Luke 18  Jesus taught His followers that they should "... at all times..pray and not.. lose heart." 

The example is a widow who is desperate for "legal protection".  She never stops coming to the one person who can help her, and even though he is not a godly man, he helps her.   Jesus teaches that if an ungodly person can do something good... what will God.. who is Good.. do for the one who prays?
Then He asks this question... "However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"


Do we have the faith to bring every need, great or small, to our God?  If Christ returned today, would He catch us praying?

Jesus also tells another parable about prayer.  There are two men who go into the temple to pray.  One, a Pharisee, considered himself righteous and prayed, "God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people; swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer.  I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get."  

The second man, couldn't even lift up his eyes.. prayed, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!" 

It is the second man who receives mercy.. the answer to his prayer.  The first man received nothing. He never even asked for anything, firmly trusting his own self-righteousness.

What does this teach us about prayer?
 Pray at all times.
Pray about all things.
Ask for what is needed, humbly surrendering to the One who alone can help us.

Come like a child to his father, Jesus tells us. Totally depend on the God who made us, saved us, and cares for us... He alone is our Help.

Father,  I bring my needs before You.  Thank You for reminding me once again that I am Yours and that You are mine. You know me better than I know myself.  Touch my heart with Your healing hand that I might be fully Yours in every way.. Be glorified in my life today.  I thank You and give You all my praise and worship.  You are the Mighty God, the Maker of Heaven and earth and all things are in Your Hands... including me and my family.  May Your will be done.  May we be found to have living faith on that day when we meet You face to face.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Luke 17: 11-19   There were 10 lepers.  All 10 waited to see Jesus.  All ten called out to Him for mercy.  All ten obeyed His command to go show themselves to the priest.  All ten were healed.

But, only one was saved.
One turned back.
One fell at the feet of Jesus and worshiped.
One glorified God.
One gave thanks.
One, a Samaritan, had faith that "made [him] well". 

We all have the same desperate needs.
Yet, only some of us will wait on Jesus, call out to Him, and obey His instructions.
And, even fewer of us will turn back to give Him glory, thanks, and worship.

A leper knows that his need is desperate.  He knows that he needs help.
A sinner who knows his desperate need for forgiveness and cleansing will turn to Jesus, repent of his sins, and find salvation in Christ alone.

But, so many people ignore the truth that they are sinners.  They try to cover up their sins.  They drown their guilt with worldly distractions.  They tell themselves that all is well, while struggling in their hearts with the darkness that fills their lives.

Jesus is willing to cleanse us when we call to Him for mercy.  But, it is not enough for us to just go on our merry way.  He calls us to follow Him.  That means we must turn back to Him. We must acknowledge who He is ... by glorifying His Name, giving Him thanks, and worshiping Him.  He calls us to lay down our lives.

"Whoever seeks to keep his life shall lose it, and whoever loses his life shall preserve it." ( v33)

The Pharisees wanted to know when the kingdom of God was coming.  But, they missed the truth that it was right in front of them. For Jesus was there.  It was not the kind of kingdom that they wanted. Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God must be received like a child.  We enter with humility not pride or wealth or self proclaimed righteousness.

Father in heaven,  Your kingdom come.  On the day we meet You we will be forever alive... more alive than we are right now in these worn out and decaying bodies.  This is our hope in Christ Jesus and we turn to You and give You glory.  Thank You for salvation through grace by faith in Jesus Christ the King.  We truly worship You and surrender our hearts, souls, and bodies to You.  In Christ we pray, amen.

Luke 17

Jesus gives His followers another hard lesson - to forgive.. ".. if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying 'I repent, ' forgive him."   The apostles know how impossible it is to do this and ask Jesus to "Increase [ their] faith." 

Faith, Jesus says, only needs to be "like a mustard seed" to accomplish great things.

Father in heaven,  please help me to have the kind of faith that pleases You. Help me to not cause anyone else to stumble in their faith.  Help me to forgive... even those who don't repent and ask for forgiveness.  I am an unworthy slave. Let your Spirit fill me and draw me nearer to Your heart. Make me more like Jesus, my Lord.
Thank You for cleansing me of all unrighteousness. I give You glory!  Amen.

