Relevant Readings

Luke 1

2012-03-02T05:59:00.001-08:00

Do you find it interesting that Luke begins his gospel with the story of John's birth? I personally enjoy all the details of this story. Elizabeth and Zechariah must have been a delightful couple.

Read it here.

Mark 16

2012-03-01T05:27:00.001-08:00

Trembling, overwhelmed and running in fear! This is how the gospel of Mark ends. Yet these trembling, overwhelmed and fearful men would be used by God to change the world!

Mark ends abruptly (especially since vs. 9-20 were not original) and anticlimactically. The disciples were in no way ready to take on the world with the gospel. No gospel other than Mark ends like this and no gospel cries out more for the help of the Holy Spirit in weak men.

We all need the Spirit in our lives if we are going to do anything for Christ. Don't let fear grip your heart today.

read it here.

Mark 15

2012-02-29T06:39:00.001-08:00

One horrible choice of a poor leader and an absurd cry from an out of control crowd, brought life to all of us who believe. Thank God for His sovereignty today.

The greatest tragedy of peer pressure was the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilot thought he was satisfying the crowd, but he was actually fulfilling the will of God! The cross was a horrible event in history, which became the critical moment for all of us who believe.

Pilot was a weak leader! Rather than doing the right thing, he choose to "gratify the crowd". He too, was a people pleaser. Have you noticed how that generally works out? In this case, it totally worked out for us. God's purposes were accomplished!

read it here.

Mark 14

2012-02-28T05:22:00.001-08:00

The question is not have we denied Jesus, the question is, "How often do we deny Him?" Jesus wants our entire lives to reflect that we desire to honor Him, serve Him and be more like HIm. When we choose sin, it is a denial.

We see an honest response from the disciples in this chapter! When Jesus said one of them would betray Him they "began to be distressed and to say,is it me?" They knew there was potential in all of their hearts to do the unthinkable.

Peter, (I believe wanting to fight his own temptation) said, "if everyone else turns from you, I will certainly not!" Yet he did. Even the "boldest" disciple denied Jesus! We all do. We all have.

Honor Christ today.

read it here.

Mark 13

2012-02-27T04:52:00.001-08:00

Do you think Jesus will return in your lifetime? For over 2000 years believers have been anticipating the return of Jesus. Will it be today? This year? This decade?

I don't know about you, but today would be great with me! Let's go!! On the other hand, it might not be for another 1000 years. The challenge for us is the same... "be ready, be alert."

We are to live as though it WILL be today. What should we be doing in light of that fact? Are you ready?

read it here.

Mark 12

2012-02-24T05:40:00.001-08:00

If Jesus were to comment on your giving, what would he say? How would he instruct his disciples after observing your giving?

This is an amazing story for several reasons. First, Jesus was actually sitting and watching what people were giving! It appears as though he was making it a group project for his disciples. Secondly, what he saw caused him to make a point with his disciples.

Here was the point in my mind. The "rich" were giving out of their surplus, and, what they gave had nothing to do with faith. The "widow", on the other hand, gave out of her poverty and was totally motivated by faith. Her giving reflected who she was trusting in.

Earlier in this chapter Jesus was questioned about paying taxes. His response was that we should, "render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God the things that are God's". Caesar's image was on the coin. We are made in the image of God! Jesus is worthy of our whole life! Give Him what he desires....everything.

Read it here.

Mark 11

2012-02-23T03:34:00.001-08:00

What term would you use to describe your church? According to Jesus the answer should be; house of prayer!

I am convicted this would not be how people would describe Cornerstone. Most would say a place of worship, good bible teaching, sweet fellowship, or something like that. Some would use terms like contemporary, young, energetic or even a cult! I have never heard anyone describe our church as a "place of prayer".

I wonder what Jesus' reaction would be to one of our gatherings. Hmm.

Read it here.

Mark 10

2012-02-22T05:02:00.001-08:00

Americans want three things: riches, youth, and authority. It is quite possibly the most deadly combination of desires and will keep them from heaven.

