Acts 8:1-13
Obstacles in our life usually result in the Lord's work. Comfort leads to stagnate life with Christ. But I life with struggle, change, and even persecution often leads us to put our faith in God which results in Christ working in our lives.
Today, I pray that I would not be comfortable in life. That I would come to the Lord daily, ready for what He has for me. This past year, I ran into an obstacle. The Lord worked and is still working. I don't want to ever forget that. He is faithful!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 26 - Beggars in Beautiful Places
Acts 3:1-10
In this passage, John and Peter arrive at the temple for afternoon prayer and find a beggar laying at the entrance. This beggar was not a stranger to the steps of the temple. He spent many days and hours there. Yet, when help arrived in the form of John and Peter, the beggar didn't even look at them directly. John and Peter however showed Christ's love and through the power of the Holy Spirit made the beggar walk.
What an incredible moment for these two disciples who are doing the Lord's work with the presence of the Holy Spirit!
In this passage, John and Peter arrive at the temple for afternoon prayer and find a beggar laying at the entrance. This beggar was not a stranger to the steps of the temple. He spent many days and hours there. Yet, when help arrived in the form of John and Peter, the beggar didn't even look at them directly. John and Peter however showed Christ's love and through the power of the Holy Spirit made the beggar walk.
What an incredible moment for these two disciples who are doing the Lord's work with the presence of the Holy Spirit!
Day 25 - Spiritual Connections
Acts 1:12-14,2:1-8
So cool to look at the history and prophecy in the Word of God about the life of Jesus. Today, Beth looked at the history of specific feasts including Passover and Pentecost. The encouragement is that one day, those you have been washed with the blood of Christ will feast with Him and the praise him forever.
How cool is that?!
So cool to look at the history and prophecy in the Word of God about the life of Jesus. Today, Beth looked at the history of specific feasts including Passover and Pentecost. The encouragement is that one day, those you have been washed with the blood of Christ will feast with Him and the praise him forever.
How cool is that?!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Day 24 - Going and Coming
Acts 1:1-11
In these first few verses of Acts, we read about Jesus' ascension into heaven in front of the disciples. He anoints them with the Holy Spirit and tells them that He will return just as He has left through the clouds. As I was completing the day's devotional, this song came to mind. Check out this short clip.
In these first few verses of Acts, we read about Jesus' ascension into heaven in front of the disciples. He anoints them with the Holy Spirit and tells them that He will return just as He has left through the clouds. As I was completing the day's devotional, this song came to mind. Check out this short clip.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 23 - Love Goes Around
John 21:15-23
Today, John is overhearing a conversation between Jesus and Peter where Peter is questioned about his love for Christ. Peter tries to prove his love over and over. Jesus reminds them that their love for Christ will drive and guide them as they serve God.
A particular passage in today's devotion left really impacted me so I want to leave it here for you. This is what Beth encourages us to think about as Jesus spoke with his disciples.
"In this scene Jesus is saying to His present-day disciples, 'You can trust Me with you, and you can trust Me with them. I am the same God to all of you, but I have a different plan for each of you. You won't miss it if you keep following. Remember, I've been a carpenter by trade. Custom blueprints are My speciality. God's glory is My goal. Now fill your canteen to the brim with love and follow Me.'"
Today, John is overhearing a conversation between Jesus and Peter where Peter is questioned about his love for Christ. Peter tries to prove his love over and over. Jesus reminds them that their love for Christ will drive and guide them as they serve God.
A particular passage in today's devotion left really impacted me so I want to leave it here for you. This is what Beth encourages us to think about as Jesus spoke with his disciples.
"In this scene Jesus is saying to His present-day disciples, 'You can trust Me with you, and you can trust Me with them. I am the same God to all of you, but I have a different plan for each of you. You won't miss it if you keep following. Remember, I've been a carpenter by trade. Custom blueprints are My speciality. God's glory is My goal. Now fill your canteen to the brim with love and follow Me.'"
Day 22 - Diving in the Deep End
John 21:7-14
This follows the previous day of the disciples seeing Jesus on shore while fishing. Something amazing happens, Jesus supplies them with hundreds of fish. Peter is so excited that it is Jesus on shore that he just jumps out of the boat and swims to his Lord.