Luke 16  Was it the steward that was unrighteous, or was it the rich man?  One commentary suggests that it was the master who unfairly fired the steward based on a rumor that he had done wrong.  Others suggest that the accusations against the steward were true and he was justly removed from his position.  In both interpretations we get the lesson - we need to be "shrewd" - thoughtful, cautious, practical, and intelligent - when it comes to money... ours or our employer's.

Jesus calls us to be faithful in "very little" as well as in very "much".  He calls us to be faithful in what is "mammon of unrighteousness" as well as in "true riches".   He calls us to be faithful in what belongs to another as well as in what belongs to us.

We know that everything belongs to our Lord.. our Master.  We are to serve Him and Him alone.  He knows our hearts.  He sees our motives and actions.

Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus, a poor beggar.  One lived the charmed life and one suffered severely.  When they each died.. it was the poor man who went to heaven.  The rich man ended up in Hades, suffering torment continually.  It is Abraham who speaks of the reality that awaits all of us.. The choices we make now in this life... determines our eternity.

Comfort now... or comfort for eternity?
Suffering now... or suffering for eternity?
These are our choices.
He does not give us the choice of selfish living now and "good things" to come.

The rich man was not faithful in the "much" that he was given.. and would stay in eternal agony.
Lazarus had nothing to offer, but he was faithful to the end of his life... and was welcomed into Abraham's arms.

How do we measure our faithfulness?  The Pharisees were measuring theirs by their own self -righteousness.  We cannot force our way into the kingdom of God.  We cannot ignore the Truth of God's Word.  We cannot measure our own faithfulness by any human standards.

 We can only trust in the One who is Lord of all.

Father in heaven, teach us Your Word, write it on our hearts, that we might trust and obey.. that we may walk in Your paths and be good and faithful servants of our Lord.  All to You we surrender.  All our hope is in You and we look towards eternity with our faith in Jesus Christ alone. amen.

Luke 15  

The tax gatherers and the sinners were drawn to Jesus and He received them - He allowed them to come near, He accepted them just as they were, and He led them to repentance...

But, the Pharisees and scribes did not approve. They would never do such a thing, lest they become unclean themselves.  They did not realize that in doing this they were actually being more sinful. f
Filled with pride and hypocrisy, they showed no mercy or love.

Jesus tells three illustrations to teach what it means to God when we repent and come back to Him.

A man leaves the 99 sheep to go search for the 1 that is lost and rejoices greatly with all his friends and neighbors when he finds it.

A woman rejoices with her friends and neighbors when she finds the lost coin.

And, finally,  a father rejoices when his lost son returns home after squandering his inheritance and almost starving to death.

Our heavenly Father and all the angels rejoice,  Jesus tells us, when a sinner repents.  The tax-gatherers and the sinners that came to Jesus, repenting of their sins, brought joy to heaven.  The pharisees and scribes.. who did not repent because they didn't recognize their own sinfulness.. brought no joy to heaven.  Like the older son, they were  angry that the "sinner" had been forgiven and received by the Father.

Today, Christmas has come and we stop ( hopefully ) to think about the Babe in the manger.  He came to receive us... He has allowed us to come near... and He has brought us to repentance.  We were lost - we were perishing - but He has welcomed us back home. He has delighted in our repentance.  He rejoices that we are back in the fold with our Almighty Shepherd.

Father, we praise You and thank You for saving us by sending Your only Begotten Son in whom we believe and trust, so that we will not perish but have everlasting life.

Merry Christmas!

Luke 14:25-35   Jesus does not lead us to think that following Him is an easy thing.  His next lessons are the hardest yet:

"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." The decision to follow Jesus must be total surrender and total sacrifice. "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." 

Count the cost.. like a man who wants to build a house needs to know if he has enough money to finish it;  like a king who wants to go to war needs to know if he has enough power to win... Jesus tells us to count the cost of discipleship.

"So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." 
Give it up - say adieu; depart from, dismiss, forsake, take leave, send away - everything;

Count the cost.

