Tell me your story.

Reading: Job 41-42, Genesis 11, and Acts 3

Scripture: Acts 3:8, And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Thoughts: What is your story? This lame bagger has his story; he told it by jumping and walking around in the temple he had been sitting in front of for years. We all have a story to tell, where were you when God called you out of your past? We were given the Great Commission, the thing that I feel is the most important part is how I look at the word commission; I see it as a co-mission we are in a partnership with God to share the good news and the best way to do that is to share, this is where I was and this is where I am now. Tell your story.

Prayer: Father God, I can’t thank you enough for bringing me out of my own mess. I thank you for sending those people to speak into my life and help me to see how far I slid when I chose to walk away from the church. I thank you that you are with me and you speak through me and my muddled words.

How much passion

Reading: Job 39-40 and Acts 2

Scripture: Acts 2:12-13, And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Thoughts: How do you look when you are doing God’s work? The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and could not stop themselves from spreading the Gospel. These men were so animated and passionate about what they were saying that there were spectators who thought they were drunk. Are we passionate about the work of God and those things He has called us to, or have we become complacent in God’s love that we have lost the passion of the Gospel? Let us seek the passion and the love we first had.

Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for all you do, I thank you for your provisions and blessings. May your will be done and not mine. I ask for help finding the love and passion I have lost over the years. Open my eyes to your plans and my part in them.

Only He knows

Reading: Job 38-38 and Acts 1

Scripture: Acts 1:6-7, So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

Thoughts: We can be so short sighted, the disciples lived in a time where they were seeing their kingdom of Israel being oppressed and ruled over by Rome, they wanted Rome to be overthrown and Israel to be its own kingdom again. Not understanding that the Kingdom of God is not one of earth but the Kingdom of Heaven. Not only were they asking from the wrong kingdom no one but the Father knows the day and time. Are there things that we are asking for even though we really do not know what we are asking? Let us seek His will and His blessings on those things before us. 

Prayer: Lord God your ways are higher than our ways, your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I thank you that you love me and call me your own. I ask that you help me to be aware of the signs but not to read too much into them. Your timing is not our timing we strive to reach all who are lost in what time we have left.

Story time

Reading: Job 36 and Luke24

Scripture: Luke 24:35, Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Thoughts: These men ran back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples what had happened. They shared how oblivious they were to who was walking with them. And how it took having a meal with Him for it to click in their minds who it was they were speaking to. We all make mistakes, and we all do not recognize God working in our lives. We just need to remember that sharing our experience could help others grow closer to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you are so good, I struggle to adequately praise and worship you. I ask that you help me to share your love and my experience with that love to the world around me. Help me to be a light in this dark world. Help me to reveal your love and light to this world. 

Justice, Mercy, and confession.

Reading: Job 35, Psalm 6, and Luke 23

Scripture: Luke 23:41, And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.

Thoughts: For most of my life I can honestly say that I glossed over many of the things said happened during and around the crucifixion of Jesus. I have been reading a book (Gold from Golgotha) that focuses on what Jesus said, and, in turn, as this passage came up, things stood out a little more. Specifically where one of the thieves said, "We are receiving the due reward of our deeds." This man confessed he was a sinner and confessed that Jesus was who he said he was. Later asking to be remembered in His kingdom. We are all called to confess both our sins and our faith in Jesus and who He is. Let these confessions always be on our lips.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the one and only God, who sent your Son to earth to be the mediator and the covering of our sin. I thank you for sending your Son. I stand in awe of your loving kindness and the grace and mercy you pour out on us. 

Who am I?

Reading: Job 34 and Luke 22

Scripture: Luke 22:31, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,

Thoughts: I found it interesting that even though Simon had his name changed to Peter (The Rock) Jesus refers to him by his given name and states that Satan wants to test him. God has a name for each of us and we are called by that name, so the question is do we know that name that God calls us by and are we listening? Also, there will be times when Satan will call in those chips and want to test us, are we going to listen to the call of our old name or then one given to us by the creator of all things?

Prayer: Father God, you know the hairs on my head, you know the failures and victories of my life. You have given me a new name a new identity in your Son. I thank you for calling me and for having a place for me in your kingdom. I ask that you help me to remove the distraction of this world so that I can better hear your voice. Help me to know the name you have given me and listen to that call.

Is the end near?

