She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. v7

In yesterday's sermon, Pastor Scott spoke about humility in service to our Lord Jesus Christ.  We are to serve as Jesus served and also because we are to love others just as Christ loved us....scripture is abound for why are to serve and that we are to serve to glorify Christ not ourselves.  

Of all things we are to do in this world, it is to serve humbly our Lord Jesus Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great for an infinite number of reasons one of which is for Your ultimate act of service for us - that You came to earth to suffer and die for us so that we would not be slave to our sin and have eternity in heaven with You.  You ARE the greatest gift of all time!  I am not worthy of such blessing and kindness.  I neglect Your command to love You and others by NOT coming to You daily!  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  I am wrong.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.

Luke 1

Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. v64

In the same way that Mary praised God, Zechariah praised God for keeping His promise.  

Just as the angel Gabriel responded to Mary's fears and said:

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

Just as I posted yesterday, God demands our attention and He demands our praise.  Praise is an outward expression of our NEED and LOVE of Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus...You are indeed great - I have witnessed in my own life Your power, love, mercy, etc.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing...I am selfish.  Yet You love me anyway...thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my selfishness.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

And Mary said....

Luke 1

And Mary said....v46

Both Elizabeth and Mary are filled with joy as they praise God for the blessing of babies in their womb.

Mary gleefully sings a song:

“My soul glorifies the Lord     

 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.” v47-55

For me this begs the question  - to what extent do I sing God's praises?  Thankfulness, praise and worship are all critical components to my relationship with Jesus.  In the sermon on the mount it is said "blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3).  Being poor in spirit indicates a need and a complete dependency on a gracious God who can provide for all our needs.  Because we have such a God in Jesus Christ - we must praise Him!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed a great God for reasons beyond my explanation.  You bless me beyond what I deserve and You provide for my every need.  Without You I am nothing!  You provide purpose for my life - for Your glory!  You know everything about me yet You love me anyway.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my impatience, anger, sloth, etc.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

For no word from God will ever fail.

Luke 1

For no word from God will ever fail. v37

Indeed I can take great comfort that no word from God will ever fail - just as Luke states it above.  But I must remember that this promise cuts two ways, one way is by comforting me during times of trouble - if I lean on God's word and have faith and trust in Him He will see me through my troubles.  Yet at the same time, God expects much of me...based on my talents, etc. He expects me to not only have faith but to be be in action.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:22-25

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God - just based on the fact that You love me despite knowing everything about me.  And Your love knows no depth/breadth - there are no boundaries.  You of course suffered and died for me.  I am in no way worthy of such love and blessing...I am sinful - including lust.  Lord Jesus thank You that You love me but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me to never have this sin again.  Help me turn from this sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

Luke 1

They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. v22

Clearly Zechariah was acting in way that it was clear God is real, He is active, He is great, and He is working in Zechariah's life.  This begs the question to me...do I also act in such a way so that it is clear to others that God is real, active, great, and working in my life? More importantly, are others drawn to God because of who I am and how I live my life.

Other scripture that supports this way of living life:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

...

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed real, active, great, and worthy of my worship.  You created the universe and all of its inhabitants - a splendorous achievement, and You created me then suffered and died for me so that I would not be slave to sin and would have eternity in heaven with You.  You are the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I have worried greatly over my job and this is deeply sinful.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

...I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Luke 1

...I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. v3-4

Passing on the word of God is critical...we are to pass it on to all to hear...all nations and our children.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20

...

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

I know it is my responsibility to speak and teach the Word of God into as many lives as possible, including people I know, people I meet, my own children and others to whom I teach.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love, compassion, kindness and guidance for me.  Without You I would be lost.  I am not worthy that You should teach me and love me as You do.  I continue to worry...greatly about a job that I hope to get.  This is of course not for me to decide.  I need to place all my trust in You that You know what is best for me.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me for my worry and for my arrogance that I think I know better than You do what is good for me.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him.

