Jason Collins

Day 347

2010-12-13T16:26:00.001-05:00

Revelation 9

These passages were written to a people who truly knew what it was to be persecuted for their faith. It brought them hope knowing that God was aware of their situation and that relief would someday finally come. I've been reading to my daughter out of the book of Acts about how the early church was persecuted. I can tell she has no concept of what that's about. I'm thankful we exist in a time and place where we can openly follow Jesus and tell others about Him.

Day 346

2010-12-12T16:25:00.001-05:00

Revelation 8

Silence in heaven (v. 1). I wonder what that's like. Reminds me of the times in my life when it seemed like God was silent. It's a pretty excruciating experience.

Day 345

2010-12-11T16:24:00.001-05:00

Revelation 7

The last three verses are a great promise to remember especially in times when we face the reality of death.

Day 344

2010-12-10T16:24:00.001-05:00

Revelation 6

Got to be honest. It's tough reading a chapter with so many different images and interpretations as a devotional!

Day 343

2010-12-09T16:23:00.001-05:00

Psalm 146 & 147

Psalm 147:10 & 11 - "He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love." How often do we live as if God takes pleasure in our human strength and abilities. When all the while, His delight is in our trust and hope in Him.

Day 342

2010-12-08T16:22:00.001-05:00

Revelation 5

"The Lamb" in this chapter is Jesus and we get a sense for the majesty and power that He had before the beginning of the world and especially now that He has come and done the work of redemption for us. I love the phrases of worship you find all throughout these accounts.

Day 341

2010-12-07T16:21:00.001-05:00

Revelation 4

As John begins to describe what he sees, it's obvious that he's using the best language he can but it's still inadequate. The point to remember when you read Revelation is not to get caught up in the imagery but to see through to the substance.

Day 340

2010-12-06T16:21:00.001-05:00

Revelation 3

It's interesting that pretty much every letter, Jesus has something positive to say about that particular church but also some warnings and corrections. I would imagine that's the way it is with every church. Most get a lot of things right but none of them get it all right all the time.

Day 339

2010-12-05T16:20:00.001-05:00

Revelation 2

Reading these letters makes me wonder what the one to CCC would sound like...sometimes that's an encouraging thought. Other days not so much.

Day 338

2010-12-04T16:20:00.001-05:00

Revelation 1

Reading this makes me think of how it will be on the day I see Jesus for the first time. It's hard to fathom. It's even harder to imagine how I'll react, what I'll say, etc. My guess is that none of the things I think matter will matter at all in that moment.

Day 337

2010-12-03T16:18:00.002-05:00

Jude

Verses 20-23. Great words of instruction for any church to follow.

Day 336

2010-12-02T15:14:00.001-05:00

Psalm 143, 144 & 145

So much to digest in today's reading. Probably what struck me most is the pure dependence on God that David has in Psalm 143. Even though it sounds as if he's at a low place, he's right where he needs to be. Totally dependent and trusting God for everything.

Day 335

2010-12-01T15:13:00.001-05:00

3 John

When someone you taught and mentored and prayed for follows truth long after you're gone, it is a huge blessing. When they don't, it's a heartbreaker. That's John's letter here in a nutshell. And I totally get where he's coming from. It's the greatest joy and heartache of being in full time ministry.

Day 334

2010-11-30T15:13:00.002-05:00

2 John

Fascinating that in this short letter, John tackles one issue with an interesting command. There are false teachers threatening the message within the church. John's answer: Love one another. And he's right. True love that God reveals to us covers all the issues we face. When love drives relationships, truth, doctrine, community, morality, etc. it all works out the way God intended.

Day 333

2010-11-29T15:12:00.001-05:00

1 John 5

Struck today by how often John uses the phrase "we know." There are lots of things that God wants us to be confident and secure in.

