March 9, 2010, Luke 4

Key Verses:

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'"

(Luke 4:1-4)


Central Truth

Jesus had the tools to "win" over Satan; so do we.


CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREPARATION

Teams & Players:

Satan, Hades College -vs- Jesus of Nazareth, Galilee University

Experience & Stats:

* Satan: Fallen angel, most talented of all angels. Multiple championships. Biggest victory, 'Serpent -vs- Adam & Eve' Tostitos Bowl. Satan in a 5,000 year Senior @ HC.

* Jesus of Nazareth: Son of God. Home Schooler. Good carpenter. Jesus is a true Freshman @ GU.

Game Plans:

Satan:

1.) Temp & beat Jesus at His own game . . . . Use God's word! "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here; for it is written, 'He will give His angels charge concerning you; and on their hands they will rear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' " (Luke 4:9-11).

2.) I pick the "field" & I make the "rules"! My turf, the wilderness . . . home field advantage! 40 days without "timeouts" or "halftime," plus Jesus is not eating . . . . I will wear Him down. He will break.

3.) Superior Playbook! My "trick" plays have worked for 5,000 years. Jesus will "bite," and get burned!

Jesus of Nazareth:

1.) Spiritual Prep: Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. "And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness." (Luke 4:1) "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit . . . . " (Luke 4:14).

2.)Mental Prep: Know the Playbook! The best Defense is a good Offense. The sword of the Spirit, God's word! "It is written . . . " (Luke 4:4) " It is written . . . ." (Luke 4:8) "It is written . . . . " (Luke 4:12)

3.) Physical Prep: Fast! My body will be kept under submission in order to assist me in the execution of my Coach's (God's) Game Plan! "[F]or 40 days, being tempted by the devil . . . . And He ate nothing during those days . . . ." (Luke 4:2)


OK, Jesus the ultimate competitor and "gamer" approaches this huge competition against Satan with a very specific "Game Plan." His preparation & execution addresses and involves His entire being, Spirit, Mind & Body! He plays to WIN because there is so much at stake!

How well do we know the "Game Plan"? How prepared are we to compete in our own daily" competitions" against Satan, the world, and ourselves . . . ?!!

I love this Chapter, and this story! It resonates with my competitive nature as I read about Jesus going undefeated & unscored on against Satan! I love the fact that Jesus uses nothing more than what God has provided for His victory! We have access to the same "gear," the "playbook," "pads," and "weapons" to defeat Satan and WIN big!

This needs to be our mindset each day we "take the field." Remember, we have on our team: A Hall of Fame Coach - God the Father! An All -American Quarterback - God the Son! An All-SEC, Offensive & Defensive Line - God the Spirit! And the ultimate and time tested "playbook," God's Word!

By the way, Jesus of Nazareth of Galilee defeated Satan of Hades College 40 to "zip" in that Championship Game! Jesus earned "O" & "D" MVP Player of the Game and cinched the Heisman Trophy that year as a true Freshman!

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 1 Corinthians 9:24

"Play Like A Champion Today!"

March 8, 2010, Luke 3

Key Verse:

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?"

(Luke 3:7)

Central Truth:

Are you getting in damp or saturated?


DO YOU WANT FIRE INSURANCE or LIFE INSURANCE?

Hi. Welcome to Piedmont Insurance. Would you like fire insurance or life insurance today? Have you ever thought about that question? Did Jesus leave the comforts of heaven, live on this earth, perform miracles, endure ridicule, and suffer immensely on a cross just so you won't go to hell? Well, maybe; but what if he did all of that and so much more so we could live a life beyond our wildest expectations? What if we could get up, go to work and actually be happy? What if we could take care of our whiny screaming children all day and have joy? What if we could drive to Wal-Mart and not get angry as we get cut off by some crazy driver! What if... The list goes on and on.

