Luke 7:31-50

7:35 "Yet widsom is vindicated by all her children"

Jesus is displaying the foolishness of the Pharisees in their judging of John the Baptist and Jesus by meaningless standards.

I asked myself, "what are the children of wisdom?"

-Good behavior and gentle deeds (James 3:13)
-Obedience to God (Deut. 4:5-6)
-Prudence, knowledge, discretion (Prov. 8:12)
-Productivity/stability (Prov. 24:3)
-Hope (Prov. 24:14)
-Reputation for being wise (Daniel 5:14)
-Salvation (2 Tim. 3:15)

Hmm... I have some of those things, but not enough. Especially the productivity and reputation ones. But how can I get more wisdom?

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom ; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever." Psalm 111:10

Oh... Thanks, David. I knew I was named after you for a reason.

Lord, help me to fear You and only You. Help me not to fear others or social conventions. Help that fear to drive me to prayer and Your word and greater wisdom and righteousness.

Luke 7:1-30

7:8 "For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me..."

Jesus makes note of the man who understands that Jesus's power is not limited to close proximity, but that His authority allows Him to perform His works anywhere and anytime.

I was thinking here that if Jesus said "I say to you not even in Israel have I found such great faith.", I should probably look at what Jesus was looking at and try to exemplify it. So what did Jesus see?

Jesus saw:
-a man with a need
-a man who knew who to ask to meet that need
-a man who recognized the authority that sent Jesus
-a man who recognized the authority Jesus had
-a man who understood the power that came with that kind of authority

So let's see how I compare:
-I have needs
-I don't always ask the right person to meet those needs
-I recognize the authority that sent Jesus
-I understand the authority that Jesus has, but I don't always submit to it
-I don't always understand the power that comes with Jesus' authority

Two out of five... yikes. Many times some issue comes up and I ponder it for a bit, search scriptures for help, then ask one of my five or so good friends or family members that I consider excellent sources of wisdom for their input. I don't know how many times they've asked me, "have you prayed about it?" I get so wrapped up in trying to deal with my issues biblically, I completely miss the point that I'm supposed to entreat God to solve the issues Himself. I should first and foremost praying and asking for guidance and support, then going to the Word and wise, godly friends to glean the plan God has for tackling the issue.

My problem is that I haven't yet been able to beat the idea out of my head that if I mature enough, I'll be able to handle life's problems on my own. If I mature enough, eventually I figure out that I can't handle ANY of life's problems on my own and submit to God's authority over the problems right from the get-go.

Lord, help me to recognize Your authority. Help me to submit to that authority in seeking Your support and allowing You to work Your plan in my life. Please give me this great faith.

Luke 5:17-39

5:38 "But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins"

Jesus reflects on how the change he brought to the contemporary Jewish thought would require the shedding of the old systems.

I wondered as I read this if I still have any "old wineskins" or if I'm trying to sew patches onto old clothing. What would constitute old wineskins in our lives? Anything that is a remnant of the sin nature, for starters. Materialism, pride, jealousy, impatience, cynicism... but enough about me. Our regeneration can't be half-hearted. It takes major changes and daily sacrifice of self to accomplish what God desires for our lives.

Lord, help me to shed my old ways and don "new wineskins." Help me to not hold on to relics of the flesh, but to run to the new treasures of Your righteousness. Thank You for fixing what was wrong in me, continue Your work.

Joshua 1,2,3

1:5 "No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you."

God charges Joshua with leading Israel into the promised land.

I read this passage as Joshua prepares to conquer Canaan and wondered how this could apply to me. There are some that question God's goodness to lead such a total and all-inclusive assault on a geographic location, but that ignores God's plan and the wretchedness of the inhabitants. Still, that isn't a direct application to me, since God didn't promise to my ancestors that I would own 57th street in Tacoma, and it isn't inhabited with Philistines (not completely, anyway).

