TITLE: I Desire Mercy…
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 9:13, “But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
OBSERVATION: Can you picture the Pharisee’s reaction when they saw Jesus and his disciples eating with the despised tax collectors and sinners? The Pharisees in Jesus’ day would have never entered the house of a known sinner, much less eaten with them. But Jesus’ response was a condemnation on those self-righteous men who were knowledgeable of the law but failed to fulfill it in their own lives. He challenged them to learn a verse of scripture that they were already familiar with, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, from Hosea 6:6. In this single statement Jesus had condemned generations of Pharisees and experts in the law who were leading the Israelites into a life of lengthy rituals and sacrifice, while forgetting to offer love and mercy to those who needed it.
APPLICATION: Today we live in a world much like in Jesus’ day. In our own community of Bend, it is estimated that eight out of ten people do not attend church or have any religious facilitation. In our own community we can also find Christian groups who ridicule and scoff at those who struggle in a life of alcohol and drug use, and a multitude of other vises that keeps them captive in sin and apart from our Lord. How would Jesus respond to these people? Assuredly with love and mercy. We need to do the same and spread God’s grace of love and mercy to all people, especially those who need it the most. Who do you know in Bend that needs some mercy?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your faithfulness and mercy that you bestow on me daily. I deserve far less, but because of your love you see me for what I can become in you, not what I am today. Help me to learn to be merciful to others in the same way.
Monday, April 21, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
Calming My Storm
SCRIPTURE:
Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Last month when we were on the Sea of Galilee, I gave a devotional on this passage. It is recorded in all three gospels: Matthew, Luke and John. As you look towards the west of the Sea, there is a distinct valley called the Arbel (alongside Mount Arbel). There is still a path that marks the road that led from Capernaum (on the Sea of Galilee) to Sephoris and the home town of Jesus, Nazareth. But what makes this valley so intriguing is that it had been called the “wind tunnel. Any storm coming from the west would blow through that valley and hit the Sea of Galilee with enormous force. The lake could be peaceful and then a storm would suddenly arise, with driving rain and gale-force winds. Such was the case when Jesus asked the disciples to go to the other side. Here are a few observations about this incident on the boat.
1) Crises and problems in life often come unexpectedly.
2) They may come when we are doing exactly what God wants us to do (Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee
3) When the storm comes, our faith will be challenged.
4) Jesus is able and willing to calm the storm, even when our faith is wavering.
APPLICATION:
What about my life? I can sure relate to the disciples. A number of times I have felt God has led me to a point in my life, only to face the storms of conflict or disappointment. I’ve asked “Don’t you care that I drown?” I recall one line of an old hymn that reads, “I’ve come this far by faith.” I wish I could say that! However, when the waves start spilling over into the boat, I have usually responded with panic and questions, second-guessing God’s direction. The good news is that God is faithful. I guess you could say “I've come this far because of God’s faithfulness.” Today I praise God for who he is. Even though I have “little faith” he is still willing to calm the storm.
PRAYER
Father, help me to grow in my faith. Forgive me when I doubt your leading. I need you so much in my life. Please calm the storms in my life. I want to know you more and fully follow you. AMEN.
Calming My Storm
SCRIPTURE:
Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Last month when we were on the Sea of Galilee, I gave a devotional on this passage. It is recorded in all three gospels: Matthew, Luke and John. As you look towards the west of the Sea, there is a distinct valley called the Arbel (alongside Mount Arbel). There is still a path that marks the road that led from Capernaum (on the Sea of Galilee) to Sephoris and the home town of Jesus, Nazareth. But what makes this valley so intriguing is that it had been called the “wind tunnel. Any storm coming from the west would blow through that valley and hit the Sea of Galilee with enormous force. The lake could be peaceful and then a storm would suddenly arise, with driving rain and gale-force winds. Such was the case when Jesus asked the disciples to go to the other side. Here are a few observations about this incident on the boat.
1) Crises and problems in life often come unexpectedly.
2) They may come when we are doing exactly what God wants us to do (Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee
3) When the storm comes, our faith will be challenged.
4) Jesus is able and willing to calm the storm, even when our faith is wavering.
APPLICATION:
What about my life? I can sure relate to the disciples. A number of times I have felt God has led me to a point in my life, only to face the storms of conflict or disappointment. I’ve asked “Don’t you care that I drown?” I recall one line of an old hymn that reads, “I’ve come this far by faith.” I wish I could say that! However, when the waves start spilling over into the boat, I have usually responded with panic and questions, second-guessing God’s direction. The good news is that God is faithful. I guess you could say “I've come this far because of God’s faithfulness.” Today I praise God for who he is. Even though I have “little faith” he is still willing to calm the storm.
PRAYER
Father, help me to grow in my faith. Forgive me when I doubt your leading. I need you so much in my life. Please calm the storms in my life. I want to know you more and fully follow you. AMEN.
Friday, April 8, 2008 by Nancy
Scripture:
Psalm 34:17-18 (Msg.)
"Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath."
Matthew 5:4 (Msg.)
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you.
Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."
Observation:
In the sermon on the mount, given by Jesus in Matthew 5, we read the words of Jesus. They are radical--completely counter-cultural, leaving behind tradition and the laws of old. They must have been such a breath of fresh air for His followers! Just as they are today.
Application:
Our God is so very gracious, so kind. He readily listens to His children. His compassion is unfailing and His mercy is new each morning. Just as Jesus spoke a message of revolution, I must speak of revolutionary grace in the same way. The gospel I live out, the gospel I teach, the gospel I share, must be one of grace and acceptance for it is the gospel that Jesus embraced.
Prayer:
Dearest Father, Compassionate Savior, I am so grateful for your presence in my life--for your faithful, for your grace so freely offered and undeserved, for the way you fill in the empty places just as you promised. Help me to share that same grace with others. Use me as you will. I am yours. Amen.
Psalm 34:17-18 (Msg.)
"Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath."
Matthew 5:4 (Msg.)
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you.
Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."
Observation:
In the sermon on the mount, given by Jesus in Matthew 5, we read the words of Jesus. They are radical--completely counter-cultural, leaving behind tradition and the laws of old. They must have been such a breath of fresh air for His followers! Just as they are today.
Application:
Our God is so very gracious, so kind. He readily listens to His children. His compassion is unfailing and His mercy is new each morning. Just as Jesus spoke a message of revolution, I must speak of revolutionary grace in the same way. The gospel I live out, the gospel I teach, the gospel I share, must be one of grace and acceptance for it is the gospel that Jesus embraced.
Prayer:
Dearest Father, Compassionate Savior, I am so grateful for your presence in my life--for your faithful, for your grace so freely offered and undeserved, for the way you fill in the empty places just as you promised. Help me to share that same grace with others. Use me as you will. I am yours. Amen.
Thursday April 17 by Pastor Ketih
Title: Ready for War!
Scripture:
1 Chronicles 7: 40 All these were descendants of Asher—heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders. The number of men ready for battle, as listed in their genealogy, was 26,000.
Observation:
In a long list of genealogies the descendants of Asher stand out. They were choice men, brave warriors, and outstanding leaders.
These were the men movies are made about. I can’t help but think, what made them “choice men” or “outstanding leaders.” Was it courage? Lack of timidity? Confidence? What makes an outstanding leader… for these guys they proved themselves as warriors and they stood out.
They weren’t the largest group or tribe… but, they were ready for battle and they were brave warriors.
Application:
When I reflect on my own life, I too want to be a choice man of God, a brave warrior, and an outstanding leader. I want to leave a legacy of my valiant honor and strength.
We live in a very different time and place than that of the descendants of Asher. I probably won’t need to go to battle with armor and sword… but, I do have the same Mighty God… and I am still fighting battles.
They are very different battles. Although, these battles are not against flesh and blood, they will test character and filter out the choice men, brave warriors, and outstanding leaders.
Makes me want to raise my shoulders, take a deep breath, and hold my head high. I am ready to be that warrior, that man, that soldier for Christ.
In the words of William Wallace, “Are you ready for a war?”
Prayer:
Lord God, it is hard for me to comprehend that you were the God of the descendants of Asher and you have never changed! Help me to trust you as my King… I want to serve you. There are times that I know I fall short of being a mighty warrior and an outstanding leader. Thank you for your forgiveness. Make me into the man you want me to be. For your Kingdom and glory. So be it. And amen!
Scripture:
1 Chronicles 7: 40 All these were descendants of Asher—heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders. The number of men ready for battle, as listed in their genealogy, was 26,000.
Observation:
In a long list of genealogies the descendants of Asher stand out. They were choice men, brave warriors, and outstanding leaders.
These were the men movies are made about. I can’t help but think, what made them “choice men” or “outstanding leaders.” Was it courage? Lack of timidity? Confidence? What makes an outstanding leader… for these guys they proved themselves as warriors and they stood out.
They weren’t the largest group or tribe… but, they were ready for battle and they were brave warriors.
Application:
When I reflect on my own life, I too want to be a choice man of God, a brave warrior, and an outstanding leader. I want to leave a legacy of my valiant honor and strength.
We live in a very different time and place than that of the descendants of Asher. I probably won’t need to go to battle with armor and sword… but, I do have the same Mighty God… and I am still fighting battles.
They are very different battles. Although, these battles are not against flesh and blood, they will test character and filter out the choice men, brave warriors, and outstanding leaders.
Makes me want to raise my shoulders, take a deep breath, and hold my head high. I am ready to be that warrior, that man, that soldier for Christ.
In the words of William Wallace, “Are you ready for a war?”
Prayer:
Lord God, it is hard for me to comprehend that you were the God of the descendants of Asher and you have never changed! Help me to trust you as my King… I want to serve you. There are times that I know I fall short of being a mighty warrior and an outstanding leader. Thank you for your forgiveness. Make me into the man you want me to be. For your Kingdom and glory. So be it. And amen!
Wednesday April 16 by Andy
Matthew 3:13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the
Here in this passage we see John the Baptist being asked to baptize Jesus. I find it interesting that John, who knew all about Jesus and his coming to earth, still resisted in baptizing Jesus. I guess he felt like he wasn’t worthy. After all who is he to baptize the son of God.
I can relate to John in this passage. I can understand the feeling of not being worthy to do what God wants me to. It seems as though the devil is pretty good at reminding me of all my short comings every time I wish to do something big for God. The problem is that if I allow the devil to do this I will be paralyzed in my faith and I won’t be able to accomplish what it is God has for me. God has great plans for me and his desire is that I accomplish these goals humbly. I think it is a good thing that I realize I am not worthy because I am not. Even though I am not worthy God still wants me anyway and that is pretty cool.
Lord, thank you for allowing me to do your work. I am so glad that even though I am not worthy you still want me. May I always serve you humbly and faithfully.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 by Bob
TITLE: Facing the Goliath’s in Your Life.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Sam 17:37, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
OBSERVATION: Everyone has heard or read this heart-moving story about the young boy David who faced the giant Goliath while he paralyzed the Israelite army with fear and consternation. As we read the account it seemed like David was living in a world of fantasy as he approached the nine foot giant with nothing more than a sling and some stones. But this was the point, for the story wasn’t about David’s bravery and skillful military tactics in the face of overwhelming odds. It was a story about our Almighty God, who showed His power through the life of a young boy who had not forgotten that his God was more powerful than any obstacle man could face.
APPLICATION: In our own lives we are occasionally confronted with Goliath’s that challenge our faith, integrity, and behavior. They seem to confront us when we least expect it, and strike at the core of our beliefs. How many times have you felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges, by situations that just seemed too massive to alter or resist? Maybe you’re going through one of those times right now…
Like David, it’s time to rest your faith and strength on the only person who can rescue you, our Lord. For the challenge you confront isn’t about how you will be able to out-smart or resolve it, but instead about how you trust and rely on God to walk you through this season of your life.
