PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 12:1-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They knew he had spoken the parable against them.” (Mark 12:12)
When God speaks, it cuts into our hearts (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12).
He is graciously exposing and challenging and healing us, even if it hurts.
Jesus is the Voice of God; what He says cuts deep, like a surgeons scalpel.
The point of this story is a challenge, exposing their sinful, selfish hearts.
Often when God speaks, it touches deep inside of us… but how do we respond?
The best way to respond is with an open, humble heart, willing to learn and change.
But too often our natural response is a closed, defensive heart.
We look to evade the message, the conviction: we shift the focus, we make excuses.
We justify the behaviour, ridicule the speaker, ignore the feelings, or blame others.
I guess it makes sense, if someone is coming at us with a knife, we would resist it…
Unless that knife is a surgeon’s scalpel, and the blade is taking out a deadly cancer.
My purpose in reading the bible daily is to allow the Spirit to cut into my heart.
What is the Lord saying to me, how is He challenging me or exposing sin in me?
As a Jesus follower, I should welcome His probing, healing words.
PRAYER
Lord, I often feel that You are speaking about me. And I often resist the spiritual knife, because it hurts. Help me to see that the pain is nothing compared to the thing You are trying to expose and cut out of me.
The Father has sent a message to me (to mankind) – expressing his love for me with an expectation that it be reciprocal. He gave me life even though I didn’t deserve it. He sent Jesus – who made it all possible – he is the cornerstone – the foundation of salvation! Help me Lord to stop my own ego and desires that conflict – so that I may bear fruit – fruit that enables me to bring! A life, a calling to serve him in all that I do.
Lord I am reminded that if I’m not here as a worker in the harvest, then I am one of the tenants ready to throw them out. Help me learn how to be a helper and not a discourager. How do we find the balance of accountability and compassion?
God is good all the time.
See His generosity and trust.
See the freedom given.
See His patience, justice and forgiveness.
I need to see that in my life that God forgives and I have new beginnings. This is the day that the Lord has made and He lets me work in His vineyard. Today Lord, help me to put You first in all things as I work for You enjoying this day in You for You Lord God are my strength and joy.
he joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
Oh, the joy of the LORD is my strength.
He gives me living water and I thrist no more
He gives me living water and I thrist no more
He gives me living water and I thrist no more
For the joy of the LORD is my strength
If you want joy you must sing for it
If you want joy you must sing for it
If you want joy you must sing for it
For the joy of the LORD is my strength
If you want joy you must shout …jump for it..
If you want joy you must shout …jump for it..
If you want joy you must shout …jump for it..
For the joy of the LORD is my strength