40 Days

Starting on October 1st, a few of us started doing the 40 day devotional included in the new Max Lucado’ book “3:16“. Below you will find our personal reflections on the “40 Days of Hope” journey. Feel free to join us or leave your comments below.

Day 1 – EXTRA-Ordinary Night

Aaron’s thoughts:This is the first reflection of the “40 Days of Hope” from the Max Lucado book “3:16″ that a few of my friends and I are doing together. For day one, Max pointed to the night that Christ came to the earth (”An EXTRA-Ordinary Night”). His quote to end the devotional was rich and classic Lucado -“So he went to the shepherds. Men who don’t know enough to tell God that angels don’t sing to sheep and that messiahs aren’t found wrapped in rags and sleeping in a feed trough.”I was struck by that line. It reminded me that the more I think I learn about God, the less I probably really know. I was reminded that I think that “the Christian thing to do is …..(insert statement here), when really, I don’t have the first clue what God will do. His way is better. His way is perfect. It might not be the way I drew it up, but you can’t argue with greatness.

Gabe’s Thoughts:It’s pretty amusing how God let His Son’s birthday take place. I was reminded in this chapter of how ordinary I really am, but how thankful I am that that is true. Everyone starts out ordinary, but has the same opportunity t be used. God, the Father, too many shepherds, sheep, stars, mangers, earthly parents, and many other things to usher in a universal miracle. The birth of Christ could have taken place in so many other ways, but the way God had it planned sometimes seems unreal or even mysterious.When I think of ordinary I think of a standard. People look at it and see something, and instantly judge it or compare it to how life is going for them at the moment. I know I don’t see life the same even over the measure of a few months at a time. One month I think things are going one way, but later I look back and think differently.One thing I admire more about God right now is the fact that He works on His own standards. Not yours, not ESPN’s, Apple’s, Max Lucado’s, George Bush’s or anyone else who might be able to bring what seems to be a higher standard to this world. His ordinary is always EXTRA ordinary. He is able to take EVERY thing that is ordinary and make it unusual and extremely valuable. Whether it is a blog, a meeting, a phone call, a doctor’s visit, a website, a batch of brownies, a rushed morning with your kids, or any other “normal activity” – He’s ready to add the extra punch to the ordinary. I’m thrilled to take part in this “online Bible study” with these guys, and after one chapter already recommend grabbing the book. Praise God if I’m ever used in extraordinary ways!

Matt’s Thoughts:God had his plan thought out so well. Christ was born on a night just like any other. He came into the world the regular way. Then the angel appeared to the regular people, the shepards. He didn’t appear to the top people of the day he appeared to the shepards to tell them about Christ’s birth. When we think of Christ ordinary is not one of the words that we use to describe him. We think of him as the opposite of that and he is. He is extraordinary but his birth was very ordinary.

Day 2 – “Mary Cradles God“

Aaron’s Thoughts:On day 2 of “40 Days of Hope” from Max Lucado’s “3:16” Max speaks directly of Mary as she held Jesus after his birth (“Mary Cradles God”). The image in this post came directly to my mind. This was taken after the birth of our first child. I remember it like it was yesterday. Looking at this small gift that had the entire world ahead of him. I wondered what he would be like. I hoped I could teach him to avoid my mistakes and give him the wisdom to know better. I never knew he would be what he is today. I never knew the pride I would already have in this little child.I wonder if Mary had any idea what she was holding that night. While the angels told her who he was, I wonder if she could even imagine what this baby would do for this world. I wonder if she realized that his tiny hands would build, teach, heal and ultimately hold the nails.”

God So Love The World” by Hillsong

Gabe’s Thoughts:At the point of Christ’s birth it’s pretty wild to think that Mary (His mother) was the one human being who best understood who God was and what He was doing. She was pretty shocked when the news came to her (from the angel Gabriel – gotta love that name). It’s interesting to think that God chose her to best understand how He wanted to handle things from the beginning of His Son’s life here on earth. He knew she could handle it, and also knew that Joseph would be the one to help her through the past 9 months.I think we all can relate to being shocked when God wants to use us, but I know I fall short quite a bit because I think I can do it all on my own. Mary couldn’t have escaped town on her own after Christ was born. She couldn’t have made it miles on a donkey alone. To think that God has made ways for us to be used, and then wonder how many extraordinary events we’ve missed because we go it alone. Praise God for my wife and friends that help me realize the times when God is turning me towards my Bethlehem moments! Ordinary becomes extraordinary more often with the help of others!

Matt’s Thoughts Christ came into the world in a very humble way. He was born in a smelly manger because there was no room for them in the inn. But that is where Mary saw her child for the first time. I wonder what she felt. Did she even think about what her son would do? Did she even know what he would do? She was holding in her arms the man who will save the world. Then there is Joseph, what did he think? He was going to leave Mary but there he was, in a stable with her and her son. It wasn’t really his son, it was God’s son. He was sent to save the world in such a humble way.

Day 3 – Joseph, Caught in the Middle

Aaron’s thoughts: For todays devo, Max Lucado takes a look at Joseph and his decision with Mary. Of the 3 days, this one has challenged me the most. Maybe it’s because I am a father and a husband. Maybe it’s because I am convicted by the fact that Joseph did what I don’t know if I could or would have. He did what was right in the face of tremendous danger, ridicule and a fall from the public eye. He was a man of tremendous honor and respect in the community. He was caught in the middle.“Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common senseDeep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middleWith eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who isBut will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle” – Casting CrownsI don’t know if it can be said any better than Casting Crowns sums it up. How often do I have “deep water faith in the shallow end”? How often am I really willing to trade my dreams for his? How often am I caught in the middle? I am in no way comparing a daily battle or two to what Joseph was faced with. I don’t know if I can get my head around the decision he had to make, let alone do what he did. Yet me made it. He wasn’t caught in the middle for long. Matthew 1:24 says “…he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him…”He put everything else on the line to do the will of God. He place Mary and her needs before his own. He was willing to risk for what God called him to. He didn’t get caught in the middle.

Kurt’s Thoughts:Joseph Caught In The MiddleJoseph was devout. God knew this. Mary was as well. God also knew this. So, natually there where major issues with following Jewish law. The angels instilled some level of assurance that God was behind all of this. Mum was the word.The interesting thing is that this is always God’s modus operandi. He choses individuals that will follow His dictates. Those people historically have come from obscure backgrounds. When some of the early disciples went to tell their friends the had found the Messiah, they basically said, “You can’t be serious. Nothing worth anything, let alone the messiah has ever come out of Nazereth.”Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John The Baptist, Paul, Peter, John, Luke, Mark, the list goes on. All relatively humble, meek and also obscure individuals. All have done extraordinary things for the kingdom.I am blessed to be “caught in the middle” as well. I will do my part, in His name.

Gabe’s Thoughts:Sometimes I’m sure all of us feel pulled apart to make decisions based on what the world wants or what God would choose. I know there have been many times when I have been tempted to take the low road and just let things slip by, allowing the world to mold me into something different than I have really been made to be. The situation Joseph was in was much more difficult than any I’ve had to go through.His wife was giving birth to the Savior of the world, but the process wouldn’t appear supernatural to them – it looked like they had gone against the law with news that she was pregnant. The “religious” of the day were going to be angry with him, but if they knew the truth they would have admired his decision. He took the high road, allowing those people to realize the truth after the birth took place. That’s a prayer that I know I need to pray more often. Allow the world to realize God in my life whenever it works out best. It might not be on my terms. I might have to go through a time of being looked at like I did something wrong, but in the end the truth always shows itself. God seems to let Himself be known when the time is right. Joseph was a great example of patience and humility at this moment, that’s for sure.