Reading: Job 32-33 and Luke 21

Scripture: Luke 21:12, But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

Thoughts: Most people when looking at the end times talk about Revelation and Daniel both giving some interesting imagery and things that will happen. Here in Luke, Jesus mentions something that will happen and possibly could already be happening. People are being persecuted with physical violence against them all over the world. And it goes on to say that we will be delivered up to synagogues and prisons, this seems to be saying that there will be religious rules placed against us. I do not see these rules coming from within the Judeo-Christian community but I think it will be from the Islamic world. There are communities in the United States where the Islamic community has taken over and is requiring people to live by their laws and be judged by their courts. This sounds like those opposed to Christ taken into synagogues (mosques) to be judged. Let us not be unaware that the enemy is lurking, seeking an opportune moment to come to steal, kill, and destroy.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the creator of all things, you knew me before I was knit together in my mother’s womb. I thank you for the wisdom and knowledge that you give us. I ask that you help us to discern the schemes of the evil one so that we cannot be deceived. Open our eyes to your ways and your plans so that we can continue to overcome those schemes that are formed against us.

I don’t know!!!

Reading: Job 30-31 and Luke 20

Scripture: Luke 20:7, So they answered they did not know where it came from.

Thoughts: I know there have been times when I weighed the options for answering a question and chose to say, “I don’t know.” Even when I knew the truth or had an opinion on the question. These men knew how Jesus and the people would respond and did not want to pick a fight with either side. Do we try to play both sides with God? Are we trying to play dumb with the one who knew us before He knit us in our mother’s womb? I know I allow my anger to control my words sometimes and say things I do not really want to say and now my children are using some of those words that I should not say and all I get from them is, “I don’t know.” Let us seek God and His wisdom so that we can know why we are doing and saying those things that cause us to say, “I don’t know.”

Prayer: Father God, I stand in awe of how you can love me even when I fail. I thank you for your steadfast love. I ask for help understanding where my anger and harsh words come from. I long to lay down my anger and harsh words. Lord purify me, remove the dross of my life that I may reflect you.

Hang on It

Reading:  Job 29, Psalm 121, and Luke 19

Scripture: Luke 19:47-48, And He was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy Him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words.

Thoughts: Because the crowds of people were hanging on every word and seeking what Jesus had, those in charge had no way to get to Jesus. Today so many people get their Sunday morning fix and then they are good for the week. That is if they have any connection to a local church or even God. There are so many distracting voices in the world today that it is easy to set God aside for some entertainment. When we hand on His every word it does not matter what they do to us there is no way for them to take Him from us.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for sending your Son, that we may have a way back to you. I thank you that no one can blot out our name from the book of life. I thank you that He is the way the truth and the life, that he opens the way to you. I ask that you help me to seek you first and to hang on your every word that I may know you more. Lead me and guide me in your ways.

Have Mercy on Me

Reading:  Job 27-28 and Luke 18

Scripture: Luke 18:37-38, They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he Cried out. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Thoughts: This blind man had only heard that Jesus was going to pass by and started crying out for Him. The Pharisees, the priests, and the scribes saw and heard Him yet they cried out against Him. Are we crying out to Him as followers or are we so religious that we are not truly seeing what the blind man saw without seeing?

Prayer: Lord God you are the creator of all things; you know the hairs on my head and the days of my life. I thank you for calling me a friend for adopting me into your eternal family. I ask that you help me to know when I wonder and if I stray. Help me to want to cry out to you.

Praise Him

Reading: Job 24-26 and Luke 17

Scripture: Luke 17:17-18, Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Thoughts: When God does a work in our lives we should be the first to praise him, yet so often God provides and blesses us and we do not acknowledge that it came from God. Just today as we have been looking at our bank account dwindle and bills coming due, God brought a rebate check that we had forgotten about. I deposited the check and thought about how to use it. I forgot to praise Him for taking care of our family. Are you going to be like the 9 or like the foreigner who saw he was cleansed and came back and praised God?

Prayer: Lord, you are worthy of all praise, I thank you that you are our provider. You have made all things, and all things come from you. I thank you for the breath in my lungs and the strength in my body to do the work placed before me.

Are you a good steward?

Reading: Job 22-23 and Luke 16

Scripture: Luke 16:10-12, One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?

Thoughts: In the United States the American dream used to be a family with 2.5 kids, a dog, and a house with a white picket fence. Today it seems like the American dream has changed to be rich and famous. It is common to want more than you have. As we strive for what we think we need are we listening to God and stewarding what He has given us thus far? If we are not good stewards, why would anyone entrust us with anything?

Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for allowing me to steward what you have entrusted me with. I thank you for choosing to bless me even when I fail. I ask that you give me wisdom to better steward those blessings and provisions you give me. I thank you for leading and guiding my family.

Running to what?

Reading: Job 20-21 and Luke 15

Scripture: Luke 15:20, And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

Thoughts: I had heard a teaching that in the time that Jesus would have told this parable, anyone hearing this would have known that anyone from the town could have put this person to death for the blasphemy against his father. So this father was sitting there waiting for his son to return to him. When he sees him he runs to him not only to greet his long lost son but also to protect him from those who had the legal right to stone him to death. As a sinner, I can relate to the son coming home to work as a servant. Yet as a father, I can relate to wanting to protect my children. I don't want them to have the hurts that I have had. I want them to grow up strong in the Lord. I want to run and be the shield that will cover them.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you are our Father, you are the one I strive to emulate. I thank you that I have the opportunity to steward my children and some of the cattle you have on those thousand hills. I thank you that you are blessing us every day even when we don't recognize it. You are the one in control and I long to walk in your ways.

Seat yourself.

Reading: Job 17-19 and Luke 14

Scripture: Luke 14:8-10, When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.

Thoughts:  It seems like every time this passage comes around in the reading plan it sticks out and points at me. Don't take the place of honor, take the place of humility, and let the host honor you by moving you to the proper location. I know that I have pride and ambition. I don't want to be the bottom of the pecking order, I want to move up I want to use the training got from going to school. Not sure if it is my sin nature, because I know the work I put into my degree, or just seeing the appearance that everyone seems to be doing better than me. I know that I need to spend less time thinking about what others think of me, and what others appear to have that is better than what I have. I need to cut off the input of the world and listen to what God is saying about me and who He says I am.

Prayer: Father God you are the only one who can tell me who I am. I am your son, I am who you say I am, and the only one who can raise me to my proper place. Help me hear the name you have for me and who you say I am.  Lead me in your ways and open my eyes to the things that draw me from you that I may seek you fully.

Who needs enemies when you have friends like this?

Reading: Job 15-16 and Luke 13

Scripture: Job 16:2-3, I have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all. Shall windy words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?

Thoughts: In yesterday's reading, Job called his friends worthless physicians, and today, calling them miserable comforters, got me thinking… who do we have around us? To the most part our coworkers and work environment are out of our control others then we have the option to find employment elsewhere. But who are those fiends whom you call for advice or whom you can confide in when things are rough? Are you listening to people who do not have the same beliefs and convictions as you? Does the world have more influence on your choices than God? Also when others choose to confide in you are you pointing them to God and the Word or do you put your faith in what the world says? Are we being worthless and miserable helpers?

Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for helping me to see that I needed a mentor in my life and that you brought the right man into my life to speak into me what you have for me. I thank you for leading me to friends who are not worthless and miserable. I ask that you help me to be the right kind of friend to those around me, so that if they confide in me then I can lead them and point them to you and your word.

What is said in the dark?

Reading: Job 13-14 and Luke 12

Scripture: Luke 12:3, Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.

Thoughts:  When this passage was written people had a greater sense that what was done in private would stay there, it was much less likely that someone would overhear or see what was done in those dark and private places. The idea of this being said or done in secret being broadcast to their neighbors let alone the world was absurd. Yet in today's connected society, there are many private things that are broadcast to the world whether wanted or not. Between all our devices listening to us and those things we voluntarily put out for consumption, we are in a society that really has little privacy. What are we saying in the dark? Are we tearing down? Are we pointing fingers? Are we lusting after others? Even if we can keep those sins hidden this side of eternity, the Father knows. Let our private talk and actions be worthy of being broadcast to the world.

Prayer: Father God, you know what is done in the dark and what is said in private. I confess that there is sin in my darkness and private time. I ask for your forgiveness and ask for your help to turn from those thoughts words and actions that take me from your presence. I ask that you help me see the root cause of these things so that I can find a way to combat the problem with your power and strength. Help me to hear who you say I am and not listen to the world or myself. Lead me in your ways.

Hear and keep the Word!!!

