October Archives

October 1

Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34;

Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; John 1:35-51;

Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11

My Father, there seems such a stress on the need for the early study of Scripture. This does not appear tied in to only those going into ministry. The Scripture implies that study of Scripture should be important to all. There also appears to be a strong stress on the need for the baptism of the Holy Spirit for those entering the ministry; and while it is only loosely implied here, it seems possible that the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the call of God into special ministry (discipling ministry) are tightly related. Readers of the book of Acts would, I think, see a confirmation of this. The important things are study and patience. Jesus understood the power that would be needed for His disciples, but His relationship with them began with tutoring in the Scriptural concepts. Then, as He left, He said make sure You wait on the Holy Spirit. Father, may I always be studious and patient. Amen.

October 2

John 2:1 to 4:26

Father of Light, You see all in my heart and You know my busy mind. My Lord, cleanse my heart and settle my mind that I may share a thought with You through Christ. A man comes to You at night because he does not want to be seen. Has he been sent by others? Or does he work alone? He apparently believes on Jesus, either at this meeting or sometime soon after. At least one other council member accompanies him to claim the Lord’s body after the crucifixion. This must have been at great jeopardy to reputation, career, and even life. Sounds like the actions of those who had taken up their own crosses and followed Him. And then there is this woman. Jesus approaches (verbally) this Samaritan woman. Even thought it is unusual and is likely to cause reactions from any that see, Jesus does not operate under cover of night. But He will save those who do, if they will only see that He is the Light. Amen.

October 3

John 4:27-42; Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:12-17; Luke 4:14-15;

John 4:43-46a; Luke 4:16-30; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37;

Mark 1:29-39; Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-44; Mark 1:40-45;

Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-16

Father, it is interesting to me that this section ends with the words, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” I am not so taken with the placement as I am with the words themselves. Obviously, Jesus was never lonely in these lonely places, for we know that He was never alone. You were always there and He knew it, and desired the quiet, private, and no doubt pleasant communication available at those places away from the crowd. My father, I have found intimacy with You in just about any public place there is, and that has been such a wonderful blessing – an assurance that has often saved my mind from much anxiety. But I also must say, my wonderful Savior, that the quiet times in the hours of the morning that are still dark, and the house still asleep, I have discovered moments with You that I could not possibly express with this pen. You have always been there, whether I felt You or not. I simply knew by faith. And likewise, I know You always will be. Amen.

October 4

Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26; Mark 2:13-17;

Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32; Mark 2:18-22; Matthew 9:14-17;

Luke 5:33-39; Mark 2:23-28; Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5

Dear Father in heaven, how awesome is Your Name. The Name of salvation – of justice – of mercy. You are love and I thank You for Jesus my Lord, and I thank You for the Holy Spirit Who loves me and teaches me more about Jesus. I don’t think Jesus was trying to build a sect of Judaism, although He knew for a time that is what it would look like. And so the two most popular sects of Judaism, the Pharisees and John the Baptist, watched the behavior of Jesus and His followers carefully and listened to His teachings. I don’t think the Baptist’s follower had bad intentions like the Pharisees began to have. I think they both just wanted to feel comfortable that this new “sect” of Judaism was at least adhering to the basics and not some wild new cult trying to call itself Jewish. It is the same caution employed today in orthodoxy. We must take care to not shut You out, in the process, Lord. Help us! Amen.

October 5

Mark 3:1-6; Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11; Mark 3:7-12;

Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 4:23 to 5:20

Our Father in heaven, this reading reveals much about You and Your heart toward men. In fact, Your purpose, Your love, Your attention, Your irritation, Your wisdom, and Your teaching all show us so much, we almost cannot see anything else. But there is something else, isn’t there, Father? There is the audience – the people, the crowds, the disciples, the diseased, even the demons; and then there is You, the Father communicating with Your Son. Every kind of person imaginable was encountered by Jesus, from the desperately needy to the desperately jealous. But Father, I can’t help but wonder about the communication of Jesus with You, and You with Jesus. The place was apparently private, and while there were other times of earnest prayer, there is no indication that there was any hurry or anxiety here. It seems to indicate that He prayed all night, perhaps until dawn. Of course, our speculations must eventually bow, and realize, this hallowed ground has not been shared. Amen.

October 6

Matthew 5:21 to 7:29

Father in heaven, You know well that I have been very deficient in relationships, whether with You, with others, or with me. I have always struggled with relationships and I suppose it is because I spent my life perfecting selfishness. It is only through Your Holy Spirit that I have come to learn self-denial, and while I still wrestle with such issues, You have made me much more able to love You and others without reserve. It just seems that is the heart of this reading. To be perfect, as You are perfect means that I should love my enemies. This is perfect love. This is what brought Jesus to the Cross. You teach about anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, egotism, materialism, judging others, and sincerity toward God. The practice of Your Words is like building on an unshakable foundation and the Holy Spirit reveals Your Words and makes all possible. Thank You. Amen.

October 7

Luke 17-49; 7:1-10; Matthew 8:5-13; John 4:46b-54; Luke 7:11-17

Dear Glorious, Wonderful Father, how awesome are You – revealed in Your Son. This teaching of the abundance of storage in the heart, overflowing through the actions and the vocal chords of the individual, is troubling. It troubles and convicts and makes me desirous to apply more seriously to prayer and study of the Scriptures. I know the Holy Spirit is abundant in such an environment, and where the Spirit is, good things are spoken. Father, there have been times when I know good things have come from my heart to my mouth, and the result has been peacemaking. But there are other times, Lord – too many, I fear – that I have spoken words that contribute to conflict or elevate me in the eyes of others. This deeply concerns me, but I am confident in You. Like the centurion, I know who obeys You, and I know, my Lord, that You give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Thank You Father. Thank You for filling and guiding my heart into goodness. I love You. Amen.

October 8

Luke 7:18-35; Matthew 11:1-19; Luke 7:36-50; 8:1-3; Mark 3:20-30;

Matthew 12:22-45; Luke 11:14-26

My Father, there are so many things that we struggle to understand just like those who listened to Jesus when He originally spoke these words. But it seems to me the reason we struggle is because we try to restrict every thing to this physical realm, which is the way are born and raised to think. But every thing He said that is difficult to understand becomes clear when we think spiritually. Even when our Lord speaks about physical matters, the context of His thoughts is completely spiritual. This is a tough practice for us, but it is what our Lord wants for us, and we should pursue it with earnest petitions to the Spirit of Christ every step of the way. Father, may I know and understand that I live in Christ and Christ in me, which means I no longer live in the context of the physical, but now I live by faith. Amen.

October 9

Mark 3:31-35; Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21; Mark 4:1-20;

Matthew 13:1-23; Luke 8:4-18; Mark 4:21-29

Holy Lord, we have ears to hear, but we do not hear. O Lord, that we might realize: listening is wok and understanding is spiritual. Studious commitment must be made with the mind and spiritual application must be made with the heart; but the transformation must begin in the mind. Wonderful Lord, how absolutely gracious it is that You allow a window to show us the Word of God that we spread around this globe produces varied results and the results are none of our business in this life. We simply must spread the seed and leave the soil to “produce the grain.” It is not ours to know how or if “the seed sprouts and grows.” But thank You, Lord that You showed us through Luke – the true secret to a good crop – perseverance. Just spread the seed. Just share the Word. The results or lack of results are not our business. Fill me with Your Spirit this day, Father. Amen.

October 10

Mark 4:30-34; Matthew 13:31-35; Luke 13:18-21; Matthew 13:24-30;

Matthew 13:36-52; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25;

Mark 5:1-20; Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39

Father, You never devalued the Kingdom of Heaven with trite or shallow words. You used parables, metaphors, or special photographs that require the lens of diligence to reach a focus that would allow some recognition. In a sense, I suppose Your words were seeker-friendly but they were never lazy-friendly. Your words required a departure from earthly behavior and the worldviews of self-focus. The more one prays and studies and share and cares, the more one begins to understand the heart of Your words. But far too many simply see You as a threat to their livelihoods, their hopes, and their dreams. Most live for the accumulation of possessions, comforts, and popularity. Your words and Your actions as seen in Your Son teach the opposite. You were a threat in the minds of the people of the Gadarenes, and You still are a threat today. Your righteousness is always a threat to unrighteousness. But there are always a few who say “yes” to You, and discover treasure without measure. Amen.

October 11

Mark 5:21-43; Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56; Matthew 9:27-34;

Mark 6:1-6a; Matthew 13:53-58; John 5:1-15

Amazing Savior, my Father, when people know Who Jesus is and trust Him, they are saved by faith. This faith has been described or defined in many ways, but most commonly as simple belief. But Father, I think it is much more than that, because even devils mentally affirm the deity of Jesus. Lord, it seems that faith knows there is a realm that is not physical. It is not seen with human eyes. And faith knows that the physical realm is subject to this other realm. Now, Father, if we stop there, we could take the concept of faith and twist it into many different occult beliefs. But it doesn’t stop there, does it? Not only is the physical subject to the spiritual, but the spiritual is subject to the Lord Jesus. Indeed, He is Lord of all, seen and unseen. And when one’s deepest sense knows that he rules all and that He is full of compassion, such a sense is felt by our Lord, immediately. Amen.

October 12

John 5:16-47; Mark 6:6b-11; Matthew 9:35 to 1-:42; Luke 9:1-5

Father, my thoughts want to enter this pen from several directions. There can be nothing more fruitful than considering the relationship of You and Your Son, even though our considerations are so feeble compared to the reality. It is the relationship of ultimate love and the example – indeed the source – of all other relationships of genuine love. Thank you for so loving the world. Thank You for loving me. Which brings me to other thoughts from the text – thoughts that may be more selfish. I am wondering, Father, just what I should take from the verses about shaking the dust off the feet. I know that You love the lost with immeasurable intensity, and I know You grieve for the rejection of Jerusalem. Father, this makes me believe that “shaking the dust” does not mean to give the people heartlessly over to the judgment of their own ways. It seems to me, You anticipated the grief felt for those who reject the Gospel, and You wanted the disciples to know, for the sake of the next town, they must put their grief aside and trust God. Amen.

October 13

Mark 6:14-29; Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9; Mark 6:12-13; Luke 9:6;

Mark 6:3-44; Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15

My holy Father, I love You more each day. Your Word, Your Spirit, Your Son – fill me and grow me. Thank You. Father, be glorified this day by my actions and words. May everyone I come in contact with see and hear meekness and strength, and know that I have been with You. Father, You have filled me. Now I ask, “Overflow me.” May I be fully immersed in Your Spirit at all times. Then I know I will not quench Your Spirit within, as lost souls cross my path. As I read the four recordings of the 5 loaves and two fish blessed by Jesus and feeding 5000 men and their families (that were present), it is my prayer that I will always remember and be guided by the knowledge that You rule the Universe. Help me to grasp and never release the trust in You. Help me to never pull back from a ministry opportunity – to never shrink back when the situation appears to be physically unsupported. Amen.

October 14

Mark 6:45-56; Matthew 14:22-36; John 6:16-59

Father, on the one hand it seems the people were looking for a free ride. You fed them miraculously and they hunted the Lord down; and He says they couldn’t care less about the miracles or rather signs, but about the incredible potential for never working for food again. But Jesus straightens them out (or tries) by telling them not to work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life. Of course, the reference is to Jesus, the Word made flesh. And His reference was always to You – to Your Word. His desire was for people to hear Your words through Him and obey. In this reading, Jesus walked on the water of Lake Galilee, and encouraged people to believe in Him. You said such dramatic things, Jesus, and You did it while teaching in the synagogue. Father, may we have the same commitment to truth, while helping the community in the Name of Christ. Amen.