PRAYER: Gracious Father, I thank you for the loving kindness and concern you have for me. Help me to trust you with the small things in my daily life, so I will be ready to trust you when I have to confront the Goliath’s in my life.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Sam 17:37, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
OBSERVATION: Everyone has heard or read this heart-moving story about the young boy David who faced the giant Goliath while he paralyzed the Israelite army with fear and consternation. As we read the account it seemed like David was living in a world of fantasy as he approached the nine foot giant with nothing more than a sling and some stones. But this was the point, for the story wasn’t about David’s bravery and skillful military tactics in the face of overwhelming odds. It was a story about our Almighty God, who showed His power through the life of a young boy who had not forgotten that his God was more powerful than any obstacle man could face.
APPLICATION: In our own lives we are occasionally confronted with Goliath’s that challenge our faith, integrity, and behavior. They seem to confront us when we least expect it, and strike at the core of our beliefs. How many times have you felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges, by situations that just seemed too massive to alter or resist? Maybe you’re going through one of those times right now…
Like David, it’s time to rest your faith and strength on the only person who can rescue you, our Lord. For the challenge you confront isn’t about how you will be able to out-smart or resolve it, but instead about how you trust and rely on God to walk you through this season of your life.
PRAYER: Gracious Father, I thank you for the loving kindness and concern you have for me. Help me to trust you with the small things in my daily life, so I will be ready to trust you when I have to confront the Goliath’s in my life.
Monday, April 14, 2008 by Randy
TITLE: True Success
SCRIPTURE:
But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” 1 Samuel 15:14 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Success is not always success. God commanded King Saul to completing destroy the Amalekites, their belongings, lifestock, all the people. Evernthing. However, Saul defeated them, he decided to keep the choice sheep and cattle as bounty. Saul thought he was on top of the world. He even went up to Mt. Carmel to set up a monument in his honor (vs. 12).
Howevedre, when the prophet Samuel met Saul he asked him about the bleating sheep and lowing cattle. Saul had not fully followed God's instruction. Samuel then spoke those famous words, "To obey is better than sacrifice." What appeared to be a great success was a complete failure. Not only did Saul fail to obey God was rejected by God as King.
APPLICATION:
Today's passage is a somber reminder that I need to fully folllow Christ. It is not enough to accomplish some "human achivement" or look successful in the eyse of others. The only real question for my life is "What does God think?" I need to think through what is success in God's eyes rather than mine. For example, I like people to like me and I like people! There are times I've measure my success by my popularity. In ministry, it is tempting to measure "numbers and noses" to see how I'm doing. All these kinds of things fall short of what God wants for my life. He wants me to know him and to grow in my relationship with him. The most important thing in my life is to obey God. This weekend I talked about the Good Shepherd and how he desire to leads us. I want to be led by God.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for reminding me that the most important thing is to obey you. Please show me your will and help me to fully follow you, even today. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE:
But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” 1 Samuel 15:14 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Success is not always success. God commanded King Saul to completing destroy the Amalekites, their belongings, lifestock, all the people. Evernthing. However, Saul defeated them, he decided to keep the choice sheep and cattle as bounty. Saul thought he was on top of the world. He even went up to Mt. Carmel to set up a monument in his honor (vs. 12).
Howevedre, when the prophet Samuel met Saul he asked him about the bleating sheep and lowing cattle. Saul had not fully followed God's instruction. Samuel then spoke those famous words, "To obey is better than sacrifice." What appeared to be a great success was a complete failure. Not only did Saul fail to obey God was rejected by God as King.
APPLICATION:
Today's passage is a somber reminder that I need to fully folllow Christ. It is not enough to accomplish some "human achivement" or look successful in the eyse of others. The only real question for my life is "What does God think?" I need to think through what is success in God's eyes rather than mine. For example, I like people to like me and I like people! There are times I've measure my success by my popularity. In ministry, it is tempting to measure "numbers and noses" to see how I'm doing. All these kinds of things fall short of what God wants for my life. He wants me to know him and to grow in my relationship with him. The most important thing in my life is to obey God. This weekend I talked about the Good Shepherd and how he desire to leads us. I want to be led by God.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for reminding me that the most important thing is to obey you. Please show me your will and help me to fully follow you, even today. AMEN.
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