Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:

Matt 16

1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test (Jesus) they asked him to show them a sign from heaven …

4 (Jesus answered them), “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.”

Observation:

The religious leaders were feeling threatened by who Jesus was showing Himself to be.
But they demanded more. They wanted yet more supernatural “proof” of who Jesus was.
Jesus gave a strong opinion of this demand, “evil and adulterous”.
Jesus told them one more “sign” would be “given”. He would be gone three days and then come back, the “sign of Jonah”.

Application:

So, the religious leaders were making “demands” of Jesus.
If I am making demands, then what does that, in fact, actually show?
If I am making demands, then it shows that I have a sense of “lack”.
If I am making demands of Jesus, there is something much deeper going on.
I am sensing a “lack” in who He is or who I am in Him.
And this is of utmost importance, because if I have a sense of “lack” in who Jesus is … then I will seek elsewhere to have my “demands” fulfilled.
But if I am continuously “demanding a sign”, what is it that I truly lack? …. Faith! Faith that Jesus is who He says He is! And that I am who Jesus says I am!
If I can rest contentedly in this foundation, demands for signs evaporate.
It’s an interesting adjective Jesus uses to describe those who demand a sign: “adulterous”!
What’s another word for “adulterous”? … Unfaithful!
If I was continuously “demanding a sign” from my wife to prove herself or her love to me, something unhealthy is happening in our relationship.
If I asked her everyday, “Prove your love to me!” … “Prove your love to me” … “Prove your love to me!” ….
I would be showing my own insecurities and immaturity, not her’s!
My “demands” on someone else, including my wife, are a reflection of me and my weaknesses, not who she is!
I must have faith in our covenant relationship.
So, then … Can I trust the Covenant relationship Jesus says He has entered with me? … I must!
Jesus says the only “sign” I need is His death and resurrection … It is enough!
Paul later said, “Jews demand a sign, Greeks demand wisdom, but I preach Christ crucified! … It is enough! Amen!

Prayer:

Thank you again, father, for your word.
It is enough. You are enough.
Help me demand nothing more than You.
You are alive and I am alive in You
In Jesus name, Amen!

Scripture:

“For Herod had seized John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias (his brother Philip’s wife), because John had been saying to him “It is not lawful for you to have her, (Herod).” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people because they held (John) to be a prophet. But, when Herod’s birthday came the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod-so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother she said “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry but because of his oath and his guests he commanded it to be given.” Matt 14:3-9

Observation:

Herod got caught between a rock and a hard place of his own making. There is a lesson here besides reviewing history about John and Jesus: How compromised do we make ourselves in the same way Herod did? How recognizable is the narrow path when I want to go my own way? When do I get caught up with the flow of life and neglect remembering the Way of the Cross?

Application:

To be clear, it would be difficult to assign to Herod any positive aspects as it would pertain to following the Law or of Godliness before the Ancient of Days. But I think I can broadly recognize Herod’s response as possibly my own:

* Hide my sin. Bind it, hide it, and don’t talk about it.

* Ignore the Voice telling me of my sinful ways.

* Fear of man; fear of the crowd; fear of another’s opinion of me.

* Liking to hide in my favorite pastime; get my mind off my troubles.

* Blanketing or covering my sin with more sin.

* Committing to foolish promises.

Probably more here, this is just from the top of the analysis of the passage. The point I take away here isn’t that Herod is terrible in all of his ways but that I am similar to Herod if not just like him. Herod was ate up with supplying and protecting his own desires. Am I really any different?

The Gospel is more than just the message for the “unsaved”-it is relevant to every aspect of our lives. I must review and preach the Gospel daily to myself because I forget-I forget about its power, I forget about the implications, I forget to whom I owe my life, my breath, my every being. I forget that only through Christ I can escape the Wrath that I richly deserve. I forget that my sin has been overcome and that sin no longer has dominion over me. I also forget that sin is crouching at my door, like a devouring lion, and that the daily pull is to glide into sin’s orbit.

So what are my steps to counter this? Perhaps the first and foremost step is to understand as full as I can that my sin is without a doubt an affront to God. When I sin, I sin against God. My sin is not against another primarily, it is against the Most High. Acknowledge, confess, and repent. Confess to another-perhaps your spouse, perhaps a significant godly person in the local Church. Confess and ask for forgiveness to anybody that was in the orbit of our sin-wife, children, coworkers, boss, etc.