October 15

Mark 7:1-23; Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28;

Mark 7:31-37; Matthew 15:29-31; Mark 8:1-10; Matthew 15:32-39

Dear Father in heaven, You speak of distant hearts producing vain honor and worship of You. And while I sense no vanity in my private time with You, my occasional neglect of such time causes me concern of the nearness of my heart to Yours. I do not believe You create any distance from any heart. I believe the neglecter of Your loving, guiding company causes distance. The one thing I always know is that this distance can be closed instantly. I know from the story of the Prodigal Son, who even though he created the distance, when he chose to return, the father ran earnestly, desiring to close the distance as expeditiously as possible. And yet, the father caused none of the distance. And the father’s joy has placed all wrong from view forever. But I wonder, Father, if knowing this spoils me at times and I give myself to neglect our unique times together. Father, may it not be so. May this knowledge do the opposite, and draw me closer to You. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.

October 16

Mark 8:11-13; Matthew 16:1-4; Mark 8:14-21; Matthew 16:5-12;

Mark 8:22-30; Matthew 16:13-20; Luke 9:18-21; John 6:60-71;

Mark 8:31 to 9:1; Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:22-27

Wondrous Father, I think the message of the “yeast” is missed too often. You referred to the two miraculous feedings of the huge crowds. You did this even as You were warning the disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees. There is never any possibility that the disciples would lack what is needed for the physical body. There was never a problem with quantity of bread (physical), but there was potentially a great problem with bread (spiritual). You are the Bread of Life and Your Body is the Church. Even a little yeast will spread throughout the entire loaf of bread, or body – the Church. I used to think the yeast referred to here was legalism (Pharisees), liberalism (Sadducees), and politics (Herodians). Certainly those maladies spread rapidly in the Body, can totally corrupt, and are worthy of warning. But I think the context provides more clearly something else that You are warning about. And that is seeking after signs – desiring parlor tricks from God rather than the pure simplicity of His holy Word. If we indulge in our churches the chasing after miracles, emphasizing signs over Your Word, it will corrupt everything. There must be constant awareness and if this inclination is detected, it should be immediately and radically removed. It seems so important to me, to build our lives in the light of Your statement, “The Spirit give life, the flesh counts for nothing.” Father, may it be so. Amen.

October 17

Mark 9:2-13; Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:28-36; Mark 9:14-32;

Matthew 17:14-23; Luke 9:37-45; Mark 9:33-37; Matthew 18:1-5;

Luke 9:46-48

My Father in Heaven, search my heart, Lord. Cleanse me. Forgive me and fill me with Your Spirit. May I reflect Your glory always. May Your presence in my heart be always seen and heard in my speech and actions. Father, I know Your adoption of me is sealed by the Holy Spirit. I am Your child – I dwell in Christ. I know that I can command certain situations in Your Name, but I know there are other things that require prayer – surrendered prayer to You. You have decreed from eternity the positions and schedules of those operating in the heavenlies. I cannot change that with a command, but a truly humble prayer can touch You and reveal itself as part of the processing of Your eternal decrees. Your disciples saw Your glory, Your power, and Your Kingdom; but they were still unprepared to see Your suffering in the plan of God. What grand and glorious plans You have for Your people, O Lord! Amen.

October 18

Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50; Mark 9:42-50;

Matthew 18:6-35; Mark 10:1; Matthew 19:1-2; Luke 9:51; Luke 9:52-62;

Matthew 18-22; Luke 10:1-20; Matthew 11:20-24

Glorious Father, throughout this reading, You illustrate the love and patience of God, and then You illustrate the tragedy of those who encounter Your love by way of miracles and such, and yet do not repent. The words in this section peel away the facades and expose those who have not truly changed their minds or repented. Ultimately, Jesus enunciates the tragedy of entire cities refusing to repent. There is a price to pay on the Day of Judgment. It will be a difficult price to bear, if not impossible. Father, it seems to me regarding repentance, that You call for both a single event and a continuing activity. Lord, please, may I be crystal clear in Your will regarding me in the work of the Kingdom, and then may I be strong in trust, and follow in obedience without question or hesitation? Forgive me for my many sins, which find their origin in not loving as my Lord loves. Guide and deliver me, my Lord. Amen.

