The significance of today’s reading is obviously in the enormous sacrifice that God made by sending his son Jesus to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. However, I can’t help but be drawn to the story of the Walk to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35.
The Bible tells that two of the disciples, after hearing of the resurrection were walking to a small village named Emmaus about seven miles away. The risen Christ was walking and talking with the two, but neither of them knew it was he, because they were preoccupied with their own sadness and troubles. The two were speaking freely to Jesus about all that had occurred and giving him their “Human” take on the whole situation.
This situation makes me wonder how many times in our own day-to-day lives we have had the benefit of walking and talking with the Holy Spirit, but are too blinded by our own problems to stop and gain the knowledge the Spirit has for us. There have been times in my own life that I have been fortunate enough that God has made himself known to me. Unfortunately, I have had to go through some extreme circumstance before I can be quiet enough to listen. My hope is that as I mature as a Christian, I will know God’s will for me each and every day.
Please join me in prayer. God grant me the faith to know that you are in control of my life, that I am never alone, so long as I know you and have you in my heart. Lord help me to feel your presence, and grant me the ability to listen to your guidance. For you are always near, no matter how difficult things seem. Thank you for your love, patience, and forgiveness. Amen.
Clifton Shearrer
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 12 ~ Luke 17:11-17; Luke 18:35-42
Incredible faith is demonstrated in these passages. We see the faith of men who were suffering from terrible diseases. They were in situations in life that seemed unbearable. Such men as the lepers whom Jesus healed were not even able to associate with the rest of society. Yet, the one man who came back to thank Him knew that healing would come from Jesus. The same was true of the blind man who received his sight. When he heard that Jesus was coming, he knew right away that hope for healing had come.
Even before Jesus performed His miraculous healings, the faith of these men was shown. They knew Jesus’ power and they expected healing from Him. Does this describe your faith? How many times do we pray half-heartedly, without any expectation of anything to happen? It seems we often pray as a ritual, and lose sight of the fact that we are talking to the Almighty God! Before we even voice our prayers to Him, He already has His exact answers planned. I want the kind of faith that expects God to act. I hope you do as well. As you talk with God daily, let me urge to pray for the kind of faith that waits in expectation to see God’s answers.
Adam Shelburne
Even before Jesus performed His miraculous healings, the faith of these men was shown. They knew Jesus’ power and they expected healing from Him. Does this describe your faith? How many times do we pray half-heartedly, without any expectation of anything to happen? It seems we often pray as a ritual, and lose sight of the fact that we are talking to the Almighty God! Before we even voice our prayers to Him, He already has His exact answers planned. I want the kind of faith that expects God to act. I hope you do as well. As you talk with God daily, let me urge to pray for the kind of faith that waits in expectation to see God’s answers.
Adam Shelburne
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Day 11 ~ Luke 10-13
Three things jumped out at me today while listening to Luke 10-13; we are the workers, prayer and being ready. Let me explain.
In Luke 10:2 He (Jesus) told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” We are the workers and the world is the field. Now is the time for us to do what Jesus instructed us to do in the words of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Although it can be a scary thing to do, we must always be ready to share the gospel with others. All the advertising in the newspaper, flyers, radio, and even church events, is not what brings people to Christ, rather, it’s usually a one-on-one invitation. Go out and be a disciple for Christ today.
Prayer is the second thing that stuck out to me today. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. In Luke 11:2-4 Jesus gives them what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus did not mean that we should pray these exact words every time, but rather praying in this manner. Give the Father all praise and honor and glory, thank the Lord for what you have, ask for forgiveness of your sins and help in forgiving others, and pray the Lord will keep you from temptation. It is not so much the words you say but how you enter into prayer. Prayer is not something to be rushed. Find a quiet place, take time to pray and take time to listen to God speaking to your heart.
The third thing that jumped out at me was to be ready. Throughout verses 12-13 Jesus gives warnings and encouragements. He tells us not to worry and be watchful, to repent or perish and to enter through the narrow door. Be ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for we know not the hour or the day. If you have not done so, give your life to the Jesus. Ask for forgiveness of your sins and be baptized. It is that simple. Just say Lord, I am a sinner, I confess my sins and ask your forgiveness, please keep me from temptation to sin no more. Do this and you will be ready.
Mike Dickmann
In Luke 10:2 He (Jesus) told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” We are the workers and the world is the field. Now is the time for us to do what Jesus instructed us to do in the words of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Although it can be a scary thing to do, we must always be ready to share the gospel with others. All the advertising in the newspaper, flyers, radio, and even church events, is not what brings people to Christ, rather, it’s usually a one-on-one invitation. Go out and be a disciple for Christ today.
Prayer is the second thing that stuck out to me today. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. In Luke 11:2-4 Jesus gives them what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus did not mean that we should pray these exact words every time, but rather praying in this manner. Give the Father all praise and honor and glory, thank the Lord for what you have, ask for forgiveness of your sins and help in forgiving others, and pray the Lord will keep you from temptation. It is not so much the words you say but how you enter into prayer. Prayer is not something to be rushed. Find a quiet place, take time to pray and take time to listen to God speaking to your heart.
The third thing that jumped out at me was to be ready. Throughout verses 12-13 Jesus gives warnings and encouragements. He tells us not to worry and be watchful, to repent or perish and to enter through the narrow door. Be ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for we know not the hour or the day. If you have not done so, give your life to the Jesus. Ask for forgiveness of your sins and be baptized. It is that simple. Just say Lord, I am a sinner, I confess my sins and ask your forgiveness, please keep me from temptation to sin no more. Do this and you will be ready.
