Doyle Smith Daily

Mark 10:17-18 (God's Word) Originally published 10/22/2013 Jesus reminds us of a very important truth. "As Jesus was coming out to the road, a man came running to him and knelt in front of him. He asked Jesus, 'Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?' Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone" Mark10:17-18 (God's Word). We are often shocked at the reality of sin in the lives of well-known political and spiritual figures. We seem surprised at the behavior of fellow believers sometimes, but the fact is that everyone of us does not measure up to everything that God expects. We all need his grace and forgiveness. Lord, you have revealed some of my rebellion against you and I ask for your strength to be more faithful and to accept others as they are growing.

Mark 8:32-33 (God's Word) Originally published 10/19/2013 Jesus had just told his disciples that he would be killed and come back to life. "Peter took him aside and objected to this. Jesus said, 'Get out of my way Satan! You aren't thinking the way God thinks but the way humans think'" Mark 8:32-33 (God's Word). Lord, I don't want to get in your way, but I am surrounded by human thinking and have been taught to think this way all my life. In every situation I face show me how to think like you think, and do not let me get in your way, whatever it takes.

Mark 7:18-23 (God's Word) Originally published 10/18/2013  “Jesus said to them, 'Don't you understand? Don't you know that whatever goes into a person from the outside can't make him unclean? It doesn't go into his thoughts but into his stomach and then into a toilet.' (By saying this, Jesus declared all foods acceptable.) He continued, 'It's what comes out of a person that makes him unclean. Evil thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, cheating, shameless lust, envy, cursing, arrogance, and foolishness come from within a person All these evils come from within and make a person unclean’" Mark 7:18-23 (God's Word). Jesus is telling us that what goes into our thoughts makes us unclean. Lord, make me aware of what I put in my mind and what I am thinking, that I might have a good mental diet that would produce Godly thinking.

Mark 6:4-6 (God's Word) Originally published 10/17/2013 “But Jesus told them, 'The only place a prophet isn't honored is in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house.' He couldn't work any miracles there except to lay his hands on a few sick people and cure them. Their unbelief amazed him" Mark 6:4-6 (God's Word). I do believe that you have all the power to do whatever you want. I wonder if I limit your work in my life by not asking or not believing you will. Lord, show me anything that is in my life that would limit your work. Give me the faith I need to live as you want me to live. 

Mark 5:35-36 (God's Word) Originally published 10/14/2013  10/14/2013 - "While Jesus was still speaking to her, some people came from the synagogue leader's home. They told the synagogue leader, 'Your daughter has died. Why bother the teacher anymore?' When Jesus overheard what they said, he told the synagogue leader, 'Don't be afraid! Just believe" Mark 5:35-36 (God's Word). Lord, I want to be able to trust you even when things seem humanly and materially impossible, but I am not sure I can. Teach me to have greater faith.

Mark 4:24-25 (God's Word) Originally published 10/12/2013 Jesus gives us the secret to spiritual growth. "Pay attention to what you're listening to! Knowledge will be measured out to you by the measure of attention you give. This is the way knowledge increases. Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge. However, some people don't understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them" Mark 4:24-25 (God's Word). It is not listening or reading, but "paying attention" or putting into practice, that leads to more knowledge. Lord, help me to see that everything I read or hear from you must be put into practice that I might know you more completely.

Mark 3: 4-5 (God's Word) Originally published 10/11/2013 I remembered that Jesus got angry about making the Temple a place of business instead of a place of prayer, but I did not remember this. "Then he asked them, 'Is it right to do good or to do evil on the day of worship, to give a person back his health or to let him die?' But they were silent. Jesus was angry as he looked around at them. He was deeply hurt because their minds were closed" Mark 3: 4-5 (God's Word). I am sure the people there did not see themselves as closed to God, but thought they were following God. Conflict generally comes because everyone thinks they are right. Lord, what could you do to make sure that my mind is open to whatever you want me to do and think? Give me an openness to you.

Mark 2:16-17 (God's Word) Originally published 10/10/2013 "When the scribes who were Pharisees saw him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples, 'Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?' When Jesus heard that, he said to them, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval'" Mark 2:16-17 (God's Word). Jesus didn't want the approval of either the non-religious or the religious people; he wanted both groups to change. Jesus only wanted the approval of his Father. Lord, give me wisdom to know how to please only you and the courage to. 

