Mark 15-16

Scripture connections:  Matthew 27-28, Luke  22-24, John 18-21

Today's reading, Mark 15-16, contains both the most awful and the most wonderful parts of Jesus' life story.  I get so mad at that mean Pilate guy I can't stand it.  I wish he'd use his own brain for once.  What kind of leader is he, anyway?  All the mocking and torture Jesus goes through just makes me sick.  This is God's son.  I think about my own sons, and how I love them.  The reality of what Jesus goes through for my salvation is unbelievable.  My heart can't take anymore when Jesus calls out to His Father.

³⁴ And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

Mark 15:34

At the height of Jesus' suffering Jesus calls out to God, and God turns the story around.  The next thing you know, we see God's glory.  The "curtain of the temple was torn in two" and a by-stander witnessing it all came to believe (Mark 15:38-39)."  Ahhh.  That's better.  And, bless that sweet Joseph of Arimathea who took care of Jesus' body.  Now, he is what I call a leader.  That's the kind of guy I want on my council any day (Mark 15:42-46).  

Those women, the two Mary's, wow, did they get the surprise of eternity when they went to Jesus' tomb and found that He had risen, just like He said He would.  Now, that's the best news of all!  What a story!

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins.  Thank you for the promise of eternal life we have through Him.  I pray for strength today.  Strengthen my faith and give me the courage to live out your will for me, even when it seems impossible.  Fill me with the peace that comes from walking with You.  Help me to learn from Jesus and remember that life with you is always a more beautiful and glorious story than I could ever write on my own.

In the name of Jesus Christ I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

      

Matthew 20-22

In Matthew 20-22 Jesus is teaching, sharing more parables, and doing more miracles.  The tension that exists between Old Testament experts of the law (chief priests, elders, and Pharisees)  and Jesus just keeps building.  They keep questioning Jesus trying to make him incriminate Himself with His words.  The experts are not successful at finding fault with our Messiah, our Lord and Savior.

Jesus attempts to explain His relationship with His Heavenly Father and define His place in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 20:20-28).  Only God, Our Father, has authority in Heaven.     Jesus makes it clear that He is not in charge.  God is in charge.  So even though He is Our Savior, The Messiah, Jesus is following His Father's will.  Jesus says,

²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:28

If Jesus, the son of God, humbles Himself before His Father, how much more should we humble ourselves?  Jesus, God in the flesh, is here to serve, so how much more should we make it our purpose to serve?

Today, I want to spend some time thinking about being humble before God.  In what areas of my life do I need to be more humble in heart?  In what areas of my life do I need to be more of a servant?  Where do I need to give more of myself to help others?  Where do I need to shift focus to concentrate on what is important to God?  Where do I need to let go?

A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I read Your word, I am so thankful for Jesus.  Thank you for Your love.  

Forgive me, Lord, for my selfishness.  Forgive me for the ways I demand my own wants instead of seeking Your will, first.  Your ways are better than my ways and Your thoughts higher than my thoughts. 

 I pray You will help me have a servant's heart like Jesus.  Help me remember Your son and see Him in every person that crosses my path today.  And even though I do not know what the day brings, I pray for all the people I will encounter today.  I pray they will know the depth of Your love, Lord, and the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding.  

Show me where, when, and how You need me to serve.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Grace and Peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

Matthew 17-19

Scripture connections: Mark 9, Luke 9

Matthew 17-19 starts out with a bang.  Peter, James, and John (James' brother) all get to go 

up on a mountain with Jesus and witness a very special God moment.  Jesus is transfigured right in front of their eyes.

⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17:19

This is a verse that says Jesus is my Son, your example.  Pay attention to Him.  Hear what He says. Believe what He is telling you.  Learn from him.  Watch what He does.  

God is validating who Jesus really is in our lives.  

Today, I was drawn to the scripture about "the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1)."  Jesus tells us children are the greatest. There's something so extraordinary about the faith of a child.  

⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:4-5

I think it's time for me to think about that.  What does Jesus mean?  I think it has something to do with believing with my whole heart in Him, without question, the way a child does.  I think it also has something to do with being curious and eager to learn more about Jesus, the way a child does.  And, I think it has everything to do with loving the way a child naturally loves His father, without holding anything back.  What do you think?

A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for the example I have in Jesus.  I pray you will help me grow in my faith.  Nurture the faith of a child in me.  Children are such a blessing.  Help me to appreciate the gifts I have in the children You bring into my life.  Give me the patience to love them, nurture them, encourage them, and guide them in ways that reflect Your will and grace.

