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WHO IS GOOD?

WHAT MUST I DO?

THE RICH YOUNG RULER

Read Mark 10:17–22

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Mark 10:17 NIV

* * *
The first error that this young man made, was in assuming that eternal life was something he could earn by doing something "good." He put Jesus into the same category as himself, by calling Him a "good teacher.” Jesus reminded him that the only really good or righteous One is God. Jesus, the Son of God, was able to fulfill the law perfectly, but this young man could not.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "one thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. (10:21–22) ." He wasn't quite willing to be that good!
* * *
Lord, only You know what keeps people from coming to You in faith. We cannot know men's hearts, so it is by the Holy Spirit that men and women will see their need of salvation. Just help us to be faithful in sharing our faith with others–trusting You for the results.
* * *
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" …The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:23, 26-27 NIV

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ONE THING

MARY AND MARTHA

Read Luke 10:38–42

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Luke 10:40 NIV
* * *
No woman can read this story without feeling a bit sorry for Martha. We all have our Martha moments when we are hurrying about to get life together. But as I read this, I remember that the apostle John said, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." (John 11:5)
* * *
The most important part of this story is that Mary's part would never be taken away from her. That "one thing" also belonged to Martha, in spite of her troubled spirit - her relationship with Jesus. Shortly after this, Jesus would be crucified. Every moment spent at Jesus feet would be treasured on that day.
* * *
Lord, I am so thankful that I too have that "one thing" that will not be taken from me. I praise You that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NKJV)
* * *
"…Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41–42 NKJV

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THE GOOD SAMARITAN

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?


Read: Luke 10:25–37


But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:29 NKJV

* * *
     On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (10:25) His error was in thinking he could earn eternal life by his good works. So Jesus, knowing his heart, asked him what the law said about it. The lawyer replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (10:27)
     If the lawyer had been able to do this first commandment, he would not have needed a Savior. He asked "Who is my neighbor?" The story of the Good Samaritan illustrated that no one could keep the law perfectly–only God's perfect Son.
* * *
     Thank You Lord, that the burden of keeping the law was removed from our shoulders and carried to the cross. Help us, like the Good Samaritan, to notice when someone has a need we can supply. May we show our love by serving You and other people.
* * *
     "So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" Luke 10:36 NKJV

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GOD IS NEVER LATE

INTERRUPTIONS

HEALING OF JAIRUS' DAUGHTER

Read Luke 8:40–56

Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Luke 8:41–42 NIV

* * *
Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus' daughter, who was dying; but on the way, the crowds prevented Him from making his way there. In the midst of the crowd, a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. (8:42) In spite of the urgency of His errand, Jesus took time for this woman, healed her and then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." (8:48)

* * *
Jesus made it to his appointment with Jairus in time, because He planned to raise his daughter from the dead. God is never late, even though we often are impatient and don't understand how He is working.
* * *
Lord, You hold our lives in Your hands and our best hope is to trust You and Your timing for all of our needs. Thank You for this reminder from your Word.
* * *
"Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Luke 8:52–54 NIV

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WHO IS MY BROTHER AND SISTER?

[25]

Read Matthew 12:46–50; Mark 3:31–35;

Luke 8:4–21

            While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him   Matthew 12:46 NKJV

* * *

            Jesus was teaching his disciples in an extremely crowded home while outside there were those who opposed Him. He was telling them the story of a farmer who sowed seed on thorny, rocky and good ground.  He explained that the seed was the Word of God and the rocky or thorny ground represented the cares that choke out the Word. But the seed on good soil, He said, "stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:15 NIV)

* * *

            Then someone came in and said that Jesus’ mother and brothers were looking for him. “He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother." (Mark 3:34–35 NKJV) In spite of the interruption, this room was filled with “noble and good hearts”–and Jesus continued sowing the seed.

* * *

            . . . and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You."   Mark 3:32 NKJV

 

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ARE YOU THE CHRIST?

MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE

Read John 10:1–33

The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." John 10:24 NIV

* * *
There was much disputing among the Jews about who Jesus was. They were ready, perhaps, to look for an earthly king to deliver them from Roman rule, but they were not ready for a Savior. Jesus knew those who were His because the Father had already given them to Him.

