Jesus Predicts His Death

 Cup Prayer – This prayer will help you pour your heart out to God (Ps. 62:8). Begin with your hands folded together like an upside-down cup. Pour out before God all your fears, anxieties, guilt, sin and shame. Tell Him what troubles you. Take time to be specific. When you feel like you’ve poured out your heart, flip your hands over, folding them like an open cup, ready to receive from God. Sit in silence, asking God simply to fill you with His Spirit. If your mind runs back to sin, shame, anxiety or concerns of the day, flip your hands back over and pour it out to the Lord. When you are finished praying, read today’s Scripture and listen as God shares His heart back with you.

Daily Reading - Luke 18:31-43

Devotional -
Jesus Predicts His Death
by Pastor Jeff Morlock

This the third time in Luke that Jesus predicts his suffering, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. But the crowds can’t imagine a crucified king. And neither can those closest to Jesus, including his disciples. In this passage, the people who are physically able to see seem spiritually blind, while the blind beggar sees Jesus’ identity and purpose clearly. Why? Maybe because he’s the only one who perceives Jesus through the lens of Scripture. The beggar calls Jesus, “Son of David”and cries out to him repeatedly for mercy. Apart from the Bible, you simply can’t understand Jesus, which is why daily worship and study matters so much.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus inquires of the beggar. My hunch is that most answers to a blank check like that would be “short sighted”. But not this beggar’s answer. He knows how some people like to make a show of their generosity to street people, but he also knows that Jesus is different. He’s heard of Christ’s miraculous signs, including healing. So instead of asking for food or money that will eventually run out, the beggar asks instead to regain his sight. And when he receives it, he immediately glorifies God and follows the Healer.
 
Luke uses this story to illustrate that the kingdom of God has broken into the world, and that “… everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.” Jesus is almost at Jerusalem, where God’s plan will be completed. There he will bear the consequences of our disobedience. By his death, Jesus will take on himself the blindness and despair of the world. By his resurrection, he will heal all who have been blinded by sin, death, and the devil. “We are all beggars, it’s true,” Martin Luther is said to have uttered on his deathbed. What do you want Jesus to do for you today?

Make the beggar’s prayer your own: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Do you know what you want and need him to do for you? Ask Jesus to help you see God’s presence in your life and world; to see where it is that he would have you to join him in his work. Praise Jesus for who he is, thank him for what he's done and for his promises to you.

God's Word Speaks

Jesus said, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” (Mark 11:2-3)

This is a fascinating passage. Jesus told his followers what to do, in fact, He told them what they would see and encounter while completing the task.  And, guess what. It all came to pass. It is stories like this which encourage me to keep reading God's word every day, just looking for something like this. 

When I bring a problem, or question to God, I am confident He will respond, in some fashion. He will direct me in the correct direction, or He will put someone in my path to speak into my life with a kind word, or a comment or question. It always amazes me how He works in my life.

Just as the people lined the path to Jerusalem to praise and honor a King, we can also line the road and expect the same Jesus to pass by. When we expect Him to show up, He does. When we turn to Him for praise or worship or conversation, He shows up.

I am faced with an important decision right now and I am looking forward to my quiet time with Him tomorrow morning. I will be praising and worshiping and scouring His Word for guidance. I know that He will answer me. He always leaves me excited and feeling so blessed because I know He hears me and cares about the big and the small things of my life. He is like no other. 

Mark 11:1-11 

It's Not the "OK" Commission

Sometimes I forget about the Great Commission. As if it’s hiding away in Matthew - a passage of power, directive, and promise, just slipped into the book as an afterthought, a little “by the way.” But that’s not true. It’s not the “lousy commission,” or the “maybe commission.” It’s the Great Commission! It’s got oomph!

So maybe I don’t forget so much as avoid it. With His authority, this is what Jesus tells His followers to do. He tells them to travel far, speak boldly, make a difference. That’s a pretty big deal. What if I’m too afraid, don’t know what to say, or feel insignificant? What if I don’t know how? 