This is never easy; grates at the ego level. But…the Way of the Cross isn’t easy. Consider Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord God: Walking worthy of the Gospel is what I long for. It is also my daily struggle. Why? Because the old man in me recoils in obeying You. I am so very thankful that I cannot overcome sin by mere discipline as if gritting my teeth is all that is necessary to obey You. I am comforted by You the Holy Spirit who powers me up to do Your Will. Your Sovereignty to untie the chains of sin and the responsibility You give/place on me to press in-how can I ever understand this? It is a mystery. Thank you for saving me. AMEN.

Scripture:

Matthew 13:44 – “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up.  Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Observation:

The kingdom of heaven is valuable and to be protected.  You have to seek to find the kingdom of heaven.  When you find the kingdom of heaven there is great joy and you realize that it is worthy of everything you have.

Application:

I have to seek Jesus and know that the kingdom may not be as recognizable to some as others initially.   When I see Jesus as the Son of God and what he has done to redeem me, this has to be the most valuable thing ever.  Upon receiving Jesus as Lord and savior, there is unmet joy that can’t be matched by earthly desires that leave the heart empty.  The value of the kingdom of heaven is so much greater than anything else I must be mindful to put my relationship with the Father first and devote my life to the glory of God.    

Prayer:

Father,

Thank you for your love and grace in sending Jesus to redeem me so I can have a relationship with you.  Help your spirit fill me with joy to live a life devoted to you.  Let me share that joy with others who are yet to know you.

Scripture:

Matthew 12: 7-9
7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Observation:

The Pharisees keep placing Jesus under their expectations. They view him and expect him to act in a way that they have said to please them not please God.

Application:

What the Pharisees didn’t know is the thing they were asking was before them. See Jesus was extending mercy to them as the sacrifice for them. Jesus’ words here convey the heart of God clearer than ever….though he placed a law in order for the forgiveness of sin in that time m, he knew that the sins of the world once and for all would be forgiven by The Christ, and he wanted people to know that the mercy of God truly changes hearts. Gods desire is not and was not the continued smoke of the sacrifice, rather the continued repentance of the sinner because of the mercy and grace of God. It’s God’s kindness that leads me to repentance. It’s when I know that God doesn’t cast me to utter darkness if I approach him because of his mercy and kindness. He doesn’t condemn the guiltless.
So my question to myself is do I seek mercy or do I seek ways to make it up to God when I sin? Do I repent and live in response to God forgiving me or do I keep sacrificing to make God happy?

Prayer:

Father my sins are obvious and my sins are laid bare before you. I desire my heart to change and desire not to sin. Help me desire to not try and do more good than bad, yet receive your mercy and live in response to that. My I extend what I receive.

Scripture:

Matthew 11:1
When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Observation:

Jesus’ ministry included both small group discipleship and evangelism to the masses.

Application:

As we continue the ministry of Jesus today through His Spirit, He will lead us to make disciples in smaller and intimate community. He will also lead us to share the gospel in the city and invest in the lives of people who are on the outside looking in.

A couple things…

Discipling the few is important. Taking a small group of believers deeper is vital to our ministry.

Sharing the good news with the city is important. Teaching, preaching, ministering in the city and to those who are lost is vital to our ministry.

Prayer:

Both discipleship and evangelism are an expectation for believers that are committed to the Mission of Jesus. We can’t choose one or the other. We need to be committed to both.

Scripture:

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Observation:

Jesus is sending his disciples out to go spread the Gospel and warning them to be aware of their circumstances, alert about the evil around them yet be open and inviting to those they encounter. He paints a picture of opposites to make a point that they are to act one way, yet expect others to act in the opposite manner.

Application:

Wolves can devour sheep. Snakes are cunning and can get into very unusual places. Sheep are docile and almost have no natural defenses. They are open to attack. Doves are about the same. Their only defense is flight. Predators often attach both animals. Am I to be a docile, innocent, defenseless Christian? No. Jesus wants me to be open and vulnerable to people while, at the same time, not be naïve. He calls his disciples to be wise as serpents, who have good self-preservation, survival instincts.

I am to be open to others. I am to share my life experiences and my triumphs and low points.
I am called to be trusting of Jesus to be my Shepherd. He will lead me.

I am called to be aware of others who may not have the same motivation and intentions in mind. They choose to deceive. They know right from wrong but choose to the wrong path.

I am called to still go out to disciple even knowing danger may occur.