Mark 15

Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. v19

Jesus did not come to be served but to serve:

...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

And Jesus says multiple times that those who are first will be last:

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Matthew 19:30

I think alot about my own desires and about my status in life...jobs, etc.  This is clearly sinful thinking and instead I should focus on humility, service, and being last...this is where the greater glory lies.  Here in Mark 15, Jesus is willingly submitting handing himself over to the chief priests, leaders of the law, and to Pilate...all to be beaten and crucified....for me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed and amazing God full of love, compassion, mercy, kindness, etc.  My words are but mere words.  They do not do justice to Your greatness.  You clearly don't need me but Jesus You handed Yourself over willingly to be beaten and killed...for me.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I worry about myself, and my status...this is WRONG!  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice[i] you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Mark 14

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. v72

What is always interesting is how different accounts of Jesus' life are portrayed in the bible.  Mark makes no mention of how Jesus looks into the eyes of Peter after the rooster crowed, nor does Matthew.  Yet Luke says:

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Luke 22:61

The Lord knows everything about us...what is in our hearts and what we are dealing with...Jesus probably understood the fear Peter must have been feeling at the time and he empathized with Peter's act to disown...even so emphatically (3X)!.  Yet Jesus loves us, and suffered and died for us anyway.

Amazing grace!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing as is Your grace.  That You know everything about me, including my sin, yet You love me, suffered greatly for me, then died for me...is AMAZING!  I am not worth such love, blessing, grace and mercy.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my sloth.  I know You desire for me to obey my earthly masters and to work for them as if I were working for You.  I very often do not have this servant heart attitude.  Please forgive me.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

 

"Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Mark 14

"Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” v36

Whatever suffering I experiencing - whether that be physical or emotional suffering - nothing compares to what Jesus experienced with his arrest and crucifixion.  Nothing.   Yet I often find myself suffering and I don't have the presence of mind to keep in mind that Jesus WILLINGLY went to the cross...for me!  Now I know Jesus knows everything about me and what is best for me.  I must submit to HIS will just as Jesus submitted Himself to His Father's will.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are a great God whom I know is full of love and mercy for me.  You suffered and served in my name and You became for me the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worthy of such rich blessing, love and mercy.  I continue to be lazy.  I don't work as if I am serving You.  I work for my own comfort and desires.  This is sinful I know!  Thank You Jesus that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come."

Mark 13

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." v32-33

It is often said to live life "with the end in mind".  This point is emphasized here in Mark and elsewhere in scripture...here and here.  Yet I often come up with excuses as to why I don't do this or that...I am weak.

My Prayer: Lord, Your plans and Your will have produced fruit beyond what I deserve in my life.  I am blessed WELL beyond what I deserve.  I am weak...I am selfish, and I am harsh with my words, quick to anger, and slow to listen.  I thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” v25

Mark 11

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” v25

I continue to hold over my cousin's head interactions she has had with me as a means to not talk to her. I am forgive Barbara as Jesus forgives me - no gray area here.  It must be done.  I must also love others as Jesus loves me...again no gray area here.  It must be done.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are a great God and You always provide!  Even when I have worried You have come through.  I am not worthy that provide as You do as You have blessed me well beyond what I deserve.  I worry far too much.  I am worrying now about this job interview.  Thank You that You love me anyway Jesus but please forgive me.  Help me turn from such worry.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  If it is Your will that I get this job, help me be effective with my meeting and help me get this job.  I want to serve You Jesus.  I love You. 

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them."

Mark 11

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." v23

Jesus wants us to have faith - of course faith in Him and all that He is.  That is why worship, prayer, study, and the other spiritual disciplines are important - we must become present to who God is and who He is for us...and others.

This reminds of a book written by 17th century monk who desired to be present with God in all his daily activities...here is the link to the book. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed great...great in all ways...and Your will, plans and all of Your actions are great...not just great but perfect and pure.  And You love me, suffered greatly for me and died for me....the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing as I worry, I am impatient, and I am selfish.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
 

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Mark 10

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” v48

One thing that strikes me in this story is how the Bartimaeus was rebuked and told to be quiet but he could not...his desire and faith in Jesus to heal him was such that he could not be silenced.  Which of course begs the question for me - are others able to silence me and my desire and faith?  To be sure, I have not been tested to the extent that I would be in danger either emotionally or physically but my hope is that I could not be silenced.  Additionally, I would hope that I would not be silenced by own perception of persecution....this latter item in particular seems most real to me in terms of threats to my faith - the stones/obstacles I put on my own faith.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my rock - never changing and always there in all of Your strength, love, and glory.  I know I can come to You for everything and anything.  Yet I often fail to trust You with all aspects of my life.  This is sinful.  I thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  You ask me to love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Yet often I do not.  Help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  DO help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” v45

I am sinful today with regard to my attitude about my job.  I don't do my best and work as if I am working for the Lord.  I don't work with a servant heart...out of humility to demonstrate Jesus to those with whom I work.