To their question Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. (10:25-26) When they threatened to stone Him, He asked them which miracle deserved death. They replied, "We are not stoning you for any of these, but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." (10:33)

* * *
When false teachers come to my door to dispute the Trinity, I need to remember that Jesus was crucified because He claimed to be God. He was God the Son, One with the Father. Soon those who were His sheep would know the indwelling power of His Spirit and go forth to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Lord, help me to faithfully share the good news of the risen Son of God.

* * *

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:27–28 NIV

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WHO ARE YOU?

[23]

BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM

Read John 8:18–58

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31–32 NKJV

* * *
Jesus was speaking in the temple to two different groups of people – those who believed and those who didn't. To those who would seize Him and kill Him if they could, He said, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I Am…, you will die in your sins." (8:23b-24)

Then Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He”…As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. (8:28a, 30) To those who believed He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." (8:51)
* * *
Lord, your Son Jesus was Messiah, the One that Abraham looked forward to – who would come from his descendants. By faith, Abraham trusted in You – By faith, we look back to the cross and believe in Jesus Christ – who was and is the great "I AM."
* * *
"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I AM!" John 8:57–58 NIV

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WHO IS WITHOUT SIN?

THE ADULTEROUS WOMAN

Read: John 8:1–11

"Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" John 8:4–5 NKJV
* * *
Once again they were trying to trick Jesus–this time in regard to the law of Moses. If he contradicted the law, they could arrest Him for blasphemy. But Jesus would not be taken by trickery. He stooped down and wrote something in the sand. Then he said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (8:7b) The men left one by one and they were alone. He said to her, "Woman, has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." (8:10–11)
* * *
A posse of supposedly religious men trying to find an excuse for murder, and a humiliated woman who calls Jesus, "Lord" is a striking contrast – Jesus came to save sinners. Those men were sinners for whom he came, but pride and power prevented them from receiving the Son of God. Lord, help us to remember that no one is too sinful to be saved by Your matchless grace.
* * *
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12 NKJV

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NICODEMUS

SECRET BELIEVERS

Read John 3:1–21

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night… John 3:1-2b NIV
* * *
Nicodemus believed that Jesus was a teacher sent by God because of the great miracles He performed. But Nicodemus did not have an understanding of saving faith. He was a teacher of the law, but he had not experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in his life. He needed to be born again–not natural birth but spiritual.
Later, as Nicodemus continued to blend in with those who wanted to kill Jesus, they asked, "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?" The best he could do was to say, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" (John 7:48–51) After the cross, Nicodemus, along with Joseph of Arimathea risked their lives to ask for Jesus body, indicating that they were His followers.
* * *
It is very difficult for most of us to speak up about our faith among those who do not believe. But the Holy Spirit can give us the courage to do so. Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I will have the courage to share my faith in You.
* * *
Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3NIV

posted by sharetheword on Oct 10, 2009 5:47 AM | 1 comment
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A DEN OF ROBBERS

JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE

Read: John 2:13–21; Mark 11:15–19

"Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" Mark 11:17 NIV

* * *

On these two different occasions–at the beginning and end of His ministry– we are told that Jesus physically exhibited anger. The Jews had turned the temple into a market place, carrying on dishonest business in a house of worship. In anger, Jesus drove the merchants out of His Father's house. The Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." (John 2:18–19) The temple He spoke of was His body, which they would seek to destroy on the cross.
* * *
Although our churches today are not the same as the Jewish temple, we should still honor them as places of worship. Most of all, as believers, we should remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
* * *
Lord, I want to take good care of the body You have given me and dedicate it for the purpose of glorifying You. Help me to avoid anything that would compromise that purpose.