Jesus tells the disciples to share of the miracles they saw, the things they learned, the risks they took; the bruises and blisters, cuts and scars they acquired; the long and cold nights, the responsibility, the meltdowns and times of doubt; when they leaned on each other and laid their heads in Jesus’s lap, and when they discussed and laughed with each other and with the Son of God over food and drink, or around a fire. He tells them to speak from where they are, and who they are. He tells them to share an opportunity with those who don’t yet know the wonder of living life with the King. He knows the gravity of this send-off; He knows what’s coming for His followers: ridicule, persecution, exile, death. And yet He still tells them to go. Because it’s not the “meh commission.” It’s great. It’s one of the most important things a follower of God will ever do. It’s no surprise, then when Jesus tells His followers that He’ll be right by their side, no matter what. 

When the One who has all authority, who gave me this responsibility and gift and path to take, says that He's with me until the end of the age, I know I’m covered. And I know, despite the fear and risks, that I want to be a part of something great. 

Matthew 28:16-20

The Coming King

Palm Sunday
  

Mark 11:1-11

Palm Sunday begins the “week that changed the world”. Everything in Jesus’ life and ministry have led up to this week. It’s drama and it’s salvation’s story.

From beginning to end, Jesus is very much in charge of this week and all that happens. Jesus is not a victim; He is changing the world through every day and moment in this week.

As strange as it may seem for us to hear the welcoming, rejoicing “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday and then see what happens in the rest of the week, this is God’s plan for redeeming the world--and us in it, too.

People have waited for this day and week for hundreds of years. Others have ridden into Jerusalem and nothing happened. But people are still waiting, ready and willing to welcome Jesus into their hopes and expectations of what He will do. At least they are looking for the King of their longings. Are we?

But Jesus doesn’t do what they think He should. Read on in Mark’s Gospel. Jesus cleanses the temple instead of gathering an army to drive Rome away. Their expectations are not met. People are disappointed again; some of them angry enough to join the “Crucify Him” chants of Good Friday. So much in such a short time.

Once again, we gather to hear, watch, listen….as we ourselves join in the “Week that changed the world”. And we pray that it will once again change us. We are loved enough to die for--and we need it, again and more.

What in the Story of Holy Week has had the greatest impact on your life so far and in what way?

Pray that God will open Holy Week’s Story(s) to new faith and hope in your life.

                                                                                                                     Pastor Paul Ulring

Silent Night, Holy Night

December 24                                         Fourth Sunday of Advent         
          

Scripture Reading
Read Luke 2:1-20 and reflect on the passage.

"You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Jesus comes in both surprising and meek circumstances, born to unwelcome travelers in the midst of squalor, and celebrated by shepherds who were not a great ceremonial court. An angel brings to the shepherds "good news of great joy for all the people." This hope that Christ brings is for all people, and even this tender Infant is already transforming the lives of others. The shepherds see the baby King and leave worshiping and rejoicing.

For those outside the church, this message of good news can feel burdensome or heavy. It flies in the face of what is strategic or logical. What images come to mind when you hear the word "king"? All the Medieval tales and real-life monarchies are very different from what we find in King Jesus. Unlike earthly rulers who want to use power for their own glory, our King came to give up everything He had for our good (Phil. 2). Our hope is tied to this baby – God's faithful delivery on a long-ago promise. Glory to the newborn King!

Question

The glory of Jesus’ birth is announced to shepherds. Can you imagine the thrill of hearing that the Savior of the world has been born? 

What emotions and thoughts might flood your mind? How is God leading you or your family to enjoy Christmas this year? How does this message of hope impact your worship, gift-giving, and gatherings?

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for this chance to celebrate Jesus' birthday. May the hope You have given us overflow to others. All glory to You!

                                                                                                Aaron Thompson and David White

God’s greatness dwells in humility

30 December 

Scripture Reading

Read Isaiah 57:14-15 and reflect on the passage.