Day 4 – “Because of Love”

Kurt’s Thoughts:And it’s because He loved the world. I know that I could not have consummated the deal. That’s because my heart knows nothing of loving unconditionally. Nine times out of ten, I love for selfish reasons. The motivation is to my benefit. When you really think about it, and I have before, Jesus’ earthly ministry was a complete failure, on the surface. But, the lesson here becomes that God’s love does not fail. Not possible, because it’s everlasting. I can only relate to the temporal, not the eternal. I must become a better lover, unconditionally.

Erik’s Thoughts:Putting the beloved before self. Even when it comes to putting our families first, do we really get it? Sometimes I “think” I do but then I get smacked in the face with reality. My son wants me to play Legos with him but I’m doing something else. One of my daughters wants me to read her a story but I’m doing something else. I see the sacrifices that my wife makes for our family. We home school our 4 kids (when I say we I really mean her). She loves doing it but I know there are many other things that she’s giving up. She’s putting the beloved before self.Putting the beloved before self. I think we would say that we can somewhat understand that when it comes to our children and our wives. I won’t even touch it when it comes to strangers or people that would wish us harm. Not surprisingly, that’s what Christ did. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace.

Aaron’s Thoughts:This morning’s devo from Max Lucado’s 3:16 was all about love. Since I have much to learn and this devotional reminded me of that, I’ll just quote Max himself. These are words to ponder today -“…that’s what love does. It puts the beloved before itself. Love goes the distance…“Do I put “the beloved” before myself? Do I go the distance when it comes to love? Do I quit when it gets rough or do I commit to doing what needs to be done for the sake of love? God himself left his throne to sleep in a stall his first night. That makes sippy cups, stories at night, playing catch in the yard or listening to someone else talk about their day seem so small doesn’t it? I have much to learn about love.

Gabe’s Thoughts:Love goes the distance. Might appear like a simple statement, but it’s one that echoes much more than just words. Imagine everything Jesus went through when He was here on earth. So many things that required him to take on a lower position. I look at people around me and wonder if I’d be willing to give what God’s blessed me with for their benefit. Christ didn’t have to deal with sinful people, growing and learning pains as a child, or any other sore of life when He was in heaven.When He left His position there He knew what was ahead of Him and stuck through it. He knew that in the end the Father would even pour the price of sin on Him through His blood on the cross. It’s almost exciting to think of giving things up for the benefit of others when you see the Christ took it even further with accepting His death on the cross for us. Leaving heaven and dealing with all of us down here seems like a tough enough request to me?

Day 5 – “Jesus Goes Home First”

Aaron’s Thoughts:Today’s devotional from “3:16” was a good reminder about priorities. The best thing I can say Max already said in the final paragraph of the devotional -

Want to bring focus to your life? Do what Jesus did. Go home, love your family, and take care of business. But, Max, I want to be a missionary. Your first mission field is under your roof. What makes you think they’ll believe you overseas if they don’t believe you across the hall?

Erik’s thoughts:This spoke volumes to me. Right now we are working on our son with this exact thing and yet I need to continue to learn it and practice it. In the eyes of our children, actions speak louder than words. Are their actions that I’m doing that do not match up with my words which is causing my son to stumble? We need to take care of business under our own roof.

Gabe’s Thoughts:It really is amazing to think that Jesus could have traveled streets all of the time, preaching and performing miracles like you’d believe any “supernatural” individual would do. He was twelve when we first heard that He traveled to the temple and was teaching the “professors” of the day a thing or two. It seems really odd that He didn’t continue on a road of self-indulgence or want to appear as holy as He could in the view of the world.His next step wasn’t towards the next popular worldly audience. It was backwards. He stopped what He was doing and went back home where God knew He could have a different impact – to his house and family business. Understanding that Jesus also became a carpenter is something I haven’t given much thought to. This world likes to make you think you have to be an esteemed musician, actor, athelete, doctor, etc……..but that’s not the case. If it were, I’m sure Jesus would have led a much different life?

Day 6 – “Chickens, Hammer and Jesus”

Aaron’s Thoughts:I found this one interesting today. I would be honest and say that when I think of Jesus, I tend to think that he just “chose his spots”. In other words, he didn’t deal with the day to day mundane tasks. Yet, nothing could be farther from the truth. He lived the way everyone else lived. He worked like everyone else worked. He did chose his “spot”, but it was a spot that none of us would have chosen. He was just as much a man as you and I in the way he lived his life.

Gabe’s Thoughts:The “high school and college” age of Jesus seems to be really confusing at first. I think the best word that describes this phase of His life is “preparation”. That’s probably the same word that describes this time in all of our lives. This is probably the one point in our life that starts paving the road for the next 50 years. God knew that His Son would have to understand work ethics, some level of poverty, and go through the things in life that make being a human what it is.Obviously He could have just stayed in heaven and not become one of us, but His payment for our sins really did mean that He was taking our place. He went through the tough times in life just like we do. Sometimes I don’t really go to the step of believing that God (the Son) went through phases in His life that gave us the example we have to get through all of this. He lived with the chickens and he had to use a hammer to make the furniture He did. Everything He did wasn’t just a superhero magic trick – that’s what sets Him apart, and I believe that’s what our culture has a hard time understanding.

Day 7 – “Good-Bye Nazareth”

Aaron’s Thoughts:I really had to ponder the thought that Jesus could have decided to stay in Nazareth. Could he really? If that is the case, then can you imagine the day that he said “this is where everything changes”? The day he left the 30 years of common life behind and stepped into a stage that was much larger to achieve what he came to do. One of the things I love about reading his story is the fact that he always knew his time, his place and what he was to do at any given moment. He was never rushed or just did something half. He knew his calling, as unbelievable a calling as it was, and lived his life building up to it.

Gabe’s Thoughts: At the age of 30, it’s interesting to see Christ leaving Nazareth and jumping into the journey His Father had for him (at the same age). Like Max’s book describes, He could have easily kept his identity a secret and took a rain-check on His death on the cross. This examples is pretty powerful when we look at our own lives and question whether or not we have “jumped ship” into the journey God has for us. Sometimes things are smooth sailing in life and it doesn’t seem that God really needs for us to do that, doesn’t it? Maybe pray for me as I journey into the unknown with how God is using me with web / graphic design? Let me know how I can pray for you as you look out on the life God has or you and decide whether to jump or not? I’m sure some of you already have!

Day 8 – “Baptize You?”

Aaron’s Thoughts:Really only one reflection on today’s devotional. Although it is only one reflection, the weight of this statement by Max was huge.

“We owe God a perfect life. Perfect obedience to every command. Not just the command of baptism, but the commands of humility, honesty, integrity. We can’t deliver…. But Christ can and he did.”

Praise the Lord he did. Those are high marks to live up to. The least that I can do each day is make the attempt to model them. I will fail. Yet Christ paid a high price for me to not at least offer what I can to meet those goals.

Gabe’s Thoughts: John was taking a big step in accepting Gentiles with the Jews in baptism. I can’t imagine his next big step, baptizing His Savior. This is another example that might clear up the questions we have about Christ really understanding what it’s like to be human. It’s easier to see how He became flesh at birth and died at the cross, but to see Him entering into other moments like baptism might teach us something. Baptism (for the rest of us) is a public statement of our faith in Christ, letting the world know of the step we’ve taken. What about Christ, He couldn’t be baptized for His faith in Himself could He? The way Max explained it made sense – that He was being baptized to show us again that He is paying our price and is our example in life. Our step is to accept this payment and follow Him in baptism.

Day 9 – Satan Stalked Him

Aaron’s Thoughts:Max Lucado points out a very interesting thing in today’s devotional from “3:16″. He says:

We imagine the wilderness tempation as three isolated events scattered over a forty-day period. Would that it had been. In reality, Jesus’s time of testing was nonstop; “the devil tempted Jesus for forty days.” Satan got on Jesus like a shirt and refused to leave. Every step, whispering in his ear. Every turn of the path, sowing doubt.

