November 1
Matthew
25:31-46; John 12:20-50; Mark 14:1-11; Matthew 26:1-16;
Luke
22:1-6; John 12:1-11
Holy
Father, when I read that Jesus will say, “Come, you are blessed by My Father”
it makes me look at the Beatitudes of Matthew’s 5th chapter a little
differently. It is You – Your Spirit –
that reveals Your holiness, which exposes sin and brings brokenness and poverty
of spirit, which brings mournfulness and repentance of sin, which results in
the abandonment of arrogance and the embracing of meekness, which results in a
hunger for righteousness, which of course produces a whole new method of
interaction called mercy, which purifies the heart and promises a visual
revelation of God, resulting in wanting others to know the peace that is only
given by Christ, and of course when this message of peace is shared it
inevitably leads to the highest blessing of persecution. You revealed Your
blessings through Your Son in the Sermon on the Mount. You now reveal the end result, the
inheritance of the blessed. Amen.
November 2
Mark
14:12-17; Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14; John 13:1-20;
Mark
Luke
22:24-30
Father, it
is so difficult to enter this reading, but of course, it is always
needful. The emotion of Jesus becomes
more intense and easier to sense as I read.
John was probably the most dramatic writer and he adds the account of
the foot-washing. The themes of taking
up one’s cross and laying down one’s life begin to
unfold more dramatically here, but they are still imbedded within other themes
like the Passover meal, service, and betrayal.
Father, all of these strike my heart, because of a life of many
failures. And yet, I am also stricken
with the emotion of Your grace and mercy in that You
have passed over my failures because of belief in the shed blood of Jesus – His
death, burial, and resurrection. When we
sing songs of Your love and the extent of Your love,
we actually cannot comprehend – we can only bask in the light of Your love,
revealed to us in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
November 3
Mark
Mark
14:27-31; Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:31-38;
John 13:36
to 15:17
Loving
Father, I see this “new commandment” and wish to affirm it again. You had already noted the commandment to
“love your neighbor” but this was something new. You speak now of a “family” love that would
actually cause others to know that we are disciples. Loving within the Church reveals love for
Jesus. It can’t be hidden. It can’t be suppressed. We love Him, so we love one another. The disciples would panic and scatter, but
they couldn’t remain apart for long. We
sometimes become overwrought because we may have failed our Lord or our Church
family. It is only natural we should
hurt over this. The pain is a testimony
that we are His. And so we should repent
and embrace once again the peace that Your Son gives. This peace is not like the peace that the
world gives. Father, in the name of
Jesus, grant me true peace and sacrificial love for
Your followers. Amen.
November 4
John 15:18
to 17:26; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46;
Luke
22:39-46
Father, so
much to say – I think the words regarding the world hating those who follow You
may be a bit of an indictment against (so-called) Christianity in America
today. Much too often, Lord we are more
concerned with “propriety” than with delivering your message and (ultimately)
than with the souls of people. Father,
who would of thought (as Jesus stood there) that He could go away and send one
more powerful and more empowering than Him?
But I suppose, at the time, He was in the flesh and in physical ways was
subject to time and space. The Spirit is
not, but clearly the Holy Spirit is all about Jesus. Father, I can’t say much with this pen about
the Lord’s Prayer in John 17, except never has a prayer been recorded like this
one – so beneficial to all and so simple and so perfect for imitation of
style. Finally, Father, thank You that we
can be honest with You in prayer – clear and frank –
and then yield our emotions to Your will.
Amen.
November 5
Mark
14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11;
Mark
14:53-72; Matthew 26:57-75; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:12-27
Father,
what is the difference between betrayal and denial? I suppose betrayal implies one who committed
or vowed to protect or stand with; but then, instead of protecting from danger,
deliberately exposing to danger. Father,
I think the difference, at least in this case is self-prosperity versus
self-protection. One gave Your Son over
to those who meant Him harm. The other
intended no harm to His Lord; he just either panicked in the excitement of the
moment, or was so concerned with staying close to his Lord, (perhaps thinking
He might still call His followers to arms) that he compromised the standard of
truth and lied about being a disciple.