October 19

Luke 10:21-24; Matthew 11:25-30; Luke 10:38 to 11:13; 11:27 to 12:21

Father, I suppose what shocks me this morning as I read Your Word is how many in ministry simply do not read Your Word. Or if they do, they read it while wearing blinders. They see only what supports what they have been taught and exclude other Scripture that could have balanced their thoughts and revealed the truth. I am thinking of the marquis of a church that I walked past last night that made their “prosperity” emphasis clear by using a verse out of context. This is done so often and it is a weak message, however, many still listen. They give great amounts of money to the ministry with thoughts of overflowing bank accounts and wallets, but they just get poorer. And all the time the greatest treasure of all was right at hand, but they believed a lie instead. Father, perhaps we all do this in varying degrees, and I pray for forgiveness and guidance; because I know when the sincere approach Your Word with reverence they will be guided by Your Spirit. Amen.

October 20

Luke 12:22 to 13:17; 13:22 to 14:24

O my wonderful Lord, thank You for patience and mercy. My days are complete in You and my days are chaos when I drift. And yet I am never lost from Your watchful eye. Wherever I am, You are there. O Lord, help me – help me see – help me know the blend of fear, reverence, comfort, and peace in knowing You. Your severe mercies lead to the mountaintop, but even the dark valleys are illuminated by Your presence. You always invite me to trade all of my maladies for Your cure. I am compelled by love to Your banquet table and the power of Your Holy Spirit is the limousine that transports me there. What treasures! What feasting! Lord, I hunger to be closer to Your warmth and security; and Father, I hunger to share this with those that are also in need. Am I capable, Lord? Will You operate through such weakness? My confidence is in You and I know You will provide for Your children in need, if not through one way, then through another. Forgive me for my sins and plant my feet on the Rock. Amen. Praise the Lord!

October 21

Luke 14:25 to 16:17; 16:19 to 17:19

Father, it appears the spiritual intent of the Lord Jesus’ messages was difficult for people to see then and now. And when it was understood, it was difficult to accept, just as it is difficult to accept today. I am so desirous, so hungry, Lord, to follow You, but how do You use such spiritual anemia? I am satisfied in not chasing “The American Dream.” I am satisfied that my attention to “The Jones” is gone. I’m done with that. And I know the money is over – it’s gone – it’s Yours. The only thing I think I struggle with is comfort. I love comfort and Your words clearly reveal there is nothing comfortable about following You – not in the earthly life, that is. Father, I ask Your help, and I ask it again. May I lay it all down. Touch the hearts of those who depend on me. Turn their focus to You. Grant wisdom according to Your will and Your abundance. I do not want me, Lord. I want You. Please, own my heart and then all else will be Yours, by default. Amen.

October 22

Luke 17:20 to 18:14; John 7:1-52

Father, my eyes consider first the words, “the day Lot left” and then my heart considers the words, “It will be just like this.” Of course, the text is talking of Your revelation – the revealing of Yourself. It will truly be a time of gathering to You with great energy. You then reveal so surprisingly, the truth of persistence and the fallacy of flippancy toward You. Self-righteousness and its confidence before You draws no favor whatsoever. A realization that You are holy, my God – and You are just and merciful – always exposes our sinfulness. Father, may Your Spirit fill me today, and ever turn me from pride, even in – no, especially in – matters of theology and relationship. Help me to be true to Your path even when loved ones may not understand. The text here in John (as the reading closes) illustrates so well Your words of how belief in You will cause division. May I always answer with the guards, “No one ever spoke the way this Man does.” Amen.