In Mark 10 a man described as a "rich young ruler" came up to Jesus and ask the big question. "What must I do to be saved?" Jesus' response was surprising. He did not say, "believe in me and you will have salvation". He did say, "Go sell all you have and give it to the poor....then come follow me."

We know the bible teaches that faith in Jesus is the "work" required for salvation. It is not about keeping the commandments, or selling all you have. Or is it? I wonder how many people come to Jesus just wanting to add heaven to their portfolio without wanting to submit themselves to God?

Jesus said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" Let this story rattle your soul today. I know it rattles mine. Live for Jesus, not for yourselves.

read it here.

Mark 9

2012-02-21T05:28:00.001-08:00

Is there something in your life that you think would be too difficult for God? Are you sheepishly asking Him for help?

Jesus encountered a man who desperately wanted Jesus to help his son, yet he wasn't confident that Jesus could actually help him. He said to Jesus, "If you can do ANYTHING, have compassion and help us." Did you see Jesus' response,"IF YOU CAN?"

I don't know about you, but I often find myself in the same place as that father. This story today has challenged my faith. It especially challenged me to pray a different prayer. The boys father cried out (prayed), "I do believe! Help my unbelief."

This is a great prayer for all of us.

Read it here.

Mark 8

2012-02-20T05:19:00.001-08:00

Following Jesus actually requires denying yourself, taking up a cross and FOLLOWING Him! Jesus was never unclear about what his requirements of discipleship were. He wasn't unclear when He was on earth, and His word is not unclear today.

Denying self is the first step to following Jesus. That is not just a one time thing. For me it happens many times in one day. Selfishness is always in the way of following Jesus. YOU can be the greatest detour when it comes to following.

The cross is the second obstacle. I have heard many interpretations of what that might mean, but no one would consider "taking up your cross" as delightful. It is painful and difficult. Jesus is not calling us to an easy path.

Will you truly follow Him today?

read it here.

Todays message

2012-02-19T05:07:00.001-08:00

Do good works! Not to earn salvation, not to prove salvation, but rather to enjoy salvation and not be foolish.

Mark 7

2012-02-17T04:12:00.000-08:00

Are your "good works" building or destroying your relationship with Jesus? Religion often gets in the way of obedience to God! This was the major issue Jesus had with the Pharisees. He said, "Disregarding the command of God, you keep the tradition of men."

I believe we have many modern day Pharisees! They consider themselves righteous by what they do. Especially when they compare themselves to others. What they almost always miss is what Jesus would actually want them to do.

Christianity IS about what you do! But when "doing" is disconnected with Christ, it becomes a worthless religious tradition. Works rooted in a desire to appease our conscience, but are not motivated by faith or obedience to God, actually ruin us for His true desires.

Do you do things to make you feel more christian? Are those things actually producing fruit in your life and drawing you closer to Jesus? Are you good works building or destroying your relationship with God?

Read it here.

Mark 6

2012-02-16T03:33:00.001-08:00

People pleasers always end up doing things that they later regret! Everyone struggles to do the right thing...even kings. Especially when others are wanting them to do something different. From preschoolers to leaders of nations, everyone is influenced by "public opinion".

Have you noticed that negative influence is easy, while positive influence is extremely difficult? My son Trey is struggling with the desire to be disruptive in school because, "the bad kids get all the attention and get out of doing stuff. I want to get out of doing stuff."

What pressure are you feeling today? What pressure are you putting on others? Don't let the fear of others make your decisions for you. Fear God and choose to do what He desires.

Read it here.

Mark 5

2012-02-15T05:17:00.000-08:00

Can a person be demon possessed? Can a true Christian have a demon? These are questions that I get often from others who read about stories like this. Clearly this man's life was being overwhelmed with demons and they were destroying him. When he encountered Jesus, the demons had to leave him and he became a different man.

There is no doubt that demons are still at work in our world today. I have encountered some strange and bizarre behaviors in people that looked pretty demonic to me, but nothing like this man. I have known some who have even sought out satanic spirits and the occult.