We did a small group study last year from Andy Stanley called “Pause” which focused on those three temptations. It was a great series, but in all of that time, I don’t know that I ever considered that it was temptation that was nonstop. And I think I have it tough sometimes! 40 days of nonstop temptation, including three very powerful and real offers (hunger, power and authority). Max points to the fact that Jesus focused on “the joy that God put before him” (Heb. 12:2 NCV).I was reminded that I often focus on the temptation and not “the joy that God puts before me”. If we focus on what we have, we won’t be so determined or distracted by we don’t or shouldn’t or can’t have. Even if it lasts for 40 days.

Matt’s Thoughts: Jesus was tempted just like the rest of us. He was tempted out in the wilderness for 40 days straight. Think about that, the time that it will take to read throught this whole devotional is the amount of time that Jesus was tempted. He knows what we go through because he went through it as well. He went through the temptation that is harder than any temptation that we have gone through because he went through non-stop temptation for 40 days straight.Jesus never gave in to the devil he stood his ground through all of it. Jesus was starving and all alone. Those things would probably lead us to give in to that temptation but Jesus stood strong. The devil attacked Jesus at his weak spots. Jesus was hungry so the devil tried to get him to turn the rocks into bread. Jesus was lonley so the devil tried to get Jesus to draw a big crowd but Jesus didn’t budge. We’re on day 9 of this devotional, most people wouldn’t get through that and Jesus was tempted for 31 more days. Think about that every time you read one of these devotionals, think about how many days that Jesus endured temptation for us. It would have been easy for him to give in and get food but he didn’t because he did it for us.

Gabe’s Thoughts: Sometimes I get sick of tempation, and sick of the fact that I screw up more than I don’t. After reading today’s passage in Hebrews 4:15 I should probably be thankful that I only have to deal with the temptations I do. When satan attacked Christ He kept at it for 40 days. I guess some temptations in life may seem like they last that long, but I doubt we could really handle much of that. Some people doubt that Christ really knew what it was like to be tempted – maybe they should read this story? He wasn’t just tempted…..He was stalked. Thanks God for accepting our forgiveness through Christ, and giving us another day to do a 180 and make progress in life!

Day 10 Bifocals and Binoculars

Matt’s Thoughts: What would you do if you got to hang out with Jesus? That would be such a cool thing to do. John and Andrew were two people that got to do that. They got to hang out with him because they took a risk. They came up to him and just asked him “where are you staying”? They took that risk and they were rewarded for it. They were wondering if Jesus really was who he said he was. Jesus answered that as well. He told them that they could “come and see” (John 1:39) for themselves. Asking that question was another risk and again they were rewarded for it. They got to talk to Jesus and find out all about him because they took that risk.They probably weren’t too comfortable asking Jesus these questions but they did because they were willing to step out and take a chance. They could have just stayed back like everyone else but look at the opportunity they would have missed. I think that if they hadn’t went up to Jesus and talked to him they would have regretted it for the rest of their lives. They would have looked back and known that they could have spoken to Jesus but they didn’t because they were a little afraid.Jesus calls us to take risks. When he calls us to do something we don’t know what will happen or how it will turn out. We need to put our faith in him and trust that he will get us through it. Jesus asked Peter to take a risk when he asked Peter to walk on the water. Then when Peter took his eyes off Jesus he began to sink. But he walked on water! No one else in the boat can say that. We need to take risks for Jesus no matter what they are. If we put our faith in him he will reward us for our risks. We need to be willing to step out of the boat for Jesus.

Aaron’s Thoughts:What an amazing thing for Christ to say “come and see”. If ever there was someone that could have just passed on having people follow his every move, it was Christ. He didn’t need the distractions. He didn’t need to deal with the “noise” of 12 guys all the time. He had a purpose and a mission, yet he knew that part of that mission was to teach the 12. He also knew that the best way to teach, was through a hands on apprenticeship.

Gabe’s Thoughts: We all have people in life we admire. If we could, we’d spend as much time as possible with them. There are also some preachers we prefer to listen to over others. For me, those probably include James MacDonald, Ergun Caner and Ed Young. I’ve had the chance to hear them all frequently on their podcasts, James in person and might get to hear Ergun this month here in Columbus. Imagine if Jesus were walking the earth today. Would we look away from how the world entices us and desire to spend as much time as possible following Him and learning from Him? The three guys above are great speakers, but just like John and Andrew left the teachings of John the Baptist to follow the teachings of Christ, I’d definitely have to do the same.

Day 11 “Almighty- Not High and Mighty”

Aaron’s Thoughts:“…People liked him“. What an interesting thing to consider. Even before they knew who he was, claimed to be or would become, “people liked him”. They enjoyed hanging out with this person that was Jesus. It also presents an interesting challenge to you and I today. Don’t get me wrong, the challenge is not to force people to like us. Rather, I think we are called to not be “holy rollers” or “high and mighty” because of our faith. After all, Christ wasn’t. He was as common and likable as any other guy. In order to seek and save, he went and did! How about me? Am I doing what Christ did to earn the respect, or friendship of those that don’t know him?

Gabe’s Thoughts: It’s ironic that Jesus was invited to a wedding in John 2 before He had done miracles. He really did walk 90 miles from Jericho to Cana for this wedding, and was invited simply because these people enjoyed being around Him? He was the kind of guy that people wanted to be around, even if He hadn’t healed them or turned water into wine yet. Sometimes it does feel like we need to become someone special in order for people to want to be around us. Why not just enjoy being who we are, in Christ, and let people be attracted to us for that?

Day 12 Just Call Her Grace

Matt’s ThoughtsJesus accepted everybody. He didn’t stay away from someone because of what the society would think of him. Most of the time Jesus was with the “outcasts of society”. He didn’t care what they did, he cared about what they could do. People probably thought that he was crazy when he was talking to those people and sometimes he gave those people a huge responsibility. The Samaritan women that he talks to in John 4 is one person who was an outcast but he accepted her. She was married 5 times and she was a Samaritan and Jews didn’t like the Samaritans. Jesus didn’t care about that. Then when she told people about Jesus many Samaritans from that town believed in him.I wrote earlier about the song “Does Anybody Hear Her” by Casting Crowns. You can read it here. The two posts tie into each other very well. The people that are outcasts in our society we usually don’t talk to. They may need help but nobody will talk to them and tell them about Jesus because of what they’ve done, and what others will think. Jesus didn’t care what other people would think of him if they saw him with those “outcasts” and we shouldn’t either. If they need help we should help them.Jesus didn’t care what they had done he accepted everyone. He preached to everyone and he didn’t care what other people thought of him because he was with the outcasts. We should be the same. We shouldn’t care what other people think of us because we are with a person that they see as an outcast. We should show everyone our love and tell everyone about his love.

Aaron’s Thoughts:“He found her full of trash and left her full of grace”. I think I often forget that at the foot of the cross, aren’t we all full of trash? We are all broken, battered and bruised. None of us approach the foot of the cross looking crystal clean. We don’t walk away from it that way though. No matter what we have been through, who we have been, there is only one place to get the “extreme makeover” that our hearts and lives requires. I need to remember that when I look at others as well. I need to see them as Christ sees them. Not as the world, or even my judgmental eyes look upon them. After all, that is how Christ sees them.

Gabe’s Thoughts: It’s funny how we often feel like we can’t be used by the Lord because He hasn’t made one thing that we’ve set our eyes on come through. I look at the Samaritan lady in this passage, and I see someone who also went down many wrong roads just like we have. She was married 5 times and Christ still wanted her on His team. She didn’t feel like she deserved any of it, but grace was running rampant the day she ran into Her Savior. It’s the same with us. He sees all of our filth, no matter how bad it has been, and changes us. You might be going through divorce, a sickness, or a difficult situation. Whatever it is, it’s nothing His grace can’t handle. I need to keep this truth within reach the next time I get frustrated or discouraged!