Beth Moore talks about this impulsive and spontaneous moment. As believers, we can have moments like Peter where we throw ourselves to Jesus and eagerly approach Him. Peter displays so much joy and excitement about spending with Jesus!
This follows the previous day of the disciples seeing Jesus on shore while fishing. Something amazing happens, Jesus supplies them with hundreds of fish. Peter is so excited that it is Jesus on shore that he just jumps out of the boat and swims to his Lord.
Beth Moore talks about this impulsive and spontaneous moment. As believers, we can have moments like Peter where we throw ourselves to Jesus and eagerly approach Him. Peter displays so much joy and excitement about spending with Jesus!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 21 - Da-Bees
John 21:1-7
John and his friends/the disciples have returned to what they do best - fishing. This moment shows the power of Christ. Jesus calls to them from the water to cast their nets on the other side of the boat where they find nets full of fish. Jesus is demonstrating and reminding them that He is God and that anything is possible through Him.
This is such a great reminder in time of transition and change. We must remember that God is God and that we are nothing without His love, power, and grace.
John and his friends/the disciples have returned to what they do best - fishing. This moment shows the power of Christ. Jesus calls to them from the water to cast their nets on the other side of the boat where they find nets full of fish. Jesus is demonstrating and reminding them that He is God and that anything is possible through Him.
This is such a great reminder in time of transition and change. We must remember that God is God and that we are nothing without His love, power, and grace.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Day 20 - Improving Grounds
John 19:38-42
Dying to self. This is not a foreign phrase to me or many other Christians. We are called to die to our self and pursue life with Christ. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice as John witnessed, and now we have been called to a response. Surrendering all that I am is not easy. Honestly, I know that I have not died to myself completely. I hold on to things. I like control and planning. This is one of the hardest things for me to give to God. In order to accomplish what Christ has for my life and to glorify Him with all that I am, I must surrender to Him. Today, this is my prayer.
Dying to self. This is not a foreign phrase to me or many other Christians. We are called to die to our self and pursue life with Christ. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice as John witnessed, and now we have been called to a response. Surrendering all that I am is not easy. Honestly, I know that I have not died to myself completely. I hold on to things. I like control and planning. This is one of the hardest things for me to give to God. In order to accomplish what Christ has for my life and to glorify Him with all that I am, I must surrender to Him. Today, this is my prayer.
Day 19 - I've Been There
John 19:28-37
In these first 19 days, I have been taken through John's time with Jesus. I have watched the youngest of the disciples cling to Jesus' side and have several intimate moments with Christ. Today, I read of John account of the death of Christ. The prophecy was fulfilled and Jesus was crucified.
John has stuck through thick and thin with Jesus over the last few years. He has watched Jesus heal the sick, feed five thousand, teach, and experience a brutal death. John has not left the side of the one he loves, Jesus. I look forward to continuing John's story as He prepares to share of what Christ has done in his life.
In these first 19 days, I have been taken through John's time with Jesus. I have watched the youngest of the disciples cling to Jesus' side and have several intimate moments with Christ. Today, I read of John account of the death of Christ. The prophecy was fulfilled and Jesus was crucified.
John has stuck through thick and thin with Jesus over the last few years. He has watched Jesus heal the sick, feed five thousand, teach, and experience a brutal death. John has not left the side of the one he loves, Jesus. I look forward to continuing John's story as He prepares to share of what Christ has done in his life.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Day 18 - Mother and Son
John 19-17-27
On this day of Crucifixion, John was given the task to take Mary as his mother. John was watching his Lord die when He makes a last request. The youngest out of all the disciples is given great responsibility.
This reminds of the responsibilities that the Lord has given me. How exciting it is to know that Christ has a perfect and pleasing plan for my life and that I am equipped and ready to complete it. I pray that I would be ready and waiting to hear the request of my Lord when He brings it. I want to obey like John and embrace the responsibility.