In my opinion the primary work of satan is not in the obvious, but in the subtle. James clearly teaches us that "worldly wisdom" has it source in satan. Notice the response of the majority of people in this story. They rejected Jesus! The demon possessed guy accepted him. Who went away "under the influence" of satan? Almost everyone except the scary demon possessed man. Hmm.

Read it here.

Mark 4

2012-02-14T04:44:00.001-08:00

"Ah Ha" moments are those moments in which something hidden comes to light for the first time. Jesus said this parable is the "Ah Ha" that we need to understand "ALL" the other parables. That makes this a really big deal!

I believe this parable is about salvation. Expressing true faith in Jesus alone, and bearing fruit that demonstrates that faith is essential to the gospel. The seed is the word and the soil is our hearts. Do not harden your hearts to the word of God. Hear it, receive it, and bear fruit as a result of it.

Listen to how Jesus concluded this chapter. "Do you still have NO faith?" My prayer for all of us is that the seed that has been planted in our heart would spring up into a fruitful life. Be a 100 fold kind of person today!

read it here.

Mark 3

2012-02-13T04:40:00.001-08:00

Jesus was accused of being "out of his mind" by his own family! Yet in time they too would embrace him as Savior and Lord! In my mind, there is no greater proof that Jesus was who He said He was than this. When even those who grow up with you are humbly worshiping you as God....you are.

Generally it is our family that knows us best! That is precisely why our families would never be worshiping any of us. That would be laughable. Because Jesus' family was not "out of their minds", they humbly became worshippers of Him.

Worship Jesus today. It would be "crazy" not to.

Read it here.

Mark 2

2012-02-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

Eating with "sinners" is the only option for any of us! It was a great deal for everyone who shared a meal with Jesus. They generally received forgiveness. The best I could do would be to pay for your food.

Sent from my iPad

Mark:1

2012-02-09T03:16:00.001-08:00

How would your life be different if you followed this example of Jesus? (vs. 35) "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, we out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there."

Jesus made a habit of spending His first moments of the day with His heavenly Father. I know when I make the same choice, it sets my day on the right path. Nothing beats time spent with God in the word and prayer.

If Jesus needed to start His day like that....how much more should we?

Read it here.

Matt. 28

2012-02-08T05:10:00.001-08:00

"Don't be afraid, all authority has been given to me, go and make disciples." -Jesus If the great commission was for you (and it is), how many disciples would be being made?

A disciple is anyone who is trusting in Jesus for salvation and choosing to live their lives for Him. Before someone can make one, they need to become one! Have your ever heard the saying, "It takes one to know one."

I actually think it is a pretty good saying. In this case it would be better said, "It takes one to make one." There is a ton of work in being a disciple of Jesus. It is the difficult work of obedience. The overflow of discipleship is, "making disciples".

There is work to be done.

Read it here.

Matt. 27

2012-02-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ultimate craziness is when religious activity is centered on plotting the death of God! Absurdity is when the money used in the plotting could not be used for "temple work", it had to be used to "do something nice for foreigners".

Wow! How blind could these leaders be? It seems impossible to think that their hypocrisy had gotten to such a level that they were, on one hand, killing Jesus AND, on the other, looking to "do" something nice with the "blood money".

Do you ever feel guilty about something you should have done OR something that you didn't do? I have. In response to the guilt, have you ever sought to appease the guilt by doing something nice? Like buying something for someone. I have.

A better response would be to admit you are wrong and start obeying Jesus.

Worship Jesus today.

Read it here.

Matt. 26

2012-02-06T04:42:00.001-08:00

Denying Jesus seems to be a habit that disciples have had since the beginning. Betraying Jesus is the ultimate denial. This story alway bothers me deeply because I wonder what I would have done or said.

Would I have denied Jesus? Do I deny Him in subtle ways today? I believe the answer to both of these questions is yes. It grieves me to know that is likely true. It is yet another reason that I need Jesus so badly. Without Him, there is nothing good in me.

What is Jesus wanting of me today? What is His desire for you?

Read it here.