Perhaps he thought it was a justified lie, because the moment was too
important – too urgent. Sometimes
compromises must be made for the “greater good.” Sounds like Peter, Lord. I don’t think Peter lacked courage; I think
he lacked wisdom. In fact, I think he
wrestled with that problem all of his life.
And yet, he was used by You mightily. Father, I lack both courage and wisdom, but I
know with your Holy Spirit, I will have an abundance of both. May it be so, Lord. Amen.
November 6
Matthew
27:1-10; Luke 23:1-12; Mark 15:1-5; Matthew 27:11-14;
John
18:28-38
Father in
heaven, reading about Judas, it seems this is the first time I have seen an
example of repentance without belief. I
think it is not a true repentance, because Father, it appears the two
(repentance and belief) are unavoidably joined – one is included in the other
and vice versa. But Judas does confess
that he has sinned, and yet his words reveal he has the Law in mind but not in
heart. Perhaps his intent is betrayed by
the lack of capitalization of the phrase “innocent blood.” He does not seem to believe that Jesus is the
Messiah, but only that He is innocent of the condemnation of the chief priests
and elders. I am not sure, Lord. Only You know if he
meant Innocent Blood in a perfect sense.
Only You know the heart of a person and only
You know who goes to heaven or not. The
truth is, Jesus’ words about the fate of His betrayer
are not words that he will go to hell, but rather that he will regret his
decision with great anguish, which he did.
Ironically, both Judas and Peter were both called devils by Jesus. I realize it is arguable whether or not Jesus
addressed Peter directly. The point is,
one chose – the other did not. And one
had Your protection.
Thank You for Your protection.
Amen.
November 7
Mark
15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25;
John 18:39
to 19:16; Mark 15:16-20a; Matthew 27:27-31;
Luke
23:26-32; Mark 15:20b-21; Matthew 27:32; John 19:17a
Father, I
know that You have emotions and reactions that are
expressed in the languages of man. I
know that we have to be careful how we interpret such passages as we consider Your attributes. But
based on what we are allowed to read of Your emotions
throughout the Old Testament and Your Son’s emotions in the New Testament, I
find such treatment of Jesus unimaginably provocative before You. If anything, it makes me think (once again in
human language) that You must have exercised restraint
that was nothing like human restraint (in measure). My Savior gave Himself obediently, totally
submitted to Your will, interceding for those who
harmed Him, loving those who despitefully used Him. And when I consider His life and His
communications with You, I have to believe (in some sense, Father) You felt all the suffering.
We will soon see the resurrection, but always with the cross in the
visual foreground. Amen.
November 8
Mark
15:22-41; Matthew 27:33-56; Luke 23:33-49; John 19:17b-37
O
Father, how unimaginable the emotion of the Godhead.
Father, I know my language uses human terms loosely, but there seems to
be so much evidence. And yet with that
being written, I also notice in this text (or in me), a sense of unamazement or unexcitement. Maybe what is captured here is how casual of
a day it seemed to be for so many that did not follow Jesus. Today, that same kind of people would have to
admit this almost casual text described the most important event in world
history, even though they may look at it differently than Christians. As unique as each Gospel is, there is one
thing I could not help notice being in all four Gospels. I didn’t check, but Lord, I wouldn’t be
surprised if this was only perfectly common to all four. It is the words, “they crucified Him.” Father, I shudder at the true scope of that
word, “they.” I reckon the scope reaches
me. Thank You for grace, my Lord. Amen.
