Day 3

January 25th, 2011

Today was a challenge, but it was good nonetheless. I am determined to live my life in a manner so that other people can see the gospel through me. Yet sometimes, that is so hard to do. Case in point would be my physics lab today. Nothing seemed to be going right, and we got really behind schedule. I could have used the situation for His glory; however, I let my frustration get the best of me. This was my biggest struggle today, and it is something that I definitely need to get better at. Today's reading was from Mark 13 and Acts 9. These are both great chapters, and they are really different from each other. Here are my highlights:

Mark 13

Mark 13:10 'And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.'
One of the questions that I always like to ask myself is 'If the rapture came now, would I be ready to go?' I live trying to make sure that the answer to this question is yes. This verse really hit me and made me realize that it isn't necessarly if I would be ready to go, but if 'they' would be ready to go. There are so many people who have never even heard of the name of Jesus Christ, and if we believe in a literal hell, we can't sit and be idle, when those people will end up going there.

Mark 14-25 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’[a] standing where it[b] does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.

20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

24 “But in those days, following that distress,

“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
25 the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken

This was crazy! I never really knew all of the terrible things that would happen right before Jesus comes.I can't imagine having to wear my faith through these sorts of trials, and that scares me. Would my faith hold up?

Mark 13:37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'
This is a really cool way to end this chapter. After Jesus goes through detailing all of the terrile things that will happen, and just after he gets done telling us that no one, not even himself, knows the end of time date, he gives us one very simple command. Not to guess, speculate, or prepare, but simply to watch. In everything we do, watch for His glory, His presence, and His power.

Acts 9

Acts 9:5 '"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whome you are persecuting," he replied.'
I just thought this verse was neat because Saul specifically asks 'Who are you Lord?'. So he knows its the Lord, but he still asks. I think that that is a really cool thought. Also, you see Jesus answering him not indirectly or any other way, but by simply saying 'I am Jesus.' Those three words have so much power.

Acts 9:15 'But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel."'
This IS SUCH AN AWESOME VERSE. First of all, you have God's command to Ananias: 'Go!'. That is awesome in and of itself. Then I love the idea of the chosen instrument. God has a plan for each and every one of us. God chooses us as his instruments to join in the symphony around us, bringing praise and glory to Him.

Acts 9:31 'Then the church throughuot Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.'
I really liked this verse, especially the very last part where it describes the churches as living in the fear of the Lord. I need to make sure that I live in the fear of the Lord everyday!

Acts 9:40 'Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up.'
Okay so not only does Peter raise someone up from the dead here just by telling her to get up, but I really like the first two ideas of this verse. One, Peter makes everyone get out, because he knows that he needs his time with God. Secondly, Peter gets on his knees in prayer. This is how it should be done!

Closing verse for the day:
John 15:16 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.'
~Goes along with the instrument idea.

Closing prayer for the day: Pray that God would use you as His instrument, and that you would live in the fear of the Lord.

JD
2nd Corinthians 4:6