I pray for the children on my heart today
___________________________.

I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

Matthew 14-16

The disciples are figuring out what following Jesus really means in Matthew 14-16.  They are learning how to exercise an everyday faith, and there are struggles and confusion along the way.  John the Baptist is beheaded.  It's horrible news, and Jesus is sad.  Even in his grieving, He provides a guide for us in dealing with tragedy in our lives.  He keeps serving God and others in God's love and peace.  Jesus gives His disciples a new perspective for looking at the world as He heals, prays, preaches the Good News, shows compassion to masses of people, and teaches by His example.  

1 Thessalonians 1-5

Woohoo!  We are moving right along today as we read the book of 1 Thessalonians.  Paul is still writing to encourage people in their faith.  Sure, the letter was written to the Thessalonians centuries ago, but Paul's words are still full of the Holy Spirit, a Holy Spirit that is very much alive in our lives today.  In this way, as we read these Holy Words, Paul is ministering to us too.  We are reminded that because we believe in Jesus, God calls us to a life that is different, better, full of promise, and joy.   

God wants us to open ourselves up to all He has to say to us and all the blessings He wants to pour out to us.

As we grow stronger in our faith, He calls us to be more and more like His son in the ways we live in love for others.  

How are you today, really?  Where do you need some encouragement in your faith?  How is Paul speaking to you?

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good,

1 Thessalonians 5:16-21

God is always trying to tell me something.  There is always room for me to grow as a believer and follower of Christ.  How about you?  

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for the salvation and abundant life I have in your son, Jesus.  Lord, help me open my life to you in all the ways you are calling on me.  I also pray for ___________ today.  Fill _________ with your Holy Spirit so that he/she/they will know that You are Lord of all, our loving, comforting, guiding, and healing Savior.  Encourage us together, as brothers and sisters in Christ, to stand firm in our faith and experience the blessings of life spent with You, now and for eternity.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen  

Grace and peace,

Colossians 1-4

We read another letter of Paul's in Colossians 1-4.  It's another good book in the Bible under our belts after today.  This one echoes some of the same sentiments for Christian households that Paul mentions in Ephesians.  Paul is also reminding believers to pay attention in our faith, so we do not get distracted by our own ways and traditions that keep us from Christ.  

Christ is at the core of our faith as believers.  As Christians, we are always a work in progress.  First, we believe.  That's a blessing in and of itself.  After that, we all have an opportunity to realize the spiritual fullness we can have in Christ.

Galatians 1-3

The book of Galatians is another letter from Paul.  I keep reminding myself of how much Jesus has changed him.  Remember his earlier days, persecuting those who believed in Jesus?  Now look at him.  In Galatians 1-3, he reminds us that we are saved by faith, not our own acts.  We find freedom in Christ.  So when we find ourselves worrying about being good enough through our own works, well, we are missing the power of God's grace in our lives.  

Paul asks us this important question today,

2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?

Galatians 3:2

Paul's question is just the thing we need to stay grounded in our faith.  My faith is about what I believe in my heart, not about how well I follow rules.  

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Galatians 3:26-27

That's how I have to see myself AND all believers, as precious children of God.  Jesus changes us, just like he does Paul.  

Think about that.  

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for sending Jesus to make me one of your precious children.  Strengthen my faith.  Draw close to me, Lord.  Help me, Jesus, to live by Your Holy Spirit.  Help me reach others with your love and grace.  I pray for your presence and life changing love to fill _______________ today.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

2 Corinthians 9-13

We're moving right along in our Bible reading as we finish 2 Corinthians today.  Paul wraps up his second letter to the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 9-13.   It seems to me like Paul is pleading with the believers at this point.  He is defending his ministry, boasting about his sufferings and God's power, and encouraging generous giving.  Paul is trying his best to help us realize that by God's grace, through Christ, we are made strong in our weaknesses.  

If you read with me yesterday, you might remember me talking about graceful giving and how God blesses us so we can bless others.  Paul reminds us again today,

8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

God gives us everything we need, all the time.  And He doesn't give just so we can barely get by day to day.  He gives to us with such grace that we will "abound."

I have to admit.  I am too quick to forget that.  I get caught up in what I see (that is part of my weakness), not the powers at work in me that are unseen (my strength).  I catch myself worrying about not being enough, having enough, and thinking about what I don't have that I think I need.  But here's the thing I have to remember-- what I have IS what I need in Christ.

