Lent Day 13...Day 183 (Proverbs 31; Luke 13)..."Fruitfulness or Else!'

We may read the gospels with an attitude we can be fruitful if we want to as disciples. Actually, we are called to bear fruit...or else! When we do not bear fruit we are taking up good soil in building the Kingdom. (This theme actually comes up in Matthew 25 with the parable of the talents and in Luke 15 with the vine and branches) Here is what is included in today's text...

"A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. He said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'

" 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "

Lent Day 12...Day 182 (1 Samuel 30,31; Proverbs 30; Luke 12)..."How to be Rich!"

Today, in Luke 12, we have a less familiar parable but one with great meaning. We have a teaching to be rich for God. An obedient and generous person can be rich. This means anyone can be rich...toward God. In this economy today, this is a wonderful message. Here is the parable...

And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '

"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

Lent Day 11...Day 181 (1 Samuel 28,29; Proverbs 29; Luke 11)..."A Life Changing Passage"

One of my life changing passages is in today's proverb...

"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law."

In the KJV are the more familiar words..."where there is no vision the people perish."

Vision is one of the essential elements needed in every generation. What is an attribute of great leaders? Vision. The ability to see things that can be that are not yet. When we seek God's vision, we walk by faith.

In one of my favorite metaphors in the Bible , we must do something with our conversion. Jesus warns against idleness following conversion. This is illustrated with a house cleaned left empty for evil spirits) Our conversion leads to discipleship, so our spiritual house will not remain empty and be filled with good habits of the Lord.

Lent Day 10...Day 180...(1 Samuel 26,27; Proverbs 28; Luke 10)..."What Precedes the Parable of the

Most everyone in the world is familiar with the Good Samaritan but does anyone in the world know what passages lead up to the parable. It may be surprising to see some very famous words. In fact, they add such meaning to the parable of the Good Samaritan...

"He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

When we read the two together, the meaning of both is elevated! Such is the power of the Scripture.

Lent Day 9...Day 179...(1 Samuel 24,25; Proverbs 27; Luke 9)..."Passages to Live By"

Today's reading has several passage to live by...

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."

"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?

"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

These teachings do jump off the pages and have immediate impact, inspiration, and remind of the importance of the soul. We remember God hold's tomorrow and He desires our obedience.

Lent Day 8...Day 178 (I Samuel 22,23; Proverbs 26; Luke 8)..."How to End Gossip!"

How do you end gossip? You do not contribute. Here is what the passage from Proverbs says...

"Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down."

How about this quick method of squelching gossip! Do we add wood or work toward allowing the fire to die down.

Lent Day 7...Day 177...(1 Samuel 20, 21; Proverbs 25; Luke 7)..."The Power of Words"

The Bible is filled teaching about the power of words. Jesus says..."By your words you will be justified and condemned." James three devotes a whole chapter to the dangers of words. One of my favorite Proverbs deals with words and is found in chapter twenty-five. There are truly some people gifted with words of grace that bring healing and hope. Who can measure the value of a timely word? Here is the Proverb...

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

Lent Day 6...Day 176 (I Samuel 18,19; Proverbs 24; Luke 6)..."Luke's Addition to the Sermon on the Mount"

We read of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain in Luke with many of the same teachings at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. One passage appears unique to Luke...

"He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher."

There is modern way of putting this Biblical truth..."You cannot share what you do not have." Another of stating this is..."the blind leading the blind."

Saul not misses the Lord's Spirit guiding him but allows David's popularity to drive him into jealous evil plotting. The story is only going to get worse for Saul. A king who was not just leading blindly but allowing his envy to blind him.

Lent Day 5...Day 175 (1 Samuel 16,17; Proverbs 23; Luke 5)..."What is in the Heart Matters!"

David is selected as king not because of his outward appearance. He was short and young compared to Saul who was a head taller than everyone else. As a prelude to David defeating towering Goliath are these words...

"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

A king needed more than just an impressive height or stature. David, though small, would lift Israel to new heights. Is he the first underdog in the Bible?

Lent Day 4...Day 174 (I Samuel 13,14; Proverbs 22, Luke 4)..."The Desert Standoff"

Saul begins to worship himself and God becomes sorry He appointed him king. The devil goes after those in power. We will continue to read of Saul unraveling as a king because He was not obedient to the Lord.

Satan goes after Jesus but to no avail. The desert standoff is won by Jesus who says..."You shall not tempt the Lord your God."

One of the most famous passages in the Bible is in today's proverb..."Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." This passage is sometimes challenged because of children who do turn away. Does this mean it is not true? I take this passage to mean God's prevenient grace woos all. If we teach children about God, it is far more likely a child will not turn away. Even if they do, as the "prodigal son"...they will return.

Lent Day Day 3...Day 173(I Samuel 11,12; Proverbs 21; Luke 3)..."One Way to Avoid Calamity"

Proverbs teaches us one way to avoid calamity. The method is not that complicated. Are you ready hear about one way to avoid calamity? Here it is...