Prayer:

Let me be aware of my surrounding. Let me be open to others and sensitive to those around me. Help them be open to what you have to say to them

Scripture:

Matthew 9

11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
….
13 (Jesus said to the Pharisees) “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Observation:

Jesus has just called Matthew, the tax collector, to be His disciple.
They go back to Matthews house and have a party with Matthews friends.
The Pharisees question Jesus about this.
Jesus doesn’t wait for His disciples to answer the question.
Jesus answers them Himself.
Jesus says the sinners are, in fact, exactly who He came for.
Jesus also gives the Pharisees what they would see as a demeaning request:
““Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ “

Application:

If Jesus says to “go and learn” something, then I should probably learn that something.
And if He says that He “desires” it, then I should definitely learn it!
First of all, this request of the Pharisees must have been highly insulting.
“I desire mercy and not sacrifice” is a direct quote from Hosea.
Of course the Pharisees “knew” this … they had every word memorized!
But did they know what it “means”?
There is a big difference from “memorizing” something and “knowing what it means”!
What am I doing with God’s Word?
“Memorizing” it? Or “knowing its meaning”?
So, Jesus desires “mercy” and not “sacrifice”.
What is “mercy”? To not dole out the proper punishment for a true violation.
Like a guilty criminal would plead for “mercy” before a judge.
And what is “sacrifice”? Well, I often think of it as “giving up something” or “going without”.
But “sacrifice” for the Pharisees was all about “religious ritual”.
Jesus was saying He cared WAY more about how I treat people than how I treat a policy.
Jesus cares way more about how I treat a relationship than how I treat a ritual.
Jesus even later said, “Who wouldn’t rescue an ox in a ditch even on the sabbath.”
So, what are the “religious rituals” in my life? The “sacrifices”?
And where am I tempted to lack “mercy”?
So I “go to church” and “sing praise” to the Lord, but then what is that worth if I then go to lunch afterward and complain about not being served well and then leave a cheap tip!
Jesus desires mercy, not religious acts.
Do I go “journal group” and then ignore people at my work who are hurting?
Jesus desires mercy, not religious acts.
Do I go to “small group” and then not follow up with others about the things they’ve requested prayer for?
Jesus desires mercy, not religious acts.
Do I “pray before meals” and then spend that meal gossiping?
I need to remember … “mercy, not ritual”.
Would I rather engage in a Hebrew word study or an honest conversation with a neighbor?
Would I rather memorize the beatitudes … or actually live them out?!
I’m having an uncomfortable realization …
The longer people are Christians, the more they want to be theologians and the less they want to be disciples.
A book is easier to engage with than people.
I can memorize, but do I know meaning?
Religious ritual knows laws.
Mercy knows names.

Prayer:

Thank you God for Your Word.
Thank you that it is alive.
It is the Living Word.
I can have relationship with it, and be changed and learn the meaning of relationship with others.
Help me show mercy, Holy Spirit.
Help me never prioritize ritual over relationship.
In Jesus name
Amen

Scripture:

Matthew 8:11-12
11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Observation:

Jesus tells his disciples that people who once were on the outside will end up at the table. Also, those who thought they were at the table will be cast out into hell.

Application:

The centurion was a gentile whose faith moved Jesus. He believed Jesus could heal his child without even coming to his house. As long as Jesus “willed” it, the man believed it would happen. Jesus takes this situation to provide a platform to help his followers understand that every human being can have access to the Father. The access is based on faith, not on birth right or nation of origin.

The truth is, it has always been faith. It was faith with Abraham, and the people of God had been blessed by his faith. Jesus was letting his followers know to rely on their own faith, not someone else’s.

A few things…

-Faith is by hearing and hearing by the word of God. As a believer, it is my call to stay connected to God through His word and to share His word with other people. If my faith develops apart from the Word, something isn’t right.

-My faith is wrapped up in the gospel of Jesus. My security is not in a heritage. It’s not in someone else’s faith. I can’t forget that I was invited to the table by Jesus and He is the only reason I am there.

-I must love everyone, whether they are at the table or not. I must be bold with the gospel because the alternative is not ok. May the judgment of God on a life without Christ drive me to share the gospel with the lost.

Prayer:

Thank you for welcoming me to the table. I didn’t belong and you made me belong. May I invite others with the rest of my life.

Scripture:

(multiple references follows) “Judge not, that you be not judged….Enter by the narrow gate. (Here’s why–) For the gate is wide and the way easy that leads to destruction-and those who enter it (the wide gate) are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life-and those who find (the narrow gate) are few….” Matt 7:1; 13-14

“…the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” Matt 7: 17b-20.

