Luke 14:25-17:10; John 11:1-37.  “Weigh the Cost”

         What will it cost to purchase that product?  What will it cost to build that?  What will it cost to speed through that school zone and get a ticket?  What will it cost to go to war?  Whether small or large items, we wisely weigh the cost first.  Have you ever sat down and listed the pros and cons of a decision you are about to make?  It’s good to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a decision.
         The beginning of today’s passage clearly informs us that there is a cost associated with being a disciple of Christ.  Jesus made the following statements to the crowd following Him: “Love Me more than your parents,” “Carry your cross,” “Follow Me,” and “Give up everything for Me.”  He then concluded those words with the statement, “Don’t begin until you count the cost.”  There are obvious advantages to being a disciple of Christ, but Jesus said there are things you may consider a disadvantage in being a disciple (cost, sacrifice, surrender, persecution, etc.).  If you don’t think being a disciple has cost you anything maybe you should explore your depth of submission.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Luke 13:22-14:24; John 10.  “Like Sheep”

         Things to know about sheep: Ranked as one of the most helpless animals on the earth; Have a number of enemies; No protection like a dog with sharp teeth or a deer with a fast foot, or a bee with a sharp stinger, or a skunk that can drive away any beast with his smell; It is not adapt at sensing danger; They are very easily frightened; They like to wander away from the flock, and have a terrible sense of direction when they get far away, but they will follow one another anywhere (even off a cliff).
            Do we need a shepherd?  Oh yes.  But far more than just having a shepherd present is our need to listen to our Shepherd.  The “true sheep” (10:8) are those who follow the good Shepherd and recognize His voice and listen to His voice.  Do you recognize the good Shepherd’s voice?  I don’t know that we will ever experience all of the benefits of knowing the good Shepherd.  There are advantages today and 1,000 years from today for those who recognize His voice.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Luke 12:35-13:21; John 9.  “Be Ready”

         I love the way this passage starts out, “Be dressed for service and well prepared…”  My dad retired from the airlines, and when I was young we would get an occasional special treat in the form of an airplane flight.  As an employee’s family we were required to dress up a little.  I remember dressing in a nice button up and slacks before the flight.  I didn’t regret it a bit because I knew it meant something special was coming.
         It should be exciting for us to get dressed and prepared for something special and extraordinary.  And not only should we want to be prepared because of our excitement about Christ’s coming because it is something special and extraordinary, but we are also encouraged to be prepared because there will be a reward in it.  Jesus says, “There will be special favor for those who are ready and waiting for his return… whenever he comes, there will be special favor for his servants who are ready!”  Be ready because something special is coming!

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Luke 11:14-12:34.  “Money and Hypocrites”

         It is interesting how instruction concerning both money and hypocrisy come up in the same chapter (Lk. 12).  Jesus discussed the topic of money more often than Heaven.  Money is such an enormous part of our lives.  It is in front of us daily at work, at the store and at home.  It can get to a point where it consumes our thoughts as we think of what we could do with more of it.  It has the potential of realigning our priorities and shifting our focus from where it should be.  This is where the potential for hypocrisy is greatly increased.  I have met many “disciples of Christ” who have been guilty of hypocrisy as they fell prey to greed, coveting or other detours incurred by money.  If you are godly in church but at work you don’t pay an employee as you should, they will soon conclude you have a problem with hypocrisy.  If you say you love God but you’re not willing to share with the poor you have a problem with hypocrisy.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

         I was reading something today that described a disciple of Christ as one who follows behind Him with head bowed low wearing a long dark robe.  That may display some kind of reverence, but I’m not sure it displays the passion and joy a disciple of Christ should have.  This week’s passages will describe various aspects of what it means to be a believer/disciple of Christ and how that plays out daily in our lives.

Luke 10:1-11:13; John 8:21-59. “Disciple Disposition”

         Today’s passages describe the character of a disciple of Christ.  One of the first things we read is that a disciple of Christ is one who is willing to go where God asks with a message God gives.  A disciple is obedient and submissive.  They are also a tool God uses to bring the good news to others.  Secondly, we read that a disciple of Christ is in love with the Lord with all their heart, soul, strength and mind—that pretty much covers everything.  The disciple is also to love their neighbor, and love them as the Samaritan who felt pity on another hurting person who was not even of the same race.  He cared for the man and even provided the money for further care.  Thirdly, a disciple is also a person of prayer.  Their prayers are sincere and fervent.
         Each of those three characteristics display a committed relationship with God.  Everything they do is because of their love and reverence for their Lord.  Does everything you do display that love?

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Download the PDF version below.

Matthew 19; Mark 10:1-31; Luke 10:-18:30; John 8:21-11:57

         I was reading something today that described a disciple of Christ as one who follows behind Him with head bowed low wearing a long dark robe.  That may display some kind of reverence, but I’m not sure it displays the passion and joy a disciple of Christ should have.  This week’s passages will describe various aspects of what it means to be a believer/disciple of Christ and how that plays out daily in our lives.  