On this day of Crucifixion, John was given the task to take Mary as his mother. John was watching his Lord die when He makes a last request. The youngest out of all the disciples is given great responsibility.
This reminds of the responsibilities that the Lord has given me. How exciting it is to know that Christ has a perfect and pleasing plan for my life and that I am equipped and ready to complete it. I pray that I would be ready and waiting to hear the request of my Lord when He brings it. I want to obey like John and embrace the responsibility.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Day 17 - Strength Personified
Matthew 26:36-46
This passage is well known; it is the moment when Jesus enters the garden of Gethsemane knowing that his death is coming.
Today, Beth Moore added a new perspective for me. I want to leave you with what she imagined the disciples were thinking.
"Wait a second! This was their Rock! Their Strong Tower! 'What in the world was wrong with Him? Why is He on the ground like that? Why is He writhing in anguish? Why is His hair drenched in sweat? It's freezing out here! Any why does His sweat look like blood drops falling to the ground? Why does He keep asking for a cup to be taken from Him? What cup? He's crying 'Abba!' What's He so upset about? Is it because one of us betrayed Him? Why won't He stop? I thought nothing could get to Him."
These men had been Jesus' best friends for three years. Now, they were watching his strength and emotion collide as He cries out to his Father. Through all this anguish, Jesus obeys so that we can be forgiven and become children of God.
This passage is well known; it is the moment when Jesus enters the garden of Gethsemane knowing that his death is coming.
Today, Beth Moore added a new perspective for me. I want to leave you with what she imagined the disciples were thinking.
"Wait a second! This was their Rock! Their Strong Tower! 'What in the world was wrong with Him? Why is He on the ground like that? Why is He writhing in anguish? Why is His hair drenched in sweat? It's freezing out here! Any why does His sweat look like blood drops falling to the ground? Why does He keep asking for a cup to be taken from Him? What cup? He's crying 'Abba!' What's He so upset about? Is it because one of us betrayed Him? Why won't He stop? I thought nothing could get to Him."
These men had been Jesus' best friends for three years. Now, they were watching his strength and emotion collide as He cries out to his Father. Through all this anguish, Jesus obeys so that we can be forgiven and become children of God.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Day 16 - The Judas in Us
Luke 22:1-6
The past two days I have been reading about the Last Supper. Today, Beth Moore talked about the nature of Judas' betrayal. In Luke 22:3, it says that Satan entered Judas at that very moment when they were sitting at the Passover table. Judas then got up and turned his back on Jesus. Thinking about it gives me chills. What an instant transformation. Temptation is all around us. My prayer is that I would walk with the Lord and resist this temptation. My flesh will desire it, but my spirit hungers and thirsts for righteousness.
The past two days I have been reading about the Last Supper. Today, Beth Moore talked about the nature of Judas' betrayal. In Luke 22:3, it says that Satan entered Judas at that very moment when they were sitting at the Passover table. Judas then got up and turned his back on Jesus. Thinking about it gives me chills. What an instant transformation. Temptation is all around us. My prayer is that I would walk with the Lord and resist this temptation. My flesh will desire it, but my spirit hungers and thirsts for righteousness.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 15 - Lean In
John 13:21-30
I have been learning a lot about the intimacy of God this last month or so. Today, I read about the Last Supper in which Judas betrays Jesus. In this passage though, Beth Moore points out that when John asks Jesus who will betray him, John is actually leaning on Jesus. What intimacy they had together. What love is showed there.
This is such a great reminder to me today, that I can be intimate with my Heavenly Gather daily. He wants that closeness with me. I can ask Him whatever I want and tell Him about anything. My God is not a distant God, but a Father who desires to be with His children.
I have been learning a lot about the intimacy of God this last month or so. Today, I read about the Last Supper in which Judas betrays Jesus. In this passage though, Beth Moore points out that when John asks Jesus who will betray him, John is actually leaning on Jesus. What intimacy they had together. What love is showed there.
This is such a great reminder to me today, that I can be intimate with my Heavenly Gather daily. He wants that closeness with me. I can ask Him whatever I want and tell Him about anything. My God is not a distant God, but a Father who desires to be with His children.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day 14 - Secret Missions
Secret Missions make me think of Jason Bourne or the gang from the Italian Job. I think of crazy stunts and daring battle against scary bad guys. However, today secret missions are looking a little different.
