Friday, September 30, 2011

Matthew 20:30–34

"Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!'
      'Be quiet!' the crowd yelled at them.
      But they only shouted louder, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!'
      When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, 'What do you want me to do for you?'
      'Lord,' they said, 'we want to see!' Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him."
 
 
The two blind men were a nuisance to the crowd, but not to Jesus. These men's recognition of his identity ("Lord, Son of David"), and their faith that he would have mercy on them, arrested Jesus. He stopped and attended to them. He knew they were blind, yet he asked them to articulate what exactly they wanted him to do for them. In your prayers, come to Jesus recognizing who he is, what he can do, and ask him very specifically to meet your particular need.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Matthew 20:24–28

"When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"
 
 
James and John, through their mother, had asked for special places of honor in God's Kingdom. The other disciples were indignant. Jesus took this as an opportunity to teach them about the radical difference between his ways and the world's. You want status in God's Kingdom? Then become the servant of all. Become as low as a slave. Today, ponder your values. Remember that God's ways are usually the opposite of the world's. Pray about which values you need to discard, and embrace God's values. Then make sure you serve someone today.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Proverbs 10:22

"The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich,
      and he adds no sorrow with it."
 
 
Many people believe that being rich will make them happy. Yet there are plenty of rich, unhappy people. They cannot enjoy their wealth because they do not have God's blessing. What we really need is the blessing. It brings wealth and the capacity to enjoy all God's gifts. Isn't that what we really want—not the wealth per se, but the enjoyment? Do not seek wealth for its own sake. Seek blessing from God, and you will enjoy true riches—with no added sorrow.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Psalm 25:11–15

"For the honor of your name, O LORD,
      forgive my many, many sins.
      Who are those who fear the LORD?
      He will show them the path they should choose.
      They will live in prosperity,
      and their children will inherit the land.
      The LORD is a friend to those who fear him.
      He teaches them his covenant.
      My eyes are always on the LORD,
      for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies."

What a life we have when we walk with God! Forgiveness of sins, no matter how many or how bad, is ours. Continual guidance in the way of life. Prosperity. A future for our children. Friendship with God himself. Revelation of his covenant. Rescue from the traps of enemies. Praise God for all you possess in him!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Psalm 25:8–10, 15

"The LORD is good and does what is right;
      he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
      He leads the humble in doing right,
      teaching them his way.
      The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
      all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. …
My eyes are always on the LORD,
      for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies."

 

If you need guidance, remember these verses. You need only ask him humbly to guide and lead you. Remember that he wants to! Keep your eyes on God and obey what you are certain he is asking of you, and he will lead you to the next step. He will also rescue you from any traps set for you. You need not walk in fear. Look to God and walk, confident that he's guiding each step.