Mike Dickmann
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Day 10 ~ Luke 5:5
“Because You Say So”
As I was listening to the Bible today these four words caught my attention. The four words uttered by Simon were “Because you say so…” As you listen to this day's chapter you are really pulled into the scene that surrounded Jesus that day. There they are next to the waters they have fished for so many years. These men know the lake better then anyone else and they are tired and weary after a long night of fishing. Jesus shows up, teaches the people from one of the boats and then says go into the deep water and drop your nets. I noticed that Jesus said “drop your nets for a catch” he knew what was about to take place. Christ has a purpose and a plan for everything even when we don’t see it. He was not taking a shot in the dark here, there was a plan and a purpose to his command as there always is. Simon is reluctant but then agrees to obey the command for one reason alone “because you say so.” When my parents used that line on me as a child I rarely obeyed, and I fear that same attitude far to many times has creeped into my adult life and my relationship with Christ. The lesson today is simple. If Jesus says it, do it! You don’t need to understand it, you don’t need to question why, just do it. Why? Because Jesus said so! What do you need to do today because Christ commanded you to do it?
Pastor Pete
As I was listening to the Bible today these four words caught my attention. The four words uttered by Simon were “Because you say so…” As you listen to this day's chapter you are really pulled into the scene that surrounded Jesus that day. There they are next to the waters they have fished for so many years. These men know the lake better then anyone else and they are tired and weary after a long night of fishing. Jesus shows up, teaches the people from one of the boats and then says go into the deep water and drop your nets. I noticed that Jesus said “drop your nets for a catch” he knew what was about to take place. Christ has a purpose and a plan for everything even when we don’t see it. He was not taking a shot in the dark here, there was a plan and a purpose to his command as there always is. Simon is reluctant but then agrees to obey the command for one reason alone “because you say so.” When my parents used that line on me as a child I rarely obeyed, and I fear that same attitude far to many times has creeped into my adult life and my relationship with Christ. The lesson today is simple. If Jesus says it, do it! You don’t need to understand it, you don’t need to question why, just do it. Why? Because Jesus said so! What do you need to do today because Christ commanded you to do it?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Day 9 ~ Lke 1 - 4
I know I am tempted every day. Some days are harder than others. When I have stayed up late or have gotten up early and it has been a long day I am not as strong and the temptations are harder to resist.
In Luke 4: 1-13, Jesus has been taken into the desert for forty days; no rest; no food or drink; tempted continually, resisting all temptation. Then at the end of forty days He is tempted even more. He is tired and weak and the greatest temptation comes.
For each temptation Jesus uses God’s Word, His Scripture, to fight off the devil. God’s Word is so effective and powerful that the devil left Jesus waiting for a more opportune time.
When we are tempted we should also turn to God’s Word for strength to resist the devil.
The best way I know to overcome temptation is to read or listen to God’s Word each day. When a verse speaks to you or when one pops out to you memorize it. It will come back to you when you need it.
Remember everyone is tempted one way or another just as Jesus was tempted in every way. Jesus used Scripture to fight off and rebuke the devil. You can too!
Arch Stockton Jr
In Luke 4: 1-13, Jesus has been taken into the desert for forty days; no rest; no food or drink; tempted continually, resisting all temptation. Then at the end of forty days He is tempted even more. He is tired and weak and the greatest temptation comes.
For each temptation Jesus uses God’s Word, His Scripture, to fight off the devil. God’s Word is so effective and powerful that the devil left Jesus waiting for a more opportune time.
When we are tempted we should also turn to God’s Word for strength to resist the devil.
The best way I know to overcome temptation is to read or listen to God’s Word each day. When a verse speaks to you or when one pops out to you memorize it. It will come back to you when you need it.
Remember everyone is tempted one way or another just as Jesus was tempted in every way. Jesus used Scripture to fight off and rebuke the devil. You can too!
Arch Stockton Jr
Monday, March 1, 2010
out of the loop
Hey everyone i know this is like way extra outside of the loop for out bible readings, but this is of a student (young adult now) That God had allowed us to be great friends of the family. Their parents had just recently have been battling Cancer so hard. I know that this will be a word of encouragement to many of you who have family, or who are battling cancer yoursleves.
Scotty
Scotty
Life - Joel from DFWGathering on Vimeo.
Day 8 ~ Mark 12-16
Day #8: Mark 12-16
This section of scripture and time in Jesus' life should be one of the more familiar passages for Christians. The moments leading up to Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. However, while listening today what stood out the most is that Mark 12 starts off with humans trying to trick Jesus in order to arrest him. Although we might not be trying to purposely deceive Jesus, how often do we try to fool Jesus by not whole heartedly obeying his commands? Is there a time where you didn't go to church because ______________, tithe your full 10% because ___________, serve in a ministry because ___________, not share the word with ___________ because ____________? The list could go on and on. Jesus knew of our short comings and yet still died for us. We should pray to God and ask him to reveal to us where we are failing him and to have the strength to make the necessary changes in our lives and obey his commands.
Wilson Winn
This section of scripture and time in Jesus' life should be one of the more familiar passages for Christians. The moments leading up to Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. However, while listening today what stood out the most is that Mark 12 starts off with humans trying to trick Jesus in order to arrest him. Although we might not be trying to purposely deceive Jesus, how often do we try to fool Jesus by not whole heartedly obeying his commands? Is there a time where you didn't go to church because ______________, tithe your full 10% because ___________, serve in a ministry because ___________, not share the word with ___________ because ____________? The list could go on and on. Jesus knew of our short comings and yet still died for us. We should pray to God and ask him to reveal to us where we are failing him and to have the strength to make the necessary changes in our lives and obey his commands.
Wilson Winn
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