Sharing

2012-02-04T06:02:00.001-08:00

There is nothing better than sharing your faith with someone. Come and learn how at Cornerstone this Sunday. #cantwait

__________________________________________

Troy Nesbitt, Lead Pastor

515.232.5488 | troynesbitt@gmail.com

Cornerstone Church of Ames | www.cornerstonelife.com

a local church with a global vision

56829 U.S. Highway 30 | Ames, IA 50010

Matt. 25

2012-02-03T03:34:00.001-08:00

Everything we have has been given to us by God! His desire is that we would take what He has given us and actually invest in a way that produces fruit for His kingdom.

Do you consider what you have "yours" or "His"? The way you think about that question has everything to do with the way in which you will use what you have been given. Everything that is God's should be used for His purposes...period.

This is a convicting parable.

Read it here.

Matt. 24

2012-02-02T02:15:00.001-08:00

Do you think it is possible that Jesus will return today? If not, then why do you think Jesus told his disciples 2000 years ago to "be ready"?

I believe that Jesus was specifically answering the disciples questions in vs. 3. First of all Jesus answers the question of when will the events of verse 2 happen. Most scholars agree that Jesus was primarily describing the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The second question deals with His second coming and the end of the age.

Obviously Jesus has not come back yet, but notice the instruction for the disciples in BOTH instances was the same. He said, "be ready" and "be careful to be doing what you should". It is possible that Jesus will return today. Are you ready? Are you doing what you would want to be doing if you knew it was today?

Live strong.

Read it here.

Matt. 23

2012-02-01T05:44:00.001-08:00

Jesus originated the saying, "Practice what you preach." It is way easier to TELL others who they should be than to actually BE a person they should emulate. The problem with the hypocrites was that they knew what should be done, but they didn't actually do it. Jesus said, "do what they say, but don't do what they do."

Actually becoming who God desires, is STEP ONE to helping others to be more obedient to him. To often I actually know what to do, but haven't actually put it into practice. I find myself saying, "don't do what I did." Wouldn't it be better to say, "Do what I did, it will be worth it."?

Live an emulatable life today.

Read it here.

Matt. 22

2012-01-31T05:41:00.001-08:00

Whose image? Ceasar's or God's? Jesus argued since coins were made in Ceasar's image, they should be given back to him. I believe he was clearly calling all of us, who are made in His image, to give our lives back to Him!

Am I giving my life back to God? Do I reflect Him well to others?

Read it here.

Matt. 21

2012-01-30T04:56:00.001-08:00

Nothing seems to make Jesus more angry than religious hypocrites! You know the type. People with a lot of knowledge about God or the bible, but very little "life" as a result of it. They are the ones who always have a way of making everyone around them feel bad.

In this chapter Jesus' disciples "went and did just as He directed them." Their lives were marked by obedience and faith. On the other hand, the hypocrites were "indignant" with Jesus and irritated at the excitement of children who were so happy to actually see God's miraculous power. Unable to enter into the excitement, they choose rather to remain in their pious reality. They changed no one for the good, yet sat in judgement of God Himself.

Unfortunately I can identify with both the disciples AND the hypocrites. I too have found myself irritated at times with others who are excited about Jesus. I too have seen my knowledge of God blind my affections for Him. My prayer for me, and all of us, is that we would renew our faith like an early disciple.

Live to listen and obey today.

Read it here.

matt. 20

2012-01-27T04:02:00.001-08:00

"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life-- a ransom for many." Wow! Jesus came, lived and died to serve us and to give us His life. Live today with that reality.

Read it here.

Matt. 19

2012-01-26T03:33:00.001-08:00

The simple command of Jesus was "follow me". It is simple to understand but very difficult to obey. In this chapter the man who came to Jesus had three things that kept him from following Jesus.

1. He was rich. Often it is the blessings of God in this life that keep us from following Jesus. The more we have the greater the cost of following Jesus.

2. He was young. Young people tend to believe that following Jesus is something to be done after all of the fun in life has been had. It is a common lie that many believe.

3. He was powerful. When you are used to leading, following doesn't come easy. Giving over the leadership of your life is difficult to do.

These things still get in our way when it comes to Jesus. Make a good choice today and simply follow Jesus.