October 23

John 7:53 to 9:34

Father, You know so well how I feel and how I react to this text – in the deepest region of my heart. You do not want to destroy people who sin. You want to rescue them from destruction. The adulteress was doing a fine job of destroying herself, but Jesus rescued her from physical destruction and then rescued her from spiritual destruction. He rescued her from the stones held by other sinners and then He rescued her from the condemnation of God – a far worse wrath than that of the stone-throwing hypocrites. Yesterday I read that Your Son is the source of the water of Life, the Holy Spirit. Today I read He is the Light of the world. I pray that You fill me with the water of Life and I know that like clear waters I will reflect Your light brightly from the heights. The blind man did not need to study theology to reach his conclusion about the Lord. But he did find it remarkable that the (presumably) biblically literate Pharisees seemed unable to reach the same unavoidable conclusion. Jesus is from God! Praise You, Father! Amen.

October 24

John 9:35 to 10:21; Mark 10:2-12; Matthew 19:3-12; Luke 16:18;

Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17; Mark 10:17-22;

Matthew 19:16-22; Luke 18:18-23

My holy, loving Father, again I watch and see as Your Son interacts and dispenses the truth that discomforts and comforts; that convicts and relieves; that challenges and gives rest, and here I sit desiring so much to draw closer to my Shepherd. What an easily distracted member I am. How easily I can be drawn to the fringes of the flock, where Your voice is harder to hear and Your words are more often misunderstood or simply not heeded. Forgive me, my Lord, and draw me close. Discipline with Your rod and count me with Your staff as one who is close to Your face and conformed to Your will. And Father, may I ask additionally, along with this heart that clings to Your Word, may I always remember that my wallet must always be attached to my heart. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that grants love and wisdom as I minister to others. Amen.

October 25

Mark 10:23-31; Matthew 19:23-30; Luke 18:24-30; Matthew 20:1-16;

John 10:22 to 11:16

Father in Heaven, I think most of the theological constructs that spring up from the flesh of secular humans are trashed by Your teaching in this one reading session. There is tremendous reward for following You in this life, and the reward comes in this life (as well as in the life to come). The more sacrificial the service, the more the blessing, and it is often exponential. But Father, history teaches us that Jesus is not talking about material things. He is talking about the fulfillment that comes from serving and obeying in this life. And yet Jesus says these followers will also receive eternal life. This is “across the board,” whether they have done a lot of work or a little. And I think I know the reason why. Because everyone who accepts the job offers, and enters the field, and begins the work is paid at the end of the day. In other words, they are saved; not because they worked, but because they said, “Yes” to the offer. They believed – by grace through faith. Amen.

October 26

John 11:17-57; Mark 10:32-45; Matthew 20:17-28; Luke 18:31-34;

Mark 10:46-52; Matthew 20:29-34; Luke 18:35-43

Wonderful heavenly Father, it is so easy, even recreational, to criticize these amazingly dense disciples. But what really makes me laugh out loud is the realization that maybe we like it so much because it takes our attention off our own immense ability to misunderstand the teaching and guidance of Jesus. These guys had listened and watched as You used a small child to illustrate how we must become to enter the kingdom of God. Then You take it a step further and teach them (through interaction with the rich ruler) that it is impossible for man to enter the kingdom of God. Then You deliberately wait for Lazarus to die before teaching that Lazarus will now respond to Your call to live. You could not be clearer - we must realize our helplessness, bankruptcy, complete dependency on Your attention. Without it we will just stink our way into eternity. But faith has been measured even to the spiritually dead and we must respond when You call. Amen.

October 27

Luke 19:1-10; Mark 11:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-44;

John 12:12-19; Mark 11:12-25; Matthew 21:12-22; Luke 19:45-48

Holy Father, thank You for the account of Zacchaeus. It has an air of humor, of surprise, and of warmth. It speaks volumes about the condition of the heart, and stands in stark contrast to the account of the fig tree that showed leaves but no fruit, which was the expected condition for the season. But Jesus made it clear that in the Kingdom of Heaven, anything (or anyone) that looks like it should have fruit, had better actually have fruit, whether it is in season or out of season. In the middle of all this, Father, is the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. I am struck that some spread their cloaks on the road and some spread tree branches. I am not sure that I should make anything out of the difference. It’s just that I am drawn to those who spread their cloaks for the colt that was bearing the Creator of the Universe. It seems to me their giving cost them something more personal. It makes me think of the exhortation, “Have faith in God.” Nothing more important. Amen.

