Scripture:
Mark 6:56 “Wherever Christ went – in villages and cities and out on the farms – they laid the sick in the market plazas and streets. The sick begged him to let them at least touch the fringe of his robe, and all who touched it were healed.”
Observation:
Jesus’ ministry … even when I think about the word “minister” as defined by offering care or aid is so different than what we see in churches today; we have “Adult Ministries” and “Youth Ministries” and “Children’s Ministries.” Jesus healed people. I wonder if all the accounts we had of Jesus preaching verses Jesus healing what the split would be. In any case, Jesus didn’t need to “do outreach” as we think of it today – that was his entire mission, and because of that people were drawn to him. He didn’t have to knock on doors. He didn’t have to hold “seeker friendly” events. People knew that if they came, they would receive healing … how much more “relevant” can you get?
Application:
I’m so grateful this is the direction Life Center is headed. This is the direction I need to head as a “minister” to my world. What are my resources? I have no robe with healing powers, but I have lots to offer.
Prayer:
Lord – help me identify what I have to give, how to do so, and where I can minister those gifts.
I’m not really sure what’s going on right now, but I’m having a really hard time connecting with what God is saying (though it’s certainly plausible that he’s not saying anything…). This morning I read the parable of the seeds – I feel like the hard ground – nothing is taking root. Maybe I’m asking the wrong questions – maybe … I don’t know. I don’t feel like I’m doing this to get it done – I get up to do this. I don’t feel rushed, I don’t feel pressed by other tasks … Yet each morning I go back and have to search to find something I guess I could write about and try to apply, but it feels like I’m spending this time alone – not with God.
Lord, please meet me. If there’s something in my life closing my mind to you – show me. If I’m doing this wrong – tell me how to do it right.Whatever it is that is keeping me from you during this time, please remove it.
Scripture:
Job 19:25-27 “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the eart at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes, I am overwhelmed at the thought!”
Observation:
My Redeemer lives. Something about that phrase fills me with triumph, comfort, and peace. I do think it’s interesting that Job says it – As Christians, when we talk about a “living God” it is wrapped up in Christs’ resurrection – Job was a Jew, certainly a follower of a living God, but this phrase sticks out as unique to me.
Job ’s despair is great, as are his reasons for having it. He seems to lose it at times, asserting his own righteousness and perfection, but he returns to these thoughts about God – My Redeemer lives.
Application:
My Redeemer lives! I always have reason for hope, reason for peace, reason for love, reason for grace … I have been redeemed – saved from living a life without this light.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for being a living God, for redeeming my soul, and for the hope that gives me in this life.
Scripture:
Acts 28:23-24 “So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. Some believed and some didn’t.”
Observation:
When I first read verse 24, “some believed and some didn’t,” I thought, “wow, it was so simple and so matter of fact – it’s so cool how simple it is.” Upon second thought, I’m struck with deep sadness by the fruit of this unbelief. It’s easy to say “Some just didn’t believe,” and then move on, trying to convince the next. But considering the eternal ramifications, it’s a heart-wrenching statement.
Application:
There really aren’t very many people in my life whom I love deeply enough on a personal level that don’t believe – but there are a few. When I consider their fate, it’s not good enough for me to just say “Some believe, some don’t,” and move on with my life.
Prayer:
Lord – save my family who doesn’t believe. Call them to you and use me when and where you can to plant seeds, nurture them, and make that joyful harvest when the time comes.
Scripture:
Acts 26:27-29 “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Observation:
Paul is mid-trial here and he’s attempting to “make the close” with this ruler. Instead of being concerned about his own future, he was interested in the future of his accusers.
Application:
This is a good contrast for me: Whose future am I going to be concerned about?
Prayer:
Lord, help me focus on the good of others over my own good.