"He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."

Our world could save itself from many calamities by controlling the tongue.

On another note John introduces Jesus by saying..."I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." John knew his role in the Kingdom of God. How great it is to find the way God wants to use you!

Lent Day 2...Day 172...(1 Samuel 9,10; Proverbs 20; Luke 2)..."Two Kingdoms in Contrast"

The reading of 1 Samuel 9 and 10 today records the story of Saul and how he became the king. The people wanted a king and God allowed and earthly king to emerge. Israel was allowed to have a king. (they had no idea what they were asking for) Saul was tall and "head and shoulders" above others. Yet the Kingdom was small and short lived. Saul's fragile ego would lead to his kingdom crumbling very soon. Stay tuned.

In contrast, Luke's Gospel introduces another King. Jesus is born as infant in a lowly manger. The Kingdom will not resemble world powers but will be known through humility and service. Jesus' Kingdom started small and is growing even today! Saul's started with great expectations and fell quickly before disillusioned Israel. Consider the contrasts of earthly kingdoms and Jesus' Kingdom. Tall Saul had a short kingdom. Infant Jesus' Kingdom is still going and growing!

Ash Wednesday, Lent Begins Day 171...(1 Samuel 7,8 Proverbs 19; Luke 1)..."Nothing is Impossible to God"

As we read into Lent, perhaps several are thinking about new commitments. In pondering new disciplines, sacrifice, and obedience to God...we also can rely on the power of God. How reassuring are the words from Luke's Gospel?

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

What a profound and inspiring thought to begin new disciplines for Lent!

Day 170...(1 Samuel 5,6; Proverbs 18)..."Adjusting the Reading Schedule Day"

I laid out the reading plan to read the Gospel of Luke with the beginning of Lent. My blog missed this goal by one day. Please notice the reading of day 170 to enter Lent on schedule. Sorry for the confusion.

Day 169...(I Samuel 3,4; Proverbs 18)..."Laughter is Good"

Laughter is good for the soul. The line from Proverbs teaches us...

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

I have noticed congregations that laugh can often do good ministry. This ability to laugh is not coincidental with fruitfulness. Nehemiah 8:10 says "the joy of the Lord is my strength."

On another note obedience also matters. Samuel was willing to listen to the Lord..."Speak Lord for your servant is listening." Obedience and laughter are a good combination for happiness.

Day 168...(I Samuel 1,2; Proverbs 16)..."An Uncomplicated Life Plan"

How about this verse for a life plan? I do not know why we make life so complicated. Here is the proverb...

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

Enough said!

Day 167...(Ruth 4; Proverbs 15; Mark 16)..."Leadership Tip"

In the midst of Proverbs 15 is much wisdom about better having the Lord with little than having a lot with chaos. How true. Then, there is a verse that jumps off the pages about leadership. Why does a plan succeed or fail? Here is the teaching of the Proverb...

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

The answer of wise planning is in wise counsel from many. How about that for a leadership tip? This is great for churches to keep in mind.

The ending of Mark 16:9-20 is not found in early manuscripts. The remarks of handling snakes and drinking poison make this addition confusing in reading the other gospels. All Bibles do not agree on the 16th chapter of Mark. Personally, I am more compelled to end with the resurrection...and read the other with an awareness this may indeed be an addition.

Day 166...(Ruth 3; Proverbs 14; Mark 15)...

One of the famous quotes in the Bible is in Proverbs 14...

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."

In contrast the trial, cross, and death of Jesus brings darkness to the nation. As an eerie darkness comes at time of Jesus' death...this prompted the centurion to say ..."Surely this man was the Son of God!" The darkness was perceived by him in a different way. Righteousness and light are related. The gospel of John will address this upfront in the prologue.

Day 165...(Ruth 2; Proverbs 13; Mark 14)..."The Disciples Are All Over the Map in Chapter 14"

The disciples in Mark 14 are all over the map. They begin indignant of Jesus' anointing with expensive perfume...a years wages...they protested that money could have been given to the poor. Later they share the Upper Room experience and are in shock that one will betray. Even later, they fall asleep in Gethsemane. Then there is a betrayal and a denial. Peter even puts on a show in his denial. Imagine how far Peter would have to come to preach the first sermon at Pentecost.

All of these knew Jesus but really did not know Jesus' higher Kingdom purposes just yet. They are all over the map and the cross and resurrection will demonstrate this even more. Are we any different today in staying the course as disciples?

Day 164...(Ruth 1; Proverbs 12; Mark13)..."Two Famous Passages"

Two famous passages about loyalty and discipline today. We could use this teaching in our culture today.

Wow, what an inspiring passage in Ruth. Loyalty is commended. We could use some in our culture which often walks away from commitments as the flavor of the day.

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."

How do you discipline a child? Proverbs tells us...

"He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him."