A humble King who sits on a great throne, yet is utterly concerned with the lowly, reminds me of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper. In the story, a king decides to switch places with a lowly peasant and gains a view of the lowest of humanity—vowing to make life better for his subjects who live in humility, while having a strong desire to offer mercy in a fallen world.

In this passage from Isaiah, is God not the perfect real-life example of Mark Twain’s story? Though God “inhabits eternity” and “dwells in a high and holy place,” He is also with those “of a contrite and lowly spirit.” God’s greatness is that He dwells with and in people of humility. Could it be that God measures greatness based on lowliness?

The anonymous Eastern Catholic monk who wrote Jesus, a Dialogue with the Saviour, speaks of the Father’s humility: “We are accustomed to thinking of the Father in terms of power. Yes, the Father is omnipotent, but the Father’s heart is meek and humble like the Saviour’s. It is meek for in Him there is nothing brusque or abrupt, no violence, no fury, but only kindliness, goodness, and affection. His heart is also humble—not that the Father bows before one greater, as the Son become man bows before His Father, but He attaches no importance to display or appearances. He prefers the poor means and is united to the voluntary abasement of His Son who took on our nature and suffering. We must learn to see the Father in this light.”

Questions

1.      Does it surprise you that God might be more concerned with lowly things?

2.      Have you been searching for greatness in the wrong ways?

  

Prayer

O Divine Spirit, who efface Yourself before the Father and Son; O Jesus, meek and humble of heart; O Abba Father, who humble Yourself to commune with the lowly; O beautiful Trinity, You are Humility! (Attributed to Francis of Assisi)

—Andrew Fuller

John 1: 43-51

In Monday’s beautifully written Blog, Simon Peter met Jesus. The writer insightfully transcribed how differently God views each one of us, from the way we perceive ourselves and each other. Today’s reading recalls the day Philip and Nathaniel came face to face with the Savior. As I read each word I was compelled to think about how we should look at others from a different point of view as well.

Philip acknowledged Jesus as “the one Moses wrote about in the Law.” Jesus foretold they would "see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Perhaps Jesus envisioned who was positioned where, when His final day came to pass. Philip and Nathaniel were in the crowd.

Think for a moment, how differently we would manage our lives if we knew certain things ahead of time.

If we were aware that our husband or wife would only be with us for one more year, how differently would we love? If we had the knowledge our daughter would be separated from us as an adult due to family conflict would we be sure to create more positive memories for her today? If we somehow knew that as we aged, our health would significantly deteriorate, would we live more boldly now?

As Nathaniel and Philip approached Jesus, Nathaniel declared; “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; the King of Israel.”  It was as though Nathaniel had a sense the others did not. He understood what and who Jesus was. From that moment on, Nathaniel lived his life differently.

Can we attempt to live in such a way? Gleaning from every moment, a sense of urgency regarding taking care of others as though they will not be with us tomorrow? To do so, we will need to take a heavenly viewpoint.

God, “Give Me Your Eyes.”

Read/Listen to John 1:43-50

View You-Tube video “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath

Nehemiah 2:1-8 Prayer First

Perhaps it is best to read these 8 verses in Nehemiah, before going any further. It may sometimes seem as though we are backtracking or repeating as you read the Daily Bible Blast, however there is meaning and purpose in the progression. This link will bring you to the new BibleGateway.com. There you can read, or click the speaker button to simply listen to: Nehemiah 2: 1-8

 

With great respect to God and the king, Nehemiah made his request to go to Jerusalem. He did not immediately blurt out to King Artaxerxes the burden that was upon his heart when the king inquired. He instead "prayed to the Lord of heaven," and then replied to the king, beginning with "If it pleases the king...."

Nehemiah did not immediately flee from his responsibilities as the cup-bearer to the king, and return to Jerusalem to begin his plight as re-builder of the wall. Though he likely longed to arrive as quickly as possible to get the restructuring under way and protect his people, Nehemiah viewed all of his work as labor for the Lord as the bible calls us to do in Colossians 3:23. (NIV) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord….”

