Posts tagged "Week 1"
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By Jake Larson
“WHILE IT WAS STILL NIGHT, WAY BEFORE DAWN, HE GOT UP AND WENT OUT TO A SECLUDED SPOT AND PRAYED.” [MARK 1:35]
I am sure I would be wrong to assume that I am the only one who seems to have a non-stop packed schedule, right? I think this is called life. There is always more to do, more people to see, more needs to meet than one person can possibly accomplish. However, each and everyday we seem to be on this mission to get it all done TODAY. As you know, it is only a matter of time before this schedule catches up with you and very important things in your life begin to suffer. You get sick, miss an important family event, or find yourself toe to toe with your spouse or boss about what is falling through the cracks.
If your life seems to be described above, it is time to schedule in some time for rest. I have a friend who is 35 years old and he takes a nap every single day. I have never really understood how or why he does this, but he seems to be juggling all the balls of his life well. He may know something about Jesus that I need to learn.
In the midst of a busy schedule including healings, feedings, story telling, and conflict Jesus gets away from it all to rest. Every person needs to be refreshed. Following Jesus’ first miracle John reports:
“AFTER THE WEDDING HE WENT TO CAPERNAUM FOR A FEW DAYS WITH HIS MOTHER, HIS BROTHERS, AND HIS DISCIPLES.” [JOHN 2:12]
Jesus went away. He frequently escaped the endless demands to refresh with God the Father. Before anyone could bother Jesus, He escaped to a secluded place to spend time with God the Father.
Have you built a regular rhythm of retreat with Jesus into your schedule? Rest is a recipe for strength. When I sleep at night my body repairs itself from the abuse I have put it through. When I make it a priority to sit with Jesus and talk with him (both speaking and listening) I am built up.
Allow for some time to rest today.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Does your life of activity reveal your reliance on self or your dependence on Jesus?
PRAYER
Lord, give me the confidence and faith in you to cease all activity and spend some time resting with you.
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By Jake Larson
“THIS MIRACULOUS SIGN AT CANA IN GALILEE WAS THE FIRST TIME JESUS REVEALED HIS GLORY. AND HIS DISCIPLES BELIEVED IN HIM.” [JOHN 2:11]
As I write this devotional I am overcome by the images and stories pouring out of Haiti. It is hard to make sense of the devastation in the lives of so many children and families. I reach out for answers to the overflow of questions in my head only to be unsatisfied with the answers. A friend of mine asked me the other day about what he believed to be an absence of God in this tragedy. Another friend angered by the comments of a prominent evangelical explaining the tragedy in Haiti is God’s response to the Haitians for “consorting with the Devil.”
I guess the question about God’s location in the midst of this tragedy is a good one. Where is He? Do you see Him?
I do. He is all over the news, named heroic across the globe, pulling people from the ruble, comforting mother’s, raising the perceived dead, bringing water to the thirsty and food to the hungry. God is holding the orphans, delivering formula to the infants, arranging relief aid to be delivered by the tons—Jesus is found in every miracle and act of compassion.
“SO WE ARE CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS…” [2 COR. 5:20]
“REMOVE THE HEAVY YOKE OF OPPRESSION. STOP POINTING YOUR FINGER AND SPREADING VICIOUS RUMORS! 10 FEED THE HUNGRY, AND HELP THOSE IN TROUBLE. THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL SHINE OUT FROM THE DARKNESS, AND THE DARKNESS AROUND YOU WILL BE AS BRIGHT AS NOON. 11 THE LORD WILL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY, GIVING YOU WATER WHEN YOU ARE DRY AND RESTORING YOUR STRENGTH.” [ISA. 58:9-11]
As followers of Jesus we are His hands and feet to the world today. He has mobilized us, His children, to represent Him in the midst of cruelty, oppression, hunger, and hopelessness.
If you don’t see Jesus, maybe the first place to look is at your own heart. His glory has been revealed, His spirit is mobilized, and the baton has been passed.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What is your role in revealing the glory of Jesus to the world?
PRAYER
Lord, I recognize that my life is an extension of your love. Use me to show your glory to my world today.
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By Jake Larson
“A HOST ALWAYS SERVES THE BEST WINE FIRST,” HE SAID. “THEN, WHEN EVERYONE HAS HAD A LOT TO DRINK, HE BRINGS OUT THE LESS EXPENSIVE WINE. BUT YOU HAVE KEPT THE BEST UNTIL NOW!” [JOHN 2:10]
I recently heard a story about a woman who left an abusive relationship after years of struggle experiencing freedom she only dreamed was possible. Following her freedom she began to rediscover herself, her passions, her relationships, and her journey with Jesus. It seemed like life could not get any better and then God opened the door for her to go back to school, graduating and receiving her law degree. She has made a full transition into a new life, career, and loving relationship.
Is this the best that life has to offer?