Luke 22:7-13
Today Beth Moore presented this question - "How deeply do you believe that each day is another opportunity to be on mission with God, that He has tasks in mind for you today that are specifically ordained for your life?"
Secret Missions. Everyday has a mission; a well-designed, perfectly planned mission. I am Jason Bourne running through a street full of people dodging the bullets from the enemy. I trip and fall over a street cart. But somehow I get up and keep running. God has given us a mission. I may slip up and fall to temptation. The enemy is a fighter and desires to take me away from my mission. My desire is to be tuned to the mission that the Lord has for me. I pray that my thoughts would dwell on the Lord and that He would guide me through my day in order to complete the mission.
Luke 22:7-13
Today Beth Moore presented this question - "How deeply do you believe that each day is another opportunity to be on mission with God, that He has tasks in mind for you today that are specifically ordained for your life?"
Secret Missions. Everyday has a mission; a well-designed, perfectly planned mission. I am Jason Bourne running through a street full of people dodging the bullets from the enemy. I trip and fall over a street cart. But somehow I get up and keep running. God has given us a mission. I may slip up and fall to temptation. The enemy is a fighter and desires to take me away from my mission. My desire is to be tuned to the mission that the Lord has for me. I pray that my thoughts would dwell on the Lord and that He would guide me through my day in order to complete the mission.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Day 13 - Growing Uppity
Mark 10:35-45
(v. 43-45) - "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
This is the "take-away" verse. The purpose of my life in Christ is not to raise myself up, but to raise Christ high and to glorify his name. I am to be a servant, humble and obedient.
(v. 43-45) - "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
This is the "take-away" verse. The purpose of my life in Christ is not to raise myself up, but to raise Christ high and to glorify his name. I am to be a servant, humble and obedient.
Day 12 - High Horses
I was doing so good, but with church yesterday and family adventures I forgot to post. So you get 2 for 1 today. I had the privilege or listening to Pastor David Ingrassia in the pulpit yesterday. He is such an incredible teacher, and I praise God for giving David such brilliant understanding of the scriptures. I spoke with my family how much David reminds me of the power of the Word of God. The Bible isn't casual or passive. It is authoritative and powerful.
Luke 9:46-56
In this passage, John is trying to one up everyone and perform miracles. His pride is taking over and he is a little frustrated. I started to think about my pride when reading this. Somethings I can let go of pretty easily while others are harder. I pride myself in my schoolwork and studies. I work very hard and expect excellence from myself. I don't give this to the Lord like a should. The reason I should be working so hard is not to make myself look good or feel better, but to Glorify God!
Luke 9:46-56
In this passage, John is trying to one up everyone and perform miracles. His pride is taking over and he is a little frustrated. I started to think about my pride when reading this. Somethings I can let go of pretty easily while others are harder. I pride myself in my schoolwork and studies. I work very hard and expect excellence from myself. I don't give this to the Lord like a should. The reason I should be working so hard is not to make myself look good or feel better, but to Glorify God!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Day 11 - Triple Wow
I am loving this study! Learning so much about the order of events when you look at the Gospels together. Beth has done a ton of research to help piece together the different perspectives and stories in the Gospels in chronological order. In these 11 days, I have followed Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Jesus has called them and spent every day with them. They have seen many miracles and teachings. However, today is a more intimate day with Jesus to show these young men the greatness of God.
Mark 9:2-10
This is the Transfiguration passage in Mark. Jesus takes John and the others up the mountain and is transfigured. Jesus is pure white and is joined by Elijah and Moses. What a sight for John! I would have been frightened and awestruck. Then there is a display of the Father acknowledging his Son.
Today, I am overwhelmed by the power and greatness of God. He could have done this in front of the entire city but instead He is intimate with the disciples. Jesus is patient and waits for the Father's timing at the cross. I can experience this intimacy and power in prayer and yet I don't do it enough. My desire is to hunger conversation with the Alpha and the Omega, God.
