Thoughts on Life and Leading

Today, our reading is Philippians and Colossians

Philippians was written from a prison cell. Paul believed that his chains would result in the encouragement of his fellow believers. So he willingly endured the punishment given him so that the Gospel could be preached everywhere. He teaches us in chapter 2 to think like Jesus thinks. Specifically, he mentions: making Himself nothing on our behalf, taking on the nature of a servant, and humbling Himself. This is how we are supposed to think and behave. In 3:10-11, he says, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Pretty mature approach to living, I’d say. He tells us a little later that he forgets what is behind and just looks ahead. Actually, he says, “straining for what is ahead”. That mean is “stretching”. Are you willing for God to stretch you so that you can be ready for the future that He has for you? And like the quintessential leader that he is, he says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice.” (4:9)

Colossians is all about Jesus: He is supreme, He is preeminent, He is first in everything!
Chapter 1, verses 15-19 is poetic, speaking of Christ’s Divinity. He follows with 2:9stating, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form”. Chapter 3 is great instruction about godly living, many “don’ts” (things that are not permissible for Jesus followers). Rules for a good family life follow. I have always noted the special relationship between Paul and Epaphras. If you are not familiar with this guy, just read 4:12 – I’ll bet you’ll wish you had someone like this in your life!

Join me tomorrow for the letters to the Thessalonians

Friday, March 20: Happy Birthday Letha!

Two books in one day! (Warning: the next four days are two-bookers – but they are short books!)

Galatians is all about freedom in Christ. The book is written to believers in Jesus who had gone back to their old religious customs – specifically circumcision. Paul was writing to tell them that this ritual had no positive effect spiritually. He asks them in 3:3, “After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” While not many of us will be tempted in the area of circumcision, there are lots of traps from our past that can pull us away from faith in Christ. He tells us all, “The righteous will live by faith (not our own efforts).” (3:11)

I think the summary verse in Galatians is 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

One of the most poignant verse in all of the Bible is found in Galatians. Here it is, just digest it:
Galatians 6:17 “I bear on my body the marks (scars) of Jesus.”

Ephesians takes us a different direction.
In 2002, I had the incredible opportunity to be involved in an in-depth, small group study of Ephesians with Dr. Jack Hayford, from Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California. Many of the notes in my study Bible came from that teaching.

Let me just hit some chapter highlights:
1) The gathering of Christ-worshippers is a body. Jesus represents the head and we are under Him. This is a huge blessing that is difficult for us to comprehend, but if we do, we will realize our prized position in Him.
2) The gathering of Christ-worshippers is a building, Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone, the foundation is the apostles and prophets. As we get into this building, we become the Temple of God, the living place of the Holy Spirit.
3) The gathering of Christ-worshippers is a mystery. The idea of mystery is this: God has, by His grace brought al people together to be His family. God has revealed this mystery through His church.
4) The gathering of Christ-worshippers is mature spiritual adult. God has given us the Spirit and church leaders to unify us and grow us up in our relationship with Jesus. When this happens, we will not be petty, we will stop doing things that destroy one another and we will stop acting like spiritual babies.
5) The gathering of Christ-followers is a bride. Jesus is the groom and we are to love Him and submit to him in every way. This metaphor speaks beautifully to how we are supposed to feel toward Christ as well as offering us great teaching on how to make our marriages work.
6) The gathering of Christ-worshippers is warrior. The enemy is the devil, we are the soldiers and there is all-out war! If we arm ourselves with the weapons that God provides, we are sure to win the battle.

I love the benediction in Ephesians:
Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”

Are you counting down to the end? Try to avoid the temptation of just “getting through”. (by the way – only 22 days to go on the Quest!)

Thursday’s reading is heavy duty. Not only is there a lot of it (I think the largest one-day read we have left) but the material may also be difficult o process. Overall, I think this reading project is very good for those of us who need a little discipline in our lives. It seems like God is reordering our priorities.

II Corinthians, the sequel to I Corinthians, is tough to summarize but here are some of the major thoughts covered in the book:

God has comforted us and had compassion on us, we are supposed to share that comfort and compassion with others (ch.1).

The stuff we go through today will not be worth remembering when we receive our eternal reward. (ch. 4)

God has given us the job of bringing people back to him. This is referred to as a “ministry of reconciliation” (ch. 5).

We are representative of Jesus, in our current culture. (ch.5). We are His “Ambassadors”, sent by Him to speak and work on His behalf. Kind of puts a little pressure on us, don’t you think? Not pressure in a bad way, but pressure to be sure that we are living up to the standard that He set.