When the barrels of wine that Jesus had produced reached the wedding host for tasting, he was amazed that this late in the celebration the wine being served was of the highest quality. Normally at a wedding celebration like the one Jesus was attending the good wine was used up at the beginning of the week leaving the inexpensive wine for the end. This makes sense if you think about it. After seven days of partying and drinking wine there is a good chance that many people would not recognize the declining quality of wine. Would you? And yet to His surprise it just keeps getting better!
No matter how good your relationship with Jesus seems to be, the best is yet to come. Maybe you can’t imagine it could get any better. He has introduced you to a life of purpose and deeper meaning than anything the temporal world has ever provided, and it gets better. Maybe you are struggling and seeking refuge from the pain in the world. Grab a hold of hope—the best is yet to come.
“I HEARD A VOICE THUNDER FROM THE THRONE: “LOOK! LOOK! GOD HAS MOVED INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, MAKING HIS HOME WITH MEN AND WOMEN! THEY’RE HIS PEOPLE, HE’S THEIR GOD. HE’LL WIPE EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES. DEATH IS GONE FOR GOOD—TEARS GONE, CRYING GONE, PAIN GONE—ALL THE FIRST ORDER OF THINGS GONE.” THE ENTHRONED CONTINUED, “LOOK! I’M MAKING EVERYTHING NEW. WRITE IT ALL DOWN—EACH WORD DEPENDABLE AND ACCURATE.”” [REV. 21:3-5]
Allow eternity with Jesus to comfort your heart. This earth is a temporary stop in an eternal mission. On this stop, we are to join Jesus in His mission that also includes His suffering; however, we do so with a hope in the future where tears are gone, crying is gone, pain is gone, and things are new.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER
My confidence in eternity is a key factor in my ability to overcome my present reality. Do you spend more time focusing on the hardships of today or on the best that is still to come?
PRAYER
Lord, help me remember your promises for the future in the midst of my current suffering.
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By Jake Larson
“DEAR WOMAN, THAT’S NOT OUR PROBLEM,” JESUS REPLIED. “MY TIME HAS NOT YET COME.” [JOHN 2:4]
I hate to wait, how about you? I am often the one changing lanes to get closer to the front of the line at a red light. I am always looking for the shortest line at the grocery store only to find myself behind someone who has to write a check and then proceeds to balance the expense in her registry. I grow impatient when I see there is need in our world and the church is not responding the way I think it should. I hate to wait.
The unfortunate thing about hating to wait is that God often has a different timeline to accomplish His work in our lives than we do. Imagine how difficult it was for Abraham and Sarah to wait for a promised child or the people of Israel to be patient for 420 years in Egypt, or for Job as he waited for God’s mercy to be seen in his circumstances. At the core of following Jesus is a discipline to wait.
Jesus had a clear timeline while He walked on earth that was outlined by God the Father:
“SO JESUS EXPLAINED, “I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, THE SON CAN DO NOTHING BY HIMSELF. HE DOES ONLY WHAT HE SEES THE FATHER DOING. WHATEVER THE FATHER DOES, THE SON ALSO DOES. 20 FOR THE FATHER LOVES THE SON AND SHOWS HIM EVERYTHING HE IS DOING. “ [JOHN 5:19-20A]
When the time was right Jesus acted and not a moment sooner. This obedience came from an understanding that the Father loves the Son. Waiting is not God’s way of torturing us while on earth but a mechanism to grow our faith, trust, and love.
Are you in the midst of waiting? Are you unsure of what God is doing and have no power to change your circumstances on your own? If so, reflect on these truths about God:
1. He is the author and creator of life: we are not writing our own stories independent of God’s power. [JOB 38-39]
2. He is a God of mercy and comfort: He comforts us that we may comfort others [2 COR. 1:3-11]
3. He will deliver you: this world is not your home [1 PETER 2:11]
QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Do you truly believe that Jesus loves you and wants the best for you in this life and the life to come?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust in your plans even when I can’t see them or understand the steps. Please be my comfort and strength as I walk through the trials of this world and wait on your direction.
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By Jake Larson
“THE NEXT DAY THERE WAS A WEDDING CELEBRATION IN THE VILLAGE OF CANA IN GALILEE. JESUS’ MOTHER WAS THERE, 2 AND JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES WERE ALSO INVITED TO THE CELEBRATION.” [JOHN 2:1-2]
I don’t know about you but there have been a number of times in my ‘church’ experiences where I have thought, “why are Christians so boring?” It is like the world doesn’t even expect us to be fun.
My wife and I were invited to a Halloween party at my neighbor’s house last year and so we organized getting rid of the kids and showed up for the party. My neighbor knows that I am a Pastor and for some reason thought I would not show up. He opened the door to see my wife and me ready for a great evening of getting to know the neighbors and celebration. Looking back at the party I wish he had told me that it was a costume party, but either way we were there.
Throughout the Bible we learn a few things about Jesus. One, He was very committed to the mission He was sent to accomplish. Two, He took time to celebrate with people of various family backgrounds, social standings, and religious experiences. For some reason, I cannot see Jesus eating dinner with tax collectors, prostitutes, and various sinners without a sense of humor, a joke to tell, or love for celebration.
