Life Journal, October 31, 2008
Today's readings: Job 22; Mark 7,8

What's On the Inside?

Scripture

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "All of you listen," he said, "and try to understand. It's not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart." . . . .

And then he added, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you."

Mark 7.14-15;20-23

Observation

It is what is on the inside that matters.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

We don't often think too hard before we act or speak--but if we were to watch ourselves or listen to ourselves, I think we could learn a lot about the condition of our heart.

We have all done things or said things that, after the fact, wish we wouldn't have done. But do we just excuse ourselves and continue to do it--or do we take the time to look at our hearts and change. We will even use the excuse--"Well that's just the way I am" or "That's how I see things" or "I'm only human." When in truth we need to stop, confess and repent, and change our hearts--therefore our actions and words.

Today, I need to listen to myself and watch myself, asking God to shine His light on those areas of my life that reflect problems with my heart. And then I need to confess them and repent, asking God's help in not continuing in doing them. Then I need to be intentional and keep an eye on my heart. It is God's home--it should reflect Him and only Him. Today, I will do some "heart-cleaning."

Prayer

Father God, thank You for not allowing me to remain the same. Thank You for changing me and growing me. Today, shine Your light on those areas of my heart that need to be changed--and then help me change them. Help me to reflect more and more of You and less and less of me. Today, do any heart "surgery" You need to do so I can have Your heart. Thank You, Father.

Life Journal, October 30, 2008
Today's readings: Job 21; Mark 5,6

Faith

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over."

Mark 5.34

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, "Dont be afraid. Just have faith."

Mark 5.36

And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Mark 6.5

Observation

With faith all things are possible.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

These two chapters of Mark are filled with faith opportunities and miracles. They remind us over and over the importance of having faith.

It's not that faith is our "ticket" to get whatever we want--but faith leads us to a place to receive what God/Jesus has to give us.

I like to think that my faith is strong . . . and yet, so often it falters . . . I'm afraid that my prayers won't be answered or that God won't move. But, in truth, what my fear is--is not that God won't answer my prayers or won't move . . . it's that He won't do it my way. And true faith is trusting that God will answer my prayers and will move in amazing God-sized ways--in His way. . . not mine.

So, today, I will continue to exercise my faith and grow it. I will continue to take steps of trust. I will continue to watch God at work and allow Him to build my faith to mountain-size. I will rejoice in answered prayer and movements of God--even when they aren't my way--knowing that I can trust Him, I can have faith in Him for all things.

Prayer

Father God, today I come with my hands open wide ready to receive all that You have for me. Today I come trusting in You--placing my faith in You and You alone. Today I come listening and watching and praising! Thank You Father that You never let go!

Life Journal, October 29, 2008
Today's readings: Job 20; Mark 3,4

Parable of the Growing Seed

Scripture

Jesus also said, "The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come."

Mark 4.26-29

Observation

We can plant the seeds and harvest the "wheat"--but it is God at work in the life of each "seed" that makes the difference, it has nothing to do with us.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

We like to give ourselves credit for "saving" folks, when in truth all we can do is plant the seed. It is God who does the work, who helps it grow, brings it to maturity--all the while we go on with life--we sleep, we go through life--having no control over what happens with the seeds. And then we get to harvest it. Funny how we like to take credit for the whole process--it makes us feel "powerful" when in truth we cannot do anything without God's help and intervention.

Today I will remember my role in God's process and be alert. I will plant seeds everywhere I can. I will watch for those that have matured and are ready to be harvested and then do my job in helping with the harvest. How great is our God! How blessed we are that He allows us to participate in the Kingdom work of God! How amazing that He can and will use each one of us--if we only let ourselves be used!

Prayer

Creator God, thank You for using me in Your Kingdom work. Today may I be faithful to spread Your seeds everywhere I walk. Today may I watch and listen to others to see who is ready to be harvested for You. I pray for boldness and wisdom. Today may I focus on Your Kingdom--not those things that don't matter.

Life Journal, October 28, 2008
Today's readings: Job 19; Mark 1,2

Answering the Call

Scripture

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Mark 1.16-18

Observation

When Jesus called his disciples to follow him, they stopped whatever they were doing and followed him--no hesitation, no questions asked.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Jesus called, they followed--no hesitation. They stopped what they were doing and walked away. They left their jobs, they left their family and friends--Jesus called and they said "YES!"

Why are we so hesitant to follow when Jesus calls us to follow Him? We ask Him to wait or we give Him just a small part of our lives or we question Him . . . we don't just drop everything and follow. We have many good excuses--we have responsibilities, we have families, we have jobs, we have lives, we have bills, . . . that has to be for someone else--not us. We can go to church on Sunday morning and be a "follower" then--for that hour or two. But, we certainly are not willing to give up our lives for Him. What is He thinking??!!

Do I follow without hesitation? Do I go and do and say what He asks me to go, do, say? What boundaries have I placed around my relationship with Christ? What limits?

Today, I will follow--I will lay all hesitation, all boundaries . . . everything aside -- or at least I will try with His help.

Prayer

Lord God, forgive me for all the times I am not faithful in following You. For all the times that I have an excuse for not doing what You call me to do. For not laying down my life for You. For not giving You my all. Today, Lord, may I hear Your voice and say "YES!!!" without hesitation, without conditions, without boundaries. May I put my trust completely in You. Thank You Lord that You have called me to be Your follower.