Day 332

2010-11-28T15:11:00.001-05:00

1 John 4

Just preached not too long ago on this passage. "Perfect love drives out fear." No where have I seen this illustrated in my life better than in my relationship with my wife. The longer we're together, the firmer the foundation of love between us which means less and less fear, jealousy and worry. The same should be true for us and God, even more so.

Day 331

2010-11-27T15:09:00.002-05:00

1 John 3

Verse 20 - "Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything." That's a very good thing.

Day 330

2010-11-26T15:09:00.001-05:00

1 John 2

Verse 4 says if we say we know God yet don't obey what He commands, we're liars. Knowledge of God and devotion to Him is equal with obedience. In fact, John says they are one in the same. How many of us truly do not get that? How many people do I know who claim to follow Jesus and haven't obeyed anything God told them to do in months or even years? And do I realize that every time I choose disobedience to God, I am denying Him and not just a command He gave?

Day 329

2010-11-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

1 John 1

John begins his simple small book by reassuring us. "We have seen Him with our eyes and touched Him with our hands." I love that.

Day 328

2010-11-24T15:07:00.001-05:00

Psalm 141 & 142

The first part of 141:5 is easier said than done. Allowing others to bring correction to your life may be the right thing and even good for us. But in the moment, everything in you just wants to resist it.

Day 327

2010-11-23T15:06:00.001-05:00

Psalm 139 & 140

I could read Psalm 139 every day and not get tired of it. I need that reminder of God's presence with me all the time.

Day 326

2010-11-22T15:06:00.001-05:00

John 21

I recently read this story with my daughter and she was confused as to why Jesus would ask Peter if he loved Him three times. Her reaction when I explained it was so cool. I told her that Jesus was offering Peter three opportunities to affirm his love for Jesus after denying Him three times. And just like that, He gives us second and even third chances when we mess up. The message of grace is always exciting and still amazing.

Day 325

2010-11-21T15:05:00.001-05:00

John 20

John makes the purpose for writing his book clear at the end of the chapter. He also proves it by including so many small details into his account of the resurrection. Never noticed it before but there's a lot of little, seemingly insignificant details. Not the kind you'd use if you were trying to pass off the resurrection as true if it wasn't. It's written like someone who's convinced and wants to prove it by including everything.

Day 324

2010-11-20T15:05:00.001-05:00

John 19

You can't read the crucifixion accounts without noticing the courage with which Jesus faced His own death. Standing up to Pilate, telling him he had no power over Him. Focusing on His own mother rather than worry about Himself. Knowing that resurrection is coming changes the way you face death. It should do the same for us too.

Day 323

2010-11-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

John 18

Don't miss the irony of Pilate's question in verse 38. Pilate asks "What is truth?" and the whole time, Truth is standing there speaking to him.

Day 322

2010-11-18T14:08:00.001-05:00

Psalm 137 & 138

A lot of people are shocked to read Psalm 137:9. How can a verse like that be in the Bible? Well, just because it's in the Bible doesn't mean it's right. You have to remember that the psalms are poems and songs that capture the feelings and emotions of the person writing them at the time. And at the time, this writer was so depressed and angry that he wished the unthinkable for his enemies. What he felt and wished for was most definitely wrong. But it's still recorded in God's word. God can handle our out-of-control emotions, our sinful and sorrowful thoughts. He even allows them and waits patiently until we come to our senses and find our way back to Him.

Day 321

2010-11-17T14:08:00.001-05:00

John 17

It's still a little overwhelming when you read the words that Jesus prayed specifically for us. (verses 20-21)

Day 320

2010-11-16T14:07:00.001-05:00

John 16

This chapter is an intimate moment between Jesus and His disciples. You can sense their confidence growing even though they still didn't understand everything.

Day 319

2010-11-15T14:07:00.001-05:00

John 15

The vine and branches are such a strong image of how we relate to God and grow spiritually. It comes with some great promises but huge responsibility.