Then I realized that I have been given a charge to clear out a land infested with evil that God has promised for me to find peace in. Furthermore, my conquest is to be ruthless and complete, underwritten and strengthened by God Himself. The land is my soul and the evil is my flesh. I see in the manner with which Joshua approached the land west of the Jordan a model for how we should look at our own righteousness. He was to have confidence based on the Lord's presence (1:5), to be "strong and courageous" (1:6), and to undertake the mission with obedience to God's word (1:7). This charge was not optional, but was the will of the Lord his God (1:9)!

Paul's image of the armor of God in Ephesians shows that this analogy of an all-out war is appropriate. We should have the mentality that this is a dramatic battle of good vs. evil and that there is no room for diplomacy or negotiation. So do we ever negotiate with our sin? Do we ever enter battle against sin in our lives, and come out having not wiped it out completely? The Israelites failed in this regard and remnants of a wicked population became a cancer in their community leading them astray. Is it not so with sin left unchecked in our lives?

We will never enter the "Promised Land" of a soul free from the presence of sin until we are taken home to the Lord, but we can faithfully continue the task of decimating sin and getting closer and closer to Christ-likeness. But we first need to take the mission as seriously as Joshua.

Lord, help me to be a Joshua. Help me to wipe out sin in my life. Help me to be brave, ruthless, and wholly dependant on You.

Luke 1:1-23

1:22 "But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them..."

Zacharias is punished for not believing Gabriel's message of the impending conception of John.

First of all, I apologize to anyone who reads this blog for not posting recently. I've been doing the reading, but not the journaling. I can offer no excuse except laziness, but I appreciate your prayers.

Anyway, I was thinking, "what would it be like to not be able to talk for nine months?" That would be rough, especially considering I make my living in a call center. Aside from my livelihood, I don't think I would very much enjoy not being able to talk. I couldn't react to comments, offer my opinion, or argue my thoughts to others. And that's probably the point of Zacharias' punishment. I would be surprised if Zacharias, while mute for those nine months, did not come across Proverbs 10:19 and chuckle (silently):

"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise."

It would probably do us good to shut our mouths more often and like James tells us, be quick to hear and slow to speak. This would be especially wise when it is God who is speaking. When the Word tells us what to do, instead of being quick to make excuses or cast doubt on our ability to obey, we should listen and trust God to work it out.

Lord, help me to stop talking when I should be listening. Help me to accept that what I have to say is never as important as what You have to say. When I do speak, let them be Your words.

Mark 14:1-25

14:9,10 " 'Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.' Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them."

Jesus proclaims the legacy of the loving servant followed in the narrative by the legacy of the evil betrayer.

Nichole Nordeman's song "Legacy" is a favorite of mine (here's the music video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0S0ep-QsNI). We should be mindful of what kind of legacy we leave behind. Before you think I'm talking about focusing on immortality rather than service, hear me out. What would you want people to say about you at your funeral service? "Dave was an entrepreneur... a gifted artist... exceedingly intelligent... devoted to his family... These are all good things, but do they matter most? How about "Dave was dedicated to the Lord. The evidence of God's mercy, grace, and strength were made apparent in Dave's life." That is what we should strive for. It's OK to want people to remember you, just make sure that what they remember is Christ.

Lord, help me to leave a legacy of Your love. Help me to be a memorial for You and Your plan.

Mark 13:14-37

13:37 "What I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert!' "

Jesus describes the life as servants in the house of the travelling master, uncertain of the time of his return.

This brought back memories of growing up. Being at home, doing something I shouldn't, being constantly anxious that Mom or Dad might open the door at any second. Whether it was stuffing my face with the Pringles I was supposed to leave alone, or watching "Jerry Springer", which I knew wouldn't make my parents happy, the sin was not enjoyed as it was joined with immense stress.