Paul challenges the Corinthians to do a little self-check in their faith.  He challenges me too.

5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5

Oh yeah, God.  Christ is in me.  He is sufficient.  He's in you too, if you believe.  We all have much to celebrate.  Because of that, Paul tells us,

11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11

So continuing this whole discussion of graceful giving…God wants to be at the center of our giving.  He is the heart and soul of our holiday season.  He is the source of our gifts, so He will also be at the source of all we truly need to give.

What does "full restoration" mean for you?

What does God truly need for you to give as we celebrate and honor Jesus' birthday?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank you for your abundant blessings in all things, at all times.  Thank you for giving me all that I need.  Help me work for You and the full restoration I have in Christ not because I have to earn it but because I am overflowing with gratefulness.  I pray for your love and peace to restore all those on my mind today.  Speak to my heart and show me what I need to give You. 

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all,

2 Corinthians 5-8

Paul talks more about the struggles we have as Christians in 2 Corinthians 5-8.  In Christ, we find reconciliation with God.  Christ is our direct connection to God.  Living in Christ, means having faith, relying and depending and believing in things we cannot see.  Paul talks about sorrow as something that can be Godly and good when it brings us to repentance.  He also encourages giving in response to God's grace in our lives.

Graceful giving is where I want to zoom in today.  It seems appropriate to get this whole giving thing right in light of the Christmas season that is upon us.  

1 Corinthians 13-16

We finish up another book in the Bible with 1 Corinthians 13-16.  Paul wraps up his letter to the Corinthians.  He's still "telling it like it is," at least as he sees it.  He urges people to be more orderly in worshiping God, and he does his best to remind people of Jesus and the power of the resurrection.  As always, Paul's words are powerful today.   Most of it, I love hearing.  He also says some stuff that confuses me a little.  Maybe you can help?

1 Corinthians 9-12

In 1 Corinthians 9-12, Paul seems to talk about a little bit of everything.  He reminds the Corinthians of the Lord's Supper and it's sacredness.  He brings up the old days of Moses and the Israelites and the Lord's ability to test His people and reward faithfulness.  He discusses our freedom as believers and the tradition of covering one's head in worship (an interesting conversation).  In the end, Paul tries his best to convince the Corinthians that they all have important and necessary roles in the body of Christ.  

I love Paul's description of God's gifts for each of us.

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

It makes sense, since the Holy Spirit is the giver of my gifts and/or services, that I should also look to be guided by the Holy Spirit concerning those gifts.

1 Corinthians 5-8

I am posting this reading a little late, but better late than never.  In 1 Corinthians 5-8, Paul is still talking to the church in Corinth.  It seems many of the people have gone in directions that are not good for their faith.  Sexual immorality, idolatry, greed, drunkenness, and bad lawsuits among believers are a few of the issues at hand.  Paul is trying to caution people and encourage them to make healthy choices that draw them closer to God.

When I first started reading this I got a little tense.  It just felt like Paul was being a little "preachy" at times, trying to convince me to follow a bunch of "do's" and "don'ts."   Then I realized sometimes I need just that.  We all need some blunt, to the point correction at times when we are really missing the point in our faith.

1 Corinthians 1-4

We hear more from Paul in 1 Corinthians 1-4.  He writes a letter to the church in Corinth.  It seems the people have become a little lost.  They are not getting along.  Their hearts are not in the right place (with Jesus).  Selfishness and self-righteousness are taking over.  Members are going their own ways instead of growing in Christ.  Paul writes to encourage them and give them a little wake-up call.  He reminds them of their beliefs and hopes to inspire them to draw on the strength and unity they have in Jesus.  

Even though Paul writes to a church in Corinth way before my time, his message is just as relevant today.  The issues and weaknesses Paul addresses are timeless.  Not only do Paul's words apply to churches (as congregations), but they also apply to me as an individual who believes.  

We all get a little distracted, even completely lost sometimes.  It happens way too easily right before our eyes, and we don't even realize it.  This world we live in is crazy like that.  

All of a sudden we just know in our hearts things don't feel right.  They don't look right.  We become unsettled and restless.