Day 318

2010-11-14T14:06:00.001-05:00

John 14

I can't remember how many times I've heard those first few verses read at funerals. Maybe because there's just so much hope and comfort packed into them. We will be where He is. We will live with Jesus. We will see Jesus. The other night I had another one of those amazing spiritual conversations with my daughter. I guess it just hit her while we were talking that one day she would actually, literally see Jesus and physically interact with Him. And I saw her face light up like a Christmas tree. It was one of the coolest things I've seen my whole life.

Day 317

2010-11-13T14:05:00.001-05:00

John 13

This phrase in verse 1 makes me wonder. It says that Jesus is about show His disciples "the full extent of His love." So, He washes their feet. Then, Jesus teaches them that this is the way He intends them to live, as servants to one another and to others. This may be splitting hairs but I wonder which one does the phrase refer to. Is Jesus showing them the full extent of His love by serving them OR teaching them to serve? I'm sure it's both. But could it be that the most loving thing Jesus did for the disciples that night was not the overt act of service? Could it be that He was actually loving them more by teaching them the way to truly live by serving?

Day 316

2010-11-12T13:55:00.002-05:00

John 12

This chapter makes it clear just how polarizing the raising of Lazarus had become for people. Where it caused so many more people to follow Jesus, it also put Jesus on the fast track towards the cross. Just goes to show how deliberate Jesus was about who, where and when He revealed His identity and power. God had a plan for Him and He was following God's lead in everything.

Day 315

2010-11-11T16:55:00.001-05:00

Psalm 135 & 136

Good to read Psalm 136 right now around Thanksgiving. Reminds me of all that I could put into that list.

Day 314

2010-11-10T16:54:00.001-05:00

John 11

Twice in this account, we learn that Jesus is angry. He's said to be troubled. He even weeps. All this emotion and it's over one thing - death. I imagine that above every other thing that the human race is plagued with, this is the one Jesus gets most fired up about. It's the primary reason He came. Death makes me pretty angry too. But He's the solution.

Day 313

2010-11-09T16:54:00.002-05:00

John 10

Verse 16 - The unity of the church.

Day 312

2010-11-08T16:53:00.001-05:00

John 9

So many people in our church have the simple testimony of the blind man. All I know is I used to be blind but now I see. You don't have to understand everything to believe in something.

Day 311

2010-11-07T16:52:00.001-05:00

John 8

Love the way Jesus stands up to the critics in this chapter. People who say Jesus never claimed to be God should read it.

Day 310

2010-11-06T16:52:00.001-04:00

John 7

It's always fascinating to read in these first few verses that Jesus' brothers started out not believing in Him. All that changed after the resurrection. His brother James became a prominent church leader and wrote a book of the Bible. Another proof that the resurrection is real.

Day 309

2010-11-05T16:50:00.002-04:00

Proverbs 28

Talked recently to a friend who is facing the choice to be dishonest and hide or stand firm and be honest. (verse 1) Once he made the decision for honesty, it changed everything. Don't know the outcome yet but he's squarely in God's will and is stress free about the situation!

Day 308

2010-11-04T11:01:00.001-04:00

Psalm 133 & 134

One of the things I've enjoyed most about spending the last 13+ years of my life at CCC is the amount of unity and harmony that exists in this church. It really is as good as it's described in this passage.

Day 307

2010-11-03T11:00:00.001-04:00

John 6

It's encouraging to read that when Jesus taught the truth, some people couldn't accept it and walked away. Not everyone can handle truth but as long as we speak it clearly, we're in good company regardless of how people accept or reject it.

Day 306

2010-11-02T10:59:00.001-04:00

John 5

Great chapter on the relationship between the Father and the Son.

Day 305

2010-11-01T10:59:00.001-04:00

John 4

I love the story of the Samaritan woman. It's the story of so many people in our church. I also love verses 31-34. I can relate to what Jesus says there. Sometimes when you're busy doing kingdom work, you feel like you're so nourished by it to the point where you forget to eat!