Read it here.

Matt. 18

2012-01-25T05:31:00.001-08:00

Understanding God's forgiveness gives us the resource we need to forgive others. Nothing compares to God's gift of forgiveness! Whenever I talk to someone who is struggling to forgive others, I always refer them to this passage.

Peter was asking a legitimate question about forgiving someone who had hurt him. Basically he said, when can I actually be justified in NOT forgiving? Jesus' answer, "Whenever you don't want to be forgiven by God." God's forgiveness is not conditioned on our forgiveness, but when we are unforgiving it demonstrates how little we know about how much we have been forgiven.

True Christianity is marked by forgiveness.

Read it here.

Matt. 17

2012-01-24T04:36:00.001-08:00

Talk less, listen more. Jesus gave his disciples an opportunity to witness something supernatural on this earth. They saw and experienced His transfiguration and a conversation He was having with Moses and Elijah!

What was Peter's response? First, he thought of himself. "Lord it is good for us to be here." And why was that? Did they add anything to want was going on? God is actually walking and speaking with Moses and Elijah in their presence and Peter actually thought they were adding to the experience? I think not.

Secondly Peter wanted to "do" something. "We can build some alters." At that point he was interrupted by God Himself! The voice said, "This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him. LISTEN to Him!" It was a direct rebuke from God. It was Peter's second rebuke in two chapters.

What was the problem? It was that Peter, and I assume the others, actually thought they were adding to the experience and that their response should be to "do" something. I am the same way. I think Jesus would prefer me to experience His presence, enjoy His presence, be quiet and listen to HIm.

Read it here.

Matt. 16

2012-01-23T04:50:00.001-08:00

Would you describe yourself as an "offense" to God? I love the apostle Peter! He goes from making a powerful declaration of faith right into a statement that gets him the ultimate rebuke. Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an offense to Me."

He became an "offense" to God! Other translations use the word "stumbling block". Jesus qualifies what He means with this statement, "because you are not thinking about God's concerns, but man's". If what it takes to be an offense to Jesus is to be thinking about my own concerns rather than His...I am offensive often.

I have never thought about this passage like this before. Jesus asks the most important question concerning His identity to the disciples. In response Peter makes a bold declaration of faith, for which he was commended. His next move...to actually try to get Jesus to do His will rather than submitting himself to God's will.

I not only have done that, I have made it a habit!! Jesus follows Peter's rebuke with this statement, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." This is what I need.

Read it here.

2Cor. 5:9

2012-01-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

Crazy challenge for everyday living from Paul. "Whatever we do, we make it our ambition to be pleasing to Jesus". Live, play, eat and speak to please an audience of One.

__________________________________________

Troy Nesbitt, Lead Pastor

515.232.5488 | troynesbitt@gmail.com

Cornerstone Church of Ames | www.cornerstonelife.com

a local church with a global vision

56829 U.S. Highway 30 | Ames, IA 50010

Matt. 15

2012-01-20T04:05:00.001-08:00

Have you ever offended someone in a GOOD way? I love what the disciples said to Jesus, "Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard your statement?" Unfortunately I have offended many people, but rarely for the good. Generally when someone is offended by me it is because I said or did something in a sinful way.

Not Jesus. He never said or did anything sinful. Yet His words and actions were often offensive. Why? Because people had their own agenda for God, and Jesus simply did not fit their mold. They assumed they knew what God wanted and they did not. They made up rules that made them feel good about themselves, but continued to distance them from God. When God Himself actually lived among them and spoke with them, the were not only offended, they would ultimately nail Him to a cross!

Today is a day to examine my heart. Are there those who are offended by me? Are they offended for good or are they offended because I am offensive? I pray there are some who are actually offended in a good way.

Read it here.

Matt. 14

2012-01-19T03:46:00.001-08:00

People pleasers are those whose actions are motivated by what others will think, not what is right or wrong! In this chapter we have one of the worst examples of someone doing the wrong thing because of what others would think.

vs. 9 - "Although the king regretted it, he commanded that it (John the baptist being beheaded) be granted BECAUSE OF HIS OATHS AND HIS GUEST." !!!!!! John lost his life because king Herod was afraid of what his dinner guests would think. He actually killed someone to please a girl, her mother and some dinner guest! Not just anyone... John the Baptist.