I love my parents, and it seems sad that I would put myself in a position to not want their return. They have always loved and supported me, and life is good when they're around. Yet, I sometimes found myself hoping they wouldn't come home just yet. I wonder now, what if I instead folded the laundry in the dryer? What if I cleaned my room? What if I took all the trash out in the house? I would have been anxiously wishing them to get home earlier! I would be eager to show the good things I had done and be able to enjoy their presence even more!

It is not unlike the situation we have with our Lord. When we sin (and I know you can relate), we operate in stress, hoping no one will find out. Stupidly, we think God won't find out. If we were to honestly stop in the middle of that sin and ask ourselves "do you want Jesus to return right now?" we would say: "maybe in a couple minutes/hours/weeks". If we are in the middle of serving God, however, we would be ecstatic for His return! We would be eager to report our work and enjoy His presence. It seems so obvious, yet we often don't think of it.

Lord, help me to look to Your return by serving You now. Help me to reject sin in fear of harming Your name and being shamed at Your return. Please come soon.

Mark 13:1-13

13:2 "And Jesus said to him, 'Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.' "

Jesus reacts to a disciple's reflection on the beauty and grandeur of the temple.

I am a Husky and I'm proud of it. I don't care about collegiate sports, mind you, I am proud to be a graduate of the University of Washington. I would frequently walk from my bus stop off of Campus Drive NW, and cross the footbridge over 15th Street to get to school. I would pass the towering statue of George Washington, pass Odegaard Library, into Red Square, glance at Kane Hall, and walk around Suzzalo Library. If you have not had the privilege to tour the campus of the UW, let my explain to you that these are huge buildings that cause one to pause at their stature. I would often walk through campus and reflect on how amazing it was that so many people over the years had conspired together to coordinate efforts, time, and funds to create such a magnificent institution as the UW dedicated to educating it's guests. And I was proud to now be a part of that history.

I have to remind myself, however, that it will all burn one day, and that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I shouldn't get too attached or proud of earthly things. My citizenship is in heaven, and I should be proud to be a part of that. I still maintain that human achievement brings glory to God by virtue of the fact that He created those able to accomplish such feats. Have we ever created anything that could in turn create? But no matter what, glory must always be turned to God because without Him, nothing would exist.

Lord, help me to reserve my deepest affections for You and Your plan. Help me to appreciate the beauties of this world, but only as a picture of Your grace and mercy. Thank You for Your many blessings.

Mark 12:1-27

12:1 "And He began to speak to them in parables: 'A man planted a vineyard and put a wall around it, and dug a vat under the wine press and built a tower, and rented it out to vine-growers and went on a journey.' "

Jesus uses a parable to show how God's children have mistreated His messengers and His Son in the midst of His kindness and the punishment they will receive for it.

What struck me was the "rented it out" part. I probably need a little more exegetical help to properly define just what the vineyard is in this parable, but I generally take it as the blessings of God. Of the top of my head, it could very well be the kingdom of heaven, christian ministry, or our earthly lives. As I said, I view it as the blessings of God (which pretty much encompasses all that other stuff). My point is that it is "rented" to us, we don't own it.

I know a few believers that have this idea that they deserve or they've earned the blessings of God. That is not so. This is our Father's world, and everything in it is His to give... or take away. I came away from this passage reminded not to get boastful of myself and my standing with God, but to be boastful of God Himself and how He has spent inordinate grace on a dirtbag like me.

Lord, help me to remember You are the source of every good gift. Help me to be thankful for Your blessings. Help me to use the blessings You give me to magnify Your name around me.

Mark 10:1-31

10:27 "Looking at them, Jesus said, 'With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.' "

Jesus responds to the question of "who can be saved?"

This is another verse that will frequently be taken out of context. While it is true that God can cure any sickness, or raise any amount of funds for a need, or place any political leader in office, this verse is speaking about leading a lost soul to salvation.

I needed to read this verse. I have been praying ardently for the salvation of two people I know. I have been praying daily for a couple of years now and both of them seem to be on a crash course for doom. Both have been fully exposed to the gospel, but neither seem to have the saving light within them. One may not have very long to make the decision.

