It probably isn’t too hard for you to believe that God is perfect. If God really is, well, GOD, then surely He is the embodiment of perfection.
But it’s much more difficult to see yourself in the same way He does. You may think to yourself, Well, I just messed up…again. God must be looking down at me with raised eyebrows, wondering why I don’t yet have my act together. Does God really see you this way? In a word, no.
Once upon a time, you were an enemy of God (see Romans 5:6-11). Yet even as God’s enemy, Christ’s love for you was so fierce that He died for you. And by trusting in Him you are now completely, fully, and totally restored. You are now called a child and a friend of God.
Are there times when you may be wayward? Absolutely. But does this mean God is less likely to welcome you into His presence? Absolutely not. He is standing with arms wide open, always ready to embrace you as a friend.
As Dane Ortlund writes in Gentle and Lowly, “The posture most natural to [Christ] isn’t a pointed finger but open arms.”
When you think about Jesus, are you more likely to picture Him with a pointed finger or with open arms?
If the latter, where do you think these thoughts come from?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, too often there are moments when I see You as looking down on me with a pointed finger. Continue to help me see You as the Father in the story of the prodigal son – a Father who runs to me with open arms. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Scriptures regularly refer to the people of God as sheep. In our culture, the idea of being sheep is generally frowned upon. People are considered to be sheep if they don’t think think for themselves and simply follow the masses. But the Bible doesn’t always have this view of sheep in mind. Instead, it communicates that God and God alone can be our guide. Without Him, we will wander. Without Him, we will be lost.
We see this theme all throughout the Old Testament: Jacob refers to God as shepherd (Genesis 48:15), and the book of Numbers warns against God’s people being like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:16-17). Psalm 23 even begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd…”
With so many references about sheep and the Shepherd, it’s no surprise that Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Yet, it’s essential to remember that a sheep doesn’t listen to its shepherd one time and then go on living. Instead, a sheep is continually listening for the voice of its shepherd. Day by day, moment by moment, sheep listen for the voice of their Shepherd.
In what ways do you pause to hear Jesus’ voice throughout the day?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, there are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of voices I hear every day. And many times it’s difficult to tune out all of those voices so that I’m able to hear Yours more clearly. Today, help me to tune out the voices, worries and fears of the world, so that Your voice and Your voice alone can guide me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
It’s that time of year! Daylight Saving Time has officially come to an end, and the darkness of night will be upon us much earlier. This provides less time for outdoor chores and more time spent indoors. In other words, it’s a great time of year to dive into a good book.
As an avid reader, I (Pastor Justin) could provide many recommendations. But here are a handful of the favorites I’ve enjoyed throughout 2020 and 2021.
Study Bibles:
If you’re looking for a good Study Bible, here’s a post I wrote a couple years ago. Not much has changed on my recommendations list, and I continue to recommend the Life Application Study Bible as a great all-around study bible.
Christian / Spiritual Formation:
I really enjoy reading about Discipleship and Spiritual growth. While there are many pastors/authors highly dedicated to the topic, some of my personal favorites include:
Peter Scazzero believes, and I agree with him, that our emotional and spiritual health are intertwined. As such, one cannot grow emotionally without also growing spiritually. His books and studies are excellent resources and have had a tremendous impact in my life over the past 7-8 years.
How does Jesus Christ feel about His people amid all their sins and failures? Dane Ortlund poetically answers this question in detail throughout this modern classic. If there are five books on the topic of Spiritual Formation I’d like to read every year, the above two by Peter Scazzero and Gentle and Lowly would all make the cut.
There are two books I regularly refer to on the topic of Forgiveness. One is The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu. But the one I most recommend is TerKeurst’s Forgiving What You Can’t Forget. You’ll need to grab a blank journal as you navigate through this one, as there will be some specific questions asked to help you Collect the Dots, Connect the Dots, and Correct the Dots for any relationships in which forgiveness may be needed.
If you enjoy some classics such as the Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings, the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson will surely capture your heart. I’ve read through the series three times and will likely delve into it again sometime this Winter. Peterson does an outstanding job crafting a story with themes of family, friendship, and grace. Whether a child or an adult, the series is an excellent read. And for those who love audiobooks, Andrew Peterson released a new edition in 2021 in which he narrates the books.
Others:
As an avid reader (48 books and counting for 2021), I could mention so many more. This year I’ve enjoyed a wide variety of books, from Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, to Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, to Midnight Library by Matt Haig. My girls and I also enjoy a number of Fantasy/Sci-Fi books by Brandon Sanderson. While none of the above fall into a ‘Christian’ genre (and many may receive a PG-13 rating), there are a lot of great books out there, and this is the perfect time of year to pick one up.
If you’re looking for a book on a specific topic (or others in the Fiction category) that may not be mentioned above, feel free to leave a comment and let me know.
In Jesus’ day a Rabbi (teacher) would only choose the best of the best students to study under them. Students who showed great potential – usually those who had tremendous knowledge of the Old Testament – were deemed worthy of continuing education. As such, a Rabbi would approach only a select few students to say, “Follow me.” To receive such an invitation was a great honor.
When Jesus approached men such as Peter and his brother Andrew, as well as James and John, it’s likely that other Rabbis had passed them by. As trained fisherman, it is not that they would have been uneducated. Nevertheless, they were not seen as the best and brightest of their graduating class. As such, they turned their attention to a career as fishermen.