Unfortunately, I have to admit to the same kind of struggle. I often do what I do because of what others will think and not simple to please God. This is an awful example of what can happen in extreme cases. I don't want to be like that.

Let's live today to please God. That will require that our actions, words and attitudes will often displease those around us.

Read it here.

Matt. 13

2012-01-18T05:25:00.001-08:00

Will you go to heaven when you die? Most would say "yes", but I think the reality will be "no" for far too many. Don't miss the intention that Jesus had in teaching the parables of the kingdom of God in this chapter.

Jesus begins with the parable of the soils. In His explanation He said there are 4 types of soil. There is the soil on the path, soil in rocky places, soil among thorns and good soil. Jesus is clearly talking about the "soil" of our hearts; our response to the gospel!

Notice three of the four soils don't get it! In Mark (4:13), Jesus said understanding this parable is key to understanding all of the parables. Only one soil is considered "good soil". What makes it good? Bottom line is that it bears fruit. In the other three examples no fruit is produced.

Soil #1 = seed is snatched before it ever is understood.

Soil #2 = as soon as difficulty comes, they fall away

Soil #3 = mixed with worries of this world and other desires

Soil #4 = fruitfulness

Are you good soil? Notice the qualities. First, they hear the word. Second, they understand it. Third, they DO what God says. This produces the fruit of faith. The evidence of true salvation.

My prayer is that God will bear fruit in all of our lives and that we will demonstrate that we are "good soil". Be encouraged today.

Read it here.

Matt. 12

2012-01-17T05:32:00.001-08:00

The unpardonable sin! Did you know there is a sin that Jesus said will never be forgiven? He said, "I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven...whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the one to come."

In this context Jesus is dealing with a group of "religious leaders" who are plotting to destroy him! In fact, they never asked a question to learn, they simply asked questions so they could accuse Him! Why? Because their hearts were hardened by foolish beliefs. They actually believed that they could "earn" their way to heaven by keeping the law of Moses. They were experts in keeping the letter of the law (or at least their interpretation of it).

Jesus, on the other hand, was about restoring us to a relationship with God. Just like in chapter 9, Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice". Jesus was all about living his live obediently to God and demonstrating God's love and character by pouring out His love and mercy on everyone in need. He called people to a renewed relationship with God, not a religious activity that was absent of relationship.

It was in this context that the religious leaders continued to commit the "unpardonable sin"; blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. What were they doing? They were rejecting God! Not only were they rejecting Him, they were accusing Him of being a son of Satan. The poster of their heart was to reject Jesus. Jesus said earlier, "anyone who is not with Me is against Me". Since Jesus is the only way to God, anyone who rejects Jesus commits the "unpardonable sin".

Follow Jesus today.

Read about it here.

Matt. 11

2012-01-16T05:16:00.001-08:00

Feeling weary or burdened today? Jesus is sending out an invitation to you specifically today. He invites you into His "rest".

I find the ending of this chapter one the most encouraging things that Jesus invites us to join him in. Clearly He is not inviting us into retirement, nor is he saying, "let's take a vacation together". Look carefully at what He is saying. COME TO ME.

The things that weary me are generally all of the things that I am seeking to do apart from Jesus. His desire is for us to "yoke up" (walk) with Him. It is in walking with Jesus that we find encouragement, energy and purpose. His desire is not to "burden" us, but rather to invite us to live our lives for His purposes.

Read the text here.

Thinking About Heaven

2012-01-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

Nothing you have ever experienced can compare to the delight you will feel in heaven IF you know Jesus. Everything good you have experienced on earth IS a taste of the WAY BETTER that is to come.