November 9
Mark
15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42;
Matthew
27:62-66; Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-12;
John
20:1-13; Matthew 28:9-10; John 20:14-18
Wonderful,
Holy, Eternal, Loving Father, how powerful it is to me to consider that my Lord
was claimed by a courageous Joseph while He was still in the womb of Mary, and
now His body is claimed by another courageous Joseph – before His birth and
after His death, God ordained the intervention of individuals bearing the name
which was itself a variation of the name, Jesus. Your salvation was surrounded by Your salvation. Joseph – Jesus – Joseph – amazing grace. And Father, I cannot imagine more drama than
the encounter between Mary Magdalene and the Lord. Father, isn’t this a picture of every genuine
encounter with Jesus – a broken spirit, a sense of great loss and mournfulness,
a quest in meekness that turns into earnestness, hunger, and thirst for that
which is of ultimate value, and then He calls by name – Mary – and the
revelation of the Lord is complete. New
life – eternal life – new Spirit – new everything! Thank You, Father. Amen.
November 10
Matthew
28:11-15; Luke 24:13-43; John 20:19-31; Matthew 28:16-20;
John
21:1-25; Luke 24:44-53
Glorious
Lord and loving Father, it is no wonder to me that so many books have been
written about these verses today. I
think of the books that deal with the critics who grasp at the variations in
the different Gospel accounts. I also
think of the books that use these verses heavily in presenting reasonable
proofs (or defense) of the validity of the resurrection. It strikes me a little funny, Father, that
the same critics who point out the variations would no doubt be the critics who
would cry collusion if the accounts were exactly the same. The appearances of the Lord after His
resurrection are numerous, vivid, and took place over several weeks. He was gracious to the doubters, but says
that greater grace is enjoyed by those who believe without seeing, because of
course that is the essence of faith.
Father, fill my heart with these verses and their sense. Fill me with the Spirit that brings them to
mind when needed. Amen.
November 11
Mark
16:9-20; Acts 1:1 to 2:47
Holy
Father, the first thing that strikes my heart is the importance of prayer,
patience, and being filled with Your Spirit.
The second thing that emerges as being of primary importance is
realizing the message is simple – Jesus died for sins, was buried, and was
raised from the dead as witnessed by many.
The response to the message is also simple; in fact, it is part of the
message – repent – change one’s mental reliance to the Christ preached, and testify to that change by baptism – immersion, showing the
death of one’s old life, and being raised to a new life in Christ. Father, You are
truly holy. One other thing that should
be said is that dedication to the Scriptures and prayer will reveal the Savior
Jesus as Lord. This is obvious in the
New Testament, but it may be even more important to learn what the Old
Testament has to say about our Lord.
This shows You are wholly holy – wholly other –
separate, yet intimate. Praise Your wonderful Name!
Amen.
November 12
Acts 3:1 to
5:16
Father
in heaven, thank You for Peter and John, and for all those through the
centuries, and thank You for my pastor. Simple men,
flawed men, but oh what a difference is created by the prayers of Jesus! Peter was sifted by Satan, but prayed for by
Jesus. And the funny thing is, I find
myself still struggling somewhat when I look at Peter. I am a little more drawn when I consider the
miracles done in the name of Jesus. But
when I read the sermons of Peter, that’s when I see – I visually witness the
power of Jesus’ prayer. And I am so
encouraged. The journey of my pastor
from drugs and homelessness, and my journey from weakness and inconsistency –
we understand the sifting of Satan; but how much more the prayers of our
Savior. The drama of how the Holy Spirit
worked in the newborn Church is exciting and sobering, and if we had lived back
then, we might have added the word “frightening.” But the work was successful. Jesus, You are Lord. You are Lord!
Amen!
November 13
Acts 5:17
to 7:53
Father in
heaven, there is not much open persecution in America today. In general, a person would have to take the
Gospel to another country to be counted worthy of suffering for Your Name. There are isolated exceptions and one or two
advocacy groups that bash Christians, but mostly we can still do what we
want. The problem is, we do not want to do much, because it seems we have become overly concerned with
“stirring the waters.” Lord Jesus, You
said we will suffer persecution if we live godly. I wonder if a lack of the latter indicates a
lack of the former. Help us, Father;
forgive us. Help me; forgive me. I am afraid we have “waited on tables” to an
imbalance and neglected prayer and the ministry of the Word. Stephen does not seem to have this
imbalance. He surely does his assigned
duties, but we also find him causing considerable attention from Jewish leaders
who lied about him, leading to his death.
