Unclean vs Clean

What comes out of a man makes him unclean. Then Jesus lists some things that make someone unclean : evil thoughts sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdenss, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. That is quite a list. I like the correlation from Mark and Leviticus. Leviticus spells out in great detail what makes a person “unclean.” This list deals with external circumstances. Jesus’ list deals with the condition of the heart. My prayer today is that God will remove the un-cleanliness of my heart so I can worship him.  I heard a great quote this week “Allowing unforgiveness in your heart is like drinking poison and hoping someone else dies.” Finally, I love Psalm 40:17 “You are my help and my deliverer. Thank you God!

A Farmer's story

I am amazed at Jesus’ ability to tell a great story. The farmer goes to sow seed. . . birds. . . rocks . . . thorns . . . good soil. This parable stimulated some questions in my heart. How do you get rid of the birds? What makes the ground hard? Where is the round up for the thorns? What is it like to harvest from good soil? Jesus relates the birds to Satan stealing the word (seed). How can I guard God’s Word so they won’t be stolen?  Next, the rocks don’t allow the seed to grow roots into the ground. The sun soon scorches them. I pray for a passion for your Word so I can know you better God. The thorns are the distractions and unhealthy desires. My prayer is that today God will put spiritual round up on any desire that is not beneficial for expanding his kingdom. I pray that I can be one that sees and perceives, hear and understand, turn from evil ways and be forgiven. Thank you for being a merciful God. 

New Name

Leviticus 6-7:27; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 10:3-4; Mark 3:7-30

I like how Jesus changes people’s names. He gave John and James the name “Sons of thunder” and he changed Simon’s name to Peter. If God could change your name today, what would he change it to? I would love to be rock solid when it comes to following God’s commands. I would love to be called a son of Thunder when it comes to sharing God’s love to others. Psalms 37 enlightened me on how to do that. Be still and wait patiently for the Lord. Do not fret because of evil men or be jealous of those who do wrong. Refrain from being angry and run from wrath. Soon the wicked will be no more. The meek will inherit the land and experience great peace. WOW! What a wonderful Psalm.  I also liked Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands lead to poverty, but a diligent hand leads to wealth. I watched Tim Tebow’s movie last night and I’m very inspired to work hard. I pray that he continues to deliver a powerful message of hard work and good character. My prayer today is that God will take away all my anger, worry, jealousy, and wrath, so I can work hard to do good and bless others.

Healing Stories

Leviticus 4-5:19; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 10:1-2; Mark 2:13-3:6

What a bunch of great stories of Jesus healing people and doing wonderful things. His anger towards the people with stubborn hearts was convicting. I see that I’ve allowed some pride to harden my heart. I really liked the story about Jesus healing the man’s shriveled hand. Before he performs the miracle, he asks the question. Is it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath,  to save life or kill? Then the room becomes silent. Unfortunately, the Pharisees loved the law so much that they were blinded to the needs of others. I’m sure they felt very threatened when Jesus did good on the Sabbath and many people praised God because of him. My prayer today is that I will see the needs of others and do good towards them and praise God for his power to heal. 


The Proverbs reading was also powerful for me today. Ill gotten treasures are of no value. The correlation between Mark 2 and Proverbs 10 is that when I think of others and help their life to improve I gain real treasure. What do you think?


What can God heal in you today? A physical challenge, a relationship challenge, a sin challenge?


What can you praise God for today? (Thank you for my awesome family and the people I get to work with!!)

Guaranteed to Bless your day

Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8

Today Psalm 34 was so powerful for me that I decided to memorize it. I see the benefit of always praising God, even when you are going through a difficult time. Benefit number 1 : he answered me. Have you ever tried to talk to someone who passionately ignored you (Perhaps because you were speaking to them without love or respect? Ouch I’m convicted.) The first 4 verses challenged me to approach God with praise and thankfulness. He answers me (amazing). Then he delivers me from all my fears (Perfect love drives out all fear). When I look on him, I become radiant. There is the example of Moses that we just read about yesterday. The radiance wipes away my shame (Probably like windshield wipers J ). The poor man called, and the Lord saved him from ALL ALL ALL of his troubles. I like how it doesn’t say “Just a few.”

The next verse is what really grabbed my attention : The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them! Wow, can you see an angel encamped around you and protecting you. I hope it’s the angel that protected Hezekiah when the Assyrians were attacking their city. That angel destroyed 180,000 of the enemy soldiers.

What are your thoughts on the rest of Psalm 34?

My prayer today : God help me to always have praise on my lips for what you are doing in my life. I thank you for your gentle answer “I love you Travis” You are such an amazing God! I pray that you touch the heart of whoever is reading this and let them know how much you care about them. Give them a hope for a better future. Let them know that you will deliver them from everything. Remove all my shame and guilt so I can radiate you to others. Thank you GOD!! 

Poor leadership

Exodus 34:1-35:9
Matthew 27:15-31
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-6

Moses spent 40 days and nights talking with God. When he was done, he had to put a veil over his face because it radiated so brightly. When he came down from the mountain, he shared a lot of great boundaries that would keep the people from experiencing a lot of pain. One of those is to keep the Sabbath holy and rest. This one stuck out to me because last week I worked on Sunday and I definitely had a more challenging week than normal.

On the other hand, Pilate was a much different leader than Moses (at least when you compare these chapters of the Old and New Testament). The chief priests and Pharisees wanted to execute Jesus because they perceived that Jesus threatened their power. They pressured Pilate to release Barabbas instead of Jesus. When the people created an uproar, Pilate perceived that his power was threatened and gave in to them. Is anyone having difficulty with peer pressure? God I pray that you help me do what is right even if causes me to be unpopular.

Mountain top Experience

Exodus 32:1 – 33:23


Wow! I shouldn’t be amazed at how fast the Israelites wanted a new god when they couldn’t see Moses. This story reminds me of a statement Pastor Chris Hodges says about the Israelites at a time like this. They wanted a God that doesn’t require much of them. The golden calf just stood there. On the other hand God wants me to be patient. The Israelites couldn’t wait until Moses came back from the mountain. The Israelites said in the previous chapter that they didn’t want to hear the voice of God because they would die. Lord I pray that I hear your voice today. Let the part of me that hurts others die. Birth in me your spirit and a strong desire to serve others. Help me to think of others. I love you and thank you for your word. I also really liked the description of Moses on the mountain. He was willing to hear the voice of God and he desired to see God. I love the part where it mentions that the goodness of God will pass in front of Moses but God would not let him see his face. That must have been an amazing sight. I wonder what pure goodness looks like? I look forward to one day seeing the face of God and worshipping him without this sinful body. I can see him smiling J