Mark 9:2-10
This is the Transfiguration passage in Mark. Jesus takes John and the others up the mountain and is transfigured. Jesus is pure white and is joined by Elijah and Moses. What a sight for John! I would have been frightened and awestruck. Then there is a display of the Father acknowledging his Son.
Today, I am overwhelmed by the power and greatness of God. He could have done this in front of the entire city but instead He is intimate with the disciples. Jesus is patient and waits for the Father's timing at the cross. I can experience this intimacy and power in prayer and yet I don't do it enough. My desire is to hunger conversation with the Alpha and the Omega, God.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Day 10 - Behind the Veil
Mark 5:35-43
What a privilege that John had to spend such incredible first days with Jesus. John along with the other three have witnessed Jesus healing and his teaching, but now for something new. This day John watches Jesus call a young girl back to life. Jesus displays his power over death, but asks that it stay within the house. What an incredible day to be apart of and watch. If I was in John's shoes, I probably would have been shocked, puzzled, delighted, about to scream, about to cry, wanting to ask questions, and just wanting to watch the young girl walk around the room. What an amazing God we have!
What a privilege that John had to spend such incredible first days with Jesus. John along with the other three have witnessed Jesus healing and his teaching, but now for something new. This day John watches Jesus call a young girl back to life. Jesus displays his power over death, but asks that it stay within the house. What an incredible day to be apart of and watch. If I was in John's shoes, I probably would have been shocked, puzzled, delighted, about to scream, about to cry, wanting to ask questions, and just wanting to watch the young girl walk around the room. What an amazing God we have!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Day 9 - Ambush at Dawn
Mark 1:35-39
Dawn is such a peace and beautiful time. Watching creation function with such detail and perfection as the moves over the sky. Our God made all of that! What a designer He is. The designer is sitting in this peaceful moment praying to the Father. And then Peter, James, and John run into the room, without stopping or acknowledging what Jesus is doing, and tell Jesus that there are a ton of people waiting for Him to heal and restore those who are sick and possessed. I think they were excited for another show! But instead Jesus tells them that they are leaving to preach to others in different towns around Galilee. Jesus had timing even when his companions didn't.
Today, I think about my time with my heavenly Father. Do I rush it or ambush it with other thoughts? Do I sit with Him in the quiet and listen? We are called to be like Christ, and what an example this is of spending time in prayer.
Dawn is such a peace and beautiful time. Watching creation function with such detail and perfection as the moves over the sky. Our God made all of that! What a designer He is. The designer is sitting in this peaceful moment praying to the Father. And then Peter, James, and John run into the room, without stopping or acknowledging what Jesus is doing, and tell Jesus that there are a ton of people waiting for Him to heal and restore those who are sick and possessed. I think they were excited for another show! But instead Jesus tells them that they are leaving to preach to others in different towns around Galilee. Jesus had timing even when his companions didn't.
Today, I think about my time with my heavenly Father. Do I rush it or ambush it with other thoughts? Do I sit with Him in the quiet and listen? We are called to be like Christ, and what an example this is of spending time in prayer.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Day 8 - Good for What Ails You
Matthew 4:23-25
Lord, thank you for being the Healer. Thank you for taking me as I am, unworthy and sinful. Thank you for restoring me. Thank you for healing a broken heart in your daughter this year. I now ask that this heart would be soft and ready for what you have in store. Show me any infection that may be in my life so that I may be rid me of it. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice of sending your son so that I may have eternal life. Your grace amazes me even now. I love you Lord. Amen.
Lord, thank you for being the Healer. Thank you for taking me as I am, unworthy and sinful. Thank you for restoring me. Thank you for healing a broken heart in your daughter this year. I now ask that this heart would be soft and ready for what you have in store. Show me any infection that may be in my life so that I may be rid me of it. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice of sending your son so that I may have eternal life. Your grace amazes me even now. I love you Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Day 7 - Scenes on a Sabbath Day
Today, I was reminded of the healing Jesus did in my mother. At the end of my high school years, my mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. This was quite a blow for my mother and the rest of the family. This situation was out of our control and completely given to God throughout the months of treatment. My mom took control of the only thing she could, her weight. She lost several dress sizes and now looks incredible. She is healthier and happier and cancer-free. During this time in my life, I was able to God as our Healer and our hope.