Life Journal, October 27, 2008
Today's readings: Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27, 28

Hope In the Middle of the Storm

Scripture

[Paul speaking] "But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down."

Acts 27.22

Observation

God is able!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

You have to love it--Paul is on his way to stand trial before Caesar--he is on a ship in the middle of a gale. The sailors and others had done all they could to save the ship--and themselves. But Scripture tells us, "The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone." (vs.20) [emphasis mine] And Paul says, "Take courage!"

Everything looks lost--looks hopeless--yet Paul trust God and what God had promised. "For last night an angel of the God to whim I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.' So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island." (vs.23-26) [emphasis mine]

Paul believed God--no matter how things appeared. Paul had put his hope in God.

Do I believe what God says? Do I believe Him? Do I live like I believe Him? Words do not mean much--especially if my actions don't show it.

So, today, will I believe . . . and live like I believe . . . God? May it be so in all areas of my life. May I walk in boldness and faith and trust and hope . . . but most of all in grace and love.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your promises and Your Word. Forgive me for those times that I doubt You--it's really not You that I doubt, but me and my ability to do what You ask. Lord help my unbelief--make me strong in Your strength. Thank You that You never give up on me!

Life Journal, October 24, 2008
Today's readings: Job 15; Acts 19-20

Faithful

Scripture

I declare today that I have been faithful.

Acts 20.26a

Observation

Paul faithfully does what God asks--no matter the cost.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Can I declare today that I have been faithful in what God has called me to do?? Can I stand before Jesus on judgment day and know that "If anyone suffers eternal death, it's not my fault, for I didn't shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know"? (The rest of verse 26)

Paul says earlier in the chapter . . . "I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes." (vs.20) That's not an easy task. People don't want to hear what they need to hear.

So, today, I need to examine those areas in my life where I have not been faithful--those areas that I need to work harder in, to be bolder in, to be more obedient in. And then, I need to do what I need to do--whatever it takes, whatever the cost--to be able to declare, as Paul did, I declare today I have been faithful!

Prayer

Thank You Father for Your word and call for me to be faithful. I cannot do it in my own strength--only with You. Lord, shine light on those areas of my life where I have not been faithful--those areas I need to work harder in, to be bolder in, and to be more obedient in. Then help me!! Thank You that You walk each step with me and never leave me alone!! Today, may I be found faithful in all that You call me to do and say!

Life Journal, October 23, 2008
Today's readings: Job 13, 14; Acts 17, 18

No Doubts

Scripture

As was Paul's custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people.

Acts 17.2

When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

Acts 17.10-11

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

Acts 17.16-17

Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike.

Acts 18.4

They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews.

Acts 18.19

Observation

Paul knew what he had been called to do--and did it wherever he went.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Paul knew what God had called him to do, and he faithfully did it--no matter what obstacles he might face . . . even prison or beatings or death.

Do I do what God has called me to do--He has called each one of us to love Him with all our hearts, with all our minds, and with all our strength. He has called each one of us to love our neighbor. He has called each one of us to go and make disciples. He has called us to use our gifts to serve Him and the Church. . . He has made it very clear what we are called to do.

And, He calls each one of us to do something that only we are gifted for---to reach certain people with the Good News, to love certain people for Him, to be His hands and feet in specific ways. Am I doing it? Or do I close my ears (and my heart) because it makes me uncomfortable or it is inconvenient or because I am fearful of what others might think or act toward me?

Today I will listen to God's voice and follow what He calls me to do--I will be faithful and love those He puts in my path. I will be bold when He asks me to be in helping or in sharing the Good News. Today is a new day--filled with hope.

Prayer

Father God, I am not always faithful to do what You have called me to do. There are times when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable to do what You ask. Today, Lord God, I will set aside me and allow You to work in me and through me. Help me Lord, I cannot do it on my own. But, with You--I can!

Life Journal, October 22, 2008
Today's readings: Job 11,12; Acts 15,16

The Right Heart Attitude

Scripture

A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, "Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!"

The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.

Acts 16.22-34

Observation

We are not to focus on our circumstances--but on God--patiently waiting and watching for what He might do.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

After being falsely accused, severely beaten, thrown into jail and placed in stocks, Paul and Barnabas are worshiping! They even have an audience--a group who are watching and listening to them . . . no doubt to see how these followers of Christ will act after being beaten and thrown into jail. And the outcome is amazing.

How do I react to difficult circumstances? When things don't go as I think they should? Do I worship or do I grumble? Am I an example to those around me--lifting my head, my hands and my voice to heaven praising God for who He is and what He is going to do (even if it isn't what I might want or it might be difficult)? You can bet that others are watching us and how we handle difficult circumstances. They want to know if we really live what we believe. If God is really there in the difficult times. If it makes a difference. What do they see when they look at me?

I need to keep my focus on God--worshiping and praising Him, no matter my circumstances. I need to trust that He is in control. That He will take care of me in all things. . . . even when it doesn't look like it or feel like it.

Today, I need to live out my faith--knowing that others are watching. Today I need to not be whiny--but worship-filled. Today, my focuse needs to be on the One who created me, who loves me, who redeemed me, who sustains me. Today my eyes will be on Jesus, the Christ.

Prayer

Today, Lord God, may I keep my eyes only on You--not on my circumstances--not on anything else. May I worship You in all I do, with a joy-filled heart. May I not focus on the unimportant--but instead, focus only on You and others. May I sing when I want to whine--may I pray when I want to grumble. May I be more like You this day.