Father, there is nothing that we have that does not come from You or belong to You.  Our family members, our homes, our bank accounts... our bodies.  It is all Yours and we dare not cling to anything except Jesus Christ our Lord.  So, we lay down our lives and take up our crosses and follow You. It is not an easy thing to do.  Yet, as we count the cost, we know that it is worth it all - to know You and be with You for eternity.  There is nothing or no-one that can stand in the way of our love for You.  Please help us to be faithful to the end.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Luke 14  

Jesus was at the house of a leading Pharisee.  He already disrupted the status quo by healing the man with dropsy and chastising them for caring more about their animals than their fellow countrymen.

Now, He has something to say about their character.  The men invited to dine were probably all important men of the city.  But, some tried to make themselves more important by claiming the more honorable places at the table.   Jesus suggests that they might do well to be humble and pick out the lower places, lest they be humiliated by being asked to move for someone more important.

The truth that Jesus conveys is this, "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."   Pride is an awful and deadly sin.  Over and over again we are reminded of this in Scripture.
Be humble.
Be last.
Be a servant.
Follow the example that Christ Himself has given us.

Jesus goes on to give an example of humble service... when hosting a dinner,  instead of inviting only those who can repay you in turn... invite those who are in need - "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind... "  It was a radical idea in those days.. and in ours too.  But, it is exactly what Jesus did for us!

Jesus also tells a parable about another dinner..  A man prepares a great feast and invites many to come.  But, when the time comes, those invited reject the offer, making excuses to not come.   This makes the man angry, but he sends out his servants to invite everyone they can find.. those in need especially - "the poor and crippled and blind and lame."  So, many come and still there is room, so the servants are sent back out to "the highways and along the hedges"  to "compel" more to come in and fill the house.  His house is filled with strangers and beggars.. but the original guests will not receive any of his feast.

Those who reject the offer that God has given us through Jesus Christ will miss out on His Kingdom.. the most wonderful and amazing blessing.. more than we could ever imagine.  Jesus came to us - though we are poor and needy.. unable to repay.. strangers and beggars  - and He brought us into the Kingdom of God, to sit at His table, and to partake of His provisions.  What an amazing God we serve!

Father in heaven, we thank You for giving us life in Jesus Christ.  We pray that You will hold us closer and speak Your joy and peace into our hearts this Christmas season.  We need You and desire to be with You in Your Kingdom.  Eagerly we wait for the return of our Lord. May we be ready.  Fill us now with Your Spirit so that Your will is done in us and through us today.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

 In Luke 13:10-17 and 14:1-6  Jesus heals on the Sabbath.  In the first passage there is a woman who has been bent double for 18 years, unable to stand straight.  In the second, there is a man "suffering from dropsy."  The first event happened in a synagogue and the second at the house of a Pharisee.  In the first, Jesus is condemned by the synagogue official, but in the second He is simply watched in silence.

Jesus speaks up about the hypocrisy of those who would care for their animals... giving them water.. or even pulling them out of a well... but, having no compassion on their fellow countryman or woman.

The first group was humiliated in front of the multitude.  The second group couldn't have answered if they wanted to.. for they knew Jesus was right.

Jesus was doing "glorious things" and the multitudes were rejoicing.  Never-the-less, Jesus was headed to Jerusalem, knowing that He would die there.

The "kingdom of God"... Jesus says, "..is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree; and the birds of the air nested in its branches."  He also compares the kingdom of God to leaven..hidden "in three pecks of meal, until it was all leavened." 
There is a mystery to the ways of God as He builds His Kingdom. He plants small seeds.  He hides truths in secret places. He does things His way.  And His ways are always perfect!

Father, help me to hear Your Word, to understand, and to grow in the knowledge of the Lord and in faith.  I am reminded from these passages that You desire for us to show compassion and kindness to those in need.  I hear You teaching that it is not always big and spectacular miracles that bring the Kingdom into people's lives.. but small seeds planted into hearts can produce great results for Your glory and honor.  May I be faithful in adding leaven.. the leaven of truth and love and grace.. into the lives of those around me.  Your will be done, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Luke 13;1-9  A horrible thing happened and was reported to Jesus.. some of His fellow countrymen were killed and Pilate "mingled" their blood with their sacrifices. There was also a terrible accident where a tower fell down, killing 18 people.  Jesus has a surprising reaction to both situations..