October 15th

Luke 10:1-11:13; John 8:21-59.  “Disciple Disposition”

         Today’s passages describe the character of a disciple of Christ.  One of the first things we read is that a disciple of Christ is one who is willing to go where God asks with a message God gives.  A disciple is obedient and submissive.  They are also a tool God uses to bring the good news to others.  Secondly, we read that a disciple of Christ is in love with the Lord with all their heart, soul, strength and mind—that pretty much covers everything.  The disciple is also to love their neighbor, and love them as the Samaritan who felt pity on another hurting person who was not even of the same race.  He cared for the man and even provided the money for further care.  Thirdly, a disciple is also a person of prayer.  Their prayers are sincere and fervent.

         Each of those three characteristics display a committed relationship with God.  Everything they do is because of their love and reverence for their Lord.  Does everything you do display that love?

October 16th

Luke 11:14-12:34.  “Money and Hypocrites”

         It is interesting how instruction concerning both money and hypocrisy come up in the same chapter (Lk. 12).  Jesus discussed the topic of money more often than Heaven.  Money is such an enormous part of our lives.  It is in front of us daily at work, at the store and at home.  It can get to a point where it consumes our thoughts as we think of what we could do with more of it.  It has the potential of realigning our priorities and shifting our focus from where it should be.  This is where the potential for hypocrisy is greatly increased.  I have met many “disciples of Christ” who have been guilty of hypocrisy as they fell prey to greed, coveting or other detours incurred by money.  If you are godly in church but at work you don’t pay an employee as you should, they will soon conclude you have a problem with hypocrisy.  If you say you love God but you’re not willing to share with the poor you have a problem with hypocrisy.

October 17th

Luke 12:35-13:21; John 9.  “Be Ready”

         I love the way this passage starts out, “Be dressed for service and well prepared…”  My dad retired from the airlines, and when I was young we would get an occasional special treat in the form of an airplane flight.  As an employee’s family we were required to dress up a little.  I remember dressing in a nice button up and slacks before the flight.  I didn’t regret it a bit because I knew it meant something special was coming.  

         It should be exciting for us to get dressed and prepared for something special and extraordinary.  And not only should we want to be prepared because of our excitement about Christ’s coming because it is something special and extraordinary, but we are also encouraged to be prepared because there will be a reward in it.  Jesus says, “There will be special favor for those who are ready and waiting for his return… whenever he comes, there will be special favor for his servants who are ready!”  Be ready because something special is coming!

October 18th

Luke 13:22-14:24; John 10.  “Like Sheep”

         Things to know about sheep: Ranked as one of the most helpless animals on the earth; Have a number of enemies; No protection like a dog with sharp teeth or a deer with a fast foot, or a bee with a sharp stinger, or a skunk that can drive away any beast with his smell; It is not adapt at sensing danger; They are very easily frightened; They like to wander away from the flock, and have a terrible sense of direction when they get far away, but they will follow one another anywhere (even off a cliff).

         Do we need a shepherd?  Oh yes.  But far more than just having a shepherd present is our need to listen to our Shepherd.  The “true sheep” (10:8) are those who follow the good Shepherd and recognize His voice and listen to His voice.  Do you recognize the good Shepherd’s voice?  I don’t know that we will ever experience all of the benefits of knowing the good Shepherd.  There are advantages today and 1,000 years from today for those who recognize His voice.

October 19th

Luke 14:25-17:10; John 11:1-37.  “Weigh the Cost”

         What will it cost to purchase that product?  What will it cost to build that?  What will it cost to speed through that school zone and get a ticket?  What will it cost to go to war?  Whether small or large items, we wisely weigh the cost first.  Have you ever sat down and listed the pros and cons of a decision you are about to make?  It’s good to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a decision.

         The beginning of today’s passage clearly informs us that there is a cost associated with being a disciple of Christ.  Jesus made the following statements to the crowd following Him: “Love Me more than your parents,” “Carry your cross,” “Follow Me,” and “Give up everything for Me.”  He then concluded those words with the statement, “Don’t begin until you count the cost.”  There are obvious advantages to being a disciple of Christ, but Jesus said there are things you may consider a disadvantage in being a disciple (cost, sacrifice, surrender, persecution, etc.).  If you don’t think being a disciple has cost you anything maybe you should explore your depth of submission.

October 20th

Luke 17:11-18:8; John 11:38-57.  “Genuinely Grateful”

         Out of ten lepers who were healed by Jesus only one came back to thank Him.  Jesus even wondered about the other nine who were healed from the most awful skin disease imaginable.  And then the one who came back was the foreigner, the Samaritan.  Upon coming back, the Samaritan found out the importance of thanks and discovered that his faith had made him well.

         Only grateful Christians grow!  The magnitude of understanding the importance of this aspect is terrific.  A professing disciple of Christ who is not truly grateful for God’s forgiveness will struggle with guilt and also have difficulty forgiving others.  A professing disciple of Christ who is not truly grateful for God’s grace will never understand true humility.  A professing disciple of Christ who is not truly grateful for God’s purpose will never truly rest in the place God has presently placed him/her.  A professing disciple of Christ who is not truly grateful for God’s love… God’s discipline…  I could continue to add things to this list that a disciple needs to be genuinely grateful for if they are to grow.