I don’t know how much study time he got, but it was enough, because he
spoke by Your Spirit. Amen.
November 14
Acts 7:54
to 9:31
Holy
Father, we know the heart is desperately wicked and it cannot be known by any,
except God. We know that Jesus knew what
was in the hearts of people. And we know
that people have different levels of courage, passion, honor, tenderness,
hardness, and various virtues – all coming from the heart. Father, You know all
from beginning to end. Is it wrong to
think that, while forming a human in the womb, You include
a magnificent mystery that might be called free agency, even as the sinfulness
of the parents is passed through their seed?
Is it wrong to believe that the passion and intelligence and diligence
and sincerity (even though misplaced) is seen by You
and employed by You because You know all and You know what it will take? You know how Your Spirit will empower and
employ the unique resources of each individual.
Many theologians would stand against this in defense of Your sovereignty but I wonder if their conclusions
inadvertently diminish Your sovereignty.
It is much to wonder after, but I know Your Word will be my guide. Amen.
November 15
Acts 9:32
to 11:18
My
wonderful Father, processing the amazing account of the Jews realizing the
Gentiles are part of Your plan and are allowed
salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus, is a continuing dynamic. It seems I come to understand Your ways a tiny bit better each time I read this. Thank You.
There is so much here, Father, which seems to fly in the face of
conventional conservative theology. We
know that all of our righteousness is as filthy rags in the eyes of God. We know there is no other name under heaven
whereby men might be saved. And yet here
is a man, Cornelius, who has offered prayer and human benevolence to You, my God, and it reaches You and is responded to. This brings great pause because the man
clearly does not yet understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And then the ironies begin to multiply,
because the man’s devotion to You obviously prompts
Your dispatch of Peter to go to the man and insure he hears and understands the
Gospel. But it doesn’t stop there,
Lord. All of this is so that through
this message he would be saved (11:14), which indicates he was not yet
saved! To say the least, this sure
unsettles a few systematic theologies.
Amen.
November 16
James 1:1
to 3:18
Dear
Father, so many preach relationship versus religion,
but I think the message of the Bible and of James is that true religion flows
from relationship. If relationship flows
from religion, then it is a tragic relationship, because it really is just a
relationship with self. But when a
person has a genuine relationship with You, Father, the actions of that person
will appear to be religious in nature.
Such actions will be pure, humble, generous, consistent, and
disciplined. And it will be because they
flow from love. They should have nothing
to do with trying to produce love. When
we say someone is surely going to heaven because of good deeds, it suggests
that one’s good deeds can produce love from God, but God loved us already –
when we were living in sin. In fact, You loved us so much that You sent Your Son. We cannot produce love in God. God IS love. Thank You, Father, that I do not have to
produce a religion to produce love in You. I just need to trust that You
already love me. Thank You. Amen.
November 17
James 4:1
to 5:20; Acts 11:19 to 12:25
Father in
heaven, be praised this day. Be
glorified in your children in Your Son.
Jesus, may all who see my actions and hear my words know that I have
been with You and live in Your Spirit. Forgive me, fill me, anoint
me for the service appointed to me.
James does an inspired job of proving the thesis that Christianity is
not a part time job – an occasional deed, or periodic piety. He illustrates that a true change of heart
and mind causes a conversion of the entire life. While repentance is initiated with a
decision, it is continued and perpetuated with a conversion. All things become new! Father, help me to live in the light of Your love – in Christ.
I desire no part time repentance.
Please protect my mind and my heart.
Your Word is such a delight to me – may it always light the way. I love the verse (24): but the Word of God
continued to increase and spread. Many
kings and rulers to come would persecute millions, but they would die and the
Word of God would increase. Amen.
November 18
Acts 13:1
to 14:28
Holy
heavenly Father, so often we look at the words written and never consider how
much was not written. This reveals even
greater the inspiration and importance of the words selected by the Holy Spirit
to be presented to us. Your Spirit
speaks in the precise succinctness needed to attract the faith in the souls of
listeners. Dear Lord, as someone once
said, “If you have to be brief, be brilliant,” so has Your Spirit perfectly
blended wisdom and brevity. Apparently,
Luke received an inscription of Paul’s sermon at Pisidian
Antioch. Although it is brief, it
appears complete. Considering the
environment, it likely was (wisely) brief, yet full. There was a clear opening, perfect to draw in
his audience of Jews; and a clear closing, intended to bring his listeners not
just to a decision but to a conversion.
He does not push for a public decision, but for a private decision to
convert, which inevitably becomes public knowledge. Gospel speakers would do well to study Paul’s
technique. Thank You, Lord for the wonderful
examples. Amen.
November 19
Galatians
1:1 to 4:7
My Father,
I think the problem Paul dealt with in Galatia us a continuing problem. In fact, it is an easy thing to slip
into. We turn around and are justified
by faith in Christ, and then we turn around and try to improve our position
before the Father (before You) with good works. Father, may my love for You
and your love in me always be the motivations for doing good works. May it never be a love for my position in Christ and a desire to
improve that position, but let it be only love for Christ Himself. How quickly we can move from liberty to
bondage. How quickly we can jump from
the Tree of Life to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and evil. Keep us Father, by Your
mighty hand and Your outstretched arm.
Do not guide us in wrath. Father,
be patient with Your children so prone to
deviation. Bring us to our last breath
sanctified by love. In
Jesus Name. Amen.
November 20
Galatians
4:8 to 6:18
Father,
Your Word is relentlessly wonderful!
Paul teaches so much. In fact, he
teaches the teacher many things here.
One thing is the exposition of Scriptures regarding its symbolic
value. Of course, when he interprets
figuratively, he simply brings out an obvious and clear, inspired message. He is not arbitrary and subjective. He is not using Scripture to support an ego. He shows Sripture
interpreting Scripture. Father, I so appreciate the listing that Paul gives regarding the
sinful nature. But also important
is the word “obvious” just before the list, and the closing phrase “and the
like.” These words, along with the list
make a perfect statement, but if any one of those (the opening, the list, and
the closing) had been left out, someone would have
made a religion out of it. Perhaps some
try anyway, but they act foolishly if they do.
Father, what a powerful teaching that Paul delivers to
rescue the Galatians. Thank You,
Lord. Amen.
November 21
Acts 15:1
to 16:40
Father, it
seems Your hand deliberately preserved a specific
group of apostles and elders (even through the persecutions) as a primary
source of inquiry concerning disputes in doctrine. Paul and Barnabus
were apostles and recognized by all in that capacity, but they were also
recognized as those who would need to petition this council in Jerusalem. Father, this reveals a structure that seems
very wise to me – a structure of submission and accountability. I suspect there is more to the structure than
is revealed here, but the language remains fairly silent about it. I think this reflects Your
holiness, which when applied to Your creatures, means they are set apart for
Your purposes. They are placed in the
perfect place within Your plan to accomplish Your
purpose. It seems when holiness is
pursued, structure is discovered – divine structure. Each person is in his/her own place according
to Your purpose.
And when one realizes this, concerns are relieved, and peace and joy
prevail. At least, that is the case with
me. Thank You, Father. Amen.