Day 304

2010-10-31T10:58:00.001-04:00

John 3

The first part of this chapter gets all the attention. But reading the second half today, it struck me how the disciples of John the Baptist reacted to Jesus' success in the beginning. John clearly identified Him as God's Son. If they trusted John so much, what prevented them from readily following Jesus as Messiah? Why did they sound disappointed that people were going to Jesus instead of them? Wasn't that the point? Gives you a little insight to how easily we can get off track and promote our agenda instead of Jesus'.

Day 303

2010-10-30T10:58:00.001-04:00

John 2

Jesus' first miracle always fascinates me. I wonder why He chose that one. I wonder how His mom knew He could do it before anyone else did. Lots of questions.

Day 302

2010-10-29T10:57:00.001-04:00

John 1

Those first 18 verses are probably my favorite in all of scripture. Even better reading them in this version.

Day 301

2010-10-28T10:56:00.001-04:00

Psalm 132

No comments. I'm behind and I'm catching up on my reading!

Day 300

2010-10-27T10:55:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 27

Verse 6 - "Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." Definitely true. Harder when it becomes real life.

Day 299

2010-10-26T10:54:00.001-04:00

Philemon

Philemon is one of those books you wonder exactly why it's in the Bible sometimes. Not much in the way of theology but there's a whole lot there in the way of love and relationships.

Day 298

2010-10-25T10:53:00.001-04:00

Titus 3

In my experience, church people love to argue about stuff that just doesn't matter. Verses 9-11 give great guidelines for how to deal with that.

Day 297

2010-10-24T10:52:00.001-04:00

Titus 2

Verses 11-14. The gospel message summed up in 4 verses.

Day 296

2010-10-23T10:51:00.002-04:00

Titus 1

Paul starts off this short little book by describing himself as a "slave of God." Kind of a shocking choice of word for most of us but when you understand the meaning behind it, it's actually pretty correct and even comforting.

Day 295

2010-10-22T10:49:00.002-04:00

Psalm 129, 130 & 131

"Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you." (130:3-4) Can't get enough of hearing that.

Day 294

2010-10-21T13:32:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 26

Verse 20 is so true. "Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops." There's no telling how much trouble we could avoid if gossip was eliminated from our conversations.

Day 293

2010-10-20T13:31:00.001-04:00

Psalm 126, 127 & 128

When you read passages like Psalm 126 that recounts all the things God did for Israel, it makes you wonder how they were able to forget and turn away from Him over and over again. How could people forget what God had done so soon? But I do that all the time. It's like once we have an encounter with God and He does something amazing, we move on and we want the next thing. Forget what He's done. What's He going to do now? Not a great way to be in a relationship.

Day 292

2010-10-19T13:30:00.001-04:00

2 Timothy 4

At the end of my life, I hope I can say the same thing Paul does in verses 6-8.

Day 291

2010-10-18T13:30:00.001-04:00

2 Timothy 3

It's interesting that what Paul says people will be like in "the last days" sounds a lot like the way people have always been. I've heard so many people try to pin this description only on the times we're living in now. But Paul tells Timothy to stay away from those kinds of people. Sounds to me like they were alive and well at the very same time Paul is writing. Which leads me to think that "the last days" will probably look a lot like all the other days.

Day 290

2010-10-17T13:28:00.002-04:00

2 Timothy 2

Love verse 8 - "Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach." The resurrection is always central.

Day 289

2010-10-16T16:27:00.001-04:00

2 Timothy 1

The whole chapter is worth it just for verse 12!

Day 288

2010-10-15T16:26:00.001-04:00

Psalm 123, 124 & 125

123:2 is a fascinating kind of image for the way we relate to God. It suggests that we constantly keep our gaze on God for the very slightest word or movement He makes, ready to obey and follow His lead at a moment's notice. It involves constant contact and constant listening to the point that we can barely make a movement or say a word apart from His leading. It would be a totally different way to live than most of us usually do, but I suspect it would be unbelievably better.

