Life Journal, November 24, 2008
Today's readings: Matthew 17-19

Many Possessions

Scripture

Someone came to Jesus with this question: "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?"

"Why ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. But to answer your question--if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments."

"Which ones?" the man asked.

And Jesus replied: "You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mothers. Love your neighbor as yourself."

"I've obey all these commandments," the young man replied. "What else must I do?"

Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Matthew 19.16-22

Observation

We want the easy answers--things we can do easily--to receive eternal life (not to mention blessings).

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

So often I read this and think--boy am I glad I'm not rich. But that isn't the truth--compared to so many--actually most-- around the world I am richer than most.

Here are some interesting facts I recently "stumbled" upon:

(these come from Rob Bell in his book, Jesus Wants to Save Christians)

America controls nearly 20 percent of the world’s wealth. There are around six billion people in the world, and there are roughly three hundred million people in the U.S. That makes America less than 5 percent of the world’s population. And this 5 percent owns a fifth of the world’s wealth.

One billion people in the world do not have access to clean water, while the average American uses four hundred to six hundred liters of water a day.

Every seven seconds, somewhere in the world a child under age five dies of hunger, while Americans throw away 14 percent of the food we purchase.

Nearly one billion people in the world live on less than one American dollar a day.

Another 2.5 billion people in the world live on less than two American dollars a day.

More than half of the world lives on less than two dollars a day, while the average American teenager spends nearly $150 a week.

Forty percent of people in the world lack basic sanitation, while forty-nine million diapers are used and thrown away in American every day.

1.6 billion people in the world have no electricity.

Nearly one billion people in the world cannot read or sign their name.

Nearly one hundred million children are denied basic education.

By far, most of the people in the world do not own a car. One third of American families own three cars.

One in seven children worldwide (158 million) has to go to work everyday just to survive.

Americans spend more annually on trash bags than nearly half of the world does on all goods.

Pretty interesting--huh??

And this one blew me away--Americans spend an average of $450 Billion a year each Christmas. That's about $900 per family. Most of which gets returned anyway. Most of which is put on the credit card. Most of which isn't paid off even by the time the next Christmas rolls around. And it would only take $10 billion for everyone in the world to have clean water!

So, what does Jesus require of me??

I believe that I am called to live on less so that I can do more, in Jesus' name. So, that is what I am working at doing.

As a start, this year, I am cutting way back on giving at Christmas--at least gifts to others (including my family) and giving the money to groups that can make a difference in the lives of others. We all have everything that we need and more. . .so why give folks things they don't need or want just so I can feel good about it?? There are other ways--better ways to demonstrate my love for them.

Prayer

Father God, forgive me and my self-centeredness. Help me to see the world around me (including myself) through Your eyes. Give me Your heart for the hurting and lost. Help possessions not to have a hold on my life--let my focus be only on You. Lord, You know that I love to give to others--help me do it wisely, in ways that honor you. Thank You for calling me to the next step in my walk with You.

Life Journal, November 22, 2008
Today's readings: Matthew 11-13

What am I producing?

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you."

Matthew 12.33-37

Observation

What is on the inside does come out.

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

What kind of fruit do I produce? Do I even produce fruit? What do my words and attitude say about what is in my heart? How do others see me--what do they see and experience from me??

The thought of giving an account on judgment day for every idle word I speak--that's kind of scary. It certainly means I need to be more careful about what comes out of my mouth. My words need to be words that edify--build up, not tear down. My words need to point only to Christ--not to myself or others. My words should offer life--not judgment. My words . . . I need to think before I speak, each time, not just occasionally or most of the time. There is power in words.

So today, I will think before I speak. I will offer words of life, words that build-up, and words that point to Christ. Today, my words will offer hope and healing--the kind that can only be found in Christ.

Prayer

Father God, put a watch over my mouth. Help my words be ones that bring You glory and honor. Help me to leaving the judging to You--and instead build others up. Help me to be a clear reflection of You in all I do. Thank You Father!! May I bear much fruit for Your Kingdom!

Life Journal, November 20, 2008
Today's readings: Matthew 5-7

Love Who??

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neightbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both th eevil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 5.43-48

Observation

We are called to love everyone, just as the Father does.