Nehemiah covered all of his bases so to speak. He prayed, sincerely summarized his dismay, and then requested permission to follow through with what he believed was his calling from God. “And because the gracious hand of God was upon me, the king granted my request.” Nehemiah 2:8

From there, the journey was difficult, but because Nehemiah took his time establishing a firm foundation before beginning his mission, he was able to comfortably carry on. He had the approval of the king, and the blessing of the Father.

Dear Lord, your love and grace are far beyond our understanding. We praise and worship you for being such a perfect and awesome God.Though through our imperfection we make mistakes and fall short of what we are called to be, please continue to be patient when we do not go to you first but instead attempt to change and fix things on our own. Nehemiah is an amazing example of how to prioritize and plan. May our hearts be reminded to turn to the ways of those like Nehemiah as we build and rebuild our own Jerusalem. Amen  

Matthew 2: 13-23

                                                                           Flight to Egypt

We care for and protect our children because we love them. We hover day and night, for they are innocent and precious to us, and are not aware of the harm that can come to them. Our babies at times seem to be on a mission to self destruct as they unknowingly reach for things that can burn or cut them, they will tumble to the ground if we do not catch them, they will go out in front of moving vehicles unaware of the danger and be crushed without our intervention. These are typical daily events in the life of a parent, and we naturally protect our children because they are just that….children.

In today’s reading, “Flight to Egypt,” Joseph certainly protects his infant, Jesus from the elements and typical baby dangers. He also shelters him from something far more sinister. The type of danger we never have to face. King Herod plans to search for and kill Jesus. Just think of the terror in knowing the king’s men could be bursting in any minute to rip your baby from your arms and violently take his life! 

“Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” (Matthew 2:13) Without hesitation, Joseph obeyed and escaped to safety with Mary and Joseph. The story goes on to tell of Herod’s anger and orders to have all boys two years and younger killed as not to miss Jesus. The horror of that time was prophesied in Jeremiah. After Herod’s death it seemed safe to return to Egypt, but Jesus’ family instead headed to the district of Galilee and settled in Nazareth, as Joseph was afraid to return to Israel since Herod’s son Arhelaus had taken his place. Jesus became a Nazarene.

The love and protective instinct of a father is boundless. That is not to say a father protects his child from hurt, disappointment, heartache, or pain, but that he watches over and allows such things in order to help his child grow and learn. We must take example from the Ultimate Father; as stated in the daily devotional Streams in the Desert, “We cannot see what loss, sorrow, and trials are accomplishing. We need only to trust. The Father comes near to take our hand and lead us on our way.”

Read/Listen to Matthew 2:13-23

The Story - Chapter 11 - 1 Samuel 24

God is so amazing that often He takes my breath away. This is Election Day and the lesson I am sensing from today’s reading affirms that God is in control. Romans 13:1-7 teaches that God has placed the government and its leaders in power. We may not know why, but like David, we are to respect the positions and roles of those to whom God has given authority.

Saul had been chasing David down for months. He felt threatened by the young man, he was jealous of him and intended on killing him. David knew this, was running from the King and hiding in a cave when King Saul was almost presented to David on a platter. Had David’s heart been like Saul’s, the King would have been killed on the spot.

When the opportunity had passed and Saul was out of harm’s way, David came out of hiding to let Saul know how close to death he had come.

(1 Samuel 24:11-12)
“See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.”

Saul and David both knew that one day the younger man would be king. David had vowed not to wipe out Saul’s descendants. This promise will lead to a very interesting story in the pages to come. But, for today, we are faced with a dilemma. The election – how do we vote, who deserves our support? I don’t know the right answer, but I do know that come Wednesday morning, God will still be King no matter who is elected as our earthly leader.

  Read 1 Samuel 24 here

Listen to 1 Samuel 24 here