Posted by Charlie on Oct 28, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Job 19; Mark 1, 2
He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
Mark 2:13-14
Observation
Mark presents a rapid fire, staccato account of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, and I’m taken all over again by how scandalous it is. Matthew, as a Jewish collector of Roman taxes, was persona non grata to the respectable among his countrymen, but Jesus saw something in him that others did not. To make matters worse, Jesus then went to Matthew’s home and ate and drank with his friends, who, by Mark’s account, were also less than respectable, and it was all done if full view of the Pharisees, the respectable religious people of his day.
Application
Jesus had eyes to see the heart, and he was willing to reach out to people the religious folks around him looked down on. In the end, those ragtag sinners and publicans turned the world upside down and made it possible for me to be in right relationship with God.
Who might I pass over today because I wasn’t willing to look past the outer appearance into the heart?
Prayer
Father, please help me see people the way you see them. Like Jesus, please give me the ability to be an influence for your kingdom in the place you have planted me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: heart, scandal
Posted by Charlie on Sep 22, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Daniel 9, 10; Psalm 123; Luke 5
“…when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
Luke 5:8
Observation
Today I was reviewing Lesson 3 in The Navigator’s Design for Discipleship and was pondering what Jesus saw in the men he chose to be his twelve disciples. If you think about it, he could have chosen anyone, and I have to admit I wouldn’t probably have chosen the men Jesus chose.
I was reminded of God sending Samuel to anoint a new king. As Samuel looked over Jesse’s sons God told him not to look at the outward appearance. What God was looking for was in the heart.
Application
I guess I’m just as amazed that God drew me to himself. The critical question is, “What is the condition of my heart?” Am I following hard after God?
Prayer
Father, examine my heart, and draw me to you. Grant that I might be one, like your disciples, who has a heart that pleases you.
Tags: heart
Posted by Charlie on Aug 31, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Ezekiel 12, 13, 14; Revelation 5
Then certain of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me. And the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them?
Ezekiel 15:1-3
Observation
Ezekiel 15 reveals the seat of idolatry: The heart. Though the elders of Israel my have set aside their carved images physically, the idols existed in reality in the heart. Since God sees into the heart of man, having an idol there is the same as having one on a shelf.
Application
Christians are good at wearing masks, but God isn’t fooled. God sees my heart, and requires purity and holiness there. Ezekiel is a good reminder to examine my heart to see what I have hidden there. God isn’t fooled.
Prayer
Father, you know my heart in full. Please reveal anything there that doesn’t please you, and grant me your light and truth to set aside any idols that keep me from knowing you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: heart, holiness, idols
Posted by Charlie on Apr 14, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: 1 Samuel 15, 16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
Then [Saul] said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.”
1 Samuel 15:30
Observation
This is the climax of a dialog between Saul and Samuel that spans the bulk of chapter 15. The LORD had commanded Saul through Samuel to completely annihilate the Amalekites, including their livestock. However, Saul spared king Agag and the sheep and oxen. When Samuel confronts Saul about his disobedience Saul is quick to say, “I have sinned,” but immediately moves on to what is really in his heart: “…yet honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel.” Even after Saul tears Samuel’s robe and Samuel pronounces that the kingdom has been torn away from Saul, all he is really interested in at a heart level, is appearances before men.
Application
It is easy to see Saul’s divided heart and to shake my head at the way he throws away God’s favor for human appearance. Yet, if I am honest, that temptation is always a present danger. I am probably a little extra vulnerable since my love language is words of affirmation.
When Jesus was tempted by Satan to throw himself from the pinnacle of the temple, this was the issue at stake, because it would have demonstrated to everyone watching that he was the Messiah. Jesus didn’t take the bait, and I don’ have to either. Obedience to God and walking in his pleasure and acceptance are of greater value than any adulation of men.
Prayer
Father, I give you my heart today. Please give me a discerning heart that I might know your will and live in a way that pleases you today. Please let me be quick to repent, and wise to avoid the trap of popularity and man’s opinion. Please let your love be my portion today, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: appearances, deceit, heart
