Week One Disclaimer

Congratulations, Week One is Complete!

A Disclaimer from Carmen: Reading God's word is always a good thing, and writing about it, is a challenge. Since I am not a degreed scholar, please forgive me when my desire for scholarliness surfaces and is perhaps based on less than reliable sources. All this to say, don't take my word for everything I write, check it out for yourself. If you have questions, corrections or disagreements, tell me about them. I want to learn more about the scriptures, their source and reliability. I am in this to the finish line...

Writing is a way to process my thoughts about Jesus, who He was and what He did and why He is important for everyone. Forgive me if I sound preachy, I am not a preacher either, although, it is commonly reported by some that I wanted to be in a position to use my pastoral gifts. Actually, I have had the privilege and opportunity to study, share and teach the word of God, and for me, it has been wonderful indeed. Reading the Gospels4LENT is a wonderful process for me. And, Thank you for running the race with me. Also, thanks for sharing your comments. Onward to victory...

Week Two is Full of Promise!

Fortunately, our God is the LORD of the Sabbath and He desires mercy not sacrifice. This is an opportune time to check my motives. Why did I start this reading plan? Well, because I wanted to spend Lent, the days before Easter Sunday, intentionally drawing close to Jesus. And, there is no better way I know than to immerse myself in God’s word and sensitize my hearing to His Holy Spirit, so I may listen, pray and act. This first week, after sightseeing in Tokyo of course, I fell behind on my reading and spent the last two days catching up. I am glad this happened because falling behind is a reality in life.

In general it seems, we put too much pressure on ourselves for productivity and do not allow time for rest. The Japanese, for example, work six days out of seven and rest on Sundays. Hmm, I wonder where they came up with that idea?

In retrospect, this Gospels4LENT reading plan should have allowed at least one day of rest or catch-up. I apologize, for that omission and neglecting that Sabbath. That being said and to quote the famous cliché, “I am doing my best and committing the rest.”

As I have been reading Matthew’s Gospel and outlining the sections this week, which is why my blogging is way behind my reading—I cannot write fast enough to keep up with all the wonderful things I am reading (Ps 119:18). But, I am seeing, the continuity of Matthew’s Gospel and the consistency of Jesus’ life and ministry. His one purpose, it seems to me, was to reveal YHWH to mankind. Oh, that seems so obvious and cliché, but more than anything this time, I am seeing the ministry of Jesus the evangelist who delivered His message with authority, which previously was unseen by the people. Jesus backed-up his words with powerful miracles or works that people recognized only God could do. The demons obeyed Him. The wind and waves submitted to Him. The fear of man was not found in Him as He dealt with the Pharisees and the Law they misinterpreted. Jesus had no fear in communicating His message, but He used wisdom as caution for timing. Jesus often kept miracles on the down-low. I think He knew people are always hungry for a supernatural sign, and perhaps the frenzy of sign-seekers would disrupt the deliverance and reception of His message. I don’t know, but Jesus amazes me. I am amazed at what He could endure for the sake of accomplishing the Father’s will. I am a wimp when it comes to personal suffering or sacrifice. But, I thank God because He is not through with me yet. I am not perfected, nor am I rejected for my mistakes and/or willful disobedience. I thank God because Jesus said, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,” when reprimanding the Pharisees for their condemnation. (Matthew 12:7)

Paul wrote to the Romans, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2) These have been a few of my life verses and in fact the entire chapter of Romans 8 is on my Top Million list of verses I love in the Bible. J

After coming to Christ as a young teenager, I had a time of falling away. The night I rededicated my life to Christ, I walked into a church meeting thinking, I will grace my friends with my presence. Instead, God flooded me with the awareness of His grace, His unconditional love and forgiveness. The preacher opened the Bible and read from Romans 8—the message was clear--no condemnation, abounding unconditional love, and eternal togetherness with God through Jesus Messiah. I left the Calvary Chapel Culver City church meeting that night a renewed person, and I never want to return to a reality that does not include Jesus Christ in my present life or my future.

So, reading the Gospels4LENT is good—even if I fall behind—I will keep lining-up and going forward. There is no condemnation here…only wonderful things in God’s word await.