June 22- NDS- Stormy Places

Next Door Savior by Max Lucado

"Stormy Places" Matthew 14:22-33

If I had to chose one episode from the Bible as a "favorite", this story from Matthew would be very near the top of my list.  Not only is the passage so full of spiritual truths, it is so easy  to relate to from the human side.  Onion-like is one creative adjective I would use for this passage.

I will most likely spend several days on my thoughts over this passage.  

Before I delve into the passage itself, the verses preceding highlights two traits of Jesus I should strive to emulate.

In verse 12, we learn that Jesus has been told of the beheading of John the Baptist.  John was not only Jesus' cousin, he was the encouraged the Jewish people to ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ (Matthew 3:3)  John also baptized Jesus in the Jordan at the outset of Jesus' ministry.  John was there when, like a dove, the Spirit of God descended on Jesus.  

Although the Bible doesn't record any continued interaction between Jesus' baptism and John's death, I find it hard to believe that Jesus and John didn't continue to remain close friends.

Then, out of the blue, Jesus is told that John the Baptist has been beheaded by an immoral, spineless, idoltrous king--Herod.  I wonder if Jesus had to rein in an urge to "call ten thousand angels" to descent on Herod's palace.  Did thoughts of plagues and a rain of fire cross Jesus' mind?  We don't know.

What scripture does tell us is that Jesus, "withdrew. . . to a solitary place".  WITHDRAW

July 11-- Back to finish post.


It is interesting to note that these past several weeks I have spend hours most days working on items for school, but few minutes each day with God.  The last line from my latest posting addressed withdrawing to a solitary place.  Exactly what I have not done.  Ironic, ain't it!


As I get older, not necessarily wiser, I am beginning to see that for me, withdrawing needs to be more that just closing the door to the study.  With dogs, internet, t.v., household chores, etc.  all within immediate access, I find that quiet time can be put off until I take care of just a couple more things.  All of a sudden those two small things turn into 4 or 5 and the time set aside for God has been sucked up.


The daily times will still have to be "in-house", but perhaps once or twice a week, I need to find a place without immediate distractions and withdraw to that spot.  


I hope to become regular again in my blog posts.  Not for the feedback or as a legalistic ritual, but as a form of spiritual discipline.


D

Return from Apathy

Editor's (that would be me) Note:

Don't know what has happened these past few weeks.  End of school.  House guest for two weeks.  Summer routine.

It is interesting how easily a person can revert to a ho-hum lifestyle.  Nothing that harmful, but then again, nothing powerful.  Day-to-day routine.  All of a sudden a week has passed, then a month, then years.

When I examine my lack of dedication to Bible study and prayer these past four weeks, it makes Jesus' life even that much more amazing.  For his entire life, Jesus Christ was in such close communion and contact with God the Father that he never once disobeyed, misinterpreted or refused to do God's will for his life.  Zowzers!

I am thankful Jesus lived the perfect life and was the perfect sacrifice for me.  It has been abundantly obvious this past month that I don't have what it takes to save myself.  (Which, I guess, is exactly what He wants us to realize.)

Next Door Savior by Max Lucado

"Wilderness Places" Luke 4:1-13

Today's reading is chock full 'o good stuff.  Not really sure where to begin.  

1.  Had not thought of the stark contrast just a few days made in Christ's life.  Baptism, high point of his life to that point to forty days of wilderness, no food, water and repeatedly Satanic attacks.  Lesson for me here is twofold.  First, never rest on one's laurels.  Second, if God would allow even His own son to go through such a time as is recounted in Luke 13, I shouldn't dare think He is being unfair if He allows some wilderness times in our lives.

2.  Max draws a parallel between Christ's time in the wilderness to rough patches in our lives- divorce, death of a loved one, loss of a job.  While I think there are Luke 4 lessons we can apply to our lives, a major difference between Christ's wilderness time and the events Max mentions it this-  Christ chose his wilderness time.  In our lives, many times our wilderness seasons are thrust upon us through the actions of others, sickness or disease.  

Thoughts?