November 22
Acts 17:1
to 18:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:1 to 2:16
Father, it
is interesting to me how the Bereans are praised over
the Thessalonians by Luke, regarding their respect for anyone preaching and
teaching the Scriptures, while confirming the message in private. It seems they distrusted the messenger and
their own knowledge of the Scripture, but their hunger for truth drove them to
validate or cease their distrust. But
what really captures me, Father, is even with Luke’s deliberate (and inspired)
praise of the Bereans over the Thessalonians,
Paul praises the Thessalonians and their faith as a model for all of Macedonia
and Achaia. Paul is especially impressed
with their suffering for the Gospel, but he is also careful to record the
powerfully simple testimony they gave to those from other towns who were
visiting. I don’t know if the testimony
would impress the theologians of Berea, but then I am not reading of the global
testimony of just the Bereans – am I? Thank You, Father for simple faith and
powerful testimonies. Amen.
November 23
1
Thessalonians 2:17 to 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Holy
Father, I know that Paul deals strongly with views and actions regarding end
times. But he also deals strongly with
issues of morality, purity, and holy living.
Indeed, it appears that he is dealing with problems, (likely heard from
Timothy) that apparently show the two issues are connected somehow. One thing I am certain of is that if I had to
pick a single word to summarize what Paul is communicating, it would be
“sanctification.” And I never cease to
be amazed by the mystery of divine/human cooperation in this. Father, my heart is always laid open before You. No one can hide
even a single, tiny thought. You know
that it makes me want to scream at times when I think that we simply cannot
stand against temptation without Your help, and yet we
are held responsible for failures. I am
consoled in this by the work of Your merciful grace in
forgiveness, but it is not cheap, and should never be thought so. Be glorified, my God. Amen.
November 24
2
Thessalonians 2:1 to 3:18; Acts 18:18 to 19:41
Loving
Father, this is so rich a section of Scripture that I am surprised at the
length. There is so much in Your Word
that surprises me with delight. That is
a pleasant change, because there was a time when most of the surprise was
negative. Today I was a little surprised
to read that “not everyone has faith.”
The context refers specifically to evil men. Father, since You
allot to every man a measure of faith, it appears that one can lose the faith
that You have given. This is confirmed
in chapter 2. When men refuse to love
the truth, You apparently dignify their choice with
strong delusion. And faith cannot
co-exist with delusion. I suppose then
that “lose” is not the right word to use regarding those who no longer are
capable of believing truth. Instead of
“lose” it would be better to say “deliberate expulsion.” Father, I was also a bit surprised by the
phrase “keep away from every brother who…”
The context reveals much about this, but I think if should be a wake up
call to the way some of us do ministry.
Some things should not be indulged.
Amen.
November 25
1
Corinthians 1:1 to 4:21
Father,
Father, sometimes correction calls for gentle handling and sometimes firm
handling. Paul understands both. He obviously wants to be guided by You. He knows he has
the mind of Christ and he knows this operates in tension with the mind of
man. Father, too often in life I have
yielded to the mind of man, not just operating in others but in me. The mind of Christ guided but I
resisted. The Lord never ceased His
loving Shepherding, but the servant was rebellious and mischievous. Forgive me Father. I know You have
forgiven me. Father, I thank You that You have given me the mind of Christ when You
filled me with the Spirit of Christ. May
I live after Your Spirit – not after the things of the flesh (the mind of man). Help me to see
others through Your eyes and treat them with the mercy
that yields righteousness. The message
of Grace is not a message that fits comfortably into the mind of man. And in fact, only Your
intervention makes the message of our salvation receivable. Amen.
November 26
1
Corinthians 5:1 to 7:40
Father, the
clarity here is such that I would think much of the biblical commentary for
other Scripture would be found here. Paul is blunt, but he detects that he must
be because of the flagrant toleration of immorality in the church. This clarity exposes some underlying messages
that may be less clear in other areas of Scripture – but no ambiguity here. It fascinates me that no sexually immoral
person will inherit the kingdom of God, but the man in the church who was
committing sexual sin should be turned over to Satan so his spirit would be
saved while his sinful nature is destroyed.