October 21st

Matthew 19; Mark 10:1-31; Luke 18:9-30.  “Sincerity Reflects Humility”

         Another feature of a faithful disciple of Christ is sincerity.  The story Jesus tells in today’s reading was told “to some who had great self-confidence and they scorned everyone else.”  One, a religious leader stands to pray, and what a prayer, even condemning everyone else and lifting himself up with a long list of credentials.  The second, a despised tax collector, prays with his head bowed low in humility and reverence asking sorrowfully for mercy from God for his sin.  He bared his heart.  Jesus said the tax collector was the one who went home justified before God, and He then goes on to say the proud will be humbled and the humbled will be honored.  

            Therefore, a disciple of Christ who comes before the Lord (and others) transparent, genuine, authentic, sincere and honest will be the one who also reveals true humility.  Why?  Because the thing that keeps us from being transparent, genuine, authentic, sincere and honest is pride.

Bible Discussion Guide:
Our ideas of surrender and submission generally carry some subconscious limit.  Our human nature rebels against absolute surrender.  How absolutely should we yield and surrender to God?
Why is prayer such a vital element in the life and daily habits of a disciple of Christ?
What things in your daily life visibly demonstrate you are a disciple of Christ?
Why do you think Jesus taught so often about money?
What does it mean to “be ready” for the Lord’s coming (see Oct. 17)?
Using some of the descriptions (but not limited to) in the Oct. 18 reading describe the things our good Shepherd can save us from?  In other words list the benefits of having a Shepherd.
Jesus inferred there was a cost involved with being a disciple.  What has being a disciple of Christ cost you?
How “grateful” would Christ say you act?
Personal application:  From Oct. 21 devotional… You could pray aloud a sincere and humble sounding prayer but still lack both.  What is the key to a truly humble life?

Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:51-62; John 7:1-8:20. “Awareness of Sin”

         F.B. Meyer has been credited with saying that “when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know.  First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin.  And second, we do not know the power of the force that assailed him or her.  We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstance.”
         Judging someone in haste, and without full knowledge or consideration of the facts, generates tremendous hurt and damage.  Jesus knew this full well when He extended grace to the woman caught in adultery in John 8.
         Authentic Christian living requires an awareness of sin in our life.  I believe that the more aware we are of our sin and our propensity to repeatedly sin that we are less likely to judge others who are caught in sin.  It is those among us who assume that their struggle with sin is done that are often the ones who are so quick to judge.  We all must remember that we are all sinners who are equally in need of grace and mercy from a holy and just God.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 17:14-18:35; Mark 9:14-50; Luke 9:37-50. “Humility”

         “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:10
         In 1973, Senator John C. Stennis was mugged and shot outside his home.  When Senator Mark Hatfield received word of the incident he drove straight to the hospital.  Upon arriving, he observed that the hospital staff was overwhelmed with the high volume of incoming calls.  Spying an empty switchboard, Hatfield sat down and helped field calls through the night and into the next morning.
         It was genuine humility that led Senator Hatfield to assist the hospital staff that night.  He was unwilling to view himself as too important to do the mundane task of answering the phone. 
         Authenticity leads to humility, because when we are willing to see ourselves as we truly are, we learn that we have no greater intrinsic value than the next person.  Understanding this lesson allows us to fulfill the command to consider others as more important than ourselves (Phil. 2:3).

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 16:13-17:13; Mark 8:22-9:13; Luke 9:18-36.  “Transparency”

         Jesus modeled transparency to us in how He lived His life.  Jesus opened himself up to His disciples and allowed them to know certain things about Him and His purpose.  I do think that it is important to note that He was more transparent with some of his disciples (Peter, James, and John) than He was with the rest.
         Part of living an authentic Christian life is the practice of transparency with a trusted brother or sister in Christ.  Like Jesus, we need not be as transparent with all as we are with some.  Transparency involves giving someone else a window into our soul where our deepest thoughts and emotions lie.  Transparency leads to authenticity because, when we allow others to know us fully, we can no longer fool them with our external behavior.  They know when we’re faking it because they know the real us.
         Like an overhead transparency that is revealed when the light is switched on, may your life become transparent when you encounter the light of Christ.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 15:21-16:12; Mark 7:24-8:21.  “Simple Faith”

         I have long struggled with the overabundance of denominations that we have within Christianity.  Certainly, there have been valid reasons involved that led to some of these divisions.  Taking a stand on issues such as the deity of Christ or salvation by grace alone through faith alone is never wrong.
         That being said, I am often bothered by the attitudes that I sometimes encounter as a result of denominationalism.  Accusing someone of not being truly saved because of a disagreement on a secondary or tertiary theological issue is not our place and yet it happens.  I hear some accuse people of other denominations of having an insufficient view of God because they are not five-point Calvinists.
         Jesus didn’t give the Gentile woman a theological pop quiz to see if she had all the right answers.  He recognized her faith, as simple as it may have been, and accepted her for it.  Like the thief on the cross, this woman’s salvation was not dependent upon right theology, but an authentic faith in the right One.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; John 6:22-71.  “A Changed Heart”

         “The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5
         Jesus turned the religious system of first century Judaism on its ear.  He was able to look through their traditions and recognize that they were attempting to gain acceptance before God by following extensive lists of rules and regulations governing their external behavior.
         Living an authentic life for the Christian means that our heart and our actions must match.  To practice the externals of religion without a heart that has been changed by God does not make us acceptable before God. 
         Our acceptance before God is dependent entirely upon the change of heart that occurs when we trust in Christ for forgiveness and salvation.  It is this step of faith that allows the Holy Spirit to change us so that our actions will be born out of a heart that beats for God.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 14:1-36; Mark 6:14-56; Luke 9:7-17; John 6:1-21. “Peer Pressure”