Day 13 “Christ’s Crazy Kin”

Aaron’s Thoughts – Family matters can be the messiest of all. Christ dealt with his in a way that, not surprisingly, was the most appropriate of all. “He didn’t try to control his family’s behavior, nor did he let their behavior control his.” The second half of that statement is the strong part. I don’t know that I often try to control my family, or friends behavior, but I am not so sure that I don’t allow it to control me at times. Christ was able to move beyond that an not overshadow his mission.

Gabe’s Thoughts: For the most part, people usually get along with their families better than strangers or new acquaintances. But what about the times that we all don’t get along with our families? Those are usually the hardest times, harder than not trying too hard to get along with strangers. To think that Christ hung out with his imperfect family isn’t something we usually grasp easily. When we don’t get along with ours it’s not a shocker…..sinful people not getting along with other sinful people. But Christ had to deal with His own family’s sin, even though He could have just opted out of that and stuck to His own sinless life.

We have the same call on our lives that He had. To love one another, and to show love you must be on the offensive. That’s the hard part for me. I’m usually on the defensive when I see the wrongs that others do, but I am learning to be on the offensive more – watching what I am doing first and loving others before going on an all-out attack on their personality and mistakes. I believe God gave us family to love, but also to be the closest thing that molds us into becoming more like His Son.

Day 14 – “Too Early to Retire”

Aaron’s Thoughts: Wow. WOW. “He said no to good things so he could say yes to the right thing: his unique call”. I cannot remember how many people, myself included, over the past year have been struggling with a decision on Gods unique call on their life. Do I turn right or left? Do I say yes to this, or no to that? Does God want me here or there. In today’s reading, Max points out something that had to be hard for Jesus. “Doing so meant leaving some sick people unhealed and some confused people untaught”. Christ had to walk away from that knowing that if he stayed, it would take his eyes off of his immediate target. He could have stayed. It would have been what everyone else thought was right for him. But he knew what was best. He was in step with the father and knew that his calling wasn’t to stay in Capernaum. It was to continue his journey to reach as far as he could. Even if it meant that others would question what he was doing.

Gabe’s Thoughts: When is a good time to say no to things that appear to be good, or things you think or really important? Christ had to make a choice like this here in Luke. There have been times in my life when something appeared to be going one way, and God appeared to be taking it another way. Those are very confusing times, but they have always ended up working for the best – when I have chosen to follow God’s pulling at the moment and not mine. There have also been times when I have decided to reject God’s call and go with what I wanted to settle with. Those usually end up being the same-old-same-old times in life. God has a mission, a deadline, for each of us. He is directing us each towards our own target in different ways. Christ saw that direction and followed it – leading by example even when the right people thought He was doing the wrong thing.

Day 15- “When Jesus Gets Into Your Boat”

Matt’s Thoughts: Jesus tells Peter to take his boat out into the deep water in the middle of the morning. Peter responds, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing” (Luke 5:5). Peter still takes the boat out but he must have had a lot of doubt that he would catch anything. Then when Peter throws the net into the water he catches so many fish and he is amazed. Then Peter looks up and saw Jesus as the Lord in that moment. He didn’t just see him as a great teacher he finally saw him as the Lord. When Peter saw him as the Lord he tells Jesus, “depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8)Peter’s eye’s were opened at that moment. He had been with Jesus but he never saw him as the Lord, but now he did. It’s like having a priceless antique sitting around in your house that you don’t know how much it’s worth. Then one day, you find out that it’s worth millions. Think about how you would feel when you find that out. You would treat it very differently than you would have before. You would want to tell everybody. That’s how Peter had to feel. He had to feel like he hit the jackpot. He wanted to tell everyone. He is in a boat with the Lord, he probably felt like the luckiest person in the world right then.Jesus didn’t stop his amazing acts right there. He kept using Peter to amaze others and probably continue to amaze Peter. When Jesus calls you to do something prepare to be amazed. You may go through some troubled times but Jesus will always amaze you. Jesus is like that priceless antique, don’t just keep it in a dusty box in the attic, show it to everyone.

Gabe’s Thoughts: After reading this account in Luke, it’s pretty hard to think of the times that we’ve told Christ it was too late for Him to work or too late for Him to change things around. Peter wasn’t ready to go back out and give fishing another try. The problem was, He wasn’t focused on what God wanted to do. He was focused on how tired he was and what he was capable of (not catching any fish). What Christ was focused on and capable of was the opposite, but Peter couldn’t see through to what could be happening. He saw the times when Christ was testing Him by allowing he and the other to go out and catch nothing.

That’s what we usually see. We usually see the tests that He gives us and find them as worthless because they aren’t bringing in any “fish in our lives”. There’s a pile of fish that God is just waiting to dump into our life’s adventure…..where is Christ leading us today that might take us there?

Day 16- “Chumming With The Mafia”

Erik’s Thoughts:

“The ratio between those who missed Jesus and those who sought him is thousands to one. But the ratio between those who sought Him and those who found Him was one to one.”

Jesus told Mathew, a tax collector and a thief, to “Follow Me” and that’s what Mathew did. Mathew didn’t stop there but invited Jesus over for dinner and Jesus accepted.We are all sinners. Not one of us perfect or righteous. We each have to come to a place where we accept Christ, at the personal level, and begin a relationship with Him. This is where Mathew began his relationship and it didn’t matter to Christ that Mathew was considered a crook by his neighbors. All that mattered was that Mathew wanted to know more.If you are seeking Christ and wanting to know Him then just ask Him to show Himself to you. Have no doubt, He will!

Gabe’s Thoughts: People who seek Jesus find Him. But the question always is – what role do we play in helping them seek Him and who is it that we look to help do this? Jesus was our example in situations like this as well. When He had a chance to go out and tell others about salvation, He didn’t just direct His conversation at the nicest family and friends in His circle. He walked down the street and ended up spending the day with tax collectors and others that culture didn’t have much appreciation for. That’s definitely not the case with me, not sure about you. The way I see it, those closest to you should see Jesus through your life more often than strangers you meet somewhere for the first time.

Day 17 “Standing On His Word”

Matt’s ThoughtsThere is a large pool in Jerusalem called Bethesda. Wounded people and sick people gather all around there because they believe that when the water bubbles the first person to touch the water will be healed. Jesus goes to Bethesda and sees all the people. He goes up to one man who is paralyzed and asks him if he wants to be well. What did that man think when he heard that? Someone was willing to help him so he responds, “there is no one to help me get into the pool when the water starts moving” (John 5:6-7) So Jesus tells the man to get up and walk and he does.Jesus knew exactly what to do in Bethesda to reach the greatest amount of people to believe in him. If Jesus went into Bethesda and started preaching to people they probably wouldn’t have believed. If he was there telling people that he was God on earth and there was hope of salvation the people probably wouldn’t care. They all wanted to be healed. They didn’t want to hear what Jesus had to say. Instead of preaching to them he went to one person and healed that one man. Jesus knew exactly what to do, he knew that the people would see the man and ask how he was healed, he knew the man would tell him that Jesus healed him and they would believe.Jesus had a strategy to getting the most amount of people saved. We need a strategy too. You can’t go up to someone and just mention something about Christ and expect them to believe. They might listen to you but they will probably forget about everything that you say. You need to be comforting to them, show them God’s love and then they will probably believe. Your words will probably seem empty to them but your actions, they will take note of.Jesus knew exactly what to do, he had a strategy. You need a strategy to share the word. Words mean nothing without actions. Don’t be all talk, be some talk and a lot of action because that’s what people will notice. Even the smallest action will be noticed, you don’t need fireworks and loud music, every small thing counts because actions speak louder than words.

Gabe’s Thoughts: As a parent, I find myself practicing counting quite a bit. When talking to either one of our three girls I usually give them the 1-2-3 treatment if something needs to change soon……I don’t count slowly either, lol. Rarely do I get to 3 without them listening and moving on it, and I’m thankful that I don’t have to count for them to listen to most of what I ask them.