Jesus took time to celebrate life. He would attend His neighbor’s Halloween party and would probably have been dressed up and even won the best costume award!
Following Jesus presents fresh opportunities to celebrate; it does not limit celebration. After all, followers of Jesus have more to celebrate than any other person in this world. We have been set free from the consequences of our sin and invited to join Jesus in a mission of loving the world.
When’s the last time you stopped and celebrated life? When your neighbors throw a party, would they invite you?
Jesus’ first miracle is performed at a celebration of union between two people. This celebration went on for seven days with wine, dancing, and lots of laughter. In the midst of the celebration Jesus was committed to the mission He had been sent to earth accomplish and He was also committed to the celebration.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Is following Jesus a burden in your life or an opportunity for celebration? Why?
PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the mission of God and to celebrate the days of life.
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By Jake Larson
“BUT HIS MOTHER TOLD THE SERVANTS, “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.”” [JOHN 2:5]
Ever since I was a child there seemed to be this expectation that I would listen to those in authority over me. It has never been an expectation I was great at reaching. It seems that at the core of the human condition is this drive to do life by our rules and in our way. I see the same battle today in my own children. As a father I want my son to listen and obey so that he will grow and experience the BEST of life.
The reality in each of our lives is that the choice to be obedient and to grow is our own to make. Do you desire to grow in your relationship with Jesus? Are you satisfied to live life while slowly fading further away from God? If you are reading this devotional today I think that answer is more than likely a resounding NO.
If you want to grow than it is going to take some effort and commitment.
In the very first miracle recorded in the scriptures Jesus turns water into wine at a friends wedding celebration. He is prompted to reveal his power by His mother who informs Him of the potentially embarrassing situation for the wedding hosts. Running out of wine is an emergency at this celebration…don’t you love the Bible! Mary, Jesus’ Mother, looks to the servants and orders, “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.”
It is like she is saying, “if you want to experience a miracle in your life follow His every word.” The opportunity for Jesus to perform a miracle exists at just about every turn of our lives; however, will we obediently submit to Jesus? If you do what He tells you your life will change. Critical to growing in your relationship with Jesus is a commitment to do whatever He tells you.
Make a commitment today to read the words from the Bible and respond in obedience to Jesus. As you follow Him in obedience a miracle will take place in your life and even more spectacular in the lives of others through you.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER
What is stopping me from a commitment to obedience and growth in my relationship with Jesus?
PRAYER
Jesus, instead of running from your commands give me the power and the desire to obey you in all things. (Philippians 2:13)
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By Jake Larson
I can’t tell you how many times in my life I have made a commitment to something only to fail before I even get to the starting line. If you are like me than today is a successful day—you are on DAY 1 of a commitment to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus. You have logged in online and are actually reading these words, did you think you would get this far?
It seems very acceptable in today’s world to mean well but fall short of our commitments. We do this all the time with the food we will or will not eat, the exercise routine, chores, work related disciplines, and Bible devotions. It even gets to the point where we development a hesitancy to make commitments of any kind because they just remind us of our failures.
CNN reported that most people fail at their commitments (resolutions) because they do not have a clearly defined why. What is the reason why I must keep this commitment? Why am I doing this in the first place?
Let me give you a couple reasons WHY you should keep your commitment to Jesus over the next few months:
1. Relationship with Jesus is EVERYTHING
The first and greatest commandment in the scriptures is simple and clear:
“AND YOU MUST LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, ALL YOUR SOUL, ALL YOUR MIND, AND ALL YOUR STRENGTH.” [MARK 12:30]
Everything flows out of your relationship with Jesus. A growing relationship with Jesus has the power to heal broken relationships, strengthen your influence in society, overcome life’s obstacles, build character, resist temptation, love the unlovable, and define the purpose of living. When someone’s life choices result in a reckless life you can always look back to a slow drift away from Jesus. You were created to know Him intimately and personally and to walk with him daily.
To what extent is Jesus your whole life? What priority does he take in your day?
2. In Relationship with Jesus you will discover your purpose
“NO, O PEOPLE, THE LORD HAS TOLD YOU WHAT IS GOOD, AND THIS IS WHAT HE REQUIRES OF YOU: TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.” [MICAH 6:8]
We are people who are created to thrive in purpose on purpose. In other words, when we are clear about our purpose in life, we excel. We do not end up where we are by accident. There are always tangible decisions and steps that lead us to our final destination. The truth is: In Jesus we discover our purpose and our steps.
The prophet Micah tells us that our purpose is found in doing right, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Our purpose in life is found in the heart and character of God. When we walk in His footsteps we thrive in purpose on purpose. What was Jesus’ life about? When you find the answer, embrace your unique gifts, and participate in his mission—you will find your purpose.
QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Take some time to journal and answer the question: Why am I doing this? What is my motivation for this commitment?
MY COMMITMENT
1. Read daily teachings online
2. Read and reflect on scripture: Bible reading plan
3. Pray daily
PRAYER
Lord, today I place you first in my life and commit to connect, grow, and serve.