         The court of public opinion is a powerful force, especially for those who live and work in the political arena.  When you read about Herod’s dealings with John the Baptist, you quickly realize that this court of public opinion, or more commonly known as peer pressure, has been influential for 2,000 years.
         Peer pressure can make authentic living very challenging.  Authentic living can be understood as remaining true to one’s own character when faced with external pressures.  When faced with the external pressures, Herod gave up John’s life in spite of his genuine respect for him.  Jesus too was confronted with a variety of pressures from both his followers and adversaries.  However, unlike Herod, Jesus’ actions were always consistent with His character.  In John 6:15 we read that He turned down the opportunity to lead a political coup, choosing instead to remain true to His commitment to do the will of His Father who sent Him (John 8:28-29).
         May you, like Jesus, be able to live authentically in the face of peer pressure.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Gary McIntosh is a Bible professor and church consultant, and he always seems to have a fun illustration to learn from. This week he emailed this lesson that I thought I would pass on to you.
“People remember John Wayne as one of Hollywood’s greatest stars. His success, however, was anything but overnight. Born Marion Morrison in 1907, Wayne entered the movie business doing whatever work he could find. He moved props, worked around sets, performed stunts, and accepted small parts. His first opportunity as a leading man came in The Big Trail in 1930, but the film failed to make him a star.
Even though he was discouraged, Wayne went back to work appearing in low-budget Westerns, serials, and minor pictures—38 films before the role that finally propelled him to stardom. During those years, he learned his craft by watching experienced actors, listening to directors, and studying how to move in front of a camera, deliver a line, and create a believable character.
Wayne’s success came because he . . .

• Kept working. Wayne accepted small assignments while waiting for larger opportunities.
• Stayed humble. He listened to directors who saw weaknesses he could not see himself.
• Remained teachable. Wayne viewed every picture as another opportunity to improve.
• Learned from others. He observed experienced actors and incorporated what he learned into his own style.
• Maintained vigilance. Years of preparation positioned him to take advantage of his opportunity when it arrived.

In 1939, John Ford cast Wayne as the Ringo Kid in Stagecoach. The movie was a major success launching John Wayne as a major Hollywood star. To audiences, Wayne was an overnight success. But the "overnight" took years.”

Pastor Mike

PS, Work and listen well for how God might be preparing you.

         The theme for this week is authenticity.  As you read about the life that Jesus lived, I hope you are able to see how authentic He was in His dealings with the people around Him.  Whether they were friend or foe, He did not deceive or mislead anyone and always acted authentic.

Matthew 9:27-10:42; 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-13; Luke 9:1-6.  “A Heart for the Lost”

         If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. – Matthew 5:46
         In the gospel of Matthew, right before Jesus sends out the 12 disciples, He told His disciples to ask the Lord to send more workers to gather the harvest.  In that passage (Matthew 9:35-38), Jesus reveals to the disciples His heart for the lost.  As He taught and healed among the people, His heart was genuinely burdened for those people whom He described as a sheep without a shepherd.
         A heart for the lost is not easily feigned.  This is because the lost are not going to be receptive to the message of Jesus, or the messenger for that matter, most of the time.  It is so easy to love those with whom we are comfortable.  What about those who have hurt you or persecute you?  A heart for the lost means that we must respond with grace and mercy to those who don’t deserve it, but desperately need it. 
         May you, like Jesus, have an authentic heart for the lost.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Download the PDF version below.

Matthew 8:18-22; 9:27-10:42; 14-18; Mark 6-9; Luke 9; John 6:1- 8:20

         The theme for this week is authenticity.  As you read about the life that Jesus lived, I hope you are able to see how authentic He was in His dealings with the people around Him.  Whether they were friend or foe, He did not deceive or mislead anyone and always acted authentic.

October 8th (Day 281)

Matthew 9:27-10:42; 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-13; Luke 9:1-6.  “A Heart for the Lost”

         If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. – Matthew 5:46

         In the gospel of Matthew, right before Jesus sends out the 12 disciples, He told His disciples to ask the Lord to send more workers to gather the harvest.  In that passage (Matthew 9:35-38), Jesus reveals to the disciples His heart for the lost.  As He taught and healed among the people, His heart was genuinely burdened for those people whom He described as a sheep without a shepherd.

         A heart for the lost is not easily feigned.  This is because the lost are not going to be receptive to the message of Jesus, or the messenger for that matter, most of the time.  It is so easy to love those with whom we are comfortable.  What about those who have hurt you or persecute you?  A heart for the lost means that we must respond with grace and mercy to those who don’t deserve it, but desperately need it.  

         May you, like Jesus, have an authentic heart for the lost.

October 9th

Matthew 14:1-36; Mark 6:14-56; Luke 9:7-17; John 6:1-21.  “Peer Pressure”

         The court of public opinion is a powerful force, especially for those who live and work in the political arena.  When you read about Herod’s dealings with John the Baptist, you quickly realize that this court of public opinion, or more commonly known as peer pressure, has been influential for 2,000 years.