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

It isn't enough just to say that we love others (especially our enemies--or the unloveable ones) it should show in our lives. . . .especially by how we treat them. We no longer just tolerate them, but we truly care for them. Not something that I can do on my own. Only when I have allowed God, through His Holy Spirit, to permeate my heart can it happen. The problem is that I hold back--really not wanting Him to fully take my heart, because--in truth--I don't really want to love them.

So, today, not only will I pray for my enemies---I will look for ways to be a blessing to them. I will allow the Holy Spirit to work in my heart so that God's love can reign there. Today I will not just pray for my enemies--I will love them, because of the love that God showed me on the cross through His Son, Jesus, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for not loving as You love. Forgive me for judging who is worthy of loving. Forgive me for not loving my enemies, but only saying the words. Today, Lord God, I pray that You will come into my heart and reign there--changing it to be more like Yours. May Your love fill me in such a way today that it overflows on all that I come in contact with. Thank You God for Your love for me.

Life Journal, November 19, 2008
Today's readings: Matthew 1-4

Faithful

Scripture

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiance was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." . . .

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph name him, Jesus.

Matthew 1.18-21, 24-25

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother." the angel said. "Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod's death. . . .

Matthew 2.13-14

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. "Get up!" the angel said. "Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead."

So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But, when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod's son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee.

Matthew 2.19-23a

Observation

Without questioning, Joseph listened and obeyed what God told him to do.

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

Joseph's faithfulness is amazing to me. He listens to God--not questioning whether it is God speaking to him or a bad case of indigestion--and he does what God tells him to do.

And, it all begins with going through with marrying Mary. She is pregnant--no one will believe him, that either he is the father or that someone else is. He has a gentle heart/spirit and looks for a way to divorce her quietly--otherwise she will be stoned. He can get his revenge. Yet, that's not what he is looking for. Then the angel comes and speaks to him and he takes her for his wife. His reputation would be shot because of his action.

Each time God spoke to Joseph,he did what he was told. He trusted God so completely--no matter the consequences or cost.

As I prepare to enter into the season of Advent, what a great time to reflect on those who are part of "the Story." What a perfect time to look at Joseph's life and see the example he sets for us. Two important pieces--first to be open to listen to God's voice (especially when it doesn't go along with the "norm") and secondly, do what He tells us to do.

So, today, I will be listening and I will be faithful to what God calls me to do--no matter the cost or consequence.

Prayer

Father God, it is easy for me to understand why You chose Joseph to be Jesus' earthly father. He was a man after Your heart. He was open to listen to You and then he was obedient. Lord, I want to be like Joseph--someone who listens to You and then is obedient--no matter what. But, I know that I cannot do it without Your strength and wisdom. So, today, Lord God, help me to hear You and then to be obedient.

Life Journal, November 18, 2008
Today's readings: Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11-13

Daily Examination

Scripture

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you [or, in you]; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

2 Corinthians 13.5

Observation

We need to--must-- honestly examine our hearts daily, testing all that is within us, to be sure we are still lined up with Christ.

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

If I do not examine my heart daily, if I do not daily test my faith--it is so easy to get off the path that God has set before me. . . .so easy to listen to the voices of the world and to be pulled away from Christ. It is so gradual, for the enemy is so good at what he does, that we don't even notice that we have gotten off the path that leads to a Christ-like, Christ-pleasing life.

Today, I need to constantly be examining myself, testing my thoughts, my heart, to make sure that they still focus on Christ and living a life that is pleasing to Him. Today, I must listen to the voices that pull me and test them to see where they come from--not just follow aimlessly. Today, I must look at all that I do and think and make sure that they line up with God's Word and with what Christ has called me to.

Prayer

Lord God, it is so easy to get out of the habit of testing my heart and checking myself to make sure that I am on the right path--Your path. I get so busy, so distracted. Help me to stay on Your path. Open my eyes and my heart when I start to wander off. . . bring me back on course. Lord, may my faith be found to be genuine and placed only in You.

Life Journal, November 17, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Corinthians 7-10

A Generous Heart

Scripture

Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God love a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

"They share freely and give generously to the poor.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever."

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

2 Corinthians 9.6-10

Observation

We are called to give generously out of the abundance that God has given us and trust that He will take care of us.

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

I love to give. It is my main "love language." So, I really love today's Scripture and the promises found there.