Observation:

What is Matthew 7 about? What is Jesus saying to us? If I take a step (or 10) back, I think I see that Matt 7 is really about having a good head on my shoulders and coming to grips with having good judgment about myself, others, salvation, and consequences…

Application:

Chapter 7 starts with an admonition not to judge unless I want to suffer the potential consequences-or so it seemingly reads. I have seen grown, mature men in the Lord stopped hard in their tracks with this statement, crippling their walk in the Lord. Our general assessment of Jesus’ Matt 7:1 “Don’t judge” statement couldn’t be further from the truth-and the facts are found right here in Matt 7.

There are two words in the Greek that are translated “judge” in the New Testament. The two Greek words are defined as “Condemnation” and “Evaluation”-considering the context in the sentence we can usually figure out which is used. So, if I use “condemn not, lest I be condemned” I am pretty close to the idea Jesus wants to convey.

The rest of Matthew 7 is much about discerning and/or identifying the “tells” of my (and others) behavior. Discernment and identification is implicit to the “judgement” that is evaluation in nature and purpose. Because Jesus is giving us instruction on being a trained evaluator the verse 1 statement has to be considered to follow in this context.

Ok: So what? Now I have the skinny on “judgement” what do I use it for? What are the implications?

First thing I have to think about is that this kind of evaluation/judgment starts at home i.e. the guy in the mirror. Last thing I have to think about is extending this judgement (leading to condemnation) to others. I can’t condemn without acknowledging that the condemnation line starts with the guy in the mirror.

In considering all that Jesus says in chapter 7, I evaluate me first and look to the Holy Spirit to help me walk in the Narrow Path, avoiding the Wide Road; to bear Good (and visible) Fruit and not Bad, Diseased Fruit (coming out of a Diseased Tree). The halo of all our evaluation, whether me or someone else, is the concrete realization We NEED a Savior. Whatever details I need to work on to navigate the Narrow Path in pursuit of walking worthy of the Gospel, I never deviate from the need of a Savior.

Prayer:

Lord God-I need a Savior; every day and in every way. I need to see and acknowledge Your daily mercies, always new, always sufficient. Please keep me in healthy, biblical self-evaluation; away from any and all self-deception. I want to keep submitting and intentionally pursuing renewing my mind, obtaining Your perspective through Your Word, so I may always prove Your Will in me. Please keep me from extending condemnation on other folks, exhibiting self-righteousness, as if I am somehow now beyond sinning. Help me to understand and continually express my need of You, my Lord and Savior. AMEN

Scripture:

Matthew 6:12, 14-15 – and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Observation:

Jesus is giving us a model of how to pray to our Father in the Lord’s Prayer. In verse 12 Jesus teaches us to ask for forgiveness as it is implied that we have forgiven others. Verses 14 and 15 Jesus provides clarification that those who are repentant and forgive will be forgiven. However those that do not forgive will not receive forgiveness from the Father. Jesus teaches about forgiveness in the parable of the unforgiving debtor in in Matthew 18:21-35. In that parable, the servant owed the king (God) a great debt that he could never repay, but he went to the king asked for pity and was forgiven of his debt. Then the servant left and found someone who owed him a small sum and choked him out for the money. The king, then punished and tortured the servant permanently (Hell) as Jesus explains this is what the Father will do to those unwilling to forgive.

Application:

God has forgiven me of a debt that I am unable to pay and met my greatest need. When I am truly repentant and realize this I need to not be caught in the flesh and have the ability to forgive others. This can be extremely hard especially when you feel that someone has hurt or wronged you. Whatever our situation, we may not like or condone what happened but we can be forgiving.

Prayer:

Father,
Thank you for your love, grace and forgiving me of a debt I could never repay. Let me remember the gospel, be repentant and be willing to forgive others.

Scripture:

Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Observation:

Jesus speaks to the witness of his followers during his sermon captured in chapter five of Matthew. He covers many topics but central is the idea that his followers are called to be salt and light to the world. Not for their glory but for the glory of God. Jesus delivers this word at a time that many of the religious people of the age were in competition to see who was the most “righteous”. They outwardly prayed and did good deeds to gain attraction in the eyes of the people. Jesus outlines a very different idea of ministry, the idea being, it is not about us but all about God’s glory.