Scripture tells us that John was sent ahead of Jesus to prepare a way for him - much like messengers used to do for Kings. (They would take a trip before their King to make sure everything was in order and ready for his arrival.) In our key verse, John was telling the people to get their lives in order so they could be ready for Jesus. He saw that people were wanting to get "baptized," but they were refusing to turn to Jesus for life and salvation. Being a Christian is more than just getting a little wet. We are called to be in a relationship with Jesus, to produce good fruit (vs. 9), to share with those who don't have (vs. 11), and to do our jobs well and with fairness (vs. 14). All of these things collectively are called "obeying." And when we obey, God blesses!

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is John 10:10. I think it may be safe to say that this verse could be your favorite as well. "The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy;I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This kind of life is about Jesus' overflowing forgiveness, love, guidance, peace, security, and joy, and yes, it is even FUN!! I don't know about you, but I will take His blessings any day! Life is just way to hard to go about it without a Savior. I want to live a life with passion and excitement. I want to be unleashed to live for Christ. I want to live for a purpose. I don't want to squeak into heaven a little damp. I want to be saturated, soaking wet, with my arms stretched out ready to bow down to my amazing savior and thank him for the blessing of life he provided! And, yes, while I am glad to have fire insurance, it is the LIFE insurance I am eternally grateful for!!

March 5, Luke 2

Key Verses:

All who heard the shepherd’s story were amazed.
(Luke 2:18).

. . . She (Anna, the prophet) talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

(Like 2:38)

Central Truth:

Those that met Jesus, told everyone.

TELL EVERYONE ?

When the Shepherds left the manger scene I imagine that they started to head back to their fields. Along the way they were probably recounting the events they had just witnessed. Their excitement - that they had just seen the Messiah first hand - would have been uncontainable. After all, this is the child that God had promised and that all the Jews had been awaiting for generations. As they passed a corner near the edge of town their boisterous excitement would catch the attention of a bystander, and they’d share what had just happened. It would have been like the local team just won the super bowl, but nobody in town knew yet. The excitement is just infectious. They told all the people they passed.

Later when Joseph went to have Jesus blessed, one of the prophets there went nuts about Jesus and began telling everyone that the Messiah had arrived. She told everyone about Jesus. She told everyone. Do you tell everyone? I don’t.

I truly admire my brother-in-law’s, mother. Adella had the sweetest angelic quality that made you smile when you where around her or anytime you thought about her. When you were having a conversation with her, her normal response to most anything positive was, “praise God!” For instance, “yes, Adella, I have the weekend off. So I can join the family for the birthday party.” “Oh good! Praise Jesus!” would be her reply. She said, “God bless you” when most would say, “bless you.” She often told us of how the Lord was blessing her. She injected Jesus into any conversation with anyone at will. She did not do it in a way that made folks uncomfortable. She was just a sweet soft spoken lady that you could tell loved people and loved Jesus.

Now, I love Jesus, and I’m sure most of our readers do too; but have I told everyone? When considering the number of people I know and those I regularly interact with, do they all know the impact Jesus has made on me? I’m not sure I am an “everyone” kinda guy like Anna. I’m not sure I’m an “all” type guy like the shepherds. Am I a “most” kinda guy? “Some”? “Few”? I pray that God will make me into the kinda guy that shares this news with everyone.

March 4, 2010, Luke 1

Key Verse:

“And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” 

(Luke 1:20)

Central Truth: 

Faith consistently pushes us to believe in new things we do not yet understand. This means learning to listen for God’s voice, even when we’re having trouble believing the message.

“Can you hear Me now? Can you hear Me now? Can you he…”

I can identify with Zachariah. God slams a good revelation in his face. Boldly. Explosively. A “smacked-in-the-head-by-a-2x4” revelation. This is not one of those cute little coincidences that we often see and sometimes hope might be a “sign” from God. No, God wanted to make Himself clear. So Zachariah got a “sit-down” with God’s official messenger. Yet, ole Zach still stopped to ask: “Is this real? Am I really hearing what I think I’m hearing? Like, really? Seriously? Are you for real? Or are you just pullin’ my leg?” A face-to-face visit with the ANGEL GABRIEL was still not enough for Zachariah to believe without question. (This is so me). So I guess that’s why Gabriel got annoyed. But God had a purpose for taking Zachariah’s voice.

How many times have I known that God wanted to bless me, wanted to show me love, wanted to discipline me (which is just another way He shows His love), wanted to SHOUT to me: “I am your Father and I love you.” And not just shout to me with words, but with actions. Yet still I question. “Are you serious? You want me to be happy? Youwant to give me the desires of my heart? You want to spend time working on me?”

Deep down, I think Zach knew God had the ability to come through. But his questions were rooted in doubt that God WANTED to bless him. After all, it had been so looonnnggg. If God was really going to come through, wouldn’t He have done it already? If God really wanted to bless Zachariah with a child, He could have made it happen, any time, any place. BAM! Just like Emeril says. So why would God wait so long? --- The answer lies in the question: How was God using the waiting to build and shape and sculpt Zachariah in the meantime?

And why did God take his voice for months? Maybe God needed to get his attention. Maybe after years of Zach feeling sorry for himself, feeling beat-down, trampled and neglected, God had to remind Zach that he still had blessings, that he still had good stuff to lose. God always has a purpose for what He does. Sometimes He tells us, sometimes He doesn’t. Sometimes we listen, sometimes we don’t. Can you hear Him now?

March 3, Mark 16

Key Verse:

Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

(Mark 16:20)

Central Truth:

Becoming one of Jesus’ followers means we receive His power to SERVE!

POWER TO SERVE

Have you ever thought about that when you become a believer, you have the Holy Spirit literally living in you? Most church goers have likely heard that. But have you realized that means you have the POWER of Christ in you? I was struck by that in this chapter. The Jesus that took all of my sin, died, came back to life, and ascended in heaven also left ME the chance to have His Spirit abide in my body.

My Bible notes say, “the world sees power as a way to gain control over others. But Jesus, with all authority and power, chose to serve others.”

Many times I’ve thought how having the Holy Spirit inside me means I’m saved, I’m loved, I’m helped in daily life; but it means also that I’m empowered. So what do I have the “power” to do? Selfishly, I like to think I have the power to be strong, discerning, wise, secure, etc. But we also have the power to SERVE, beyond ways the world can serve. I believe that’s when we are most like Jesus. He was not just a leader, but a servant-leader. Jesus is in heaven now, but we get a chance to partner with Him and serve others - the way He would.

I clearly remember one family holiday far better than any others. I love my family and the turkey and the traditions, but the Thanksgiving that sticks out for me wasn’t about that. My parents decided to take my two teenage brothers and elementary-aged me to the homeless shelter on Thanksgiving Day to serve them their dinner. I remember being afraid and uncomfortable as I put all the green beans on the plates. I remember sitting down with my dad and a man with nothing to his name and realizing, as my dad was so friendly and respectful in his conversation with this man, that he was a person just like I was. He had needs for acceptance, friendship, and love just like I did. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. I can sincerely say that is my favorite Thanksgiving memory. And it had NOTHING to do with me.

Mark 16:20 says, his “disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord WORKED WITH THEM”. What if you and I prayerfully seek out where he wants us to “preach”? (which I think can be more than just words…but actions that show who Christ is to others). He will work with us to accomplish His purpose! Cool! I don’t have to do it all. I reach out, and He will work WITH me. That makes a daunting job seem less daunting. Even if I mess up, I have the God of the universe working with me on the job; so, will His plan be ruined? I don’t think so!

Let’s be different from the world, like we’re supposed to be, and quit looking out for number one. We'll find that the best way to fulfill the life of “number one” is by impacting the lives of others for eternity!

March 2, 2010 - Mark 15

Key Verse:

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

(Mark 15:34)


Central Truth:

Sometimes life is scary; but one thing is for sure, God has a plan.
IT'S NOT ABOUT ME
For the last few weeks, it has seemed like everything is going wrong. The car has problems, the kids need new cleats, the check that was supposed to be here didn't come, and the power bill was outrageous. I look around and think, "God, what have I done wrong? I go to church, pay tithes, volunteer? Do I have to sleep at the church every Saturday night or mow the preacher's lawn to get a little relief around here?"
But then, as I read over my chapter this week, it slapped me right between the eyes. It's not all about me. I can try to make it all about me; but God has a plan, and most of the time, his plan and mine aren't going to match up perfectly. It's like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole: without taking a little off of the sides and sacrificing an important part of the square, it probably won't work.