         Peer pressure can make authentic living very challenging.  Authentic living can be understood as remaining true to one’s own character when faced with external pressures.  When faced with the external pressures, Herod gave up John’s life in spite of his genuine respect for him.  Jesus too was confronted with a variety of pressures from both his followers and adversaries.  However, unlike Herod, Jesus’ actions were always consistent with His character.  In John 6:15 we read that He turned down the opportunity to lead a political coup, choosing instead to remain true to His commitment to do the will of His Father who sent Him (John 8:28-29).

         May you, like Jesus, be able to live authentically in the face of peer pressure.

October 10th

Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; John 6:22-71.  “A Changed Heart”

         “The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5

         Jesus turned the religious system of first century Judaism on its ear.  He was able to look through their traditions and recognize that they were attempting to gain acceptance before God by following extensive lists of rules and regulations governing their external behavior.

         Living an authentic life for the Christian means that our heart and our actions must match.  To practice the externals of religion without a heart that has been changed by God does not make us acceptable before God.  

         Our acceptance before God is dependent entirely upon the change of heart that occurs when we trust in Christ for forgiveness and salvation.  It is this step of faith that allows the Holy Spirit to change us so that our actions will be born out of a heart that beats for God.

October 11th

Matthew 15:21-16:12; Mark 7:24-8:21.  “Simple Faith”

         I have long struggled with the overabundance of denominations that we have within Christianity.  Certainly, there have been valid reasons involved that led to some of these divisions.  Taking a stand on issues such as the deity of Christ or salvation by grace alone through faith alone is never wrong.

         That being said, I am often bothered by the attitudes that I sometimes encounter as a result of denominationalism.  Accusing someone of not being truly saved because of a disagreement on a secondary or tertiary theological issue is not our place and yet it happens.  I hear some accuse people of other denominations of having an insufficient view of God because they are not five-point Calvinists.

         Jesus didn’t give the Gentile woman a theological pop quiz to see if she had all the right answers.  He recognized her faith, as simple as it may have been, and accepted her for it.  Like the thief on the cross, this woman’s salvation was not dependent upon right theology, but an authentic faith in the right One.

October 12th

Matthew 16:13-17:13; Mark 8:22-9:13; Luke 9:18-36.  “Transparency”

         Jesus modeled transparency to us in how He lived His life.  Jesus opened himself up to His disciples and allowed them to know certain things about Him and His purpose.  I do think that it is important to note that He was more transparent with some of his disciples (Peter, James, and John) than He was with the rest.

         Part of living an authentic Christian life is the practice of transparency with a trusted brother or sister in Christ.  Like Jesus, we need not be as transparent with all as we are with some.  Transparency involves giving someone else a window into our soul where our deepest thoughts and emotions lie.  Transparency leads to authenticity because, when we allow others to know us fully, we can no longer fool them with our external behavior.  They know when we’re faking it because they know the real us.

         Like an overhead transparency that is revealed when the light is switched on, may your life become transparent when you encounter the light of Christ.

October 13th

Matthew 17:14-18:35; Mark 9:14-50; Luke 9:37-50.  “Humility”

         “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:10

         In 1973, Senator John C. Stennis was mugged and shot outside his home.  When Senator Mark Hatfield received word of the incident he drove straight to the hospital.  Upon arriving, he observed that the hospital staff was overwhelmed with the high volume of incoming calls.  Spying an empty switchboard, Hatfield sat down and helped field calls through the night and into the next morning.

         It was genuine humility that led Senator Hatfield to assist the hospital staff that night.  He was unwilling to view himself as too important to do the mundane task of answering the phone.  

         Authenticity leads to humility, because when we are willing to see ourselves as we truly are, we learn that we have no greater intrinsic value than the next person.  Understanding this lesson allows us to fulfill the command to consider others as more important than ourselves (Phil. 2:3).

October 14th

Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:51-62; John 7:1-8:20.  “Awareness of Sin”

         F.B. Meyer has been credited with saying that “when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know.  First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin.  And second, we do not know the power of the force that assailed him or her.  We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstance.”

         Judging someone in haste, and without full knowledge or consideration of the facts, generates tremendous hurt and damage.  Jesus knew this full well when He extended grace to the woman caught in adultery in John 8.

         Authentic Christian living requires an awareness of sin in our life.  I believe that the more aware we are of our sin and our propensity to repeatedly sin that we are less likely to judge others who are caught in sin.  It is those among us who assume that their struggle with sin is done that are often the ones who are so quick to judge.  We all must remember that we are all sinners who are equally in need of grace and mercy from a holy and just God.

Bible Discussion Guide:
If you were to gauge your “heart for the lost” on a scale of 1 to 10, what number would you give yourself?
Do you feel a stronger desire to share the gospel with those whom you genuinely care about?  Why or why not?
What daily challenges do you face as you attempt to live an authentic Christian life?
Do you find it easier to be more real and authentic around Christians or around non-Christians?
Which option do you feel is more appropriate:  doing the right thing but for the wrong reason, or doing the wrong thing for the right reason?
Can you be authentic and still choose to do what is right, even when you want to do what is wrong?
Are we saved by having right theology?  Why then is it important to study to have a right theology?
Do you have anyone in your life with whom you can be transparent with?
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: transparency leads to authenticity?  Why?
How can humility lead to authentic Christian living?
1 John 1:10 says, “If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that His word has no place in our hearts.”  How does this verse impact an authentic Christian life?
Considering our own awareness of sin, how are we to treat a brother or sister in Christ who has stumbled into sin (Matthew 7:1-5; Galatians 6:1)?