I thought of this when reading about Jesus and the paralytic at Bethesda here. The paralytic was sitting there waiting on the underwater springs to cause a bubbling effect believed to heal the first to touch it after that happened. He couldn’t get there on His own. Then enters Jesus. The first thought would be that Jesus would walk over and assist the man in getting to the pool after the bubbles arrived. Who knows if the “magic bubbles” believed to be stirred by angels wings touching the water actually did heal, but Jesus wasn’t hear to play games. When Jesus asked the man if he preferred to be healed the man instantly thought of the bubbles. His mind was off of the power Jesus had to make things right.

Did Jesus have to start counting to 3 before the man trusted Him? No. He spoke and the man got up, grabbed his mat, and walked away a healed paralytic. Jesus didn’t need to give the man time to believe, but the man’s trust wasn’t there. How often do we make Jesus count to 200 before we let Him move in our lives? This example definitely challenges me to let the God work in my life whenever He wants to. He’s probably sick of me thinking that He needs to practice counting before I trust Him. As Max says in the book, “When Jesus tells us to stand, let’s stand”.

Day 18 – “The God-Man Jesus”

Aaron’s Thoughts: “Near enough to to touch. Strong enough to trust. A next-door Savior”. During the journey, I often look at things that happen and wonder if God knows what we are going through. It was a different time, a different place then it is today. And yet the God of this universe felt pain. The God of this universe felt joy, friendship, stress, sweat, and tears. I would say that he knows what we are going through. Maybe it is me that doesn’t know what HE went through….

Matt’s Thoughts: Jesus hated to see people suffering, he absolutely despised it. One time he saw the mother of a young boy who had died crying. The boy was the woman’s only son and she was a widow. When he saw her, his heart went out to her (Luke 7:13). He didn’t like to see people suffering so he went up to the women and said “don’t cry”. I can imagine that when Jesus said that the woman thought, “Why shouldn’t I cry? My only son is dead.” Then Jesus went over to the coffin and said, “Young man I say to you, get up” (v. 14) and he did, he rose up out of the coffin and was alive.Jesus hated to see people suffering. He came down to earth and died to save us from our suffering. He took the punishment for us. He would rather get beaten and killed than to see us suffering. He healed suffering people, he preached hope to suffering people, he helped suffering people. Now he gave that task to us, he wants us to hate to see suffering people so we do all that we possibly can to stop the suffering in their lives. Jesus died so we don’t have suffering so why don’t we live to help other people not to have suffering.

Gabe’s Thoughts: A powerful God walking the streets – that’s the picture we get here in Luke. Imagine being at your child’s funeral and Jesus walking up to the body as it was being carried to the grave and commanding it to return to life. This actually happened and the disciples witnessed it and weren’t quite sure how to respond. When they got back together with Jesus for supper that evening He was laughing at jokes and just hanging out with men. But hours earlier He was performing a miracle and doing things that men don’t. He wasn’t just part God and part man – He was entirely both at the same time. I can’t imagine being His disciples and trying to understand it all, but I have the same challenge today – trying to understand how a man died for me, created me, and has given me a reason to live.

Day 19 – “The Waves are Listening”

Aaron’s Thoughts: It’s striking to think that in the midst of their struggle and storm, Christ was fast asleep. I thought about two things when I read that. Number one, he had to be exhausted from all he was doing. Ironically, it might have been the only time and place he could find rest. In the midst of their storm. Yet he had the entire thing under his control. Stood up, said some words and the storm was over. Almost like the snap of a fingers.How often do we battle, fight, stress, worry and fear over our storm. We wonder if and when God will step in and restore things to normal. Christ sleeping through their storm shows that in his world, in his timing it is really not as big as we have made it. Restoration to normal is only a word away. If he’s not worried, why should we be?

Gabe’s Thoughts: When reading about Christ controlling the storm here in Mark, it makes me realize a few things. The power He had on the universe while on earth had very little to do with how alert He was and didn’t require Him to do anything special to display His power. He started an intense storm while He was asleep in a boat, and wasn’t near as rattled as the disciples were when He got up and saw the situation they were in.

I also realize that His words, “Quiet! Be Still”, were just a verbal picture of His protection over His followers in the boat. The ocean doesn’t have ears, but it does have a sense of listening when Christ wants it to obey. Our lives are quite a bit like this storm. In full control of His grace. He can allow us to go through ups and downs in our life that make us feel like we’re headed for destruction, but He also is willing to control things and bring peace to our situations if we let Him have control and look for His guidance. When my boat is almost upside down, sometimes I try to push as hard as possible, trying to prove that I don’t need Him to step in. Not knowing what storms are ahead of me (which I am sure there are some), I need to understand He’ll be there to give me peace.

Day 20 – “The Hand He Loves to Hold”

Aaron’s Thoughts: This one hit me today. Key phrase – “Illness took her strength. What took yours? Red ink? Hard drink? Late nights in the wrong arms? Long days on the wrong job? Pregnant too soon? Too often? Is her hand your hand? If so take heart.”I was reminded of this womans courage and commitment to get to Christ no matter the cost. She was the one pursuing him. She did not stop until she got to him and found healing. She could have stopped. She had every excuse and reason considering her condition. Makes something I am battling seem like nothing. Do I pursue his hand? Do I give excuses and quit before I touch his robe? Lord give me endurance for the battle and strength for the journey.

Gabe’s Thoughts: Maybe some doctors need to check out the story of healing here in Mark. Sometimes I get the feeling that doctors only know as much as their teacher taught them. Some of them go into more in depth research and find a little new twist on curing a disease here or there, but the knowledge has always built off of what was known before them. From what I can understand, new diseases throw a wrench into their lives just like new problems do with the rest of ours. What if a doctor had power to heal you if you just had a strong enough belief that he or she could help.

I can’t imagine bleeding for 12 years, let alone 12 days. This lady had been seeking the help of local doctors, but none were able to help her much. The strength of her faith is what caused her to be healed, not just touching the edges of Christ’s clothing. I praise God for giving me enough health to make it through today, but I also pray for the times when my health heads south and that my faith stays strong.

Day 21 – “When God Sighs”

Gabe’s Thoughts: The story of the man being healed in Mark shows us an interesting angle on the feelings God has for His people. When Christ came from Heaven to become flesh and walk with us, He knew that He was dealing with a sinful people. The deaf and mute in this reading aren’t in the condition because God didn’t have control over their health or situation. It’s clear that God does have to allow satan to bring some evil into the world, allowing for free will and dependence rather than forcing us all to follow His will in our lives. So what does Christ do when He sees those who are sick that need help? He sighs.

It is really strange to think of God, the Son, sighing in this situation. Like Max points out in the book, God didn’t create the world for there to be as many deaf, mute, and sick people as possible. He has passion and a care for us when He sees what satan has done with this world, and He is looking forward to the day when things return to the way He intended for them to be. I’m thankful that He cares enough to sigh for each of us, since every one of us needs a different type of care than others. He knows where we hurt and is capable of (and has) turned things around for the better in our lives.

Aaron’s Thoughts: How often do I sigh and why? I was challenged by that when I read today’s text. Usually a sigh comes in a long line, traffic, or when something doesn’t go my way. I don’t that is the same sigh that God had that day. To know that this just wasn’t how he drew it up caused him to sigh. To know that it’s just not the way he intended and yet we’re still here. Why? I think is giving us time. He is holding his breath and giving each of us an opportunity to go after the one and leave the 99. One day, he will make it all right again. He will put it back the way he intended. Then the only sigh will be one of great relief.

