June 19th - Mark 15-16. It's been a busy four days (since my last entry), so I'm eager to write today. Thankfully, I had some time for Bible reading, but little time for actual study. But praise be to God for my day off today! Twice in the first part of the chapter (vs. 15: 3,5) it reads that Jesus "...answered nothing". Am reminded of 1 Peter 2:21-23:
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;"
Lord, when I face such trials in life, bring to my remembrance Your holy example.
We, as the Church, are a "certain" people called to take up our cross, deny self, and follow Him (vs. 15:21). Lord, what does it really mean to minister unto You? (vs.15:41). Let my life hold fast and never lose sight of the Great Commission, knowing this truth, "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen." (vs.16:20)
July 2nd - Luke 7. I seek to be more like the "certain centurion" and display love and compassion to those who are dear to me by seeking the will of God for their lives. The centurion knew that he was unworthy to come to come to Jesus (vs 6) but also demonstrated and acknowledged how worthy He was. Knowing how unworthy I am, Lord, let me not forget Your word in Hebrews 4:16:
"Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
(vs. 36-50) Love covers a multitude of sins. Forgive me, Lord, for the times when I have failed to see people through Your eyes, but instead, rather, seeing their sins. Cleanse me, Lord, and constantly remind me to take the plank out from my own eye. Let Your love work through me like never before, I pray. Your will be done according to Your word. Amen.
July 17th - Luke 10 - Go and do likewise. Recently, I have been inconsistent in my daily devotions. Realised a few moments ago what I have been missing since Wednesday. Meditating on the Lord's instructions when He commissioned the seventy to go into every city (vs. 1-16). Always give thanks to God for the greatest gift of salvation (vs. 20). Who is my neighbor? (vs.29). I pray that I would not miss the people who You direct me to. May I never forget Your words, Go and do likewise (vs.37). Out of all the worries and troubles, One thing is needed. That is, to sit at Jesus' feet, and hear His word (vs. 38-42). Thank you, Father.
August 4th - Luke 18. Lord Jesus, please direct my every step this day. My desire is to walk in complete humility (vs 14). (vs 18-23) Jesus may have told that rich young ruler to keep those possessions after all. Perhaps the Lord was testing the young man's heart to see where his loyalty really was? Father, I pray that I become like Moses, who readily denied the passing pleasures of sin in order to gain all that is eternal.