Matthew 8:28-34; 9:18-26; Mark 5; Luke 8:26-56.  “Living Out What You Believe”

         What do you know about faith?  Most often people tend to make some kind of emotionally active connection with descriptions like “hope.”  However, today’s passage makes a physically active connection.
         She had been hemorrhaging for 12 years with no hope in sight, but then she heard about Jesus.  She believed that if she could just touch his clothing she would be healed.  She made her way through the mob, came up behind Him, touched His robe and was immediately healed.  Jesus said that her faith had healed her.  The Greek word for “healed” actually means “saved.”  In this case both physical healing and spiritual salvation are meant.  She was healed when she touched Him, but Jesus said her faith caused the cure.  Faith involved action.  The book of James reminds us that “faith shows itself.”  Faith shows itself with action.  How do you put your faith into action?  What in your life demonstrates to others your faith in Jesus Christ?

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 8:23-27; 13:10-52; Mark 4:21-41; Luke 8:9-18, 22-25. “Teachable Spirit”

         Dad says to his son, "You better get ready.  The bus will be here in a minute to pick you up and take you to Sunday School."  His son asked, "Did you go to Sunday School when you were a boy?"  Dad replied, "Yes I did."  The boy said as he was getting dressed, "It probably won’t do me any good either!"
         Either you’re teachable or you’re not.  Jesus explained, “To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given… but to those who are not listening…”  The disciples around Jesus had things explained to them far more than anyone else.  Although there were, I’m sure times Jesus shook his head, His disciples were teachable.  That teachable spirit (soft heart and open eyes and ears) may take time to prove itself.  The son in the paragraph above came to the conclusion that his dad was not too teachable.  The disciples authenticated their teachable spirit years later.  Their growth took them from students to teachers.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 12:22-13:9; Mark 3:20-4:20; Luke 8:1-8, 19-21.  “A Heart Search”

         “Your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.”  Jesus went beyond just saying good things.  He went beyond just saying He was equal with God.  Jesus also did good things.  He also did things which displayed His power.  But to many of the unbelieving it wasn’t enough: “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove that you are from God” (Mt. 12:38), as if He had not already done enough.  Up to this point He had turned water to wine, healed the sick, the lame, the leper, the paralyzed, cast out demons, and even raised a boy from the dead.
         The Pharisees had already made a decision in their heart.  I pray your heart is open to Jesus.  It probably isn’t if you are looking for more miracles and waiting for more evidence than the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus.  “If you look for Him with all your heart you will find Him.” (Deut. 4:29)

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 8:5-13; 11:1-30; Luke 7.  “Their Faith”

         Jesus gives us a short commentary on the faith of three individuals in today’s reading.  First, we read of the Roman officer who had the faith that Jesus could just “say the word” from wherever He was and his servant would be healed.  Jesus said He had not seen faith like that in all of Israel.  Second, we meet John the Baptist who preached the coming of the Messiah and was harshly persecuted and martyred for it.  Jesus said John was greater than any who had ever lived.  Third we are introduced to a woman with an immoral past who anointed the feet of Jesus with a very valuable jar of perfume.  She continuously kissed His feet and wiped His feet with her hair as her tears fell.  Jesus said she understood more about salvation, forgiveness and gratitude than the self-righteous Pharisees sitting with Him.
         The lesson for us today reminds us that faith is something we live out and display in what we do.  What would Jesus say of your faith? 

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 6:5-7:29; Luke 6:37-49. “Submitting to Others”

         Think of what today’s passage teaches us about submission: Submit to the Father in prayer; Submit to the words and direction of Jesus; Display submission through forgiveness, fasting, and treating others as you would have them treat you.  Often we do well with the first items but not the last.  We may struggle with forgiving others.  We may find ourselves guilty of gossiping about someone or criticizing them.  D. L. Moody once said, “There are thousands of families that could easily be reached if we had thousands of Christians going to them and entering into sympathy with their sorrows.  That is what they want.”
         How are you submitting your life and surrendering your time and emotions for the families around you?  Is there room to improve?  Are you truly ready to put the love of Christ into practice and commit yourself to give others time, resources if they need it, a listening ear, a tongue that is tied tight when it comes to saying anything inappropriate, and a heart that is genuinely concerned and always ready to forgive?

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 5:1-6:4; Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:12-36.  “Searching for Happiness”

         Would you like to know how to experience hope, joy and happiness?  The Beatitudes (Mt. 5 & Lk. 6) tell us how.  The first thing to note is that we will never get anywhere in our search for true happiness until we give up trying to find it by our own efforts and receive it instead as God’s free gift.  God is the source of all spiritual blessings.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17).
         The first effect the Beatitudes have on those who understand them is to turn our minds to God.  In fact, each beatitude portrays a picture of Jesus.  He displayed each of these attributes for us.  According to Him the way to happiness is found in a poverty of spirit, in a character marked by humility, meekness, purity and mercy, and in a hunger and thirst for righteousness, peace and justice.  Jesus lived them, and because He did, we too can find happiness.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

         This week’s theme has to do with what Jesus taught.  The Beatitudes, the entire Sermon on the Mount, the majority of His parables and a wide variety of other topics are included in what Jesus teaches in these passages.  Yet more than just the elements of what is taught is the significance of remembering who taught.  Jesus is the perfect Teacher and therefore His teachings are perfect.

Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 2:23-3:6; Luke 6:1-11 John 5.  “Liar, Lunatic or Lord”

         After reading passages like today’s you can picture the Pharisees following Jesus around every minute just looking for some fault.  The only accusations they ever had with Him were the result of their own misinterpreted mess of self-justifying rules.  In the end they had to make up lies with false witnesses to try to accuse Jesus of anything.
         In John, chapter five, Jesus presents His own legal case to support His claims.  He presents fact, testimony, witnesses, etc.  His claim was that He was who He said He was.  He claimed to be the Son of God, equal with God and honored as God.  The Pharisees understood exactly what He was saying and “tried all the more to kill Him.”  They were fully aware, as we should be, that there are only two options; either you believe Him and what He claimed, or you accuse Him of blasphemy.  Which option have you chosen?  Remember, there is not another option as some want to claim (i.e. good person).

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Download the PDF version below.

Matthew 5-7; 8:5-13,23-34; 9:18-26; 11:1-13:52; Mark 2:23-5:43 Luke 6-8; John 5

         This week’s theme has to do with what Jesus taught.  The Beatitudes, the entire Sermon on the Mount, the majority of His parables and a wide variety of other topics are included in what Jesus teaches in these passages.  Yet more than just the elements of what is taught is the significance of remembering who taught.  Jesus is the perfect Teacher and therefore His teachings are perfect.

October 1st

Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 2:23-3:6; Luke 6:1-11 John 5.  “Liar, Lunatic or Lord”

         After reading passages like today’s you can picture the Pharisees following Jesus around every minute just looking for some fault.  The only accusations they ever had with Him were the result of their own misinterpreted mess of self-justifying rules.  In the end they had to make up lies with false witnesses to try to accuse Jesus of anything.

         In John, chapter five, Jesus presents His own legal case to support His claims.  He presents fact, testimony, witnesses, etc.  His claim was that He was who He said He was.  He claimed to be the Son of God, equal with God and honored as God.  The Pharisees understood exactly what He was saying and “tried all the more to kill Him.”  They were fully aware, as we should be, that there are only two options; either you believe Him and what He claimed, or you accuse Him of blasphemy.  Which option have you chosen?  Remember, there is not another option as some want to claim (i.e. good person).

October 2nd

Matthew 5:1-6:4; Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:12-36.  “Searching for Happiness”

         Would you like to know how to experience hope, joy and happiness?  The Beatitudes (Mt. 5 & Lk. 6) tell us how.  The first thing to note is that we will never get anywhere in our search for true happiness until we give up trying to find it by our own efforts and receive it instead as God’s free gift.  God is the source of all spiritual blessings.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17).  

         The first effect the Beatitudes have on those who understand them is to turn our minds to God.  In fact, each beatitude portrays a picture of Jesus.  He displayed each of these attributes for us.  According to Him the way to happiness is found in a poverty of spirit, in a character marked by humility, meekness, purity and mercy, and in a hunger and thirst for righteousness, peace and justice.  Jesus lived them, and because He did, we too can find happiness.

October 3rd

Matthew 6:5-7:29; Luke 6:37-49.  “Submitting to Others”

         Think of what today’s passage teaches us about submission: Submit to the Father in prayer; Submit to the words and direction of Jesus; Display submission through forgiveness, fasting, and treating others as you would have them treat you.  Often we do well with the first items but not the last.  We may struggle with forgiving others.  We may find ourselves guilty of gossiping about someone or criticizing them.  D. L. Moody once said, “There are thousands of families that could easily be reached if we had thousands of Christians going to them and entering into sympathy with their sorrows.  That is what they want.”  

         How are you submitting your life and surrendering your time and emotions for the families around you?  Is there room to improve?  Are you truly ready to put the love of Christ into practice and commit yourself to give others time, resources if they need it, a listening ear, a tongue that is tied tight when it comes to saying anything inappropriate, and a heart that is genuinely concerned and always ready to forgive?
 
October 4th

Matthew 8:5-13; 11:1-30; Luke 7.  “Their Faith”

         Jesus gives us a short commentary on the faith of three individuals in today’s reading.  First, we read of the Roman officer who had the faith that Jesus could just “say the word” from wherever He was and his servant would be healed.  Jesus said He had not seen faith like that in all of Israel.  Second, we meet John the Baptist who preached the coming of the Messiah and was harshly persecuted and martyred for it.  Jesus said John was greater than any who had ever lived.  Third we are introduced to a woman with an immoral past who anointed the feet of Jesus with a very valuable jar of perfume.  She continuously kissed His feet and wiped His feet with her hair as her tears fell.  Jesus said she understood more about salvation, forgiveness and gratitude than the self-righteous Pharisees sitting with Him.

         The lesson for us today reminds us that faith is something we live out and display in what we do.  What would Jesus say of your faith?  