So, how will I be different today?? While I love to give, I still find myself judging others--whether they "deserve" or are "worthy" of my giving to. When folks ask for help, I decide whether I (or we the church) will help them. Have they asked for help before? What makes them "worthy" of our help? Instead of opening my hand to give, I have it closed tightly around what I have to give. How can I receive from God if my hand is clenched tightly? Who am I to judge whether someone is worthy of receiving help? Who am I to say that they have asked too many times? Don't I continue to come back to God, over and over again, asking for help from Him?

Jesus set the example for us--he gave freely . . . he gave completely. When we have it, we are called to give--without judging, without measure. Not that we aren't to be wise, but we are not to use that as an excuse to not help someone. If we clench too tightly to what we have, eventually our hands won't be able to open and we will miss all that God has for us.

So, today, I will open my hands and freely give as has been given to me. . .and leave them open so I can receive what God has for me. My heart will be open to giving.

Prayer

Father God, You always provide so richly for me. I am rich beyond measure--especially compared to so many in our world. Lord, may I use what you have given me to bless others. May You find me with my hands and heart open. May others experience Your gift of grace through My giving. May all I do point back to You--and only You.

Life Journal, November 16, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Corinthians 3-6

Troubles

Scripture

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

2 Corinthians 4.8-10

Observation

Being a follower of Christ does not mean that we will have an easy life--a life without troubles or problems or attacks.

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

We are so spoiled. We believe that when we accept Christ that we should not have any problems anymore. That life should go smoothly--which we translate as . . . going our way. So when troubles hit, we get made at God--even when they are things that we bring on ourselves. Why should we have to go through hard times? Why should we have any troubles? Why shouldn't things go our way? Why? Why? Why?

And yet, that's not the life we are promised. Instead we are told it's not going to be an easy life--but, that it's going to be really hard (afterall, Jesus said, "pick up your cross and follow me" [Mark 8.34]--that's not a life of ease).

The difference in a life lived apart from God and one lived with God is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is always present. Always with us. We don't have to go through our troubles alone. God is with us.

So, today, I will not focus on any troubles that might come my way, but instead focus on God/Jesus Christ/the Holy Spirit. I will try to live in such a way (which I can only do because the Holy Spirit lives in me) that I reflect Christ in all that I say and do. That my reactions to life today will be one where it all points to Him through my weakness.

Prayer

Father God, thank You that I do not go through life alone--but filled with Your Spirit. May all that I do and say today reflect Your presence in me.

Life Journal, November 14, 2008
Today's readings: Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15, 16

Never Give Up

Scripture

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

1 Corinthians 15.58

Observation

No matter how things might look to us--everything we do for the Lord, in His name, does make a difference.

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

It is easy to get disheartened as we serve God. There is so much ugliness in the world . . . and in the church . . . that sometimes we can wonder why we even try--does it make a difference? Praise God for this reminder that YES it does make a difference, whether we can see it or not. We can trust that if what we are doing is for the Lord it does make a difference.

So, today, I will press on toward the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ. I will never give up! I will never give in! I will love others in the name of Jesus! I will serve others in the name of Jesus! I will trust that He will use everything I do to bring Him glory and honor and point only to Him!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for this word of encouragement today. May I faithfully serve even when it does not appear to make any difference--even when it appears quite the opposite. Thank You for Your promises and Your faithfulness!!

Life Journal, November 12, 2008
Today's readings: Job 37, 38; 1 Corinthians 12

Who Am I?

Scripture

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, becaukse I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? Who supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? . . ."

Job 38.1-7

Observation

Who am I to question God? Yet . . . he allows me to wrestle with Him and to ask any question I need to. But, no matter what happens in my life or in the world--God still sits on the throne!!

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

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible. (I say that everytime that I read it.) For 36 chapters Job has questioned why these things have happened to him. His friends have accused him of not recognizing the sin in his life. Then God replies to Job . . .

God points out that we really aren't in a position to question Him and where He intercedes--or doesn't intercede--in our lives. Who am I to question God?? These verses pretty much put me in my place as I read them and remember just how big God is.

Yet, I know that I can question God. That I can ask Him the hard things. That I can wrestle with Him. And I don't need to fear His response to me. He is a loving Father who cares about me.

