Friday, November 23, 2012

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Friday, November 23, 2012          Ask, Look, Knock   

Page 99-100           Matthew 7:7-29; Luke 6:43-49

Today we conclude our reading of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus invites all people to come to him and receive eternal life. Jesus has painted a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God. He has described a way of living that I want to be my way of life. However, Jesus is telling his followers there is no cheap grace. There is a cost to discipleship. Jesus wants to be clear so that people know that while they have been invited to come as they are and live under the reign of God, when they come in, they will want to change the way they are living.

“Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention” (Matthew 7:13-14 The Message).

In this digital age, where we can be overwhelmed with information and misinformation, finding our way to the life in Christ can seem quite daunting. However daunting the task may be, it is not impossible to find the truth, “For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:8). Twenty-six times in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says, “I tell you the truth.” In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” We CAN find the truth, God’s truth, in the issues of our times.

So persevere in asking, seeking and knocking as you “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Hebrews 12:1-3 The Message).

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

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The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Monday, November 26, 2012       I Met a Man with True Faith        

Page 100-101         Matthew 8:1, 5-13; Luke 7:1-10