Now, does that mean that God won't let us make our mistakes? Absolutely not. Our way just won't work out like we want it to. Things will occur until He can steer us back on track for His plan, or we will just waller around in our pity until we seek His will and realize what we need to do.

In Mark 15, Pontius Pilate had the opportunity to stand up for a man who had performed miracles of healing and provision, but that wouldn't have been the popular decision. So, Pontius tried to pass his unwillingness to stand up for what was right on others by asking what they wanted to do with Jesus. Pontius was worried about himself, but it wasn't about him. Maybe Pontius ignored the all the flat chariot wheels and tax collection notices. Maybe he stayed his own path and didn't listen to the angels that may have come and tried to prepare him, but I think God knew Pontius's heart well enough to know that he wouldn't stand up for Jesus. I think God gave him a chance, and Pontius blew it.

Now, to put the things that I am whining about into perspective, I look to the time that Jesus asks why God has forsaken Him. Here Jesus is, in the ninth hour of punishment, being brutally beaten, mocked, cursed at, and hung on a cross. He had cuts and bruises all over his body, a crown of thorns on his head, and nails in his hands and feet. All the while he was beaten, his faith remained untouchable, but then there comes this moment before he takes his last breath that he cries out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" It was at this moment that Jesus bore all of the sins of the world. My sins. Your sins. God can't be a part of that darkness; so my guess is that maybe he turned his head at this point. Jesus had never experienced sin, but now he had a world full of sin on his back. God didn't leave Him. He had to allow it to happen so that I could be forgiven. So that you could be forgiven.

I ask God why my car breaks down. I ask God why life isn't easier. But if life was that easy, I might not be able to reach someone through a devotion. I might not connect with someone on a personal level who thinks that no one else out there has the same problems. I might not invite them to church because they thought that I was unapproachable and wouldn't understand. It may not be easy for us to understand those hardships alone, but, if we seek his will and live everyday to glorify Him, amazing things can happen.

God has a plan.

March 1, Mark 14

KEY VERSE:

"She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

(Mark 14:8-9)

CENTRAL TRUTH:

True worship comes from a heart of gratitude and a true recognition of the depth of our need for the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

LAVISH LOVE

"She did what she could." Wow! I love that. In this room full of pious, proper religious leaders, this woman (who would have no status in these times or in this place) enters and goes directly to Jesus, breaks open an expensive bottle of perfume (possibly her life savings' worth), and pours it on Jesus' head. We know from John's account of the same incident that she goes on to pour it on Jesus' feet and wipe His feet with her hair! Can you imagine the scene?

"Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor,' And they rebuked her harshly." (Mark 14:4-5) The religious leaders begin to judge her and question her motives for the lavish expression of love to Jesus.

Yet, she doesn't pay them any attention. Her focus is completely on the Messiah, her Savior, her Jesus. She knows what the religious leaders had not yet grasped. This Jesus was her Redeemer. He was the reason that she could be free, could be forgiven, His grace, His love had saved her! From the depth of her gratitude comes this expression of true worship. What a freeing experience!

So, my question would be: Are you like the religious leaders that were so full of their own "goodness," good works, and pride that you've forgotten your absolute need for a Savior? or Are you like the woman who loved lavishly on her Savior, no matter who was watching?

The cool part is Jesus' response where He says that "whenever the Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told . . . ." (Mark 14:9) He understood her love and devotion. "She did what she could." So, no more excuses about what you can't do. Do what you can. Reach out to that neighbor, write that letter, sing that song loud from the depths of your heart, dance before the Lord, walk to the beat of a different drummer, love that unlovely person, strive for the applause of ONE, not the world, and fall on your face in gratitude for His grace in your life (have you ever done that?). Do what you can, right where you are. Love lavishly and freely.