* * *
After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. John 2:22 NIV

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THE WEDDING AT CANA

THE FIRST MIRACLE

Read John 2:1–11

"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." John 2:4–5 NIV

* * *

Once again, Mary's soul is pierced. When Jesus was twelve, she wasn't quite ready for him to be teaching in the temple. But now that He's thirty, she must be wondering when He is going to reveal His identity–both times Jesus gives her a soft rebuke. At twelve he said; "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. (Luke 2:49–50) At thirty, he says, “Dear woman, why do you involve me?…My time has not yet come” (John 2:4)

Mary realized once again that she must quietly wait on God for His perfect timing—In fact, it was God's time, because Jesus honored his mother by performing his first public miracle at her request.
* * *
Lord, Mary is such a wonderful example of humility and love. I want to be a patient, loving mother who knows when to speak and when to be silent. I also want to wait on You to work out Your perfect plan for our family and each individual family member.
* * *
This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. John 2:11 NKJV

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LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

SHE WHO WAS FORGIVEN MUCH

Read Luke 7:36–8:3

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Luke 7:47-48 NIV
* * *
Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. A woman of the streets came in and she stood behind him weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. (7:38) The Pharisee thought to himself that Jesus did not know what kind of woman this was. Not only did Jesus know all about the woman, he also knew what Simon was thinking. He gently told a story to Simon that concluded with, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." (7:47)

Just following this scene we are given the names of other women who had been forgiven much. These women helped to support the ministry out of their own means, showing their deep gratitude for deliverance from evil spirits and diseases.
* * *
Lord, may my life and generosity reflect the forgiveness I have received in my life as well. What a Savior, who honored women far above the culture of His time.
* * *
The twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:1b–3 NIV

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THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK

A FIRM FOUNDATION

Read: Luke 6:39–49

"I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice." Luke 6:47 NIV
* * *
After appointing the twelve apostles, Jesus came down from the mountain and began to speak to a large crowd of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases.

His message was different from any they had heard before – He told them, “love your enemies,” “do to others as you would have them do to you,” (vv. 27, 31) “do not judge,” “forgive, and you will be forgiven.”(v. 37) He finished with, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?” (6:46) – they looked for healing and He looked for a life change.

If there is going to be lasting change in my life that can withstand the storms, I must spend quality time getting to know God’s Word and applying it to my everyday circumstances.
* * *
Lord, Thank You for the timeless principles You have given in Your Word. Help us to understand and apply this wisdom to our lives and to teach them to our children so that our home will have a firm and lasting foundation.
* * *
"He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it …" Luke 6:48 NIV

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CHOOSING THE APOSTLES

A NIGHT OF PRAYER

Read Luke 6:1–16; Mark 3:7–19

Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

* * *

Prior to this night of intense prayer, Jesus had withdrawn with his disciples to the sea. Such huge crowds followed him that "He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him." (Mark 3:9 NKJV)

Now, Jesus goes alone to a mountain to spend the night in prayer. The next day He would call his followers to him and from them choose the twelve apostles. These men would be sent out to preach and heal and cast out demons -- the kingdom of Heaven confronting the kingdom of Satan. No wonder He spent the entire night in prayer for them.
* * *
Lord, if You felt it necessary to get away by yourself to pray, then surely I need to make time for extended prayer. Help me to remember to carve out time from my busy schedule to find time alone with You – particularly when I am facing important decisions.
* * *
When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles. Luke 6:13 NIV

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MATTHEW THE TAX COLLECTOR

EATING WITH SINNERS

Read Mark 2:13–17

When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" Mark 2:16 NKJV

* * *
Matthew was a tax collector, a Jewish man who worked for the Roman government. The religious leaders saw a traitor but Jesus saw a man who needed a Savior. Jesus could look into a man's heart because He was the Son of God. In fact, Jesus had no problem eating with sinners, because He knew that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…(Romans 3:23)

A few of the religious leaders came to realize who Jesus was, but most did not. This is why the first message He preached was "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15 NKJV) Repentance required admitting their sin, and receiving God’s Son, the promised Messiah.
* * *
Jesus not only saw Matthew's heart, he saw his potential. He later chose Matthew as one of the twelve apostles. Lord, help me to understand the hearts of my children and envision their potential. Even though that is not completely possible, I can trust You to know their hearts and work all things together for their good.
* * *
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:31-32 NIV

posted by sharetheword on Aug 29, 2009 6:30 PM | 0 comments
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