Today, no matter what happens today, I will remember who My Father is (He created everything afterall!) and how much He loves me.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for reminding me who You are and just how big You are. You are faithful . . . and You love me!!

Life Journal, November 11, 2008 [Veteran's Day]
Today's readings: Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9-11

Temptations

Scripture

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10.12-13

Observation

We are all tempted in life--the difference is whether we rely on our own strength or God's strength to stand strong against it.

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

Will I give in--or will I stand strong? Will I have self-control--or will I give God control? Will I fool myself into believing that I can do it on my own--or will I turn my entire life over to God? Often the areas that I hold back from God . . . and try to do myself . . . are those that I'm just not ready or willing to let God change me in. Ouch!

Working with addicts, sometimes I lose my patience. I hate to admit it--but it's true. I wonder why they just can't quit. Then God says, 'They are trying to do it on their own--just like you. . . that's why they can't.' Oh.

So today, I will turn ALL areas over to God. I will trust Him with all my bad habits, all my hurts, and hang-ups. I don't have to do it on my own--why would I even want to when I don't have to?? Why would I even try when I know that I can't do it on my own--or if I do try, it will be harder than it has to be. Today, I will find my strength in God. Today, I will allow God to take control. Today, I will succeed--not because of anything I do--but because of God at work in my life!! Praise God!

Prayer

Thank You God, that I don't have to do it on my own. Thank You that You are in control! Thank You that You are my strength! Thank You that You are on my side--that You want me to succeed!! Yes!!!

Life Journal, November 10, 2008
Today's readings: Job 35, 36; 1 Corinthians 7, 8

The Strength of Love

Scripture

But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.

1 Corinthians 8.1b-3

Observation

Love does us more good than knowledge.

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

While Paul is talking about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols here--I think these words have a further reach than that.

We can know right from wrong--and we can do what is "right" and in many ways be wrong--if we don't care about those it effects. When love is stronger than our knowledge, we act (and treat others) differently. We put people before rules and laws. . . .and traditions. Our love for others is so great that we will care more about them than our traditions.

"It is love that strengthens the church." Powerful words. Not rules. Not traditions. Not knowledge. . . But love. And yet, it is often what we forget--because it requires something from us--it requires us to be in relationship. It requires us to get past ourselves. It requires us to be like Jesus.

So, today, I will seek to love better and more. Today, I will think of others first . . . and put them first.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for all the times that I put myself and my desires and my wishes and my needs before others. Help me to love others as You do--sacrificially. Let me seek love before knowledge. Let me seek You before anything else. Thank You for today's lesson.

Life Journal, November 7, 2008
Today's readings: Job 31, 32; Galatians 5, 6

Freedom For What?

Scripture

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

Galatians 5.13-15

Observation

We are to use the freedom we have in Christ to serve and love others--not tear one another apart.

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

It is always amazing to me how people in the church treat each other. It is no wonder that the unchurched want nothing to do with us. We tear each other down, we gossip about one another, we judge, we point fingers, . . . we certainly don't serve or love well. How it must break God's heart to see how we treat each other. We are like little children constantly bickering and biting at one another.

Scripture clearly speaks about how we are to treat one another. Why are we so ugly--and often in Jesus' name??

Later in Galatians, Paul writes: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith." [Galatians 6.9-10] Could this be why so many of our churches are dying and not reaching the lost? If we can't love "family" how can God trust us to love those outside the "family"?

So today, I will check my heart--I will see where I am guilty of this sin--I will repent and, with the Holy Spirit's help, I will not remain the same. And when I see myself being ugly--not reflecting God's love and not serving--I will listen to the Holy Spirit's nudging and stop. I will ask for forgiveness--from that person and from God. I was to be transformed into a new creation. Along with Paul, "May I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." [Galatians 6.14]

Prayer

Lord God, transform me today throught the power of Your Holy Spirit into a new creation. May I reflect your love in all that I say and do and may I faithfully serve You, Your family, and those who have yet come to know You and Your great love.

Life Journal, November 6, 2008
Today's readings: Job 30; Psalm 12; Galatians 3,4

Trying to Do It Ourselves

Scripture

Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?

Galatians 3.1-4

Observation

We are who we are because of what Christ did in our lives--not because of anything that we do.

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

I can remember when my daughter was little, I would try to help her with something and she would pull away and say, "I can do it by myself." Wanting to prove that she was "grown-up" she would attempt to do those things that only I (at the time) could do for her.

