July 2012

“They compelled this man to carry his cross.” (Matthew 27:32)

Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Simon just happened to be in the crowd when you were carrying your cross on the way to your crucifixion. But as you stumbled, Lord Jesus, the soldiers grabbed Simon out of the crowd and compelled him to carry your cross. What must have been going on in his mind? He thought he was just an innocent bystander, but he was compelled to take a role in the sacred drama of salvation. …

“Let your face shine, that we may be saved.” (Psalm 80:3)

Monday, July 23, 2012
If we just had a glimpse of you, our Savior, we would always be saved from any disaster. When it feels like heaven and earth is falling down upon us, we just need a glimpse of your presence. If we can just find you in the rubble of our once self-constructed lives, we will be more ready to let you reconstruct life according to your own image of what is good. …

“Through their stumbling salvation came to the Gentiles.” (Romans 11:11)

Monday, July 16, 2012
Gracious God, if stumbling is a characteristic of being a Gentile, then I have found my people. I stumble over conversations when I don’t have the right word to offer. I stumble because I have too many of my own burdens that I still refuse to leave at your feet. And I stumble over my eagerness that is more devoted to being seen as helpful than to actually helping. …

“Do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do….” (Matthew 23:3)

Monday, July 9, 2012
Lord Jesus, we are accustomed to hearing that we should judge our teachers and leaders by their own lifestyles. If there is something lacking in their lives, then we assume we can discount the teaching they offered. As is typical, you have other ideas. You never tether the legitimacy of the message with the integrity of the messenger. Instead, you place your holy gospel into very flawed, earthen vessels. …

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