Day 287

2010-10-14T16:24:00.001-04:00

1 Timothy 6

Verse 8 is hard. How often am I truly content? I've never gone short on food or clothing once in my entire life. Not even close. And here Paul says if that's the case, then there is no excuse for not being content. But I (and most everyone I know) stays pretty discontent nearly all the time.

Day 286

2010-10-13T16:23:00.002-04:00

1 Timothy 5

Ever want to know how to do relationships? Read verses 1-2. That just about covers it.

Day 285

2010-10-12T16:22:00.001-04:00

1 Timothy 4

Paul speaks to Timothy like a spiritual son. Reminded me of the men who guided me to where I am today and often said some of those same words either verbally or through their example.

Day 284

2010-10-11T16:22:00.001-04:00

1 Timothy 3

Guidelines for church leaders. Not much to comment on.

Day 283

2010-10-10T16:21:00.001-04:00

1 Timothy 2

I love verse 5: For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.

Day 282

2010-10-09T16:20:00.001-04:00

1 Timothy 1

Verse 5 is a perfect mission statement for people like me who stand up and teach God's word. I hope I live that out every time I speak.

Day 281

2010-10-08T16:19:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 25

Love the vivid images in these verses. It takes common, well-known advice and provides it with something to see and feel. Makes it very real and practical.

Day 280

2010-10-07T16:15:00.001-04:00

Psalm 120, 121 & 122

For the past several weeks, I've been praying constant silent prayers throughout my day. More than any other phrase, Psalm 121:1-2 has been my prayer.

Day 279

2010-10-06T16:14:00.001-04:00

Psalm 119

176 verses and one singular topic...Love for the word of God and the desire to follow His law. (I feel like I need a nap)

Day 278

2010-10-05T16:12:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 24

"The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again."

Day 277

2010-10-04T16:11:00.001-04:00

2 Thessalonians 3

If people would simply pray verse 1 for the Northgate campus, I'd be happy.

Day 276

2010-10-03T16:10:00.001-04:00

2 Thessalonians 2

Don't become "easily shaken or alarmed" about Jesus' return. (verse 2) Good advice when a lot of Christians run around doing the exact opposite.

Day 275

2010-10-02T16:07:00.001-04:00

2 Thessalonians 1

Love the last part of verse 11 - "May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." Definitely praying that prayer this week for the Northgate campus.

Day 274

2010-10-01T16:06:00.001-04:00

Psalm 117 & 118

What struck me in 118 was the confidence the writer has in God. He writes like one who has experience and knows that God can be trusted.

Day 273

2010-09-30T16:05:00.001-04:00

Psalm 115 & 116

I love that very first verse. Reminds me of one of the worship songs we sing at CCC.

Day 272

2010-09-29T16:04:00.001-04:00

1 Thessalonians 5

A lot of Christ followers get really fearful about Jesus' return. In the first 11 verses, Paul puts that to rest. God chose to save us, not pour out His anger on us (verse 9). So why fear His return? Let it be an encouraging thing.

Day 271

2010-09-28T16:02:00.002-04:00

1 Thessalonians 4

If you've lost a loved one, verses 13-18 are some of the most encouraging words in all of scripture. I don't know why Christ followers don't talk about it more. It's the single, most hopeful, encouraging piece of our faith. If you are in Christ, the grave will not hold you. If you're alive when He returns, gravity will mean nothing. Awesome. Can't wait.

Day 270

2010-09-27T14:07:00.001-04:00

1 Thessalonians 3

I get Paul's concern in this chapter. When you disciple someone closely, you always hope that their faith will remain strong throughout their lifetime. It's on your mind constantly. There are so many of these...especially from my days of doing youth ministry. Some bring me a lot of joy. Others not so much.

Day 269

2010-09-26T14:06:00.001-04:00

1 Thessalonians 2

Interesting that Paul in verses 19 & 20 considers this congregation to be his reward before God some day. He call them his pride and joy. Gave me lots of thoughts today.

Day 268

2010-09-25T14:05:00.001-04:00

1 Thessalonians 1

"the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere." I like that. I hope that it could be said about our church.