Reading: Job 11-12 and Luke 11

Scripture: Luke 11:27-28, As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Thoughts: I have been reading a book called “Gold from Golgotha” from 1945, in this book we look at the seven things Christ said when enduring the cross. Just read the chapter on when he told Mary that John was now her son and John that Mary was now his mother. In this chapter, it looks at how Jesus separated his familial ties to Mary. But in this passage, a woman was trying to add blessings to Mary yet instead of blessing only Mary He points to how we all may be blessed. Mary was a sinner who needed a savior just as we all do. Yes, Mary had the special privilege of being the vessel that God chose to use to bring His Son into the world but that does not grant her any greater access to Jesus and the Father than the rest of the believers.

Prayer: Lord God, I thank you that we can hear your Words. I thank you that you are speaking to us through the scriptures and through your servants. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out on us, even when things look the bleakest you still somehow provide the things we need. I thank you for taking care of us, taking care of my family, and leading us in your ways.

Lambs and wolves

Reading: Job 9-10 and Luke 10

Scripture: Luke 10:3, Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

Thoughts: As we continue every day to get closer to the return of Christ the evil one will fight harder and harder against the Love of God. Like the disciples who were sent out, we are sent as lambs in the midst of wolves. When referred to as a lamb I think about how weak sheep are and how they need a shepherd to protect them but also how unintelligent they can be. As the lamb in this analogy there are two ways that we can look at this, first is we are weak and unprotected animals who can be destroyed by the wolves of this world. Second, I see that even though we are weak and helpless our shepherd is there with us keeping an eye on us. God went with them even though Jesus did not. How are you walking? As a scared sheep not knowing how to survive or as a sheep that knows they are safe because the shepherd is watching.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you are watching over us. You lead us to green pastures and still waters. I thank you that when we are sent out, you go with us giving strength and boldness that could only come from you. I thank you for the provision and blessings you pour out on us. I ask that you help me to steward it well. Open my eyes to the things in my life that lead me to anger and hurt.

What are you sharing?

Reading: Job 7-8 and Luke 9

Scripture: Luke 9:13, But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”

Thoughts: As I read this passage and thought about how in the John 6 account a boy gave up his lunch to help feed the 5000. We all have something to give, talents, money, time, anything. Yet the great American dream of becoming rich and famous has so many people seeking after a different god and are unwilling to give. Is there something in your life that God is calling you to give to Him so that He can use it to touch someone?

Prayer: Father God you own the cattle on a thousand hills, and you have the power and authority to make all that is needed. I thank you for calling me to share what you have given me, and for stewarding what you put in my hands to take care of my family and those around me. You are the provider and you give us all that we need.

What is so Funny?

 Reading: Job 5-6 and Luke 8

Scripture: Luke 8:53-54, And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”

Thoughts: Sarah laughed when she overheard that she was going to have a child in her old age, these people laughed when Jesus said he was sleeping. Are there situations in your life where God has said something was going to happen and you laughed at the absurdity of the idea? How often do we solely look at a situation with our worldly eyes that only show the can nots and the should nots and the impossible? When God is calling us to walk on water do we step out of the boat like Peter and try to do as he says or are we like the other apostles not willing to get out? So who is laughing now?

Prayer: Lord you know our heart and you know the plans you have for us. Help me to walk in those plans and not laugh when I cannot see how. Help me to not doubt that you are taking care of us and that no matter the situation you will use it for our good. Lead me and guide me through the trials and tribulations that are going our way.

What Faith!!!!

Reading: Job 3-4 and Luke 7

Scripture: Luke 7:9, When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

Thoughts: I know that I have faith, and I know that God has done things through me, yet I still struggle and I wish I had faith like this Centurion. I know that when reading the Bible, we are reading the highlights reel of thousands of years of history. Even looking just at the Gospels each book primarily covers the 3 years of Jesus’s Ministry on earth, so I know that there were many days and many things that happened in those three years that were down times or not worthy of being written down. As we walk through our day-to-day lives, we need to remember that just because we are not seeing God’s big moves every day, it does not mean they are not happening. As we walk out our lives stay in the Word of God and seek him the best you can. Salvation may be a one-time covering but we are all on the journey to sanctification and I know there are parts of my life that have been in a state of arrested development and that I need to put more work into and seek God in those areas.

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, I thank you that you placed it on Luke's heart to put the encounter with the Centurion into writing that we could be encouraged by it. I thank you that you are not done with me and that, even when I fall back into my old ways, you are still calling me, still working with me to make me the husband, father, and man that you call me to be. Open my heart to your correction, open my mind to hear your voice. Help me soften my life and my heart, making them moldable so I can be formed.

