Day 9: Luke 1-4 Opening Reflection

For today’s prescribed text you have an introduction to 3 men who were diligent in proclaiming what thus sayeth the Lord.  You have Luke who was willing to really step up to the plate and “tell it like it is.”  Luke was confident in his knowledge and his ability to tell THE STORY.  Luke’s overall theme was “you have heard how the others tell it but let me tell you the real deal.”  Then you have John the Baptist who was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth – so much so that his father became a mute.  He was a leader through his actions.  He would not conform to society and his message was simple.  Repent for the Messiah is coming – One who is greater than I.  Then you have Jesus – the Son of God who made it clear that all things are possible through Him.

            These are three examples of men who were not afraid to live out what they believed in and what God had instilled in them.  Each has their own story outlining how the arrived to their esteemed status in the Bible.  At the time you had priest in the temple and around the area preaching in the churches.  These three men were not your so called pulpit preacher.  They were men who were preaching though their evangelical proclamations and righteous behavior.

            This reminds me that all of us have our role to be the best Proclaimers of the WORD!  What’s the overall theme of your message?

Day 8: Mark 12-16 Opening Reflection

           The opening parable allegorically foretells what the world was going to do and did to Jesus, the Son of God.  Jesus told the parable before the latter came to pass even though Jesus knew what would come of his life.  I know it would be very hard for me to press on knowing Exactly how I would die, why I would die and on top of everything knowing I was not guilty but Jesus pressed on anyway.

            PRESS ON…Jesus was able to press on in the face of adversity, trials, tribulation and an embarking assassination.  Ultimately Jesus died for our sins making Jesus our intercessor.  So if Jesus is constantly praying for us and allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell and guide us, how can we be anything but conquerors? How can we do anything but praise the Lord for what The Lord has already done in our lives, why can’t we understand there are going to be trials, tribulations, and adversity but know that we are conquerors and look to Jesus for our strength – why have we not accepted our position as the undisputed children of God – how is it possible for us to Lose this race?

            What is the key to victory? Love God with all you mind, heart, soul and strength while loving your neighbor as yourself – If you can muster up enough faith to give God your all, God will take care of the rest!!!

            Jesus tells of trials and tribulations that will come to those who follow Christ.  Jesus says this will be a dark time but upon a dark time is the approaching morning.  We know there will be a dark time in this world and in our individual lives (and it may be taking place now) but love God with your ALL, stand firm in your FAITH, and hope (EXPECT and WATCH) for Morning – the coming out of your dark times!

            It is not easy to stand when many are against you trying to trip you up, but if you follow Jesus’ lead and Give thanks in your times of trouble, you can remove yourself form darkness because morning will be on your mind.  PRESS ON in dark times letting your light shine.  Just like Jesus’ life, there will be certain challenges we will have to face in life regardless of how much we pray, plead, and request God to intervene – but you should Press On anyhow thanking God all the way for you have the privilege of knowing that God can resurrect anything (your situations – your relationships, your finances, your job situation, your house, your children, your health, your attitude)….God can do it all so don’t worry about anything!!!!