The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action. 2011 March | Simply Him
Thoughts on christian faith, worship & life.

Amazed at unbelief

Posted: March 20th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Thoughts, Weekly Devotional | No Comments »
0saves
Save

“And he (Jesus) was amazed at their unbelief.” – Mark 6: 6a (NLT)

Compare that to Luke 7: 9 “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!””

In Mark 6, Jesus was among his family, relatives and the place where He grew up – Nazareth (Mark 6: 1 – 6). But the people there questioned Jesus’ authority – in verses 2, 3 – ““Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.”

The people of Nazareth and Jesus’ family were used to seeing Jesus for a long time. They knew him as Mary’s son – a carpenter just like his father, Joseph. He had brothers and sisters just like any normal family. But once Jesus’ ministry was revealed and He started working for His heavenly Father, things changed. He started teaching and people would listen. He healed the sick. He had followers and disciples. He took on the religious leaders of His time – challenging their traditions and questioning their motives.

To the rest of the world, Jesus was a beacon of light in their darkness. But in his own hometown, He was just the boy who grew up with them. They were familiar with Jesus and they could not believe.

We are at the same risk in the church, as the people of Nazareth. We could get used to coming to church every Sunday and going for our regular prayer meetings and forget the real reason why we are there. We become engrossed in our own world that we forget how to believe. Have we got used to the way Jesus does things that we don’t expect Him to work in any other way? Remember, He is the God of creation and the God of new beginnings.

We can never know Him so much that we know Him all. We can never fully understand all His ways and never completely comprehend His awesomeness.

David wrote,
“Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.” – Psalm 37: 3 – 7a

May we never take Jesus for granted but may we always walk in His light. May we depend on His Word for direction. May the Holy Spirit open our eyes and mind to see what He has in store for us, everyday.

(If this thought has blessed you, won’t you let us know? Comment here or send us an email to feedback [at] simplyhim [dot] com)

Did you read the Bible today? Click here to read (This plan is a yearly plan where you can read the full Bible in a single year.)

This thought was part of the Weekly Devotional at SimplyHim.com

I am not waiting for tomorrow

Posted: March 3rd, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Weekly Devotional | Tags: , , | No Comments »
0saves
Save

Today’s reading is -

Matthew 24: 44 – “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.“ (NLT)

Extended reading: Matthew 24: 45 – 51

If there is anything that scares me more, it is the thought that Christ will come when I am most comfortable. Comfortable in my routines, in my daily grind. Because it is when I am most comfortable, I don’t think of Jesus’ coming or His call. After all, I am living my life and seem to be enjoying it.

It is one of Satan’s greatest tricks – to make us comfortable in our lifestyles. We don’t like the intrusions and enjoy our time of peace. The whole process of schooling, education and the rat race is to bring comfort to our everyday lives. To bring food to the table, clothe our bodies, bring that roof over our head. Sometimes, even have another room over it. We live lives comfort to comfort. Once we have achieved a level of comfort, we strive for the next. Bigger cars. Bigger house. Fatter paychecks. We go around looking for the next best thing.

What are we called for? Jesus, before His ascension to heaven, came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28: 18 – 20)

Jesus didn’t tell us to get comfortable. He didn’t say, “Settle down in your lives and you will get your crown!”.

When He addresses the churches in Revelation, listen to His words:
To the church in Ephesus: “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance.” (Revelation 2: 2)
To the church in Smyrna: “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you.” (Revelation 2: 9)
To the church in Pergamum: “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.” (Revelation 2: 13)
To the church in Thyatira: “I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.” (Revelation 2: 19)

None of those churches were commended because they led comfortable lives. What makes us think we can get away with it?

We are not called to simply wait for tomorrow. We are to get ready for it!

What do I pray?

Lord, move me. Move this world through me. Open my eyes so I can see Your majesty. I accept Your will in my life and bow down to Your plans for me. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(If this thought has blessed you, won’t you let us know? Comment here or send us an email to feedback [at] simplyhim [dot] com)

Did you read the Bible today? Click here to read (This plan is a yearly plan where you can read the full Bible in a single year.)

This thought was part of the Weekly Devotional at SimplyHim.com