Mark 1: 29-34
This passage continues right where we left off yesterday. John has just been taught my Jesus at the temple and is now at Simon Peter's home for the afternoon. While there, Jesus sees that Simon's mother has a fever and is ill. He heals her immediately. This lead to a chain of people at the door waiting to be healed by Jesus. What an incredible day John is having. He is watching Jesus heal each person at the door instantly. John is able to see the love of Christ and the hope that he brings for the lost and the needy.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Day 6 - A Sheer Show of Strength
Mark 1: 21-28
John is enjoying a few days with Jesus which end up at the temple at one point. What an amazing moment to hear the author of the Word teach the Word. While soaking in the words of Jesus, a demon-filled man enters the scene. Jesus stuns the crowd by casting out the demon and silencing it. This is an attention grabbing moment!
I have had several attention grabbing moments from the Lord in my life. Some have been to remove doubts while others have encouraged me or given me guidance. The most recent moment was in January at Passion 2011. I had been through a rough semester that had resulted in a broken heart and spirit. I felt hurt and abandoned by my closest friends. While at this conference for college students, the Lord took the time to restore me and heal my heart. He showered me in love and reminded me of his greatness. He could and would help me to conquer what appeared to be the toughest year of my college experience. And He has supplied immeasurable amounts of love, support, and encouragement both through his Spirit and through the body of Christ.
However, the Lord doesn't always use big attention grabbing moments, so this week I pray that I would allow the Spirit to work in the small moments too.
John is enjoying a few days with Jesus which end up at the temple at one point. What an amazing moment to hear the author of the Word teach the Word. While soaking in the words of Jesus, a demon-filled man enters the scene. Jesus stuns the crowd by casting out the demon and silencing it. This is an attention grabbing moment!
I have had several attention grabbing moments from the Lord in my life. Some have been to remove doubts while others have encouraged me or given me guidance. The most recent moment was in January at Passion 2011. I had been through a rough semester that had resulted in a broken heart and spirit. I felt hurt and abandoned by my closest friends. While at this conference for college students, the Lord took the time to restore me and heal my heart. He showered me in love and reminded me of his greatness. He could and would help me to conquer what appeared to be the toughest year of my college experience. And He has supplied immeasurable amounts of love, support, and encouragement both through his Spirit and through the body of Christ.
However, the Lord doesn't always use big attention grabbing moments, so this week I pray that I would allow the Spirit to work in the small moments too.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Day 5 - Time with Jesus
Spending time with the people that I love is always memorable. Time with family and close friends is unforgettable. I can't even imagine spending time with Jesus like John was able to do.
John 2:1-2,12
Today, John was with Jesus at a wedding with Jesus and then spent a few days with him afterward. What a special and intimate time that John had with Jesus. I'm sure John and the other disciples watch Jesus purposefully and listened to every word. I'm that their curiosity was driving them and they asked many questions of Jesus.
Spending time with Jesus each day, focuses my day, reminds me of my love for him, and encourages me. Today, I was able to spend time with my heavenly father and my church body. The service included all generations in worship. It was incredible! We were also reminded that we are the salt and the light of the world. I wonder if that is what John noticed about Jesus, that he was the light in the dark world.
John 2:1-2,12
Today, John was with Jesus at a wedding with Jesus and then spent a few days with him afterward. What a special and intimate time that John had with Jesus. I'm sure John and the other disciples watch Jesus purposefully and listened to every word. I'm that their curiosity was driving them and they asked many questions of Jesus.
Spending time with Jesus each day, focuses my day, reminds me of my love for him, and encourages me. Today, I was able to spend time with my heavenly father and my church body. The service included all generations in worship. It was incredible! We were also reminded that we are the salt and the light of the world. I wonder if that is what John noticed about Jesus, that he was the light in the dark world.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Day 4 - A Father's Dilemma
Mark 1: 16-20
Zebedee had to let James and John go. He had raised them all of their lives to stay with the family, to learn the family trade, and then pass it on to their families. And then one day, all of that changed. He had to let his precious sons go. Zebedee had to trust that the Lord would take care of them.