It's hard, because since it's not a matter of better explaining the facts to them, there is nothing I can do but pray for a turning of the heart. Many times I have a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. "What if they don't get saved, God? Where's the glory for Your name in that?" It's an honest question that I may not get the answer to until I get to that point. Although I sincerely hope I don't have to ask that question.

But hope springs eternal in this verse. It is impossible for these two people, of their own accord, to be saved. But nothing is impossible for God! No matter how entrenched they are in their own self-focus, God can break through, shine the light of His grace and mercy on them and claim them as His own! Hallelujah, what a thought! I daydream of letting all those around me know about how God broke the heart these people and saved their lives. I really hope I see it happen; if not I know there will still be a lesson there. Whatever the case, I will continue to pray to the only one who can even do anything about it.

Lord, save these two people who weigh on my heart so much. Break the crust around their hearts and lead them to Your comfort. Reveal to them their need for a savior change their lives. Above all, let Your name be glorified.

Numbers 32,33

33:55 "But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in you eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live."

The Israelites are warned to obey God's command fully or they will bear the consequences later.

What is of concern here is complete submission to God's plan for our lives. I see in this a metaphor for the life of the Christian and command to continually drive sin out of our lives. While we won't achieve perfection on this side of glory, we are to be making headway continuously in the battle against sin.

Sometimes we harbor a little corner of our heart and pretend God won't mind if we hang on to that sin. Most of the time these are bad habits that we know will take work to weed out. Rather than beseech the Lord for the strength and resources to carry out His will, we decide we'll focus on other areas and leave the bad habit alone. Maybe we'll try to fool ourselves with some rationalization that the sin isn't that bad, or isn't really sin at all!

We should heed the warning that if left unattended, that sin will become "pricks in our eyes and thorns in our sides."

Lord, help me to seek out sin in my life, repent of it, and seek Your help in preventing it from coming back. Help me to detest sin as You do. Help me to submit to Your will fully and not half-heartedly.

Mark 9:30-50

9:37 "Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me."

Jesus uses a child who, as a member of society, has the humblest estate of all to make a point. We must humble ourselves by serving even the humblest people to be considered great in the kingdom of God.

I was reflecting on this passage and started thinking about my Sunday School class. I teach the 2 & 3 year old class at my church. It has been an educational and sometimes frustrating experience for me as I many times struggle to bring my thought processes down to a 2 year old level so I don't leave my kids in the dust. The undeniably best part about teaching this class, however, has been bonding with the kids.

At the beginning of the year, there was one boy in particular (we'll call him "Henry") who hated being dropped off for Sunday School. He would protest, cling to his dad, and cry well after his father had left before he would calm down. As time went by, the length of time crying after being dropped off got shorter and shorter. Now Henry seems happy to come to class and has a good time from the start. The coolest thing of all is that they all recognize me and seem to like me on some level (which makes teaching them a lot easier!). I feel like they're all my nieces and nephews which has made teaching them about God so much more exciting and significant.

I feel a responsibility to make some kind of impact on their lives and minds that will help prepare them to accept Christ as their savior later. It's such an exciting prospect! I daydream about getting to heaven and talking to these kids and their Creator and being able to see how my small contribution in their lives became a part of the puzzle resulting in salvation.

So I hope any of you who have kids or interact with kids on a regular basis remember Jesus' attitude towards children. Don't brush them off as insignificant. Don't forget about them while you look for "bigger fish to fry". Take the time to teach a child about God's grace. Sit down with a kid and share how Jesus made the heavens and the earth. You'll find a renewed excitement for the Lord as you observe their wonder, and as you minister to them, you glorify Jesus, and not only Him, but the One who sent Him.

Lord, thank You for the children. Thank You for my two boys as well as the class of children You have assigned me to teach recently. Help me to take my ward seriously, and help me to minister to them faithfully. Most of all Lord, I pray that You work in the hearts of all "my kids" today to prepare them to receive salvation tomorrow.