Life Journal, January 19, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 47-48; Psalms 10; Luke 19

Jesus' Mission

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."

Luke 19.10

Observation

Jesus had a clear mission--to seek and save the lost.

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

The story of Zacchaeus is one of my favorite Bible stories. Once again, we see Jesus hanging with a "notorious sinner." Not the first time He did it (Luke 5.27-32). . . and I am sure it wasn't the last. And, "the people were displeased." They wanted Him to hang out with the good "religious" folk--not "scum" and "notorious sinners."

But what does Jesus say, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." Jesus tells them that He has come to "seek and save the lost." He knows His mission here.

So often people say they want to know what their mission is--what they are called to do. If Jesus' mission was to "seek and save the lost," shouldn't ours be to "seek and point folks to Jesus--who has the power to save them?"

If we love God with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind . . . and our neighbor as ourself (Matthew 22.37-40) then the mission of Christ follows--to seek and save the lost. Because if we love our neighbor, we will want them to find salvation through Jesus. We, like Jesus, will not anyone to perish (2 Peter 3.9).

So, how will this impact my life today . . . it makes me examine my own life and ask: who am I hanging with? Is Jesus' mission mine? Do I actively seek out the lost and love them and point them to Jesus? There is definitely room for improvement in my life.

Funny, one of the things that gets me in trouble at church is the fact that I love the lost and have a heart for reaching them. Hmmmm. . . .I'd say I'm in pretty good company if that is how people see me. May I always be seen as someone who loves the lost, seeks them out, and points them to Jesus.

Prayer

Father God, I want to be more and more like Jesus. Give me a heart after Your heart--one that loves the lost. Give me the opportunity to seek them out. And, may I boldly point them to You!

Life Journal, January 7, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 18-19; Psalms 3; Luke 7

Inappropriate Laughing

Scripture

"Where is Sarah, your wife?" the visitors asked.

"She's inside the tent," Abraham replied.

Then one of them said, "I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!"

Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent. Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children. So she laughed silently to herself and said, "How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master--my husband--is also so old?"

Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, 'Can an old woman like me have a baby?' Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."

Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, "I didn't laugh."

But the Lord said, "No, you did laugh."

Genesis 18.9-15

Observation

Sarah didn't believe what the Lord was promising would happen.

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

Right now, I find that I am a lot more like Sarah than I would like to admit. I find that I am doubting and to cover it--laughing inappropriately. (That's what I do when I am uncomfortable--the nervous laugh thing.)

I want to believe--but it just seems impossible.

I've believed before . . . and it didn't happen (at least not my way and in my time).

So now, I'm laughing--not really the appropriate time for a laugh, but I don't know what else to do. Deep down inside I'm hoping, but at the same time I am afraid to believe.

So, what does that mean for today? Honestly, I'm not sure. I know what it should mean--but . . . . .

What I can hold on to is that even though Sarah laughed--He still did what He promised. That I will hold on to.

Prayer

Lord, You know I'm struggling right now. Forgive me and help my unbelief. I'm afraid to trust--even though I know that I can trust You and You alone. Thank You for Your patience with me. I'm trying, I really am. Please help me . . .

Life Journal, January 4, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

Truth Doesn't Always Make People Happy

Scripture

He [Jesus] taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. . . . Everyone spoke well of him [Jesus] and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. . . . When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him [Jesus] and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff.

Luke 4.15, 22, 28-29

Observation

Everyone liked Jesus' teaching/preaching . . . until it got upclose and personal.

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

Speaking the truth got Jesus in trouble. Speaking the truth gets me in trouble, sometimes. How do I react when I hear the truth? It is easy to shake my head at others who stiffen their backs and allow hardened hearts to the truth. But, how do I react to it?

Most of us don't like the truth if it hits too close to home and we see the error of our ways. It's hard to admit that we are wrong--no matter how much better the truth might be. We would rather be right--even more so when we are wrong.

I work very hard at telling the truth, even when it is the hard thing to do. I want to be known as a "truth teller." But, can I stand to hear it?

God has often spoken to me when I am sharing the truth with another. He uses that opportunity to say--you need to hear this too. I try to brush it aside, but can't.

I can be just as guilty as everyone else when it comes to not really wanting to hear the truth. I like to think I have gotten better . . . but I still have room to listen--and grow.

So today, rather than get defensive or angry or put-off by the truth, I will listen and ask God to reveal to me the truth that He wants me to hear in the message.

Prayer

Amazing, loving God, help me to hear the truth--Your truth. Help me to use it to grow and become more and more the person who want me to be . . . and have created me to be. And, Lord, as I speak the truth, may it only be Your truth that I speak.

Life Journal, January 3, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 6-8; Luke 3

Does It Show?

Scripture

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

Luke 3.8a

Observation

My life should show evidence that I have given it to God.

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

I would like to think that my life always shines brightly with the light of God. But honestly, I know it doesn't. And it doesn't take a whole lot of looking to see where I fall painfully short. How can I be a witness, a light, for God if my life doesn't reflect Him in all things? Instead of allowing Him to change me and make me into the person He wants, I find a hundred reasons not to--all really good excuses . . . at least at the moment they seem good.

Repenting of my sins and turning to God is not a one time event . . . but a daily [and sometimes hourly] one. I have to be intentional about it, or I easily slip into old habits and sins--without even thinking about it.

So may I think before I speak and act, may I look with love (God's love) at others--not judgment, may I look into my own heart and life and intentionally move away from my sin, may I trust God fully and follow Him--and Him alone--every day.

Prayer

Father God, I slip so easily into my old ways. Forgive me. I repent from the sin in my life that keeps me from reflecting You in my life. May I live my life in a way that demonstrates that You are my Lord and Savior. Forgive my doubting. You alone are faithful and true. Forgive me for taking my eyes off of You. I cannot walk with You if I'm not looking and following Your path. Thank You that You never give up on me!