Mark 1:22 (God's Word) Originally published 10/09/2013 Schools can teach sermon preparation courses, and a person can learn the techniques of speaking, but Jesus has something that could not be taught. "The people were amazed at his teachings. Unlike their scribes, he taught them with authority" Mark 1:22 (God's Word). When Jesus spoke, he had the authority of God in all he taught. People still want Bibles that have his words in red. Lord, I want to grow in my dependence on you for all that I say. Say your words through me.

Matthew 28:5-6,20 (God's Word) Originally published 10/08/2013 Sometimes serving God and trying to live in obedience to him is discouraging. I can't seem to overcome some patterns in my life and spiritual victories are rare. Then I read this, and I wonder why I would ever get discouraged: "The angel said to the women, 'Don't be afraid! I know you're looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He's not here. He has been brought back to life as he said. Come, see the place where he was lying.'" . . . “And remember that I am always with you until the end of time" Matthew 28:5-6,20 (God's Word). Lord, remind me of this reality when things don't seem to turn out right and when I fail you.

Matthew 27:21-23 (God's Word) Originally published 10/07/2013  Jesus never committed a crime and never did anything wrong. "The governor asked them, 'Which of the two do you want me to free for you?' They said 'Barabbas.' Pilate asked them, 'Then what should I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?' 'He should be crucified!' they all said. Pilate asked, 'Why? What has he done wrong?' But they began to shout loudly, 'He should be crucified!" Matthew 27:21-23 (God's Word) The human Jesus, faithful to God and helper of thousands, had to hear this! What must he have felt, abandoned by his followers and rejected by his people for a criminal? Lord, never let me be controlled by what people say or do, but to never give up doing what you want me to do.

Matthew 26:74-75 (God's Word) Originally published 10/05/2013  J esus predicted that Peter would deny that he knew Jesus three times before the night was over, but Peter was sure he would never do such a thing. But two times he denied knowing Jesus. "Then Peter began to curse and swear with an oath, 'I don't know the man!' Just as the rooster crowed, Peter remembered what Jesus had said: 'Before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't know me.' Then Peter went outside and cried bitterly" Matthew 26:74-75 (God's Word). Lord, I know what it is like to fail you, and I wish I could promise never to do it again, but I can't. I never plan to do it, but in my weakness I do. Help me to be more faithful every day of my life.

Matthew 25:30 (God's Word) Originally published 10/04/2013   People often talk of going to heaven because they have "accepted Christ," or "asked Jesus into their hearts," or been baptized. When Jesus talked about judgment, he told the story of a man who gave 3 servants money to invest while he had gone on a trip. Two of the servants invested the money and doubled it, but the third buried his portion so he would not lose it. The master said about the third servant: "Throw this useless servant outside into the darkness. People will cry and be in extreme pain there" Matthew 25:30 (God's Word). Jesus is telling us that our judgment will be on whether or not we have been useful to him and his Kingdom by obeying him in service. Lord, confront me when I am busy, but not useful to you

Matthew 24:10-13(God's Word) Originally published 10/03/2013 I meet a lot of people who used to read the Bible regularly, have responsibilities in a church, and attend regularly. They start out strong, but then they get upset at something or someone, or just get too busy. They still consider themselves followers of Christ. Jesus said about the last days: "Then many will lose faith. They will betray and hate each other. Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved" Matthew 24:10-13 (God's Word).   Lord, may my future hold the days of my most faithful obedience to you.

Matthew 23:25 (God's Word) Originally published 10/02/2013 Jesus demanded that the inside of our lives match the outside. "How horrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You clean the outside of cups and dishes. But inside they are full of greed and uncontrolled desires" Matthew 23:25 (God's Word). What Jesus seems concerned about is not the desires of our lives, but that they control our behavior instead of God. Lord, show me when my desires control my time, thoughts, and choices instead of you. I want to desire what you desire.

Matthew 22:11-14 (God's Word) Originally published 10/01/2013 Most people think they will go to heaven. This is what Jesus said: He compared heaven to a wedding banquet where the guests were given proper clothes to wear. "When the king came to see the guests, he saw a person who was not dressed in the wedding clothes provided for the guests. He said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without proper wedding clothes?' The man had nothing to say. Then the king told his servants, 'Tie his hands and feet, and throw him outside into the darkness. People will cry and be in extreme pain there.’ Therefore, many are invited, but few of those are chosen to stay" Matthew 22:11-14 (God's Word). Lord, shape my life to be acceptable to you. 

