Do you ever notice how some things are simple on the surface, but when you learn more about them, you find they are much more complex and sophisticated then they first appear. For example, we know we need to eat a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, protein, starch, fats… but why? If you learn more about nutrition you find out that our bodies break the foods down into different components and chemicals. Even deeper some of these chemicals and components are used to provide fuel, dissolve other nutrients, or support other functions in our bodies. So the simple concept of eat well and be healthy really is a very sophisticated science that we are still discovering.

In ways, Christianity is the same. On the surface, and most important, is our acceptance of God’s salvation by believing Jesus Christ saved us. However, the more we study and meditate (actively think about) the words in the Bible and what God is doing, we realize the complexity of it all. Why did Jesus Christ have to be sacrificed? Why do some people accept and others don’t? How does the Holy Spirit come into our hearts? What is a soul? What is our Spirit? The more we learn, the more we realize there is to learn.

In Mark 4:11 when his disciples asked what the parable of the sower and the seed meant, Jesus said, “You are permitted to know some truths about the Kingdom of God that are hidden to those outside the Kingdom.” and in verse 13, “But if you can’t understand this simple illustration, what will you do about all the others I am going to tell?”

Jesus will provide us the wisdom we need to understand, if we take the first step. In verse 24 Jesus tells his disciples and us, “And be sure to put into practice what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand what I tell you.”

Dear Lord, strengthen our faith and help us come to a deeper understanding of your word and your plans. Inspire us to use this understanding to do your will with our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Many professions require routine training in order to keep up with the latest technology and techniques, or just to maintain important skills. Doctors and Nurses, teachers, programmers, pilots, and many others have regular requirements for training and testing.

In a similar way, it is important for us to continue our study of God’s teaching in the Bible to reinforce the knowledge, learn more, and give God the opportunity to connect with us through his word. Obviously we will not lose our license to be a Christian if we do not keep studying, but Hebrews 2:1 says, “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.”

The important message for us is getting in the habit of regularly reading and listening to the “truth,” the good news in the Bible.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us the truth in your word, the Bible. Help us read and listen carefully so that we do not drift away. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

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Ravi Zacharias, a Christian speaker and author, said during one of his presentations, “Before this was a presentation to you (his audience,) it was an offering to God.”

This is a powerful way to look at our work, no matter what we do. God gave us the skills and talents we have, and using them to the best of our ability to provide service and value to others is giving an offering to God.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” And in Ephesians 2:10 he writes, ” For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts and talents you have given us. Help us remember that you gave them to us to glorify You and serve each other. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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The old testament law prescribed specific types of sacrifices to be made for different sins, burnt offerings,sin offerings, trespass offerings, different offerings for intentional and unintentional sins, and many other variations. In addition, it specified how each animal was to be prepared for the sacrifice, and what had to be done with all the parts. Many of the details are written in Numbers 15. I imagine the priests in the temple were constantly working on preparing and conducting sacrifices. This was very serious and important activity for people at the time, as they strived to follow the directions God had given them.

We can only imagine how dramatic a change it must have been for the Jews after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples were preaching and teaching that these sacrifices were no longer necessary. Jesus’ had became the one and only sacrifice for all sins.

Hebrews 10:14-18 says, “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.”

This text references back to prophesies of Jeremiah that there would come a time when the sacrifices would no longer be required. This prophesy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, you are the sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world. We no longer are required to offer sacrifices, we only need to accept your sacrifice in order to be forgiven and made right with God. Work in our hearts to accept this gift with gratitude and confidence. In Your name we pray. Amen.

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Many of us have read Psalm 37:4, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Does that mean that if I really want a Ferrari, if I delight in the Lord, I will get one? I think Paul gives us some insight into that question in Philippians 2:12-13 where he writes, “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

I think that when we “delight in the Lord,” or Paul’s words, “obey God with deep reverence and fear,” God makes us want the things that please him. Only you can know what these things may be, for you. They could be seeing the world, meeting someone in particular, starting a business, writing a book, or being a missionary, or volunteering at the soup kitchen.

God has a plan for each of us.

When we remember to, as Jesus said, “seek first the kingdom of God,” and keep his will as our primary objective, what we want and what he wants tend to come together.

Dear Lord, many things about our lives are mysterious and unknown, you made it that way for your reasons. Help us remember that we don’t need to figure it all out, we just need to focus on you and surrender to your will, then move forward with our lives. You will give us the desire and power to do what pleases you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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