We are required to be generous. (ch. 8 and 9) If we are generous, we will receive generously. If we are stingy, what we receive will reflect that attitude.

Paul (the author) had a very difficult life, because he was a Christ-follower (chs. 11-12)

Thanks for reading II Corinthians.

Friday’s reading will be two short letters – Galatians and Ephesians. Stick with it, hang in there. But if you get really overloaded, there is grace!

I Corinthians 9-16

For today’s blog, I just want to lift out a few of the more recognized verses (at least by me) from the chapters. You may consider this a “snapshot” of the next few chapters.

I Corinthians (all scriptures NIV)
9:22-23 I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

12:1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.
12:12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.
12:28 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

13:1-8 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails
13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
14:40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
15:42-44 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
15:57-58 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Tomorrow, we will read all of II Corinthians.

Today’s eight chapters in I Corinthians is good but challenging stuff. The theme of unity in the church is, as always, applicable. Paul is dealing with spiritual immaturity in the church of Corinth. He lets them know that the Spirit of God wants to teach them and help them to grow up. Their squabbling and loose living were indicators of their spiritual immaturity. He makes it very clear: don’t waste a lot of time dealing with people who want to bring division in the church – stay away from them. He also warns us not to look the other way when people are involved in sexual promiscuity. These things unchecked will corrupt the whole Church. Chapter 7 is a world all unto itself. Paul’s ideas about remaining single are for the spiritually mature. Chapter 8 connects to what Paul taught in Romans 14 and you will see later in I Corinthians 9 and 10 – regarding how careful we need to be about enjoying our “liberty” to be involved in certain behaviors, when others are negatively affected by our behavior.

Be sure to pray through these verses. The Holy Spirit can encourage and enlighten you. Although we will never grasp all that God is saying, we can discern more than we can image.

On Wednesday, we will complete I Corinthians.
On Thursday, we will read II Corinthians in its entirety.

We are rolling now! Our reading takes us all the way through Romans, today: chapters 9-16.

Chapter 9 is an incredible look at how passionate Paul was for his Jewish family. He makes some powerful statements regarding his feelings. The same is true of chapter 10.

Chapter 11 includes a beautiful analogy of how Gentiles are “grafted” into God’s family. Chapter 12 begins with the well recognized admonition for us to: “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. (2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” That is pretty much what we all need – right? We need to know God’s perfect will for our lives.

Chapter 13 reminds us that we are supposed to submit to all authority because authority is established by God. I think chapter 14 is one of the least understood chapters in the Bible. In essence, it says, we are accountable to one another for our behavior. Some behaviors that may not be a sin for us become sin if that behavior causes someone else to stumble. In other words, you can’t just do whatever you want. You have to take into account your responsibility for the stability of others. Romans 15:1-2 says, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself…”

I think the most profound verse in the last chapter is verse 17: “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”

Romans is awesome. I Corinthians tomorrow will be just as great.

Today, in week three of Quest, I preached about the Epistles (letters) of Paul. Today, we begin reading his letters – starting with the book of Romans.

First- a word of caution:
Don’t be intimidated by the complexity of Romans. Most people realize that they cannot grasp some of the in-depth theological concepts that Paul presents here. Romans is utilized by arguers on many sides of many issues to prove their points. Let’s not waste the Word with that approach. Let’s just read it and absorb it and let the Holy Spirit teach us.

On a positive note, you will notice a lightening of the reading load. The chapters from here on out are a little shorter. We are more than half-way home with the Quest!

Chapter one of Romans is pretty well known for its straight-forward condemnation of a variety of sins – most notably, homosexuality. While the verses leave no question about how God feels about this sin, and how terrible it really is, make no mistake that there are additional problems that also need to be addressed. In this same chapter are lots of things that many people are guilty of (see Romans 1:29-31). Many people who want to condemn people who are guilty of one sin are just as guilty of committing other sins. I believe that is the exact reason that Paul admonishes us in chapter two to stop judging other people when we are guilty ourselves. He makes it clear, there is only One Judge, Jesus Christ. The rest of us need to work on our own salvation.

The well-known “Romans Road to Salvation”, a little memory verse exercise that may assist us as we attempt to lead people to Christ, is included in Romans. Here is it in a nutshell:

Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

This may be a helpful tool for you.

Romans provides some great teaching on the hope of resurrection and our ability in overcoming sin. Chapters 6 and 8 are most helpful.

I am including some verses in chapter 8 as paraphrased in The Message:
Romans 8:31-39: So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Tomorrow, we will finish up with Romans. Can you detect spiritual growth? Can you measure your progress?

Today, we finish the Acts of the Apostles!