Read Isa. 65-66 and Rev. 21-22

__________________________________________

Troy Nesbitt, Lead Pastor

515.232.5488 | troynesbitt@gmail.com

Cornerstone Church of Ames | www.cornerstonelife.com

a local church with a global vision

56829 U.S. Highway 30 | Ames, IA 50010

Matt. 10

2012-01-13T04:23:00.001-08:00

What are you afraid of? Jesus said, "Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (v.25) He went on to say, "Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it." (v.39)

I have discovered that people fear almost anything; bugs, reptiles, people, flying, water, fire, public speaking, etc. What is crazy to me is that rarely do I find a person who actually fears the only One who Jesus said we should fear! If you were to ask the people around your life what they fear, how many of them would answer "God"? Try it. Usually people see God as an impotent, benevolent, kind being who just pours out His love on everyone regardless of their response to Him and His word.

Do you think this is what Jesus would have us believe about God? He said, "fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." He went on to appeal to His followers to be true disciples. Discipleship involves true confession, devoted love and "losing our life" for Jesus.

Be disciples today.

Read Matt. 10 here.

Matt. 9

2012-01-12T03:30:00.001-08:00

More MERCY! Not more sacrifice. Sometimes I feel that God would have me "do" more things to please him. Following Him is often not the desire of my heart, but rather the dutiful choice that I know I should make.

Jesus desires the "doing" to flow from my heart. His heart beats for mercy and grace, which produces joy in the "doing". I am convicted that I need to pray that God would give me more of His desire for me....Mercy.

It is also interesting that Jesus says that the "harvest is plentiful". His prayer request was that God would send laborers into that harvest. I am convinced those laborers are to be working from the overflow of their hearts, not from the obligation to be harvesters!

"Go learn what this means: I desire mercy not sacrifice"...Jesus

Matt. 8

2012-01-11T05:38:00.001-08:00

The disciples were blown away with the super-natural power of Jesus! They asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!"

In this chapter, Jesus begins His ministry with an awesome display of power. Healing diseases, casting out demons, calming storms and, killing a whole herd of pigs!

What was the response? The disciples were fearful and still had little faith. Some followed Him looking for more miraculous signs to happen. But in my mind the most confusing response were those who "begged Him to leave their region."

I wonder which category I would have been in? Little faith disciple? Curious on-looker? Or begging Jesus to leave my town? I pray I would have at least been a scared, little faith disciple.

Matt. 7

2012-01-10T06:38:00.001-08:00

Q:Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? A:"the one who does the will of my Father in heaven."...Jesus

I think it is crazy that we often overlook these clear sayings of Jesus. He is challenging us to enter by the narrow gate and to choose the difficult path. He says that it is not mere words, "Lord, Lord" but rather obedience that sets apart true faith.

I am also intrigued by what Jesus said about bad fathers! He said, "evil dads want to give good gifts to their children, how much more will your heavenly Father give to you if you ask." In Luke 11, we see that Jesus was specifically talking about the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to give us the one thing in life that secures our eternity...the gift of eternal life through His holy Spirit. Let's ask for that!!!

It is the Spirit that enables us to live a life of obedience. Live strong today.

Matt. 6

2012-01-09T05:11:00.001-08:00

Are you living to be rewarded...by God? Everyone is motivated by some kind of reward and I want to be the person who desires God's reward far beyond any reward on this earth.

The problem is that I often fall prey to the same desires that Jesus told me not to have. This chapter is packed full of challenges to all of our hearts.

1. Do you act differently when others are watching? Do you actually tend to be better around people than you are when it is just you and God?

2. How is your private prayer life?

3. Have you forgiven everyone who has hurt you?

4. Do you ever fast for spiritual reasons?

5. Are you more invested in earthly treasures than heavenly ones?

6. Do you worry?

These are some great challenges from Jesus that will totally expose our hearts.

Seek Jesus today.

Matt. 5

2012-01-06T04:20:00.001-08:00

No wonder everyone thought Jesus was a crazy man! Reading His first sermon, not having any previous or future reality to go on, would have caused me to think the same way.

I would have been wondering....does Jesus not have "dictionary.com". Where in the world is he getting this stuff. Does he not understand what the word BLESSED means? Who associates blessing with poor in spirit, mourning, gentleness, hunger, mercy, purity, kindness and persecution?! This is craziness.