Peter also asks this of us in 1 Peter:

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 1 Peter 2:18

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are God that serves even though You don't have to...You did not have to suffer and die for us yet You did and You continue to be an active loving God working on our behalf daily.  I am not worth such blessing.  I worry too much, I have too much pride, and I think and say bad things about people.  These are all GREATLY sinful.  I am sorry Jesus for these sins.  Please forgive me.  Help me turn from these sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

"[N]o one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life."

Mark 10

"[N]o one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life."

As followers of Jesus, we are asked to place Jesus as our number one priority - see Matthew 22:37-38 where it says:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." Matthew 22:37-38

It also says there is a cost to following Jesus:

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding.  Proverbs 4:7

...

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Mark 8:34

 

While from time to time I do feel this cost, I do often feel what Paul feels:

 

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8

 

My Prayer: What an amazing God You are Jesus Christ!  And that You are my God - that You suffered greatly as a man than died...specifically for me!  You are as Paul says in so many words...the greatest gift of all time!  I am not worth such rich blessing.  I continue to be selfish and lazy...seeking my own comfort.  Thank You Jesus that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.    

"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Mark 10

"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” v15

There are many ways that you can describe children but one that comes to mind is that children soak things up...they desire to learn and constantly ask "why?"  I too desire to be like this and this is what I think of when Jesus talks here in Mark about how believers should be like children.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God full of love, mercy, kindness, patience, etc. - all the fruits of the spirit and then some!  You have blessed of course well beyond what I deserve.  I am weak, selfish, and I use my words too often tear people down.  I don't want to do these sins...I thank You Jesus that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

 

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

Mark 9

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” v50

My bible commentary indicates that this verse implores us to have salt within us...in other words to study, reflect on and memorize scripture.  Yet I think there is more because different interpretations (such as the NIV quoted above vs "in" - see KJV) of the bible indicate "among" yourselves which if you go by the dictionary definition of among means "in the presence of a group of people or things" - of course being explicit about group.  I know that God intends for us to share our lives with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Luke provides an example of how the early church did just this - see Acts 2:42-47.  To that end, I am hopeful that Lisa and I can find a good group home where we can more fully share our lives with our Christian brothers and sisters.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed great in that You have led Lisa and I to Raleigh where we enjoy a life full of blessings.  We are not deserving of such rich blessings - a church, friends and family that pray and support us, and so much more.  I know for myself that I continue to be greatly selfish.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me for my selfishness and help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Mark 9

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” v35

I know You came to serve...and as a demonstration of this You performed the ultimate act of service - You suffered greatly and died on the cross so that we (including me!) would not be slaves to sin and so that we could have eternal life in heaven with You.

You are the greatest gift of all time...by a long shot and then some.  Yet I often think of my comfort above others...I am deeply selfish.  Jesus, help me overcome my selfish nature!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have served and blessed me well beyond what I deserve!  I continue to seek my own comfort even though I am required by You to pick up my cross and follow You - to deny my selfish wishes and to serve!  How weak I am!  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from my selfishness and serve as You love and serve me.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

“Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Mark 9

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” v23

Jesus becomes frustrated with the disciples here who are unable to heal a demon-possessed boy.  He admonishes them for their lack of faith.  When He encounters the boy's father Jesus indicates that all things are possible through faith in response to the father's statement "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

Again I am struck by own lack of belief in faith...in things big and small.  I need to both come to Jesus for everything and be specific in my prayer:

In Matthew 20:32 Jesus asks a two blind men seeking help to be clear in their requests, asking them "[w]hat do you want me to do for you?”

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great...You have blessed me beyond what I deserve.  Yet I still worry and I don't share all of my concerns and worries with You.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me. Help me turn from such sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me bring all of my worries to You and be specific in my requests to You.