Day 267

2010-09-24T14:04:00.001-04:00

Psalm 112, 113 & 114

Today, 112:7 really stuck out to me. "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them." I meet so many people (and often do this myself) who seem to be so afraid of the potential bad things that might happen. As if God is no longer sovereign and there is no hope beyond what goes on in this life. If anything in this world is able to completely decimate my faith and confidence in God, then my faith and confidence was not in Him in the first place.

Day 266

2010-09-23T13:58:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 23

Whoever said the Bible wasn't practical and straightforward never read this chapter.

Day 265

2010-09-22T13:57:00.001-04:00

Psalm 110 & 111

Two great psalms about Jesus.

Day 264

2010-09-21T13:56:00.001-04:00

Psalm 108 & 109

It's hard to do right when everybody around you isn't. That's what David is talking about in Psalm 109. But he gives a perfect example of valuing the opinion of God over people. David keeps his love and focus on God despite the opposition of the people around him.

Day 263

2010-09-20T13:55:00.002-04:00

Hebrews 13

There are about 100 sermons in this one chapter. Lots of parting advice from Paul as he wraps up the book.

Day 262

2010-09-19T18:54:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 12

I should have quoted verses 12-13 to the Northgate campus team today after our first preview services!

Day 261

2010-09-18T13:53:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 11

Love this chapter. It's like a quick list of heroes to look up to and emulate when it comes to faith in God.

Day 260

2010-09-17T15:24:00.001-04:00

Psalm 106 & 107

A constant theme you see in the Old Testament is God's people forgetting. They forget all the things He's done. They forget their commitment to Him. They forget His love and protection for them. And at the same time, so do I. It's even a daily thing. I can go through huge chunks of my day without a thought of God and His love and care for me. This week, I've set up two daily reminders to talk to God and be aware of Him. Just those two added moments change me. Imagine what I would be if I was constantly aware. I think that's part of the goal of doing life with God.

Make a Difference on 10/10/10

2010-09-17T09:14:00.002-04:00

Day 259

2010-09-16T15:23:00.003-04:00

Proverbs 22

As much as I hate it, I've had to definitely live out verse 15 this week.

Day 258

2010-09-15T14:10:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 10

The other night I had to explain to my little girl one of the points of this chapter. How the veil of the temple was torn in two the moment Jesus died. I had to explain to her that before Jesus died the only way we had access to God was through the temple. But after His death, the veil was torn and now God lives in us. We don't have to go through rituals in a temple to communicate with Him and be accepted by Him. Her eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. Every time I see that, I just love it!

Day 257

2010-09-14T14:09:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 9

First time reading this chapter in this version. Awesome. Anybody wanting to know how the Old and New Testaments connect...this is it. The best explanation in the Bible of blood atonement.

Day 256

2010-09-13T14:07:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 8

Read it. No comments.

Day 255

2010-09-12T14:06:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 7

Really complicated and involved chapter. I did some study on all of this stuff in Bible college. There's still stuff in there that's confusing to me.

Day 254

2010-09-11T14:06:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 6

No comments today.

Day 253

2010-09-10T14:03:00.001-04:00

Psalm 105

Sometimes in order to move forward with God, it helps to look back. That's what this psalm does. It's a reminder to those who read it of just how faithful God has been. It serves as proof that the same will be true for the future.

Day 252

2010-09-09T13:39:00.001-04:00

Psalm 104

Beautiful psalm about creation and the power of the God who created it.

Day 251

2010-09-08T13:38:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 5

Verse 8 - "Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered." If that's true about Jesus, how much more does it apply to me?

Day 250

2010-09-07T13:37:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 4

Knowing Jesus understands weakness in the same way we do makes all the difference. (vv 14-16)

Day 249

2010-09-06T13:36:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 3

"think carefully about this Jesus" I love that phrase. The writer's leading us somewhere. Hebrews is definitely a thinking person's book.