And that was just the beginning! How can people be salt and light? How could anyone ever be "more righteous" than the most righteous of society? According to Jesus aren't we all guilty of murder, adultery, divorce and dishonesty? Who would do twice as much as what is required? And to top it off......LOVE YOUR ENEMIES!!!!

And all this in one chapter! Craziness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or, is it actually the most brilliant introduction to the most powerful sermon ever preached? Life giving words. Lessons to live by. Freeing principles that actually will lead us to experiencing the richest blessings of God Himself.

Hmm.

Matt. 4

2012-01-05T04:38:00.001-08:00

Satan is for real! Jesus was led by the Spirit to the wilderness...to be tempted.

After 40 days of fasting, Satan tempts with food! I would fall to that temptation after 40 hrs of not eating. Or if something was just put on the counter that I liked... after 4hrs of not eating!

Then Satan challenges Jesus with God's love! "Go ahead and see if God will truly save you. Does He really care about you?"

And finally, he offers the world!!! Can he do that? Didn't Jesus know who owned the kingdoms of the world and their splendor? Of course he did....Satan.

In the same way we are all tempted with these realities. Our basic desire, God's love for us, and our desire to have authority in this life.

Jesus gives us a great example to follow. He resisted Satan's temptations by placing His faith in the word of God. We too can resist temptation today as we lean on Christ and His word.

Be encouraged.

Matt. 3

2012-01-04T05:55:00.001-08:00

The Biblical "man vs. wild" was John the baptist! His message was bold and confident and people were flocking to be baptized by him. As they were being baptized they were "confessing their sins".

Since John's message was "repent", then certainly repentance is evidenced through honest confession of sin. The Pharisees on the other hand, were rebuked when they came to be baptized! Why? I believe it was because they wanted to go through yet another religious activity without the true heart behind it.

I don't want to be like the Pharisees. Do you? I want my life to be mark with true repentance, confession and obedience.

I love it that John is preparing others to welcome Jesus. He was prophesying about a day in which we live. A day in when the Holy Spirit living in us who repent and believe. A day when the Holy Spirit is helping us to live a true christian life.

Live strong today.

Matt. 2

2012-01-03T06:15:00.000-08:00

Falling to their knees, they worshiped Him! Then they opened their treasures and presented them to Him. The "wise men" of this chapter got it right. The appropriate response to seeing Jesus is to worship him and to give him what you treasure.

Two questions that emerge in this text for me if I want to be a "wise man".

1. Am I worshiping Jesus?

2. Do I offer what I treasure as a gift to Jesus?

On the other hand, there was Herod. He was threatened by Jesus and rather than doing what he said, ("I too can go and worship Him"), he wanted Him dead!

That is always the response to Jesus. Either true worship or total rejection. There is no middle ground.

Worship today!

Matt. 1

2012-01-02T07:39:00.001-08:00

Crazy grace is evident from the very beginning of Matthew. All of the women listed have very "colorful" back stories...yet God used them to bring about Jesus! We all have a story. God wants to dump grace on "your story" and make it His. That is why we like to refer to "your God story". We all are in need of God's changing grace....Period.

Let's Do This

2012-01-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to reading God's word with you in 2012! Be encouraged.

Today's reading

2011-12-30T06:55:00.001-08:00

Rev. 22:9 - God's angel sums it up clearly......"Keep the words of this book. Worship God."

What more could be said?

troy

Revelation 22
http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+22&language=english&version=49

http://BiblePlan.org/nt/nasb/
Bible Reading Plan -- NASB New Testament
Read the NASB New Testament in a year, reading one chapter each weekday.

Today's reading

2011-12-29T06:49:00.001-08:00

I can't believe another year is almost over! Two days left, then it all begins again.

Today's reading is really encouraging...."Look! I am making everything new."

By new he means not something that will soon be wore out, broken or getting old AGAIN. By "new" He means perfect and without corruption ever again. Really new! We have never experienced anything like that. It will be awesome.

Until then, we live with brokenness, longing for God to make everything "NEW" forever.

Live strong.