October 5th

Matthew 12:22-13:9; Mark 3:20-4:20; Luke 8:1-8, 19-21.  “A Heart Search”

         “Your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.”  Jesus went beyond just saying good things.  He went beyond just saying He was equal with God.  Jesus also did good things.  He also did things which displayed His power.  But to many of the unbelieving it wasn’t enough: “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove that you are from God” (Mt. 12:38), as if He had not already done enough.  Up to this point He had turned water to wine, healed the sick, the lame, the leper, the paralyzed, cast out demons, and even raised a boy from the dead.

         The Pharisees had already made a decision in their heart.  I pray your heart is open to Jesus.  It probably isn’t if you are looking for more miracles and waiting for more evidence than the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus.  “If you look for Him with all your heart you will find Him.” (Deut. 4:29)

October 6th

Matthew 8:23-27; 13:10-52; Mark 4:21-41; Luke 8:9-18, 22-25.  “Teachable Spirit”

         Dad says to his son, "You better get ready.  The bus will be here in a minute to pick you up and take you to Sunday School."  His son asked, "Did you go to Sunday School when you were a boy?"  Dad replied, "Yes I did."  The boy said as he was getting dressed, "It probably won’t do me any good either!"

         Either you’re teachable or you’re not.  Jesus explained, “To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given… but to those who are not listening…”  The disciples around Jesus had things explained to them far more than anyone else.  Although there were, I’m sure times Jesus shook his head, His disciples were teachable.  That teachable spirit (soft heart and open eyes and ears) may take time to prove itself.  The son in the paragraph above came to the conclusion that his dad was not too teachable.  The disciples authenticated their teachable spirit years later.  Their growth took them from students to teachers.

October 7th

Matthew 8:28-34; 9:18-26; Mark 5; Luke 8:26-56.  “Living Out What You Believe”

         What do you know about faith?  Most often people tend to make some kind of emotionally active connection with descriptions like “hope.”  However, today’s passage makes a physically active connection.  

            She had been hemorrhaging for 12 years with no hope in sight, but then she heard about Jesus.  She believed that if she could just touch his clothing she would be healed.  She made her way through the mob, came up behind Him, touched His robe and was immediately healed.  Jesus said that her faith had healed her.  The Greek word for “healed” actually means “saved.”  In this case both physical healing and spiritual salvation are meant.  She was healed when she touched Him, but Jesus said her faith caused the cure.  Faith involved action.  The book of James reminds us that “faith shows itself.”  Faith shows itself with action.  How do you put your faith into action?  What in your life demonstrates to others your faith in Jesus Christ?

Bible Discussion Guide:
How can we emphatically say that all of Jesus’ teachings are perfect?
If everything He says is true, then why are there not more options for us when He claims to be God?  In other words, why are we not given the option of just believing He was a good person?
Reflect on each beatitude and how they relate;
1) To believers as an ethical code,
2) To contrasting heavenly and worldly values,
3) To the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Contemplate how well do you do at submitting to others.  Consider the following areas: Forgiving others;
Surrendering time and resources for others;
Praying for others;
Avoiding any kind of gossip or critical speech concerning others;
Maintaining a soft heart toward others.
List examples of how people lived out their faith.  List ways you live out your faith.
Miracles proved the deity of Christ when He walked on earth.  Do we need to continue to witness miracles daily to prove He is still alive?
What are the potential dangers of men working miracles today?
Personal application:  Define a teachable spirit.  How teachable are you?

Matthew 8:1-4; 9:1-17; Mark 1:40-2:22; Luke 5:1-39.  “Learning from Jesus”

         Jesus used many different approaches to teaching during His ministry. Jesus related to the people He was ministering to by using stories and symbolism that was meaningful to them during that time.  We see parables and short stories, illustrations, scripture references and even miracles. I think it’s safe to say that Jesus used all the resources at His disposal to help people understand His teaching.
         We see the same idea in our church services. Songs of praise, scripture reading, illustrations and short stories fill our worship services. 
         So, do you know where I’m going with this? How about the way we approach those we are trying to minister to? Do you have a pocket-full of ideas that you are prepared to use? Maybe you could buy a book or CD and ask the Lord who might be able to use them. Have a short story ready about your personal testimony or a particularly hard time you have gone through, memorize your favorite scripture verse and share it with someone.  The next time you’re in prayer, ask the Lord to show you ways to minister to those He brings into your life.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Matthew 4:12-25; 8:14-17; Mark 1:14-39; Luke 3:23a; 4:16-44; John 4:46-54.  “Jesus Heals Many”

         The caption at the top of a chapter in Matthew 8 says “Jesus Heals Many;” then again in the book of Mark and also in the book of Luke. All of these books give the same account of Jesus healing the sick. What the books don’t say is that they all were saved and lived good Christian lives as a result.  There are verses that say that “many” were saved, but not “all” were saved. This causes me to take pause. If I were a man with leprosy and was taken to Jesus and was cured, would it be enough to cause me to commit my life to Him? I would like to think so. But there is a big difference between being grateful for a physical healing, and calling the One that healed you Lord. I wonder how many of the people Christ healed developed the kind of faith that Christ desired. How many people looked at Christ and only saw a “Genie in a bottle?”  And then I wonder how many people today come to Christ only for what they can get from Him. When you look at all the great things the Lord has done for you, do you give Him a simple nod, tell Him thanks and wave goodbye, or do you bow at His feet and call Him LORD?

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?