Author Archives: chadzaucha

Here is today’s Bible reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Luke 11:14-36; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 12:18.

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

The saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a total lie.  Most all of us have scars from words said in our past that pierced like a sword.  And most all of us have been guilty of using words to pierce others.  But for all the damage our words can do, they can also be a source of healing.  We have a choice to make every moment of every day:  will my tongue be used to kill or to heal?  Who do you know that needs healing words today?  

I used to ridicule people who dressed their little dogs.  Now I do it.  What’s next?  A stroller?

My friend Steve was driving along the coast north of Santa Barbara earlier in the week when there were some enormous waves.  Seeing a lot of cars pulled off alongside the road, he decided to take a look.  After parking, he made the trek down the hill and across the railroad tracks to get a good look at the waves.  He was then approached by two men on an ATV who made it known that he was on private property and needed to leave.  One of them was Brad Pitt.

Here is today’s Bible reading:  Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26; Luke 10:38-11:13; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 12:15-17.

Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I think I wrote about this parallel passage a few months ago, but it is so important it needs to be repeated.  You and I ultimately have only one job today.  Period.  That job is wait at the feet of Jesus.  Everything else flows from this.  It is interesting that Martha, the one who failed to wait at Jesus’ feet was the one worried and upset about many things.  Peace, patience, purpose, and productivity are the result of waiting before the Lord.  It is the most important thing we can do today and every day.  We must give Jesus unhurried time.  That will require discipline–and a little less TV, Facebook, and sleep.  So, as an old Petra song says, “hurry up and wait upon the Lord.”  And be ready to see the difference in your life.

Here is today’s Bible reading:  Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19; Luke 10:13-37; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 12:12-14.

Luke 10:19 (NIV)  
    I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Reality check:  We have been given the very authority of Almighty God.  So, why do we live like victims rather than victors? 

In honor of Cleo the Pug who got fixed today, here are a couple of pics:

Here is today’s Bible reading:  Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30; Luke 9:51-10:12; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 12:11.

Luke 9:51 (NIV)
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

I love this verse. It shows Jesus with backbone, with intestinal fortitude.  He knew what awaited in Jerusalem–chanting mobs and crucifixion on a cross.  Yet, he “resolutely” set out for Jerusalem.  He was on a mission, and nothing would stop Him.  I need some of that “resoluteness”.  I also find it interesting, though, that the verse does not say, “as the time approached for him to be crucified”.  Rather, it focuses on him being taken up to heaven.  The cross was not the end of the story.  Perhaps Jesus could be so resolute because He knew what was after the cross. In the same way, we can be resolute as we consider that this life is not the end of the story.  We too as God’s redeemed children will be taken up to heaven.  

Here is today’s Bible reading:  Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20; Luke 9:28-50; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 12:10.

Psalm 73:13-14 (NIV)
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;
in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
[14] All day long I have been plagued;
I have been punished every morning.

Ever wonder if it is worth it?  You try to follow Jesus and life only seems to get worse, while those who live for themselves seem to be doing better in life than you.  The Psalmist felt this way and wasn’t bashful about expressing his frustration.  Following Jesus is a hard road.  But it is so worth it.  In Jesus our lives find purpose, meaning, and ultimate fulfillment.

Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
[26] My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

As the old song says, “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.”

One quarter of our journey is in the books!  Great job.  Keep going.  

Here is today’s Bible reading:  Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20; Luke 9:7-27; Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 12:8-9.

Luke 9:23-25 (NIV)
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. [25] What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?

Hard words.  Our culture does not understand self-denial.  In fact, the message is the opposite:  “You deserve to be happy.  Look out for yourself.  If you want something, go get it.”  But true discipleship is not only a life of self-denial, it is a life of self-death:  “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live…”  If this sounds like a depressing life, it is absolutely not.  It is only when we lose our selfish lives that we find true fulfillment in Jesus Christ.  Once again we see just how upside down the values of God’s Kingdom are in contrast to the values of this world.  Lose your life today and find the life you have been looking for.

Here is today’s Bible reading:  Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23; Luke 8:40-9:6; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 12:5-7.

Psalm 71:20-21 (NIV)
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
[21] You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.

The Psalmist understood the sovereignty of God.  He acknowledged that God is not only responsible for the things that are easy, but also those things that are difficult–even those troubles that are “many and bitter”.  But there is comfort in God’s sovereignty because it means that our suffering is not random and pointless.  Rather, it has a purpose.  Ultimately that purpose is to shape us to be more like Jesus.  When that happens, our honor increases and we will experience the comfort that only God can give.