I do the same thing with God. I try to do what only He can do in my life, on my own. Why do I have the need to appear self-sufficient . . . instead of relying on Him and being God-sufficient? So often I feel the need to prove that I am capable--that I can do it all . . . . when the bottom line is--I'm not and I can't.

Today, I will focus on Who is in control and allow Him to be--in all areas of my life. Today, I will live in the grace that provides my freedom, not in the law that holds me slave. Today, my faith will be in God, not in myself. Today, may the Holy Spirit reign in my life--leading me and guiding me every step of the way.

Prayer

Father God, forgive me for trying to do things on my own--I can do nothing without You. Help me to listen only to Your voice and follow Your will. Don't let me get ahead of You, but don't let me fall behind either. May I walk each step in faith--in You--knowing that You are guiding me. Come Holy Spirit--fill me anew. Lord God, it is in You alone that I am who I am--Your daughter.

Life Journal, November 4, 2008
Today's readings: Job 26, 27; Mark 15, 16

Sharing the Good News

Scripture

After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn't believe her.

Afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country. They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.

Still later he appeared to the eleven discipls as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief, because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.

And he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned."

Mark 16.9-16

Observation

You have to believe if you are to share . . . and we are called to tell the Good News to everyone.

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

Eyewitnesses had seen the risen Christ--Jesus had told them what would happen, that He would rise on the third day--the disciples had been with Him for three years--yet they had not believed Mary or the other two followers. So, Jesus shows up and rebukes them, gets on to them because they wouldn't believe the individual's that He sent to tell them.

I wonder if one reason is because they were arrogant enough that they thought Jesus would show Himself to them first--not others, especially not to a woman first. So, it was easy for them to dismiss the Good News that they had to share.

How often do I dismiss the Good News someone shares because I don't think that they are "worthy" to be carrying it?

I cannot go and share what I don't believe--at least not in a way that is believable. Jesus knew that the disciples needed to see and believe, to be witnesses to his resurrection so they could go and share it with everyone else.

Jesus reveals Himself to me in so many ways. I am called to share the Good News about how Jesus is at work in my life--where He shows up. It is much more real if I share out of my own personal experience then out of someone elses. And, I will be more passionate about it, because it is where Jesus met me in my need, where the Christ is at work in my life. First hand accounts.

So, today, I will look for the intersections of Jesus into my life. I will then look for opportunities to share the Good News that Jesus is alive and well and at work in my life in very real ways. I just need to open my eyes [and my heart] so I don't miss them. I cannot take anything for granted, but look at everything with a sense of awe and wonderment--Jesus at work in my life and in my world.

Prayer

Thank You Father for revealing Christ to me in so many ways. Thank You for the work You do in my life everyday. Thank You for giving me opportunities to share these--the Good News--with others. Open my eyes and heart so I don't miss anything . . . and so I don't miss those opportunities to share. Thank You for loving me so much! Thank You for being active in my life! Thank You for entrusting me to share the Good News!

Life Journal, November 3, 2008
Today's readings: Job 25; Mark 13-14

Waiting and Watching

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Sone himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

"The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don't know when the master of the household will return--in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or a daybreak. Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!"

Mark 13.32-37

Observation

We need to be working and watching for the return of Jesus.

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

Recently I was at a meeting and the chaplain of the group shared his prophecy about when Jesus was going to return. He even had a date for us--September 21, 2008. He had studied for over 20 years and came up with this date.

When I heard him share, I found myself wondering if he had never read the Scripture in Mark 13--"No one knows the day or hour . . . " He has spent 20+ years on the prophecy, that didn't come true, rather than spending 20+ years being "about the work they were to do. . . "--loving God and loving others.

Jesus makes it clear that we know it is going to happen, but we don't know when--so we need to live like it could be today--working for the Kingdom. But, we get lulled into a sense of "not yet, I've got plenty of time" and twiddle our thumbs. When we should be focused and diligently doing the work God has called each of us to do.

So, today, I will do my best to not be caught "resting"--not doing the work that God has called me to do. . . . to love Him and love others. Today I will work and watch.

Prayer

Lord God, I have no idea when You will return. May I be found faithfully watching and working--doing what You have called me to do while I still have time here on earth.