Parenting involves boundaries and discipline done without anger but for respect of the child to move away from being spoiled.

Day 163...(Judges 21; Proverbs 11; Mark 12)..."Making Sense of Chaos"

In today's passage there is a revealing passage. As I struggle to make sense of all the chaos in Judges 21, the last passage brings amazing understanding.

"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit."

Is this not the recipe for chaos? Everyone does what is right in their own eyes explains much of the hard to follow chaotic events of Judges. The mindset of subjective "right" and "wrong" will never make for an orderly society. We need God's higher laws, leaders who follow God, and obedience.

One other note from the Proverbs gives us an attitude adjustment.

"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."

We can lift each other up with kind words, and we should.

Day 162...(Judges 19,20;Proverbs 10; Mark 11)..."A Violent Passage"

Judges 19 and 20 are two of the most violent chapters in the Bible. A rape and despicable violence lead to a concubines death. The retribution leads to the death of thousands. Can a passage be more troubling? I cannot imagine a father offering his daughter to the barbarians planning homosexual rape. How gruesome and painful to read this text.

On a much more understandable text, Jesus turns over the tables of the temple and restores worship. He says..."My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' Shameful prices were exploiting the poor regarding sacrifices. Jesus demonstrates "holy anger."

The proverb advocates work in saying..."Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son."

Day 161...(Judges 17,18; Proverbs 9; Matthew 10)..."All Things are Possible as we Bow Down"

An eye of a needle sounds impossible but actually was a hole in the wall in which a camel had to stoop down to go through. This means a rich man can enter the Kingdom of God as they bow down. This is also reinforced with the teaching of coming into the Kingdom as children.

"Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

All things are possible through God as we bow down!

Day 160...(Judges 15,16; Proverbs 8; Mark 9)..."A Prayer to Pray When in Doubt"

When is doubt good? When it lead us to greater trust! This is evident with the father asking his child be healed. Did he believe? He sure wanted to. Jesus can help such open people to grow.
I think this passage is critical in our faith journey. When we doubt, we are not saying we do not want to believe. We are seeking to more fully believe. I have said this as a prayer often. The words seem to stretch toward greater belief. What are the words?


"Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

This is a great prayer to pray when in doubt.

Day 159...(Judges 13,14; Proverbs 7; Matthew 8)..."A Lion of Honey?"

In the story of Israel, we do know of a land of milk and honey. But what a about a lion ripped apart and a carcass of honey. Yuk! We can read more about Sampson later. I would rather talk about discipleship.

What is the cost of following Jesus? An inconvenience? An occasional act of service? I think we are safe to say it's all about being obedient.

"When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

Was Jesus calloused about the disciple who first wanted to bury his father. No. A deeper understanding of the text reveals the father was not even sick. God wants our obedience and not excuses.

Day 158...(Judges 11,12; Proverbs 6; Mark 7)..."Jesus on Worship and Rules"

Jesus lays out important teaching about rules and worship. Tradition can get in the way of our worship of God. Tradition which helps us worship with God is good. Tradition which exists for the sake of tradition becomes meaningless rules. Here is the passage.

He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: " 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

Our worship is best when tradition connects us to God and not tradition. We, today, often may traditional or contemporary worship the end. The worship of God is the end. This is also the true measure of any worship.

Day 157...(Judges 9,10; Proverbs 5; Mark 6)..."A Scary Night on the Lake"

The disciples are so much like us today. They want to believe but need constant convincing. Immediately (there is that word again) Jesus walked on water in the fourth watch. I believe this is about 3 A.M. His disciples were scared to death. Notice how this fear is related to not comprehending the miracles of the loaves and fish. Here is the passage...

"When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened."

Is God at work around us and we miss it? Are we afraid or courageous in the storm? What do you think?

Day 156...(Judges 7,8; Proverbs 4; Mark 5)..."When Pigs Fly"

Jesus cast out a demons into pigs in one of wildest stories in the Bible. The casting out of a screaming crazy man in a cemetery gives me the "willies." He was legion and legion went into the pigs. I suppose this is an amazing story for folks that might say..."I will believe when pigs fly!"

As bizarre as Jesus healing in a demonic in a cemetery and using pigs a complete contrast is the women who is healed just by..."touching the hem of Jesus garment."

There is that word again..."immediately."

"Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished."

The messianic secret is introduced at the end of chapter five. Why did Jesus tell others to keep quiet and Matthew record "let your light shine." This is what makes reading the Bible so intriguing. Do you know the reason? One possibility is Jesus was avoiding a circus like atmosphere, as much as possible, until His time had fully come.

In any event...Mark is moving along at a breathless pace!

Day 155...(Judges 5,6; Proverbs 3; Mark 4)..."A Life Verse"

One of my favorite passages is found in the long third Proverb. This has been a verse I have used through numerous transitions. The good and bad. The challenges and the mountaintops. I commend to you one of my favorite life verses...

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Amen!