Application:

The trap of the religious leaders still exists today. Am I motivated to do the right thing for my own accolade or for God’s glory? When I am around people who don’t know Jesus could I honestly say that I am being a light to them? The call of Jesus is to go into the world and let His light shine through me so that others will give glory to God. I desire to walk in that truth in my life. Today, I want to be someone who is walking in the light of Jesus and pointing others to His glory.

Prayer:

Thank You Jesus that it isn’t about me but all about You! Help me today to be a beacon of Your light and Your truth into a world that desperately needs to see you.

Scripture:

Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Observation:

Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  The Spirit did not tempt, however, the Spirit led Him to be tempted by the enemy. Jesus’ temptation gives every believer insight on how to defeat the attacks of the enemy. We would not have this clarity had Jesus not been tempted as we are. This passage gives Jesus’ prayer in the Lord’s Prayer, “Lord, lead me not into temptation” more context. The Spirit led Jesus to a difficult moment in our place.

Application:

The Spirit doesn’t tempt. That is what the enemy does. Because Jesus was victorious in the temptation by the devil I now have a playbook on how to overcome temptation. I can also pray “Lord, lead me not into temptation” because the enemy has already been defeated both in the wilderness and on Mount Calvary.

God’s plan included Jesus being put in incredibly difficult situations in order to win the battles I couldn’t win on my own. When I am in a tough place I know that Jesus has been there and has already won. This gives me a strong confidence and surety in the power and presence of God.

A few things…

-I need to live thankful that the Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness for temptation in order that I might pray, Lord, lead me not into temptation.

-I need to follow Jesus’ playbook in temptation. Know the Word, use the Word, trust the Word.

-I must recognize where my temptation comes from. As I follow the leadership of the Spirit I will enter into difficult situations and seasons. It doesn’t mean I am doing something wrong. I don’t do wrong until the moment I stop follow the Spirit’s lead and stop trusting the Word.

Prayer:

Thank you for winning so I could win as well. Thank you for showing me how to respond in temptation. May I make a commitment to studying, knowing and living out your Word. I will follow you Spirit and trust where you take me.

Scripture:

Matthew 3:4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

Observation:

John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Christ. In this chapter Matthew described John’s manner of life. He describes his clothes, his food and his lifestyle. They were all simple. They reflected how he lived, where he lived, who he was trying to reach and what was important to him. He lived in an appropriate manner consistent with his message and consistent with Jesus’ message. He was different and unique but was humble and remained true to his mission.

Application:

I must adapt to the situation that God has put me in. John the Baptist was not extravagant or outwardly egotistical. He was humble and lived a lifestyle that suited his message. He was consistent in his manner and never wavered which attracted followers. People came out to see him. I can be different than non –believers but I must be believable. If my dress, message, manner put people off, I cannot expect to win over followers and attract them to Christ. I do not have to bow to commercialism or bend any Christian values but I do need to consider my audience.

Image isn’t everything but it is important. What is the image that God wants me to project?

Lifestyle, including clothes and even the food you eat, demonstrate who you are and, in some cases, what your purpose is. Can I talk about the need to save money and then go eat a steak and lobster dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse? I can but no one that heard me or saw me would believe I was serious about my message. Actions speak louder than words and I should remember that I can’t ask something of someone without being willing to do the same.

John the Baptist lived a simple life. He preached a simple message: Repent. His clothes were not fancy. They were simple and strong. His food was not fancy, it was simple and sustained him. He knew the importance of the message. He knew the importance of actions mirroring his words. I need to identify the areas of my life that don’t match my message.

Prayer:

Sometimes I get caught up in the world’s view. Help me to remember the simple things. Help me to understand my audience and allow me to reach them with my words and actions.

Scripture:

Matthew 1:17

So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Observation:

If my math is right, 42 generations between Abraham and the promise and the coming of the Messiah. In the genealogy of Jesus we see a whole lot of pain, problems and a sketchy history. However, It was God’s plan.

Application:

A few things…

The promises of God are generational. I can’t assume He is being slow with His promises if I don’t see or experience them immediately. It is all part of the plan.

His promises can sometimes come through the most unexpected people. I can’t afford to walk through life disqualifying people when I look at the genealogy of our Lord and see both successes and failures. 

The promises of God are eternal. Everything changed in the 42nd generation. Nothing was ever the same. I can’t get stuck in life just thinking, “this is the way it is. This is the way it has always been.” In a moment, in the midst of a generation. God can change everything!

Prayer:

42 generations. May I be about living different than the generations before me and investing my life in the hope of the promise.