Romans 14-16

We finish up another book in the Bible with Romans 14-16.  Paul explains that our faith is very personal.  And, our relationship with Christ is a two-way street.  Christ accepts us and loves us for who we are.  So, we are supposed to love and accept others in the same way.  That is no small task.  We each have our own special relationship with God to help us.  It's the one relationship, as long as we nurture it, that is certain to give us all we need.   We live and die to serve and glorify Him.  He fills us with His blessings when we live for Him.  And even after death, His blessings do not stop.  We have a promised happily ever-after waiting for us in Heaven.  

I will say it again and again and again.  The more we give ourselves to God, the more He is able to do in us, through us, and for us.  

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Trust=Joy+Peace=Hope

Little things or big, God is all around us.  

He's In the everyday, familiar moments and the new and exciting moments.  He's even in the most unwanted and difficult moments.  

His love, His peace, His joy, His power- all here for each of us in every moment of every day.

Will I be too busy or tired, too distracted or hurried, too selfish and self-sufficient to notice Him?  

Or, will I look for Him and find Him in all His glory?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for Your Holy Spirit that is at work in me.  Forgive me for  so easily falling into the habit of being so self-sufficient that I miss You.  You are everywhere I am.  I pray you will help me focus on the blessings that You pour into my life every single day, no matter what the circumstances.  Fill me, Lord, with your joy and peace and hope.  I trust You.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Joy and Peace,

Romans 10-13

Paul gives us more on how to live in our faith as Christians in Romans 10-13.  God brings us to Him through our hearts.  We claim our faith in Jesus, but we do so because of God's call, His work in us.  It's that still, soft voice pulling on our heartstrings.  Anyone, anywhere who claims Jesus as Lord and Savior WILL be saved.  Paul knows, too, we need constant reminders that we are saved by God's grace, not our own mindful doings.  And because God so loves us, the most important thing we can do for Him is love and serve each other with the gifts He gives us.

Paul is talking about God's life changing stuff.  It's Good News for believers.  It's also humbling.

God blesses us with thoughtful, reasoning minds.  It's also my mind that allows me to fall into the trap of thinking I am in control of things.  I get comfortable with my situation, and I think I have things figured out.  I am learning something, though, in my temporary periods of comfort.  God always reminds me that He knows more.  He knows best.   Paul puts it this way,

33 

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and[a] knowledge of God!

    How unsearchable his judgments,

    and his paths beyond tracing out!

34 

“Who has known the mind of the Lord?

    Or who has been his counselor?”[b]

35 

“Who has ever given to God,

    that God should repay them?”[c]

Romans 11:33-35

Yes, I am "A Mind-Maker-Upper."  I have made up my mind to live for Him.  I choose God over my own limited understandings.  I trust Him in all situations.  I am deciding to seek Him and find Him in all circumstances.  

I know I am very far from perfect.  I know I mess up all the time.  I know I fall-short often.  I know I completely fail sometimes.

I also know, most importantly, that I have to thank God in all things.  I thank God because, it's by His grace, I am saved from myself for a greater purpose- His purpose.

God powerfully uses all my steps, even my missteps.  That's where His joy comes in and makes it all worth it.  

36 

For from him and through him and for him are all things.

    To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Romans 11:36

I owe it all to Him who blesses me immeasurably more than I could ever imagine.

How about you?   Are you "A Mind-Maker-Upper?"  What does that mean in your life with God?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank you for your sovereignty in all things, especially my own life.  I thank you for all that I am and all that I have.  Help my mind to stay focused on You in all my circumstances.  What do I need to do for You, God?  I am Your work-in-progress.  Keep me.  Change me.  Use me.  I love you, Lord, with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my strength.  

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

May God's love fill your hearts and minds,

Romans 7-9

Paul is talking about some really heavy stuff in Romans 7-9.  While these chapters have some of my all-time favorite scripture, they do not come without a huge sense of responsibility for me.  Paul is trying to explain that Christ's death means things of this world also die in us when we believe.  Through our faith, we are called to let go of old ways and embrace all the newness we have in our risen Christ.  Thank goodness God knew we couldn't do it on our own.  The Holy Spirit is a crucial GPS system for all of God's children.  

Paul points out that we can't help ourselves.  We mean well, but we mess-up and get tangled in sin all the time.  Even with the Holy Spirit in our lives, we still make mistakes and wrong turns.

19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.

Romans 7:19

Jesus is such a necessary gift from God.  How many times do I catch myself doing the very things I said I wouldn't do because I know they are wrong?  It's too many times to count; I can tell you that.