It’s Who You Are, Not What You Do!

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Marji "Mike" Kruger

A relationship with Christ is the most important decision you can make.Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children (NIV) Ephesians 5:1

“People should think less about what they ought to do and more about what they ought to be. If only their being were good, their works would shine forth brightly. The ground upon which good character rests is the very same ground from which man’s work derives its value, namely, a mind wholly turned to God” …Meister Eckhart (1260?-1327?)

Are you more caught up in your status? or in your stature? Do you want people to see all your acts of service and commend you? or do you consider God knowing what you do to be enough? Are you more focused on success than on sacrifice?

When we each meet God face to face one day, all the success and accolades, and even good deeds, will mean little. . . it will be our relationship with Christ and our measure of character that will count. Which are you more concerned with today. . . what you do?. . . or who you are becoming?

Share|
Posted in Bible, Devotions, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Asleep?

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Marji "Mike" Kruger

Cry out to God in distress.He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” (NIV) Mark 14:33-34

Christ asked Peter, James and John to stay and watch and pray, while he faced the full impact of His coming crucifixion. Christ, who was without sin, was about to take on the sin of the world. In His mental anguish, He looked to His Father, God for strength. And He entreated His friends three times to watch and pray. . . and three times they failed and fell asleep.

What would you do if your friend spoke these words to you? Would you run to their side? Would you stay awake, keep watch and pray for them? Would you be desperate to help comfort them, ease their sorrow, carry their burden? Of course you would; you would never be caught sleeping, or would you?

Every day, people cry out to us for help. Their souls are overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. The problem is, they rarely call out verbally, as directly, as Christ did, and they rarely give us three chances to help. More often than not, you have to look closely, check for subtle symptoms of a broken heart. They may look tired and complain of a poor sleep habits. They may be “too busy” to spend time with you. They may turn to false comforts like drugs, alcohol or even sex. Sometimes, they may cover their sadness with false bravado. Often, they lash out in anger pushing you away when all they want to do is cry out like Christ did.

Ask God to show you who is crying out to you for help today. Have Him show you the signs of those who are in anguish. Reach out to them, pray for them, be there for them. Don’t be asleep!

Written by Sheree Motola used with permission

Share|
Posted in Bible, Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Do You Measure Greatness?

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Marji "Mike" Kruger

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. (NIV) Mark 9:33-34

“Two centuries ago, when a great man appeared, people looked for God’s purpose in him. Today we look for his press agent.” -Daniel Boorstin

How do you measure greatness? Is it measured by the reputation one leaves when he dies? by the amount of money one has? by the Nielsen ratings? by popularity polls? by how many homes a family has? In measuring your own greatness do you compare yourself to others? Do you try to impress your peers? Or are you attempting to live up to someone else’s expectations of you?

Jesus had a radically different approach to greatness. He taught that the great people are those who serve others instead of being served . . . who place others’ interests ahead of their own (Mark 9:35). . . who are living out what they say they believe (Matthew 5:10). . . who love others, even their enemies, without expectations of how they will be treated in return (Luke 6:35). . . who have a child like faith in Him. . . who are humble (Matthew 18:3-4). The great ones from God’s perspective, are those who follow Jesus, not society, no matter the costs!

Who’s definition of greatness are you trying to measure up to? society’s? or God’s? What changes do you need to make today so that you will be “great” in God’s eyes?

Share|
Posted in Bible, Devotions | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

In A Panic!

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Marji "Mike" Kruger

God cares about you.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. (NIV) Mark 6:47-48

Jesus has just miraculously fed a huge crowd (estimated between 15,000-25,000 people) with just 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish. All the people have eaten and are satisfied. As the people watch, they become convinced that this Jesus, is no ordinary man. They’re hoping that maybe He’s the One they’ve been waiting for. . .the One who will bring healing, help and hope to their nation.

The people think that their hope will be found in crowning Jesus King of Israel. There is political momentum here. If a vote had been taken, Jesus would have won the Galilean primary! But, Jesus knows that is not His mission. Jesus sends the crowds home and sends His disciples away on a 5 mile journey. Could it be that Jesus did not want His disciples get too tempted by “kingdom” talk?

But, instead of hoopla, the disciples find themselves caught in an unpredictable turn of events. The sun has set, a chilling wind sends shivers up their spines. . . it’s pitch black, no moonlight, and a storm is coming. The boat begins to rock back and forth. The men try to steady themselves. Wave after wave crashes against the boat, pouring more and more water into it. Some of the disciples most likely, frantically bail water, as others strain against the oars. They are exerting every muscle in their bodies trying to make headway against the relentless wind and waves. . . they are soaked, from the sea water and their own perspiration. . . their hands are blistered from gripping the wooden oars, which get heavier with every pull. They do not have a choice of fight or flight. They couldn’t exactly swim in or head for shore, they are 3 1/2 miles out (John 6:19b) – right in the middle of the lake (Mark 6:47).

I wonder what was going through their minds. . .”Where is Jesus when you need Him? Just like everyone else I’ve met in life, He doesn’t really care about me. You can’t count on anyone.”. . . “What will happen to my wife and kids? Who will provide for them?”. . . “I’m too young to die”. . . or were any reciting Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you?”

What are you afraid of? Not ever having enough money? or running out of money? Afraid of the violence around you? Afraid of being alone? of death? of looking back on a worthless life? Do you ever wonder if anyone really cares?

Share|
Posted in Bible, Devotions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hillside Dining

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Marji "Mike" Kruger

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, (NIV) Mark 6:41-42

The crowds had gathered. There were 5000 men in the crowd, conservatively figuring, there was somewhere between 10-15,000 people, including the women and children, possibly as many as 25,000, who had come to see and hear Jesus. Jesus did not have to advertise to attract a huge crowd. Word had spread that His teaching was refreshing after all the rules that their religious leaders had piled on them. And word had spread around the countryside about this Man from God who heals the sick, casts demons out of the possessed, cleanses lepers, heals the paralyzed, restores sight to the blind.

All during the day Jesus and His 12 disciples gave themselves to the crowd, because the crowd was hungry. . . they were hungry for healing. . .hungry for help. . .and hungry for hope. Are you hungry for the healing of your broken body? Healing of your broken marriage? Healing of your broken family? Healing of your broken dreams? Healing of your broken life? Healing of a broken relationship?

Are you hungry for help with your finances? With your work situation? With your chaotic life? Are you hungry for hope? Hope to find the meaning of life? Hope to fill the emptiness inside? Hope in finding Love that is uncompromised and unfailing?

Eventually the crowds become hungry for food. Jesus miraculously feeds this huge crowd with just 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish. All the people eat and are satisfied. Jesus took control of the situation and met their need. Why not let Jesus have control of your situation and allow Him to meet your need?

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

Share|
Posted in Bible, Devotions, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment