In Luke 10, God through Luke tells of how Jesus sent out the 70 to do ministry, they return with reports of their ministry, Jesus rejoices over the ministry the Father was doing though them, Jesus is tested by a lawyer about how to inherit eternal life, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan and Jesus applaud’s Mary for her desire to listen to HIS Word.  The account of Mary and Martha always reminds me of what is most important.  When Jesus came to visit Mary and Martha, Martha was too concerned about temporal things.  Mary, however, made listening to Jesus’ words the priority.  There are many good things to do in this world and many responsibilities that a person has, but none are as beneficial as listening to Jesus’ words.  In fact, all the other good things and responsibilities will be done in vain if Jesus’ words are not the guiding principle.  Lord, help me always make listening to Your Words, as recorded in the Bible, the priority in my life.

– Bryan McKenzie

In Luke 8, God through Luke records how some women were following Jesus and contributing support, Jesus tells the parable of the sower, the parable of the Lamp, stresses the importance of hearing and doing the word of God, calms the storm, cast out the demon from the man from Gerasene, heals the woman with the hemorrhage, and raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead.  As I read these words this morning I was convicted of my own lack of faith in the greatness of Jesus.  He showed over and over again HIS power over the natural and the supernatural, yet I often am anxious about many things  going on in my life that are nothing compared to HIS power.  I need to be reminded that the LORD loves me and has the power to overcome or walk me through any difficultly in my life.  HE also does so for HIS glory and to make me more like Jesus.  Lord, thank you for Your power and Your love for me to use it to make me more like Jesus.

– Bryan McKenzie

In Luke 1, God through Luke records the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth, the announcement of Jesus’ birth, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth (John’s mother), Mary’s praise to the Lord for choosing her to bare the Messiah, the birth of John and Zacharias’ (John’s father) prophecy. The thing that stood out to the most to me as I read this chapter this morning was the emphasis on God’s Mercy.  The word ‘mercy’ is used 5 times in the chapter (vv. 50, 54, 58, 72, 78).  Mercy presupposes a need in the recipient.  Mary speaks of the help God had given Israel based on His mercy.  Israel had a need of a savior and in His mercy provided that need in Jesus.  Elizabeth was unable to bare children until children, but God saw her need and had mercy on her by giving her a son who would announce the coming of the Messiah.  Zacharias speaks of how John will prepare the way for Jesus and give His people knowledge of salvation and the forgiveness of sins.  He says this is “because of the tender mercy of God.”  God’s people had a need for someone to point to the Messiah and to teach them about His salvation and forgiveness, so God in mercy met that need.  I am so thankful for the mercy of God, who sees me in my need and meets my need according to His mercy.  Thank You, LORD, for Your abundant mercy toward me – may I be merciful to others as a result of Your mercy toward me?

– Bryan McKenzie

In Mark 15 Jesus is taken before Pilate and condemned to die, mocked by soldiers, mocked by the chief priests, mocked by scribes, mocked by the criminals being crucified with Him, He is crucified and then buried by Joseph of Arimathea.  The thing that strikes me most today in this passage is what the chief priests and scribes say to Jesus while mocking Him on the cross.  They say, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.”  They were right and wrong and right again.  They were right in saying that ‘He saved’ others physically from their diseases and disabilities, but they were wrong in saying “He cannot save Himself.”  He could have easily saved Himself physically from the horrors of the cross.  Yet, there was also a sense that the chief priests and scribes were right when they said, “He cannot save Himself.”  They were right without knowing they were right.  They were right, because His character would not allow Him to save Himself – because He came to die for the sin of people from every tribe, tongue and nation on earth.  In not saving Himself, He saved all those who repented and believed before Him and all those who would repent and believe after His death, burial and resurrection.  Lord, thank You for sending Jesus who “could not” save Himself, because of His love – so that He could and would save others from the penalty, power and ultimately the presence of sin.

– Bryan McKenzie

In Mark 13 Jesus is speaking to Peter, James, John and Andrew about things to come.  He speaks to them about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and things surrounding his second coming.  He also warns them about false Christs and false prophets that will arise.  He warns them to be ready.  The phrase that caught my attention the most was from verse 10 where Jesus says, “The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.”  Before Jesus returns and all the events He speaks about happen, the gospel will be preached to all the nations.  I am not sure how many nations still have not heard, but I know there are many who have not heard.  As long as there are people who have not heard the great news of the Gospel, I am obligated and have the privilege to do everything I can to get the Gospel to those who have not heard.  This is the task of the Church, all those who have repented and placed the faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord, and where we must remained focused.  Lord, by Your grace, help me play my part in getting the Gospel to the world here in our community, our nation and to all the nations of the world. Help me also encourage and equip others to do the same.

– Bryan McKenzie