I ask that the Lord would continue to amaze me, that I would hunger and thirst for righteousness, and that I would follow where the Lord leads. Like John, I have left home and now I expect great things from the Lord.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Day 3 - Preparation Day
As a student, I find that I prepare constantly for classes, work, projects, tests, papers, meetings.... The list goes on and on. I love that I am a planner and most of the time a good student. However, today when reading through this devotion, I thought about how prepared I am in Christ each day. Do I seek what He has for me each day? Do I spend time in prayer expecting astonishing and amazing things?
John 1:35-42
I love how the translation of words in the Bible relate to one another. I like listening to preachers make connections like this because it shows how perfectly planned God's word is and how incredible language can be. Beth Moore points out that the word preparing is later used as repairing and restoring. "God who prepares also repairs and restores."
I also loved this scripture reference today because it combined yesterday's lesson with today. Joshua 3:5 - "Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow." I want to be prepared for the wondrous and mighty work that the Lord can do today.
John 1:35-42
I love how the translation of words in the Bible relate to one another. I like listening to preachers make connections like this because it shows how perfectly planned God's word is and how incredible language can be. Beth Moore points out that the word preparing is later used as repairing and restoring. "God who prepares also repairs and restores."
I also loved this scripture reference today because it combined yesterday's lesson with today. Joshua 3:5 - "Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow." I want to be prepared for the wondrous and mighty work that the Lord can do today.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Day 2 - Amazing!
The dictionary definition of Amazing:
causing great surprise or sudden wonder; astonishing, awe-inspiring
Luke 5:1-11
Today John is just an observer of the amazing power of Jesus Christ. The four (Simon, Andrew, James, and John) have just been called my Jesus to follow him. Remember they are fishermen and have been for quite some time. Well this day had been a long and discouraging day, because they hadn't caught a single fish. Jesus arrives and tells them to try again. Amazing! Two boats full of fish. Simon surrenders to the will of God and Jesus does the impossible. Cause and Effect. If we surrender to the will of God, Jesus will do the impossible with us. How exciting!!! This is my desire, to let Him do what I know is impossible by myself. I want Him to use me and amaze me everyday.
Beth posed a question today in this devotion: "When was the last time Christ amazed you? How did it come about? What did it change about your or someone else's circumstance?" I started to think about creation, situation of healing, watching someone come to Christ, but this took quite a bit of thought. Do we lose that initial sense of wonder? When I came to Christ, I found him incredible and overwhelming and magnificent, amazing even. I don't want to lose that feeling. God is so much bigger and far more amazing than anything in this world. I want to remember that every day. Today, that is my prayer.
This song came to mind when I saw the title of today's lesson. Just one of the reasons that He is so Amazing.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day 1 - The Little Brother
Matthew 4:18-22
This is where Beth Moore begins this study of John. We start at his calling. These four simple verses call four simple fishermen to follow Jesus Christ the Messiah and be his disciples. Beth points out the history and reasoning for the order in which the names of the disciples are written. You see, John was a little brother. James and John were brothers and fishermen who were called together to follow Jesus. These brothers respond with obedience and no hesitation. I can imagine that James and John were doing what they have done every day for their entire lives - fishing. They were probably taught at a very young age by their father and knew as soon as they woke up what their day had in store, more fishing. But this day was different. How cool is it that Jesus calls to us when we least except it! I can remember the day Jesus called me. I was very young but I knew everything was different that day. I was no longer a slave to sin but free!
John's obedience is convicting. How many excuses would I have made? My schedule is too busy or I don't know what would happen tomorrow. My time and attention are so often put on other things that I don't obey the Lord completely and without hesitation as John did. I am so happy to say that like James and John, my brother and I have answered the call to follow Jesus Christ. My prayer is that I would obey my heavenly Father without hesitation and that I would be reminded of the day when everything changed and I met Jesus.
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