The Unforgivable Sin - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

Today's Reading:

• Luke 12:8 -12:34

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Luke 12:8 - 12:34
There were a few topics covered in the verses I read today.  First we are told that we must acknowledge Jesus on earth if we are to be acknowledged in heaven.  That's something to really keep in mind -- we can't privately be Christians, and then act differently to the rest of the world.  We need to acknowledge Jesus to others, so that Jesus will acknowledge us later.

In verse 12:10, we are once again told about the unforgivable sin -- blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  So far I think I've read and commented on this twice (post1, post2).  I still don't have anymore insight into what that sin actually is.  In my original quick research, it appears to be knowingly  attributing the work of the Lord to that of Satan.  But that's only what I've read from other people.  I really wish I would find more in the bible that will help me to grasp a better understanding.  That will come in due time I guess, for I still have a lot more of the bible to read!

Jesus then talks about greed and possessions.  Verse 12:21 states:

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

Jesus then goes on to say that we should trust the Lord for provision.  Even if we are running out of food to eat and clothes to wear, we should not worry -- for the Lord will provide.  In 12:15, Jesus says:

"Beware!  Guard against every kind of greed.  Life is not measured by how much you own."

 I still don't know how I feel about wealth and Christianity.  Should we be poor?  Should we be rich?  How does being rich affect our relationship with the Lord?  One thing is for certain; however -- as wealth increases, one needs to constantly reevaluate his or her relationship with the Lord.  We need to make sure that we are still prepared to (1) Recognize that the wealth is not our own, nor our doing -- no matter how hard we have worked.  It is instead a blessing; and (2) Evaluate what condition our soul would be in should we lose everything. 

The Thirteen Things That Defile You

Today’s Reading:
• Mark 7:1 - 23
• Psalm 40:11 - 17

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Mark 7:1 - 23
Jesus says that it is not what goes into our bodies that makes defiles us (I assume this is part of where we learn that the new covenant makes those things that are unclean clean) but rather the things that come from inside us.  Jesus then gave us a list of thirteen things that defile us in verses 21 and 22:

1. Evil Thoughts
2. Sexual Immorality
3. Theft
4. Murder
5. Adultery
6. Greed
7. Wickedness
8. Deceit
9. Lustful Desires
10. Envy
11. Slander
12. Pride
13. Foolishness

I have a long way to go before finishing the bible, but I have a feeling that this list sums up all the ways you can sin.  It gives me a good list to evaluate my life, actions and  words against.  I think I will be returning to this concise list quite often as I attempt to change my life and my actions to be more suitable to the Lord.

Psalm 40:11 - 17
David is once again pleading for the Lord's rescue.  I really love the last verse of this Psalm, and so I will close with Psalm 40:17:

As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.  You are my helper and my savior.  O my God, do not delay.

The Temptation of Christ

Today’s Reading:

• Matthew 3:7-4:11
• Psalm 3:1-8

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Matthew 3:7-4:11

This reading covered the baptism and temptation of Jesus Christ. I have heard the baptism story in its entirety, and therefore didn’t learn much new from it, but I didn't really know what the temptation of Christ actually involved.

Fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus passed a series of tests brought on by the devil. In each test, he held strongly onto his beliefs. Now that’s some strong faith! I think I would be about delirious after a week. I don’t know how I could hold on so strongly for 10 weeks. But he, of course, did.

My favorite part was contained in versus 7:5 – 7, where the devil told Jesus to jump off the highest point, and let God save him, to which Jesus replied that you “must not test the Lord your God” (7:7). I am appalled by the thought of those who dare test the Lord. These are the type of people who say “do this for me and I’ll believe,” or, “show me that, and I’ll believe” and so forth and so forth, yet it is never enough for them, because in the end they plain don’t believe. Now, of course there are exceptions, but I just can’t imagine someone taking it upon themselves to call out the Lord like that.

Psalms 3:1-8

Even though I don’t see it in the scripture, my bible credits this Psalm to David. I think it’s wonderful. I love the complete and absolute praise of the Lord, David’s faith that he will prevail through the Lord. It’s no wonder David so completely had the Lord on his side and was such an astounding, prosperous leader.