But Jesus did not pass them by. He saw something within them nobody else could see. He was able to see the depths of their potential. He was able to see beyond their head knowledge and instead see their full purpose. So He invited them to follow Him so they could discover and fulfill that purpose. It’s the same invitation He offers you today.
What kinds of people did Jesus invite to follow Him? What does this say about His nature and character?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, there are moments when I feel unworthy to receive an invitation to follow You. Yet, Jesus’ choosing of the twelve disciples shows that He wasn’t looking for what society may have deemed the best and brightest. He was able to see something within them they couldn’t see within themselves. Today, help me to see myself in the way You see me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Take the opportunity to review this week’s questions and scripture readings.
What is one way you’ve grown this week in your understanding of God, yourself, and others?
Take some extra time today to write out a prayer to God. Share your heart, fears, and feelings with Him, knowing He is intently listening, and believing He is with you in all things.
Think about a time when you felt totally, completely, wholly loved. What was that experience like? Why do you think that memory has stuck with you so strongly through the years?
When Jesus interacted with people, there’s no denying that He had a tremendous impact on their lives. Those He healed were immediately freed from a burden that may have been hindering them for years. Those who struggled with unforgiveness were challenged to forgive those who had wronged them. Those who had sinned against others and were experiencing shame were challenged to receive forgiveness. In short, those who listened to His teachings remembered the stories and illustration He used for years.
Some would’ve taken the opportunity to compare His teaching to the Old Testament, only to discover that His life completely adhered to the most important law – the law of love.
Today, write out your own definition of the word love. Then spend some time reviewing some of the passages you’ve read this week. In what ways is your definition of love similar to or different from the life and ministry of Jesus?
In what ways is your definition of love similar to or different from the life and ministry of Jesus?
What is one way you will adhere to the law of love today?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, as I wrote out my own definition of the word love today, I acknowledge that it still felt somewhat incomplete. It’s difficult to define such a complex word in just a few words. However, I continue to realize how Jesus lived out of the law of love in every circumstance. Help me continue to be like Him and to reflect His love upon a broken world. I pray in His holy name. Amen.
If you read through the Gospels carefully, you’ll discover that people respond to Jesus in a number of different ways. Some were attracted to His teaching. He showed tremendous care and compassion toward those who were beat down and despised and they eagerly listened to His teaching. Others were more ambivalent. They had likely heard a number of good teachers throughout their lives, yet didn’t have a strong desire to listen to or apply the principles from the teachings they heard.
But there was another group of people who responded to His teaching quite harshly. They believed that Jesus was breaking God’s laws and not upholding them. Following and obeying the law was most important to them.
Jesus, however, never did break God’s law. Instead, He practiced living out the principles of God’s law in the manner it was intended to be lived out. Not as a checklist, but as a path to overcome the consequences of sin and death. The result is extraordinary. Jesus healed people of their physical and spiritual pain. And their lives were never the same again.
What areas of your life do you consider to be healthy? Do you have any you consider to be sick (Mark 2:17)? What steps will you take today to be in good health emotionally and spiritually? Be specific.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, it’s clear from the Gospels that Jesus was, and is, One who heals. The healing He provides may be physical, but the real healing is a spiritual one. Today, I simply ask that You help me to remember that I’ve received a tremendous spiritual healing and I can cling to it in every circumstance. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Imagine for a moment that you’ve just finished a very busy day. You were on your feet for 16 or more hours. You interacted with hundreds of people, each of whom was vying for your time and asking if you could help them in some way. Finally, the day comes to an end and you quickly fall into a deep sleep.
How would you begin the next day? Would you choose to sleep in? Would you plan to get up at the normal hour but take the day nice and slow?
The above scenario was common during the life and ministry of Jesus. But on more than one occasion, He responded by getting up early the following day and then seeking out an isolated place to pray. He wanted to eliminate any possible distractions so He could spend some one-on-one time with his heavenly father.
As you read today, take some time to think about why Jesus sought out an isolated place to pray. Similarly, take some time to identify any distractions that may be hindering your prayer life.
Why do you think Jesus got up early to seek out an isolated place to pray?
What are some things that are distracting you from spending quality time with God in prayer? In what ways would you benefit from regularly spending time alone in prayer? Be specific.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, Your Word says that each and every moment of my life ought to be in prayer – in close communion with You. Today, may I recognize Your gracious presence in every area of my life. I also pray that I’m able to easily recognize Your voice and be comforted by Your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
A.W. Tozer once wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
If you dig through the layers of this statement you’ll recognize that it has profound implications on your day-to-day life. The most important thing about you all boils down to what comes into your mind when you think about God.
So…what thoughts do come into your mind when you think about God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)? If you had to narrow it down to just two or three words, what would you say?
The unfortunate truth is that for many of us, we see and think about God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) through the lens of our culture. Your family of origin, your childhood church experiences, the entertainment industry, all impacts what you think about when you think about God. Much of it may be accurate. But some of it may be woefully inaccurate.
As we begin this new message series, consider this: What is your understanding of God? Is it from your culture or from the Scriptures? As you read today, begin to expand your understanding of God.
If you needed to use just two or three words to share your understanding of God, what words would you choose?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that my culture likely has a greater impact on my view of You than I may realize. As I read through passages in the Gospel of Mark this week, I simply pray that my understanding of who You are will become more and more aligned with the Scriptures. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Take the opportunity to review this week’s questions and scripture readings.
What is one way you’ve grown this week in your understanding of God, yourself, and others?
Take some extra time today to write out a prayer to God. Share your heart, fears, and feelings with Him, knowing He is intently listening, and believing He is with you in all things.
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