Enemies are Everywhere!!!

Reading: Job 1-2 and Luke 6

Scripture: Luke 6:27-28, But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Thoughts: It is easy to fall into the ways of the world, loving only those who love you, caring for those who care for you. Yet Jesus says to go against our nature. My nature tells me to road rage at the guy who cut me off in traffic, or to scream at someone who angers me, or even get revenge or hold a grudge. Following God’s way takes discipline and forethought, choosing peace before you get angered, choosing to breathe instead of yelling, and choosing to forgive the offenses of others. Then pray for them and bless them, so that they may know God’s love. How are we loving our enemies real or perceived?

Prayer:  Lord God, I confess that this is one of the hardest things in your Word for me. My anger and the drive to hurt others because I hurt. I need your help to find the hurt in my heart so that it can be healed, so that I can be a man worthy of the name you gave me. I want to shine your light. I want to create a legacy in my family of loving kindness and not one of anger and hurt. I want to break this generational curse that had its hold on us.

The Old is good

Reading: Genesis 9-10 and Luke 5

Scripture: Luke 5:39, And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’

Thoughts: As I read this parable this morning this last section stood out to me, it got me thinking about how we get so comfortable in a situation that we are not willing to change. Over the last 3 years, my family and I have been in the process of building a new home. We started by taking out a loan against the house we were living in then, after getting as far as we could with that loan, we sold that house and moved into a 32-foot travel trailer. After getting the house finished and being in the trailer for about 20 months, we started moving in. My son, with toys and clothes all over his new room and no longer having to share a room with anyone, asked, "Can we sleep in the trailer?" As exciting as it was to move into their own rooms and have so much more space there was a comfort to the familiarity of the trailer. When we listen to God and move when He says move, stop when He says stop, there will be new things that could make us uncomfortable, or may not be to our liking. When God is working something new in your life, we need to be willing to take on new wineskins that they may not burst and not destroy what God is doing because we are comfortable where we are. Throughout this experience, one of the most common things said to me as we worked through all the bumps along the way was, “Blessed are the flexible, for they will not break.” God is not out to break us but to break off those things not of Him and to break us out of our comfort zones. The old may be good but what is in store for us when He ages the new?

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful. I thank you that there is the Good old that has fed us and God has led us to where we are. I thank you for doing a new work in us. I thank you that you are not done with me. I lay my old unyielding skins at your feet and ask you to turn them new again. Help me to be flexible and able to walk in your way and be a part of your plans. Lead me and guide me in all that I do.

Getting a late start.

Over these last few days I was reading the word but not really letting it sink in and letting life get before my journaling about what God is speaking to me. Here is what i read and if somthing stood out to me over the last few days, and on today’s will be thoughts on everything.

January 1

Reading: Genesis 1 and Luke 1

Scripture: Luke 1:3-4, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

January 2

Reading: Genesis 2-3 and Luke 2

Scripture: Luke 2:7, And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

January 3

Reading: Genesis 4-5 and Luke 3

January 4

Reading: Genesis 6-8 and Luke 4

Scripture: Luke 4:13, And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

 

Thoughts: With Luke 1:3-4 this was a reminder that even some of the early Christians needed reassurance that what they were being taught was accurate. The accuracy of the Bible is called into question by all kinds of groups yet the more that it is dug into people find more proof that it is true, given the sheer number of copies with very few differences to other accounts proving things within the Bible. Luke 2:7 reminded me of the significance of how Jesus was born. The swaddling cloths were there for when a lamb was born it could be wrapped so that it would not injure itself before being brought before the priests. The shepherds who were told of His birth would have known what being wrapped in swaddling cloths meant and who He was. Then Luke 4:13 this was a great reminder that as the devil even when with God’s help we overcome this set of attacks, he will step away until an opportune time. He will look for ways to trip you up later. Let us all remember that the Word has been tested and proved true, that there was more significance to where He was born than there was no room for them, and there will always be another attempt to get to you sin.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you placed it on the hearts of the writers of scripture that they needed to write, and that those who received these writings saw the need to copy and protect the scriptures you gave them. I thank you for opening my eyes to some of the layers in your Word, so I can better understand your Word and your heart. I thank you for the knowledge that even after a victory, there will be another attempt another attack that will come for us. I ask that you help us to keep your armor on, to keep it in working order, and help us to know how to use it. Be with us as we step into this new year and help us to put you at the forefront of our desires.