Friday, September 17, 2010

Matthew 8:38

This morning I read "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." Matthew 8:38
It can be hard to live a life set apart for Christ, and to feel the scorn of others when we take a stand for what we know is true and good. But we should not be ashamed or embarrassed. On the contrary, we should be bold in declaring Christ in our words and our actions.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Mark 1

I began in Mark this evening. I'm also still reading two chapters a day in Genesis, but find that my NT readings usually inspire me more. In the first chapter of Mark, it talks about how the demons recognized and obeyed Jesus. I think this is such a great example of Jesus' sovereignty. He is Lord of ALL. Not just those who willingly submit to his authority, but every part of creation is subject to him. We have free will, and can disobey because he allows us that freedom--for now. Some day every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Him as Lord.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Matthew 28

I finished reading the book of Matthew this evening. There, at the very end of the last chapter is the Great Commission: "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."
That's what we're supposed to do. Go. Make disciples.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Matthew 24 & 25

I was reading in Matthew today, and in chapters 24 & 25, Jesus is talking about the end times. I confess to being totally confused on this matter. I really don't know what it all means. It certainly seems like these could be those days, but every generation has thought they were living in the end times. I like this verse: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Matthew 24:35
Maybe it's now. Maybe he was talking about the persecution of the early church and it already happened. Maybe it won't happen for another thousand years. I don't know, but that hardly matters. We should live every day here on earth for Him like it is our last (because it may be) This is temporary--He is eternal!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Matthew 23

I am still reading in Genesis and Matthew. Tonight I read in Matthew 23 where Jesus rages against the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They had the outward appearance of righteousness, but their hearts were wicked and proud. Jesus called them "sons of hell" and "whitewashed tombs."
I do not want to look like a Christian. I want to be a Christian--a disciple of Christ--for real.