John Stanko

Q29: Continue

What would Jesus ask you today?

"What did Moses command you?" - Mark 10:3.

Jesus constantly referred his listeners back to God's word as their source for answers and perspective. He assumed that they knew the Word well enough to discuss it. Is that the case in your life? Do you know the Word?  Are you growing in your understanding of it and how to apply it to life's problems and opportunities? Paul urged Timothy to "continue" in the Word in 2 Timothy 3:14-17; you would do well to follow Paul's advice.

Q28: Neighbor

What would Jesus ask you today?

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor
 to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" - Luke 10:36.

Jesus taught with parables, and there was always one lesson to be learned. This question is at the end of the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the lesson is to love your neighbor. What are you doing to be a good neighbor to someone in need?  How much are you willing to be inconvenienced to be that good neighbor? Do you even have any relationships with people who are in need so you can play some role in their relief?  Read this parable in its entirety in Luke 10:25-37 and then ask the Lord to help you apply the main point today and every day.

Q27: The Kingdom

What would Jesus ask you today?

"What shall we say the kingdom of God is like,
or what parable shall we use to describe it?” - Mark 4:30.

Jesus proclaimed and taught about the kingdom of God. The Lord isn't just interested in saving you, but in having you live every area of life according to His commands, including relationships, finances, work, and family. Do you know what God's kingdom requirements are for you?  Are you living them out?  Read Acts 14:21-22 and Romans 14:16-18 to get a basic definition of God's kingdom and then make every effort with His help to live up to its expectations today.

A26: Your Temper

What would Jesus ask you today?

"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked - Mark 9:16.

It is common to say that you "lost" your temper, but in some ways you "found" it when you argue. An argument is a battle to prove that you are right and someone else is wrong.  Why is being right so important? Why hurt someone you love or offend an acquaintance just to be "right" or to retaliate for being wronged? There are many verses that speak to controlling anger, but for today read Ephesians 4:31 and 1 Timothy 2:8.

Q25: Be a Blessing

What would Jesus ask you today?

"Why are you bothering this woman?" - Matthew 26:10.

The Bible is full of directives on how to treat others, but selfishness can prevent you from obeying. You are to be a blessing to others and not bothersome; look for opportunities to give rather than receive; encourage and not gossip or slander; serve and meet the needs of others and not just look after yourself. What is keeping your from loving others as the gospel demands? Read a good overview of how to treat others in Colossians 3:12-17 and then go do it.

Q24: What Matters Most

What would Jesus ask you today?

"Do you see all these great buildings?" - Mark 13:2.

Man has been busy building since the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9.  Yet the Lord is busy with other things: building His church and extending His kingdom. Are your priorities the same as His?  Don't invest your time in things that will last for a while and then pass away.  Put your money and effort into what matters most and God will work with you and reward your efforts.  Read Psalm 146:1-5 and meditate on its message.

Q23: Need

What would Jesus ask you today?

"Who touched me?" Jesus asked - Luke 8:45.

The answer is the woman who needed healing.  She pressed through a crowd and had faith to touch the hem of Jesus' garment because she knew her need for Him.  Are you earnestly seeking the Lord? Are you aware of your need?  If not, then you will go about your business.  If you do, then you will seek Him with urgency. Read Isaiah 55:6 and Psalm 27:8 and then seek to 'touch' the Lord according to your area of need.

Q 22: Suffering

What would Jesus ask you today?

"Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" - Matthew 20:22.

The cup Jesus was referring to was and is the cup of suffering, and you will drink of it, just like He did.  Sometimes you suffer for the things you have done, sometimes for the stand you take for Him and sometimes due to the acts of otherw whom you love or who set out to hurt you.  Are you suffering right now?  Can you see that God is using it for His purpose to work something in your life?  Can you praise Him in the midst of the pain?  Read 1 Peter 4, which has a lot to say about suffering and how to respond in it.

Q21: No Substitute

What would Jesus ask you today?

"Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” - Matthew 16:26.

The answer to this question is "Nothing," but that doesn't stop men and women from trying to find things to fill the void that only God can fill.  John Calvin said that man's heart is an idol factory, constantly creating things to worship instead of the living God. Are you looking for satisfaction or even salvation in things other than the Lord, things like relationships, status, money, work, or even good deeds?  Read Jesus' parable in Luke 12:16-21 and see if you are like the man described in any way.

Q20: Shine!

What would Jesus ask you today?

"Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed?" - Mark 4:21.

The answer to this question is an obvious, "No!" Yet that may be what you are doing if you don't let the light of God's love in your life shine before men.  What are you doing to "broadcast" God's goodness to you?  Are you allowing your light to shine before men and women of darkness?  When is the last time you gave a testimony to anyone of God's work in your life? Read Jesus'' words in Matthew 5:16 and don't be afraid to let your light shine!