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faith.
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence!
29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, …You therefore testify against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Matthew 23:1-36
Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47
Devotion
Jesus had offered the Pharisees a few more chances to understand the truth of who He was. Now he pronounces to the disciples and crowds their demise. These are the “Woes” of the Pharisees.
Jesus points out the following:
1) Keep people from Heaven.
2) All show and no action.
3) Making converts for Hell.
4) Emphasizing the temporal over the spiritual
5) Ignore justice and mercy
6) Full of greed and self-indulgence
7) Make a show of support for prophets, but don’t believe their message.
Of course, our task is not the tsk, tsk the Pharisees, but to look at the list and make sure we are not doing the same things in our lives.
1) Are we keeping people from heaven? Have your actions turned someone off of the gospel?
2) Are we all show and no action. Do we do the works of righteousness or just go to church?
3) Are we making converts for Hell. Are we winning people to the church or to Christ?
4) Do we ever emphasize the temporal over the spiritual? Are we more concerned for ritual than we are for the God to Whom it should direct us?
5) Do we ignore justice and mercy?
6) Are we full of greed and self-indulgence? Are we out for what is best for us, ignoring the plight of others?
7) Do we make a show of support for those who share God’s truth, but don’t believe their message in our heart?
Questions
What are your answers to the above questions?
How will you change your heart?
What will you do to avoid the woes?
Prayer
Dear God: Don’t let us live like the Pharisees. Amen.
Scripture
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore do whatever they tell you and observe [it] . But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach ….
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. For you don’t go in, and you don’t allow those entering to go in.
14 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You devour widows’ houses and make long prayers just for show.
15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as fit for hell as you are!
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever takes an oath by the sanctuary, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by his oath.’
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faith.
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence!
29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, …You therefore testify against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Matthew 23:1-36
Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47
Devotion
Jesus had offered the Pharisees a few more chances to understand the truth of who He was. Now he pronounces to the disciples and crowds their demise. These are the “Woes” of the Pharisees.
Jesus points out the following:
1) Keep people from Heaven.
2) All show and no action.
3) Making converts for Hell.
4) Emphasizing the temporal over the spiritual
5) Ignore justice and mercy
6) Full of greed and self-indulgence
7) Make a show of support for prophets, but don’t believe their message.
Of course, our task is not the tsk, tsk the Pharisees, but to look at the list and make sure we are not doing the same things in our lives.
1) Are we keeping people from heaven? Have your actions turned someone off of the gospel?
2) Are we all show and no action. Do we do the works of righteousness or just go to church?
3) Are we making converts for Hell. Are we winning people to the church or to Christ?
4) Do we ever emphasize the temporal over the spiritual? Are we more concerned for ritual than we are for the God to Whom it should direct us?
5) Do we ignore justice and mercy?
6) Are we full of greed and self-indulgence? Are we out for what is best for us, ignoring the plight of others?
7) Do we make a show of support for those who share God’s truth, but don’t believe their message in our heart?
Questions
What are your answers to the above questions?
How will you change your heart?
What will you do to avoid the woes?
Prayer
Dear God: Don’t let us live like the Pharisees. Amen.
40 Days to the Cross - Day 12
Day 12 David’s Lord
Scripture
Matthew 22:41-46 (HCSB) 41 While the Pharisees were together, Jesus questioned them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose Son is He?” “David’s,” they told Him. 43 He asked them, “How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls Him ‘Lord’: 44 The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet’? 45 “If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how then can the Messiah be his Son?” 46 No one was able to answer Him at all, and from that day no one dared to question Him any more.
Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44
Devotion
Jesus now turns the tables on the Pharisees. He asks them a question. He tries to help them understand that the Messiah will be the descendant of David, yet will also be his Lord. The implication is tremendous! If the Messiah is the son of David and the Lord of David, then the Messiah is more than a man, but is supernatural. Jesus is revealing that the Messiah is indeed, God. The Pharisees so did not want to come to grips with this concept that they did not dare to question Him again.
How about you? Have you come to grips with the reality that Jesus is so much more than a man. I know we say we believe it, but do we really? I mean do you really trust Jesus as God to take care of you, your sin and your eternity?
Questions
What about Jesus as God do you have a hard time believing?
How will you acknowledge Jesus as God this week?
What can you do to strengthen your faith?
Prayer
Dear God: Thank you that you are so much more than a man. Amen
Scripture
Matthew 22:41-46 (HCSB) 41 While the Pharisees were together, Jesus questioned them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose Son is He?” “David’s,” they told Him. 43 He asked them, “How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls Him ‘Lord’: 44 The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet’? 45 “If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how then can the Messiah be his Son?” 46 No one was able to answer Him at all, and from that day no one dared to question Him any more.
Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44
Devotion
Jesus now turns the tables on the Pharisees. He asks them a question. He tries to help them understand that the Messiah will be the descendant of David, yet will also be his Lord. The implication is tremendous! If the Messiah is the son of David and the Lord of David, then the Messiah is more than a man, but is supernatural. Jesus is revealing that the Messiah is indeed, God. The Pharisees so did not want to come to grips with this concept that they did not dare to question Him again.
How about you? Have you come to grips with the reality that Jesus is so much more than a man. I know we say we believe it, but do we really? I mean do you really trust Jesus as God to take care of you, your sin and your eternity?
Questions
What about Jesus as God do you have a hard time believing?
How will you acknowledge Jesus as God this week?
What can you do to strengthen your faith?
Prayer
Dear God: Thank you that you are so much more than a man. Amen
40 Days to the Cross - Day 11
(Sorry about the lateness of this - got a little behind - catching up tonight!)
Day 11 The Great Commandment
Scripture
Matthew 22:35-40 (HCSB) 35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important commandment. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Mark 12:28-34
Devotion
After all the religious leaders took their turns with Jesus, an intellectual shows up. This “expert in the law” asks Jesus a question that was debated among the intellectuals of the day. With all the commandments of the Scripture, which is the greatest? Jesus does not respond with a question this time, but rather with a straight forward answer – as a matter of fact, he give more than an answer. He give the first and second greatest commandments. Jesus says that the most important thing is to love God and the second is to love people.
We love God through worship, personal and private and we also love God through personal disciplines such as quiet time, Scripture memory and giving. We love people through fellowship, small group interaction, service, witnessing and mission activity.
Questions
What are you doing to love God and love people?
How can you do better?
What area do you need to improve the most?
Prayer
Dear God: Help me to love God and love people! Amen
Day 11 The Great Commandment
Scripture
Matthew 22:35-40 (HCSB) 35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important commandment. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Mark 12:28-34
Devotion
After all the religious leaders took their turns with Jesus, an intellectual shows up. This “expert in the law” asks Jesus a question that was debated among the intellectuals of the day. With all the commandments of the Scripture, which is the greatest? Jesus does not respond with a question this time, but rather with a straight forward answer – as a matter of fact, he give more than an answer. He give the first and second greatest commandments. Jesus says that the most important thing is to love God and the second is to love people.
We love God through worship, personal and private and we also love God through personal disciplines such as quiet time, Scripture memory and giving. We love people through fellowship, small group interaction, service, witnessing and mission activity.
Questions
What are you doing to love God and love people?
How can you do better?
What area do you need to improve the most?
Prayer
Dear God: Help me to love God and love people! Amen
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