October 28

Mark 11:27-33; Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8; Matthew 21:28-32;

Mark 12:1-12; Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19; Matthew 22:1-14;

Mark 12:13-17; Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26

Holy Father, they still did not get it. They refused and You brought discipline and yet Your mercy endures forever. The city that the Son wept over, was the city that crucified Him. Father, isn’t that my city also? Wasn’t I a citizen their also? I have done so many hardhearted things, and I think I have learned that I am helpless without You. I am not an opponent of evil when I am dependent on any other than You. If Your Spirit is taken, I am more like a citizen of the city of man. But if I am filled with your Spirit, I am not a member of evil; I am a citizen of the city of God. Father, I come to You dressed only in the righteousness of Christ. You have dressed me and You have kept me against all my rebellious behavior. I have tempted and treated Your grace cheaply, but Father, from my heart, which is not hidden from You ever, I say now with this pen: the grip of Your grace is stronger than my grip. It’s depth is incomprehensible! Amen.

October 29

Mark 12:18-27; Matthew 22:23-33; Luke 20:27-40; Mark 12:28-34;

Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-37; Mark 12:35-37a; Matthew 22:41-46;

Luke 20:41-44; Matthew 23:1-36; Mark 12:37b-40; Luke 20:45-47

My Father, Knowing You, knowing Christ, knowing the Scriptures – they are synonymous. We must pray and study the Scriptures. Otherwise, we will be guided by our own imaginations, which is a perilous activity. But to read the Scriptures is not to know the Scriptures. It is true, our diligence is required, but we need Your Spirit. And You are abundantly generous in this regard to those who ask according to Your will. The Scriptures are not open to the arrogant or the proud. They are only open to the meek and broken, who approach Your Word with a sense of awe. And then, it is there that we find Your salvation, our loving Father – it is there that we find Christ. Father, You have given us a Good Shepherd Who hears our frantic bleating and sees the danger we have gotten ourselves into once again. You rescue us from others and You rescue us from ourselves. You rescue us from evil and re-establish our goings – our faith. Blessed be the Lord. Amen.

October 30

Matthew 23:37-39; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4; Mark 13:1-23;

Matthew 24:1-28; Luke 21:5-24

Awesome Lord, most of the reading in this section has been understood in many different ways, and depending on the heart that approaches these verses, each one may still draw genuine blessing from the knowledge of You. But Father, I am not trying to relativize Your Word to whatever different people want to believe. You said something specific and it should be approached in context. You meant what You said in one way only and those who understand it differently are in error. Father, speaking of context, I am drawn to how all this teaching of end times is prefaced with the account of the poor widow who gave all she had. It is here that we should examine ourselves and run to You. And then, Lord, I think of how You closed the amazing “woes” to the Scribes and Pharisees with the cry from the heart of our Savior and God. It is a cry to the city of Jerusalem – especially to its religious leaders, but can apply to all cities. “I have longed to…but you were not willing.” O Lord! Amen.

October 31

Mark 13:24-31; Matthew 24:29-35; Luke 21:25-38; Mark 13:32-37;

Matthew 24:36 to 25:30; Luke 19:11-27

Father – holy God – what can I say about such a reading except that there is so much here that convicts me. The whole tenor of this section is “being watchful, being busy for the Master, and being profitable.” Father, what is a good and faithful servant, except one who desires to use the gift of breath and the Good News of Jesus for the glory of God? So many would say it sounds like salvation by works, and in a sense that is correct – in the sense that saving faith is working faith. James clarifies that so well. I suppose, Father, if we can just work until bedtime and lay down restfully, knowing that we are all unworthy servants anyhow, then maybe we will “get it.” You do seem to expose those who claim Christianity, but really aren’t the least bit interested in living a life surrendered to Christ. I think that is the message – “don’t play Church.” Father, forgive me and fill me today with Your Spirit, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Ó 2007 C. E. Briggs