Matthew 21:15 (God's Word) Originally published 09/30/2013 "When the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing miracles he performed and the children shouting in the temple courtyard, 'Hosanna to the son of David!' they were irritated" Matthew 21:15 (God's Word). It is frightening to me that someone who knew so much about the Scriptures and its prophecies about the Messiah could look at the answer to their prayers and be so spiritually blind that they could not see it. Lord, if there are areas of my own life that blind me to you, do whatever it takes to wake me up to spiritual truth.

Matthew 20:25-26 (God's Word) Originally published 09/28/2013 I think everyone wants to be great, but Jesus points out that God and people see greatness differently. "Jesus called the apostles and said, 'You know that the rulers of nations have absolute power over people and their officials have absolute authority over people. But that's not the way it's going to be among you. Whoever wants to become great among you will be your slave" Matthew 20:25-26 (God's Word). Every person in this world has to decide whether they want to be important to people or to God, because you can't please both. Lord, give me the courage to please you, even when it does not please others around me.

Matthew 19:24 (God's Word) Originally published 09/26/2013 Jesus makes it sound like wealth is deadly. Yet God owns everything and is the most wealthy being in the universe. "I can guarantee again that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" Matthew 19:24 (God's Word). It must not be the possession of wealth that is the problem, but the attitude with which we hold it. God owns everything, but he generously shares it with all humans, even his enemies. He is not greedy or selfish, but generous and giving. Lord, give me a spirit of generosity, and confront me when I am greedy and selfish

Matthew 18:4 (God's Word) Originally published 09/25/2013 When I think about what it means to be great, I have a hard time separating "greatness" from "achievement." Great Christians have done or are doing something that is recognized as important or powerful. "Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18:4 (God's Word). Jesus points not to achievements or success, but to character or nature, as the basis by which God judges us. Lord, help me to be more concerned about who and what I am than what I accomplish.

Matthew 17:27 (God's Word) Originally published 09/24/2013 When the temple tax collector asked if Jesus paid his taxes, he asked Peter if the family of a king had to pay taxes. Peter said they did not. Jesus was implying that, as the Son of God, he did not have to pay the temple tax. Then Jesus said: "However, so that we don't create a scandal, go to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that you catch. Open its mouth, and you will find a coin. Give that coin to them for you and me" Matthew 17:27 (God's Word). God reminds us not to do anything that distracts from our message or mission. Lord, you have given me freedom from living under the law, but don't let me use that freedom to distract from the mission that you have given me to do.

Matthew 16: 23-24 (God's Word) Originally published 09/23/2013 Jesus told his disciples that he would have to suffer, die, and be raised to life. Peter insisted that this must never happen to Jesus, but Jesus told him that he was thinking like Satan. "'You aren't thinking the way God thinks, but the way humans think.' Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me'" Matthew 16:23-4 (God's Word). Satan uses our human desires and wants to control our lifestyle and choices. Lord, teach me how to think and choose as you think and choose, regardless of what my human nature desires.

Matthew 15: 18-20 (God's Word) Originally published 09/21/2013 Sometimes we realize that what we have said is wrong and ask for forgiveness, or apologize, but what we say is not the problem. "But whatever goes out of the mouth comes from within, and that's what makes a person unclean. Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, other sexual sins, stealing, lying and cursing come from within. These are the things that make a person unclean" Matthew 15:18-20 (God's Word). Lord, help me to guard my thoughts even more than my words and to confess and repent of my thoughts, just as I have to do with my words and actions.

Matthew 14:29-31 (God's Word) Originally published 09/20/2013 When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, Peter said if it is really you order me to come to you. "Jesus said, 'Come!' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid and started to sink. He shouted, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately, Jesus reached out, caught hold of him, and said, 'You have so little faith!  Why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:29-31 (God's Word). Jesus thought Peter's faith was so little, but I am not sure I could have stepped out of the boat into the stormy water in the first place. What seems to me to be great faith is in Jesus’ eyes little faith. Lord, I have a hard time knowing for sure what you want from me, but if I know for sure that it is your voice, give me the faith to obey whatever you are asking.

Matthew 13:13 (God's Word) Originally published 09/19/2013 Many people heard what Jesus said but didn't get it. Jesus observed: "They see, but they're blind. They hear, but they don't listen. They don't even try to understand" Matthew 13:13 (God's Word). Could it be that God is talking to me, but I am not listening? Lord, give me a passion to put into practice everything that you show me and say to me.