Apparently, it is possible for a person who has genuinely repented to have
a lapse in judgment and be drawn into immorality. And apparently this person does not lose the
salvation of his spirit. Father, this
shakes the sensibilities of many, but it squares with the rest of
Scripture. Thank You, Father, for Your calling of us.
Amen.
November 27
1
Corinthians 8:1 to 11:1
Father of
Glory – Wonderful Savior – Generous Lord, I love You
and I want to know You. I am struck by
all of the reading today, but perhaps a summary will help my focus and my
interaction with You.
I will use three thoughts in the reading. The first is “Am I not free?” Father, I thank You
that all is permissible. I thank You that the only constraint given me is the constraint of
love – love for You – love for others.
This brings me to the second thought.
If I wound the weak conscience of a brother, I sin against Christ. And so I see again that my
freedom operates with complete liberty constrained only by love, which of
course can only be truly offered by free will. And the third thought is “Whether I eat or
drink or whatever I do, do it all for the glory of God.” Again, Father, I am brought to the lone
constraint of love. This is written
last, but truly it goes first; because true love for You
and then for others, is the only path of genuine personal freedom. Amen.
November 28
1
Corinthians 11:2 to 13:13
My Father,
Your love is true love – the only force that never fails. That is why Your Word said You
are love. There is nothing that
describes better Who You are. Which is not to set this against other words
describing You, such as holy. You are all these things in simplicity. One does not stop where the other
starts. You are not a god of components. You are the God of simplicity. Paul could not have been more inspired than
when he wrote these 13 verses and placed them where he did. Father, this was Your
doing and I thank you. I know that
unless my life conforms with chapter 13, all else is
wasted and useless. And yet, I think
chapter 13 is impossible except in Christ.
Indeed it is a description of being in Christ. It is a description of being baptized into
Christ – into His Body – into His Spirit.
Not only is it being totally immersed into the Spirit of Christ, it is
being totally filled even to overflowing with His Spirit. Father, it is the initial, as well as the
ultimate, evidence of this baptism. May
it be so with me, Father. Amen.
November 29
1
Corinthians 14:1 to 15:34
Father of
Glory, when I read through this section, I wonder about the many prevalent
misconceptions regarding style of worship or what the Gospel really is. Could it be that the church at Corinth (in
its early days) is alive and (not so) well today? I have been to churches, Father, that worship
in a very disorderly, confusing way; and that do not have a single person who
can speak clear and biblically about the Gospel. And it appears there are many of them. It seems to me that the Bible is either
ignored or mishandled by many that call themselves Christians. Father, how can a person be a Christian, when
they do not know the Christ of the
Bible? We should seek to work though
this wonderful gift – the Scriptures – in a systematic way. By Your grace it is do-able. Laziness does not desire to try to do
this. Many prefer to incline toward the
strongest entertainment style of worship, but what about the message
preached? That is the way You are pleased to save.
Praise Your Name. Amen.
November 30
1
Corinthians 15:35 to 16:24; Acts 20:1-6; 2 Corinthians 1:1 to 2:4
My Father,
it seems there is no limit to Your lavish
generosity. You give us the confidence
of Your seal upon us and fill us with Your Spirit as a
deposit to guarantee what is to come.
Even now we enjoy the benefits of eternal life. We have a blessed hope that enriches every
moment, every thought, every action. You erase the vanity and flood our lives with
meaning that comes from access to Your throne through
Christ. Every breath is for Your glory, and so every breath reaches beyond the
perishable dust of the body. You command
us through Paul to do everything in love, and so we live our lives in ministry
to others. Father, this must be where
the quality of life truly begins, because everything else leaves us flat. There is no abundance in fame, fortune, or
power. Such as these always leaves us in
need of more. But true satisfaction,
true abundant living begins at the taking up of one’s cross and following Jesus
Christ. Amen.
Ó
2007 C. E. Briggs