Some of the reading today is a bit tedious. All of the conversations with Paul and all of the details of his trials and defense can make the reading challenging. Thanks for hanging in there.

We are encouraged that some who are reading along are developing an increased interest in the Word of God and, this week, specific interest in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Just remember, the things we read about are true and applicable to our everyday lives.

This Sunday, I am preaching about the letters written by Paul. The reading in Acts should be a great intro to the message. You get a glimpse into this man’s heart. One of his statements is especially revealing: Acts 20:24 “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (NIV)

Look at what he said in Acts 21:14: “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (NIV)

His courage, character and wisdom are all a reflection of the work that God had accomplished in his life. He was the first to be ready to tell his story, how God had changed his life.

Acts is a very inspiring book. I hope you have enjoyed going through it. Some day, when the Quest is over, you may want to consider an in-depth study of Acts. There is much to be learned that will change our lives.

Sunday begins Romans!

Today, you may want to try something different, maybe listen to the Bible on-line.

If you are reading – let’s go!

The development of the early church continues. Amazing that these people were so resilient. The opposition that they received and the persecution that followed would stop most people. It was an just an accepted part of their walk with Christ. Acts 14:22 “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said”. (NIV)

One of my favorite stories in Acts is Peter’s escape from prison in chapter 11. It is a little funny, how the people responded when he showed up at their prayer meeting.

A similar escape happens with Paul and Silas in chapter 16.

I guess I am wondering why James, the brother of John. did not escape death. (Acts 12:2)

On another interesting note, Herod died a very strange death, didn’t he? (12)

On Saturday, we will close the book on Acts and get ready for some theological training from the Book of Romans.

Thanks for going along with us. Blessings will come.

Let’s read Acts chapters 1-9 together.

If you don’t have time to read the entire book, you may want to listen to my message from last Sunday. I summarized the books. Just so you know, even though I read the book in prep of last Sunday’s message, I am reading it again this week, along with those of you on the Quest. I try to be a person of integrity.

Acts is the record of the beginning of the church. Since I have read the book through recently, I asked God to give me fresh eyes this time around. And I noticed something I don’t recall from before: There is an incredible amount of Old Testament references in Acts. Both Old Testament scriptures and stories fill most of the chapters, especially when the guys are preaching. I think this connects the story of Acts with the rest of the bible and with believers of the future. God’s plan for the outpouring of the Spirit and the way that He used the church to shake up the world is something that is planned in eternity past for believers of every century.

On Friday we will read Acts 10-18. Pray for fresh eyes.

As we conclude the Gospel of John, I am wondering how many people are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to read this much. It is taking me about an hour a day to read and post this blog. While I don’t know about your schedule, mine has definitely been rearranged. I have actually had to turn off the TV, which is a great thing. I am not condemning anyone who can’t find the time to read with us, but I really hope that we can recognize this brief season of growth, and take advantage of it.

Although we read 7 chapters today, I want to spend just a minute focusing on chapter 17, where Jesus prays for us.

John 17:13-26
(13) so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. (15) protect them from the evil one. (17) Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (21) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. (23) May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (24) “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

These prayers by Christ on our behalf tell us a bit about how much He loves us. He wants the best for us.

The Gospels have been awesome. I hope you were enriched by your time reading them.

On Thursday, we begin a 3 day walk with the Book of Acts.

We continue our reading through the Gospel of John. Some rich teaching by Jesus.

I noticed that, in the story of the woman caught in adultery, the whole issue arose as an attempt to trick Jesus. The accusers of the woman were “using this question as a trap” (8:6). Isn’t that the way it usually is? People are concerned about the behavior of others or want judgment on sinners, but in most cases, it is an attempt to gain something. Jesus deals with the accusers and forgives the woman. Such grace and power!

Among John’s writings in this portion are some classics:
The healing of the man born blind (ch. 9)
The Good Shepherd (ch. 10)
The death and resurrection of Lazarus (ch. 11)
The Triumphal Entry (ch. 12)
And the Vine and the Branches (ch. 15)

One of the best known and most comforting passages in the Bible is in John 14. John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (NIV)

Take comfort in that today.

Tomorrow: conclude John

Monday: John 1-7. For today’s reading, you may want to try another version of the Bible. If you are reading the New International Version, try switching over to the New Living Translation or to the paraphrase called The Message. There are several great versions available. For a variety of versions, check out biblegateway.com. Click on “passage lookup” on the left banner and you can type in the chapters you want and select a version.

I just have a few observations about today’s reading.
First, John 3:30 says it all: “He must become greater, I must become less.”