Day 22 – “Not Guilty”

Gabe’s Thoughts: I can’t stand the view the world has on those that screw up in life. The news is all over them, just like the Pharisees were in this text. Some people have nothing better to do than point out the wrongdoings of everyone else. Sometimes those people are followers of Christ, and maybe even you and me? But that’s not how Christ works. He saw a lady who had sinned (against His commands) and saw that she was being tormented and without His help she would have been stoned.

What really strikes me about this story is that the law of stoning was given to Moses years and years before the day this was taking place. And Christ stepped in and became the law this day. According to the law of the day this lady was headed to death row, but according to the cross Christ was able to offer her new life. Society today loves to see you screw up and rarely applauds as loud when we’re doing things right. Whether it is murder, adultery, stealing, or sin on any level, Christ can step in and turn your life around. He won’t step in and tell you you were innocent in what you did, but He can take you innocently to Heaven by drowning your sins in the His blood on the cross. I’m unsure of how our prison system works these days, but I pray that they take those that break the law to the Word of God before condemning them without a chance to come to Christ. It’s a tricky situaton, but from what God has shown us here, He wants to be given freedom to reach and change every sinner.

Matt’s Thought:

A women was caught in adultery and Jesus was there with that women. In that day if someone was caught cheating they were to be stoned. The Pharisees knew that she had commited adultery so they asked Jesus what to do. Jesus told them, “anyone here who has never sinned can throw the first stone” (John 8:7). We have all sinned so that means that she shouldn’t be stoned.

How often do we “throw the first stone”? Someone does something and we are quick to look down on them. Even though we have all sinned we still look down on them because we haven’t done anything “as bad as them”. Every sin is bad so we shouldn’t judge anyone. ”God sent his son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” ( John 3:17). If God didn’t send Jesus to the world to judge us he didn’t send us to judge either.

Aaron’s Thoughts: Much has been written about what Jesus wrote in the dirt that day. Some thing he wrote the law of the day. Some think he wrote the names of the women these men had been with. I’ve even read that he wrote the 6th commandment. What is important to remember is it’s not what he wrote, it is what he said. First, he didn’t just react or go off on these guys. He paused, collected his thoughts, and recognized that they were trying to trap him. How often do I just react and not see the trap that is being set before me? Next thing you know, it’s too late, I have fallen right into it. Christ, as he often did, turned the tables on the trap. Not only did he not fall for it, he called these guys out on it. He took the spotlight off of the one and put it on the accusers. The important thing to remember is that he does the same for you and I. Satan lines up the accusations one after another. Some valid, others not. When he is finally done, Christ stands and shows the nail scarred hands and says…Not Guilty. Amazing grace.

Day 23 – “Jesus vs. Death”

Gabe’s Thoughts: Max really knocked some sense into understanding this part of scripture. When we acknowledge who controls something, we realize that they should be the one that we rely on when that something takes place. If we want a painting done, we ask an artist right? I’m glad that when someone wants a website they approach me about it and not about fixing their car or building their house. Christ (God the Son) had full control over death, and was able to rise to the occasion when Martha placed her faith in His abilities to heal Lazarus.It’s definitely hard to grasp the power of this story, because most of our minds float towards doubting that He could do this because He isn’t walking the earth today. I believe that He is just as capable of healing like this from heaven, and I have no understanding of His power in these situations – again, I design websites and don’t raise people from the dead, lol. Thanks God, for being the only source of control over death. May we continue to realize that it is you that decides when our life extends over the bridge into eternity.

Aaron’s Thoughts: I was reminded in todays reading of God’s patience with us. Now that my son is a big first grader, and gaining knowledge, he likes to say things like he knows everything. Before I am too quick to jump at correction, I need to remind myself that I do the same with God. I have gotten really good at telling God what I think he should do. Just like Martha, “if you would have been here”, I often tell God “if you, when you, will you, why don’t you”. I have to wonder what he thinks. Just as my son doesn’t know everything yet, I don’t either. God does know everything and his timing is perfect. It might not be how I pictured it, but “he makes all things beautiful, in HIS time”. Even death.

Day 24 – “Jesus Minds His Mind”

Aaron’s Thoughts - Interesting thoughts today about guarding ones heart and thoughts. I am often caught in a mental battlefield in my mind. Satan and the voices of others can really play a number on my thoughts which eventually lead to actions. I don’t know if there is not a day that goes by where at least some portion of it is not devoted to my battle and struggle with the thoughts running in my mind. We all think, dream and ponder, but to allow Satan and others to steal our joy, or dreams or minutes from our day is just not worth it. Having a clear mind would lead to many more restful nights and clear thinking days. If only I could be as good as Christ was in such situations.

Gabe’s Thoughts: Maybe you’ve seen the football commercial floating around where the guy stands and boasts – “We must protect this house!”. Or maybe you haven’t. When people are confident about something they are able to rise above the occasion and it seems they are a different person than they were the day before. Makes me think of all of the athletes who don’t put forth much effort until it looks like they are going to lose. Then for some odd reason they turn it up a notch and accelerate their game, actually using all of their energy because they would rather not be on the losing side.

There are examples of Christ’s life when He was tested with sin and giving up on guarding His mind from the evils of this world. When He slipped away from people that were going to grab Him and make Him King (John 6:15), when Peter didn’t believe He should have to follow through with death on the cross (Matthew 16:22), or when people were trying to humiliate him by laughing at his suggestion that the sick girl was going to awake from the dead (Mark 5:39-40). I rarely realize that Christ really was like us in moments like these, He needed to keep the world at a distance when they wanted Him to fall to their desires. I believe the game of life that He lived was always on another level. We let down when the going gets tough, and fall slowly into the hands of temptation. There’s more effort that needs to be put into this life, it’s just a matter of whether we want to sweat it out for Christ or go sit on the bench and give up?

Day 25 – “Step in the Basin”

Aaron’s Thoughts - I am stunned when I think about the fact that Christ, knowing Judas would betray him, would kneel down and wash his feet. To wash the feet of the other disciples was unbelievable enough. But to take the position of servant to a man that you know is going to betray you is beyond my understanding. Would you take the roll of servant to someone you know was going to stab you in the back? I can honestly say that I doubt I can. I have much to learn from this act of Christ. I would be out for revenge as soon as I found out about the pending betrayal. I must confess that I would be the first to turn the table before it happened. But Christ, no, he just knelt and washed the feet of Judas. Which had to just make Judas even more uncomfortable with his decision. Christ knew it. He did it anyway.

Gabe’s Thoughts: We’re a dirty people, and Christ’s washing of the disciples feet shows much more than just an act to help his friends clean up for the evening (John 13:8). He saw people that He cared about and became less to show them this. You can’t make someone you love feel tremendous by going out and treating yourself to some fun and excitement? How can it be any different when we look at Christ? How can we look at Him and be willing to give of what He’s blessed us with.

There are so many chances to do this. Giving of our finances when they don’t seem to be there or doing so might put us in a “rough situation”. Taking time to sit down and talk to, write an email to, or hang out with people that you usually would prefer not to. I have to keep learning that people matter, even when driving down the road and thinking that they should get out of “my way” or speed it up a bit. Life is life, and when Christ had the opportunity to live it here on earth He made the most out of it. He made the most out of it for others. Truths like this are the ones that collide with culture, and look insane to those that abuse their freedoms and the gift of life.

Day 26 – “Go First to God”

Aaron’s Thoughts – Interestingly enough, I read this devotional on a morning where I was praying harder then I have ever prayed in my life for a dear friend. The friend was facing a surgery which would require a miracle and God doing what only He can do to get the cancer. I pondered the talk of Christ praying in fear. I too was facing a fear. Although it was for a friend, I was in fear for him. I appreciate that Max pointed out that if we need to express our honesty about our prayer. God doesn’t need or want us to hide the fact that we are struggling with the weight of a situation, the displeasure of the turn of events or the pending outcome. He knows it anyway. While I didn’t pray so hard that I sweat drops of blood, it helps to know that Christ was so intense in his prayer and fear that he did. If I think I’ve got it rough, or my fear is nothing God would understand, I need look no further than the garden to see that he certainly does understand.

Gabe’s Thoughts: Christ showed us how to handle the toughest of situations when sweating drops of blood and praying to His Father about being nailed to a cross within a short time (Luke 22:41-44). The truths that are written in Psalm 56:3 came to life. Christ wasn’t going to lie and say that He was going to enjoy being put to death on the cross. He knew He had to do it, and even sent a pray to make sure the Father really wanted Him to go through with this.

In the middle of a tense moment He didn’t run off to His mother or friends first. He stopped in His tracks, looking fear directly in the eye, and went to God in prayer for encouragement and guidance. I definitely don’t do this near enough. I might not run off to someone else, thinking that they could get me out of the situation, but I also don’t run to God right away in every tough moment. I really appreciated how Max made this clear in the book!

Day 27 – “Unbelievable Betrayal”

Aaron’s Thoughts - I can’t blame the disciples for running. Oh, I could, but wouldn’t I be the biggest hypocrite if I did? Am I any different? Wouldn’t I have done the same? Especially if what Max said about the army of 200 is true. Wouldn’t I have looked out for number one vs. the number 200? Yet as I type this, I am reminded that one day, all will see this scenario again. Yet the army of 200 will be a number much larger. We will all stand either with Christ or run from him. We are given this opportunity each moment, each day. We are given the opportunity to stand with our Savior, or run for something else. Lord give me the strength and courage to stand against the army of whatever the number and by your side. One day EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue confess the same.

Gabe’s Thoughts: Imagine a group of 200 soldiers (John 18:3) coming to arrest you, and all of your closest friends or even those that follow you and think the highest of you leave you in the dust. When I first read back through the story of Christ’s arrest today I learned something new, He wasn’t just betrayed by one person. All of his disciples kept silent and left Him to be taken to the cross.

We’re not much different, are we? We stand strong for lots of things – raising our children, our job, our house, our family, etc. But we bail out when Christ wants us to stand with Him the most. In times when people are eager to destroy His name and humiliate those that follow Him. Only He could have looked through all of this and saw that we needed Him in the midst of our insanity. He understood that we are full of sin and He had to leave us and go to death to free us. I’m sure He could have checked out on us or miraculously done something, but……He didn’t.

Day 28 – “The Point of the Crown”

Aaron’s Thoughts – It seems strange to say that the analogy of the thorns is a good one, but I can’t think of a better way to say that. Thorns and sin, sin and thorns. No doubt the sin in my life has at times felt like a thorn. It has either stuck itself into my skin and hurt repeatedly or it has been a quick jab when I least expected it. To think that Christ knew no guilt, knew now anxiety is amazing. Yet when we avoid sin in areas of our lives, we avoid the things that come with it. Fear, guilt, anxiety and so on. The choice is ours. The choice to have Christ take on all of that sin in our place goes beyond our understanding. Yet he did and because he did, we live and await the day where there are no more thorns.

Gabe’s Thoughts: Thorns make me cringe. Max gave us a great picture in this part of the book that links the fruit of sin with the point of a thorn. Christ became sin on the cross and wore a crown of thorns. It’s unbelievable to witness Christ becoming sin while on the cross, when He prayed to His father and asked Him why He has rejected Him (Matthew 27:46). Before the day He died on the cross Christ was not rejected by His Father.

But today He had to consume all of the prickly areas of life called sin. He became completely like us in this moment to save us from who we have become. Just imagine, the thorns that pierced His flesh were for you. The sins that were dumped on Him were your sins, not His. That is the point of the “crown” He wore that day. He died for the crown that He wants to give you when you meet Him.

Day 29 – “The First Step to the Cross”

Aaron’s Thoughts – Not many thoughts today beyond this quote – “The path began, not in the court of Pilate, but in the halls of heaven”. If we ever wonder if God has lost control of this planet, or if he has lost touch with his plan, we need look no further than the fact that Christ coming to earth was a plan much greater then the day we was born or the day he died. God in his provision had a way to save humanity which came long before the birth and death of Christ. Next time I wonder if he understands or knows what I am going through, maybe I should consider the very plan of Christ as a model of God’s knowledge, wisdom and grace.

Gabe’s Thoughts: Whenever I hear about the “Via Dolorosa” I have sounds burnt into my ears from Sandi Patti’s cassette tapes being played in a Honda station wagon on the way to elementary school. I still wonder to this day how my Mom’s taste bent towards the Sandy flavor? I guess it must have been a time of praise, because it couldn’t have been because of the rhythm? Now that I look back on the song, it actually is a good one….I think some new musicians might want to give a shot at defining the most important road in history?

Max really hit me today with this. There are quite a few stops along the road today to remind visitors of the events that took place during that Friday. But he begged us to realize the most important spot on the journey Christ made that day – the starting point of this journey was in heaven. Decades before that Friday Christ saw us and one word came to mind – reconcile. We were headed into a world where getting lost was the norm, and still is. Many of us have been blessed enough to hear Him screaming from the cross – I LOVE YOU! But many of us are deaf to his voice. Are you running back to the voice or pressing the mute button and staying a comfortable distance away?

Day 30 – “He Saw the List”

Aaron’s Thoughts - Someday I will stand before Christ and have the opportunity to thank him for taking the nails, the beatings and the death for “my list”. To know that anyone has seen my list beyond me makes me highly uncomfortable. There was once a sexual predator that moved into our neighborhood. Each of the people in the surrounding communities was sent a letter detailing his previous sin and his presence in our area. While I was concerned for the well being, part of me read that letter and thought what it would be like if a letter was sent out every time I moved into a neighborhood detailing everything I had ever done wrong in my life. Thankfully, that doesn’t happen. However, Christ knows that letter. He knows that list. He took the nails and endured the cross for that man in my neighborhood. He did it for me too. Even though he read the list, even though he knew what I would do, he did it anyway. Amazing grace….

Gabe’s Thoughts: The scene of the cross is a pretty gruesome one. The Passion of the Christ movie tried to do it justice with a good representation, but it wasn’t the real thing. I vividly remember the scene where they pierced Christ with nails and hung him onto the cross before lifting it up. But today Max made me think about this in a new way. A way that remembers Christ seeing the nails before they pierced His body, but also remembering that He saw a long list while going through this pain. A list that included every sin in the world. A list that included our greed, lust, lies and lack of faith. A list that had us marked as people headed to an eternity in hell.

The beating began and His blood flowed from the cross. That list was still there when He died, but it is now soaked with blood. A blood that makes it unreadable. The list is now only used as a trick to lead us to believe that His death couldn’t pay the penalty. The list continues to grow today, the sins continue to arrive, but the blood continues to soak the list as it grows as well. Let’s keep the list as short as possible, and live our lives for the new list. The list that has our name included as one allowed into the gates of heaven as a result of the blood. Fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Day 31 – “Disgraced”

Aaron’s Thoughts - Can you imagine what it would be like? I don’t think we can. Imagine doing everything right at work and knowing that someone else had cheated. Someone else had lied. Yet when standing in front of the boss, you stepped up and said I did it. You knew that it wasn’t you. You knew the penalty, but you took on the mistakes and failures of others so that they would not. Christ did that. He knew I would fail. He knew I would sin. On a cross meant for me and my sin, he stepped in and took the pain, the ridicule and the agony. Knowing that in doing so, I would one day stand before God blameless and my sin forgiven. Not only forgiven, but forgotten as well. One man and the sin of the world don’t seem like very good odds. Yet one sinless man was what God required and now the slate is clear for all that claim him as their savior. Do you know him? Do you know what he paid? Maybe today is the day.

Gabe’s Thoughts: What would life be like if you and I switched places for a day? No adjustments needed, just jump into each other’s shoes and do everything each other do. Seems a little interesting huh? It’s probably not too bad of an idea if the shoes we stepped in only let us live out the good times and exciting moments of each other’s lives. But those shoes also are filled with sin. I know mine are. Would you still want to step into my shoes, knowing that you’d also be seeing my sins lived out and not just smiling my smile or running around laughing with my kids and wife? I doubt it?

It might seem interesting, but I’m sure if this were possible most of us would reject the opportunity (OOPS – another sin – we love ourselves!). HUGE….HUGE….wake up call when you read Galatians 3:13 and think back to the cross. God saw our shoes and stepped into them. The day He hung on the cross, He was living that day being ashamed and paying for the sins we practice in our lives. He didn’t deserve to be there, but we did? For once, it was a possibility to switch positions, and He embraced it and was humiliated.

Day 32 – “Christ’s Clothing on the Cross”

Erik’s Thoughts – Whether we like it or not, the clothes we wear everyday says something about us. Christ’s clothing on the cross was the sin of all humanity. What does that say about Him? To me, it falls right in line with His character. He gave of Himself for the rest of us that don’t deserve it. If Christ is suppose to be our example…what are we doing to give of ourselves. What clothes are we wearing?

Gabe’s Thoughts: Your wardrobe resembles you. It’s always fun to sit back and think of what people wear and how that matches their personality. Sports fan – sports clothes. Fashion police – all the get-up. Babies – diapers and onesies. Prisoner – orange jumpsuit. Business man – suit and tie. Hunter – camoflauge. Artist – paint spotted apron. The list could go on. The colors and styles we wear scream our attitude and the lives we live.

Just before Christ went to the cross, they ripped Him of his clothes and some even through dice (John 19:23-24) for the robe that was torn from Him. A pretty intense scene, but a more extraordinary garment. The robe they tore from Him was seamless. This wasn’t just an ordinary robe. It was one that showed us the power of His life, the unconditional love and perfection that He had when He walked the streets. After reading this, we all have to admit that we could not have earned such a robe. We still can’t. Some of us strive for a seamless and perfect life, but fail to realize that that robe has already been worn. It’s pretty powerful to think of the cross as the moment Christ took our split lives and sewed them together, making our rags into riches.
Day 33 – “Two Thieves – Two Choices”

Gabe’s Thoughts: The story of the cross is a richer one when we step back and see the crosses on both sides of Christ. I never really thought about it, but I’m sure there Christ could have died alone on the hill. The reason He didn’t is what brings us closer to the cross. Close enough that we can see ourselves hanging beside him on either cross. But which cross would we be on? A cross where all of the bad decisions continue with us through our death, or the cross where one decision (Luke 23:42-43) wiped all of the bad ones away and brought life after death?

Some people have a problem seeing people accept the cross of Christ just before they die, just like one of the two men did on their cross that day. The choice to accept Christ only requires one thing – that you accept His death as a payment for your sins. Whether you have sinned and are just about to die, or you are young and have many sins ahead of you. If your heart is sincere, your life will be changed. No matter if you have years or minutes left in this life.

Day 34 – “Abandoned by God”

Gabe’s Thoughts: The three hours of darkness that took place while Christ hung on the cross were dark for a reason. In 1 Peter 2:24 we learn that our sins were “in His body”. God brought a supernatural darkness to show that this moment was not one He was looking forward to, or one that He enjoyed at all. Whenever we storms we don’t run towards them, jumping up and down with excitement. Unless we work for the weather channel or get paid to be a storm chaser!

It’s powerful to realize that God had to abandon His Son that day and run away from the joys of life and into a time of darkness and separation. The storm He was chasing was the devastation that our sin brings to our lives. He could have easily left that storm alone, but the cross brought a calm to the storm through the blood of Christ.
Day 35 – “It Is Finished”

Gabe’s Thoughts: I believe the moments following Christ’s final words, “It is finished”, in John 19:30 need to be taken very seriously. I think every person that ever has any thought of whether God loves them should be placed at the foot of the cross at this moment. Placed in a position of seeing our God that became flesh dead on a cross. Holding three bloody spikes that pierced your sins to His flesh. Looking into the eyes of many who mocked Him as He hung on the cross, but were speechless after His last breath.

This is the moment that you and I have to live with. The soldiers that were mocking Him now had to clean up the mess that they created with their whips, crown of thorns and hammers. They were cleaning up a mess that you and I created. The bloody rags were soaked with our sins, not just theirs. As we walk away from the cross we have to decide to reject it, accept it, or give our lives to spreading the truth to others. Your mess has been cleaned up.

Day 36 – “Secret Friends”

Gabe’s Thoughts: Joseph and Nicodemus went against what others expected out of them when they approached Pilate about taking Christ’s body away from the hill for burial (Matthew 27:58). Obviously these two guys took the moments after Christ’s last breath pretty seriously? Those that had mocked Christ during the crucifixion didn’t know what to do after it was finished, but I’m glad these two guys were bold enough and cared enough to take care of the burial. It definitely wasn’t an easy position to be in, but their friendship with Christ didn’t stop at the cross.

Day 37 – “It’s All Right to Dream Again”

Gabe’s Thoughts: The reality of Christ requires faith. For most seekers, that is the hardest thing to realize. Even during the days that Christ walked the earth, some saw and didn’t believe. For those that accepted Christ back then and those of us that do today, we believe, but more often than not, our faith rocks our world once in a while. There have been moments like that in my life. A moment for two ladies in Matthew 28 came when an angel descended from heaven and opened the tomb for them to first see that Christ was no longer a captive of this world. After they heard this news, they had to run and tell others. What good did it do to stand at an empty tomb? As the news spread, some still even doubted that Christ was actually God in flesh. Only the Spirit has the power to lead people to Christ, even after they have been run over by a train of truth. I thank God today that He continues to amaze me and thank Him for sending His Son to defeat sin.

Day 38 – “Victory Rags”

Gabe’s Thoughts: Christ’s resurrection from the tomb wasn’t a struggle. Sometimes I know I haven’t stopped to realize the power of the resurrection moment itself. To realize that the clothing that Christ was buried in (John 20:3-9) were left as they were and not ripped or destroyed! One of the disciples realized that Christ’s resurrection was needed for salvation, and instantly believed. Imagine being a part of that party? To think how much some of us would enjoy just one more day with a loved one that has passed. And then to think of knowing that that is a possibility because of this event? There will come a time when we will meet the Lord – only as a result of His victory over our the cross and the rags soaked with the blood of our sins. People dance in the endzones when they score touchdowns…..but many will be dancing on that day. We’re all invited, but who’s going to show up?

Day 39 – “Grace Before Breakfast”

Gabe’s Thoughts: Deja Vu. Isn’t it crazy to think that our minds are sometimes so gone, so removed from the moment that we don’t realize what is taking place for a while? Sometimes even after the event has passed. I remember times in my life like this. Days after something happened, a thought races through my mind and strikes a memory cord. OH YEAH – now I remember. Dumb me?

Peter and John were disciple of Christ, but they were also in need of some deja vu in their lives. They had been through a tough day of fishing before, and Christ brought them a miracle with a net full of fish. After Christ’s resurrection, He greeted them on the shore for breakfast (John 10:10), and provided another net full of fish. Imagine going through life not realizing the miracles that God has done. How He has provided nets full of fish for us. When He provides, it shouldn’t take us moments to realize where it came from. Thanks to Peter and John for giving us an example of recognizing and knowing who the source and provider was in their lives. Breakfast is served.
Day 40 – “His Life Means Life”

Gabe’s Thoughts: The last post of our 40 day journey! I feel like I’ve been in the blog wilderness. The last piece by Max in this book basically leads us to the example that Christ was for our lives, with one purpose being to seek and to save others (Luke 19:10). It takes something different from each of us once we have been to the point of the cross and have accepted that payment for our sins. But none of us have reached a point in life where no further growth is needed. Thanks to the rest of the guys here that took this journey!