And

I believe that John 6:60-66 is discussing Judas, the betrayer.
John 6:60-66 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. (NIV)

This “hard teaching” that Jesus has given has to do with the idea that the body of Jesus is bread and His blood is wine. He is speaking to them about total surrender, a willingness to exist only on Him, not relying on the things of this life. I had never seen Judas in this, but it makes sense. I believe that Judas’ heart became hardened at that point and he decided to turn away from Jesus. Luke 22:3 speaks of Satan entering Judas. The timing may be a bit off but the fact is undeniable.

I never want to be guilty of turning my back on Jesus. Brad and Rebecca Bichsel did an awesome job yesterday reminding us of the importance of this with a nice rendition of the old classic, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”. No turning back!

Talk about different! John’s approach to the Gospel is completely unique. He spends time with lots of issues that the other three writers miss. Not that John is not better or worse, simply different. I am thankful for a variety of writing styles – lets me know that God doesn’t run out of creative ideas.
We only have three days left with the Gospels and then on to Acts! The end of Acts means that we are getting close to the halfway point of our Quest reading journey!

Tuesday will feature John 8-14. Dig deep and listen for the voice of the Spirit.

Today’s reading was especially challenging for me. Preparing to preach Acts while also finishing Luke was a real task. At least they are the same author!

I saw a few items in this section of Luke that do not get much attention. Items like:
(all scriptures in NIV)

God’s servants are to remain humble:
Luke 17:7-10 “Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? 9 Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'”

And

Humility revisited:
Luke 18:10-14 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

And

Right after Jesus served the Lord’s Supper:
Luke 22:24 Also a dispute arose among them (the disciples) as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

And

Never heard this preached on!
Luke 22:36-38 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”
38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough,” he replied.

And

Immediately following Peter’s denial that he even knew Jesus:
Luke 22:61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.

And

Herod didn’t get it.
Luke 23:8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.

And

Joining forces against Jesus:
Luke 23:12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends-before this they had been enemies.

I hope that these and other verses in Luke have you in deep thought today.

Tomorrow: John 1-7

Luke is full of rich details about the work of Jesus. As you have already read through Matthew and Mark, I think you will notice a different approach from Luke.

In the middle of today’s reading, he covers some issues that are easy to notice.
Luke 12:15 “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:33-34 “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Luke 14:12-14 “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

We realize that all of this reading is taking time out of your busy schedules. But I am suggesting that you also try to add a little more prayer time into your day. Try to avoid the temptation to speed-read your way through, just so you can finish. Stay focused and keep your heart open.

Prayer for today: “God, we thank you for your Word, for its truth and power in our lives. Thank you for giving us access into your heart. Please guard the Word that we are receiving, allow it to do what You desire in us. Help us to not only read, but also to apply what we are reading. Let your Word be at the forefront of our thoughts today. And allow us the privilege of sharing your Word with others. In the name of Christ, Amen.”

We will conclude Luke on Sunday.

The Christmas story in March is pretty cool. Luke’s details of John’s birth and Jesus’ birth is a great gift. I love the little detail mentioned in Luke 3:23 “He (Jesus) was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph.” A nice, direct reminder of His divinity.

In chapter 4, the devil is tempting Jesus, but Jesus overcomes him by utilizing (quoting) scripture. I am thinking that some of us will be much stronger to resist temptation because we are putting all of this Word into our hearts. I saw a detail in the temptation of Jesus that I have missed up to this time. In 4:13, it says, “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” I wonder what the “opportune time” was.

I also don’t remember ever reading what some could describe as a negative twist on the Beatitudes. In Luke 6:24-26, He says, “But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
25 Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. (NIV)

Some pretty heavy teaching, some things that may make us a bit uncomfortable. Sounds like we may get a choice to have it “easy” now or later. I guess I will take later.

Thanks for staying up with the reading schedule. This is one awesome series!

Saturday’s reading will be Luke 9-16.

If you get a chance, ask God to help everyone who is reading together and as we worship together on Sunday. I will be preaching an overview of the books of Acts – a mere 28 chapters. I think God will do some great things among us this Sunday.

Spencer Rogers, Maranatha’s Youth Guy made a great suggestion: He talked about the idea of a reading partner to help us stay on target. Do you know someone whom you could help and could help you? Give them a call and get started!

If you want another motivator as you read along with us, check out the resources we have provided on our church website. You will find some reading guides that will help keep you on track.

Mark’s Gospel includes a few details that Matthew doesn’t cover. I think he is a little more descriptive with a few of the stories. Make a few notes that you can compare as you work your way through Luke and John.

We are receiving lots of feedback from people who are reading. I have to say, it is a real encouragement to see how many people are involved. This kind of unity and excitement is life-giving.

Get ready to begin Luke tomorrow (Friday). We will read Luke 1-8 together.

I received an incredibly encouraging note from someone who is taking the Quest with us. Check this out (names removed for the sake of provacy)

Rick – I’m blown away at all of this. I just read your blog and could NOT agree more about how awesome the reading is/has been.

2 quick notes:

1 – Personally – Monday night – we all sat down after dinner and read together, each child taking 5 verses, and all others following along in the same version. We read the introduction, prayed and sent them all to the showers and to bed. It was hilarious, our youngest was reading excellent, but mis-pronounced just about every name – we all were enjoying the entertainment, even him. It was also challenging in that the verses were relating directly to what each child has been dealing with. I couldn’t have asked for a better “1st time” reading together.

We have had previous family devotions – we read Proverbs. But there is no “story” to follow along. We also never had the same version. These two factors – each child taking 5 verses, and the same version – – really made a difference.

Those with small children need to be encouraged to include EVERYONE in on the reading…

2 – Beware as the church body begins to find blessings during this time…. I feel we ALL will be challenged. Our relationships will be squeezed, our kids will make us angrier or our finances will become smaller – – whatever and wherever the areas that the evil one will test us – – he knows the blessing is just right around the corner. “to devour” doesn’t leave nice feelings in my heart… oh – it’s just “challenges” or whatever – – nope – he’s looking to DEVOUR us…

I don’t want to discourage you AT ALL – but encourage you to let you know that this is such an amazing undertaking and an amazing blessing to each of us individually and all of us as a church body. It is your willingness to lead, to see where the body needs attention – that this is coming to bless all of us.

Thanks Pastor Rick for listening and obeying. I’m excited to see what the next 29 days will bring.
This is what Quest is all about!

March 4: Mark 1-8
A new Gospel! I love the way Mark begins: Mark 1:1 “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (NIV) It is like he is saying, “I have Good News about Jesus!”.

That’s what Mark’s all about!

Just one note about an unusual scripture: Maybe you’ve never noticed it before.
Mark 3:21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Mark 3:31-35 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (NIV)

Tomorrow’s reading: Mark 9-16. Keep up!

One down, 26 to go!
Today, March 3 will, conclude the book of Matthew. We read chapters 19-28 today. As you are reading, use a highlighter or write some notes in the margin of your Bible. Ideas, concepts, what the Holy Spirit is saying to you…these will all come in handy later as you are reflecting on what God did during this time of spiritual growth in your life.

Is anyone else rocked by the discussion between Jesus and the rich young ruler in 19:16-25?. A great question on the part of the disciples: “who then can be saved?” Better answer on the part of Jesus: “with man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible”. There is hope for us!

In Chapter 20, there is an exchange between Jesus and the mother of a couple of His disciples. It is kind of funny, in that we see a typical mom wanting to arrange favorable treatment for her kids. Little did she understand that what she was asking was a little more than she was prepared to live through. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach us the value of humility and servanthood.

Chapter 21 marks the beginning of last days of ministry for Jesus. Is it a good idea to cross-reference some of these stories with what the other Gospel writers have to say. Jesus’ prophecies about the last days of earth is also an interesting read. I hope it brings comfort and confidence to you all. Here is a group that I want to be sure to be a part of: Matthew 24:31 “And He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (NIV)

Maybe as you read the account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26, you will be inspired to celebrate communion individually.

One final thought as we conclude Matthew:
I am sad about the tendency that we have to follow the example of the Disciples in 26:56 and of Peter in 26:69-74.

On a side note, between my commitment to read through the New Testament with everyone and my preparations for preaching through the series, I am spending a LOT more time in scripture than normal. I can already tell the difference.

Tomorrow (Wednesday): Mark 1-8

Today’s chapters for Quest (complete the New Testament in 31 days!):
Matthew 10-18

A few things caught my attention today as I was reading:

Jesus spoke some very difficult and challenging things in the early chapters of our reading, very challenging to say the least. But then He followed with the very familiar, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (11:30). It doesn’t always feel easy and light, does it?

In 14:13-14, we see Jesus ministering through deep personal pain. His cousin and friend (John the Baptist) had just been killed and Jesus tried to go to a private place, I assume to mourn His loss. The people followed Him. And He ministered to them even though he was in sorrow. Very moving.

I also noticed how, on several occasions, Jesus seemed to run out of patience with His disciples. Makes me wonder about how He feels about me when I just don’t get it, even after walking with Him for so long…

Thanks for staying up with the reading. We will complete Matthew tomorrow!