He asks, "Do you suppose that these.. were greater sinners.. because they suffered?" Then He answers His own question.. "no".   These people perished and likewise all that do not repent will perish.

Jesus takes the discussion away from life threatening circumstances and focuses on what is really important.. repentance.  The tragedy is not that these people died.. it is that they died without knowing the salvation He came to give.  All of us will die at our appointed time, unless the Lord returns.  The tragedy is not how we die or when we die.. it is tragic if we die without Jesus.

Verses 22-30 underscore this thought.  Someone asks Jesus, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?"  Jesus tells them that we must,"Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you will seek to enter and will not be able." 

There is a time for entering God's Kingdom.  But, there is also a time when the door will be closed... when it will be too late.  Those who failed to choose Jesus will want to come to Him later.. when it is too late.. and they will not be allowed into His Kingdom.

Entering God's Kingdom is not easy.  It is more than a one time ... sign on the line.. I'm saved.. and that's it... scenario.   Jesus says, "Strive.."  Struggle.. compete.. contend.. labor fervently.. fight to "enter by the narrow door."  The word translated "narrow" indicates there are obstacles close by , standing in the way.  Jesus calls us to walk with Him through this narrow door and keep walking with Him on the path that leads to our heavenly home.  It is a daily walk.. it is a complete commitment of all of ourselves to follow Him.. no matter what.

Father in heaven, You have brought us to Yourself through Your Word. You have given us real life in Jesus Christ.  We give You all our praise, with thanksgiving .  Keep us on the narrow way, walking in unity with You.  May we walk in "holiness and righteousness before [You] all our days."  Guide our feet in Your "way of peace".  We ask that Your kingdom come.. in us.. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Luke 12:35-59

"Be dressed in readiness and keep your lamps alight." Jesus tells His disciples.
We are to wait for Him like a servant who is waiting to open the door for the master and his bride coming home from the wedding.
We are to wait with anticipation and joy.
We are to wait with the table set and the food prepared to serve.
We are to be dressed in our finest clothes... for this is a monumental occasion!

Be ready!
He's coming!

The man who did not know that a thief was coming, was not ready.. but had he known... there would have been a much different result!

Be ready!
He's coming!

Be are to be  "faithful and sensible" in our readiness.
If we have responsibilities we must carry them out with integrity.
If we fail to do what we are supposed to be doing.. if we live ugly and cruel lives that harm others and selfishly satisfy our own lusts.. then we will face the wrath of our Master.
"And that slave who knew his master's will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, shall receive many lashes."  

We have been told the master's will.. to be faithful until He comes.  We have been told to be ready and waiting, for He is coming.

Jesus does not want us to think that this will be easy.  There will be conflicts, even in families.. some following Him and others not. But, like a coming storm, we must be prepared for what lies ahead.. continuing to do what is right, to do His will.. for He is coming back.. soon.

Father, may we be found doing Your will at the return of our King.  May we be good and faithful servants, waiting with eagerness, prepared for the day of great joy... our lamps lit up, the table set, and our hearts overflowing with Your great love.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

Luke 12: 13-34

Someone asks Jesus to tell his brother to "divide the family inheritance" with him.  Jesus does not intervene in this dispute... He has a greater lesson to teach His students.  "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." 

As I contemplate that statement, I am struck anew by how true it is.. and how much our world needs to wake up and see its truth.  Our lives don't consist of what we own.. what job we have.. what house we live in.. what our bank account holds.. Having an "abundance" does not guarantee happiness or satisfaction, let alone bring us to our most desperate need - salvation.

Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who has so much that he actually wants to tear down his barns and build bigger ones.  He has so much stored up that he never needs to work again. He plans on taking "[his] ease".  He's going to rest, eat, drink, and be happy.  But, he never gets to enjoy it, for God has other plans... his time is up and he can't take it with him.

Jesus says this, "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." 

How are we "rich toward God"?   By laying up our treasure in heaven instead of on earth... or in a barn.  The rich man could have used his abundance to feed the poor and needy instead of building bigger barns.  That would have been an act of faith and obedience. That would have been one way to store up treasure in heaven.

Jesus is not through with His lesson here.  He revisits His lesson on the value that God has placed on His children.  "... how much more valuable you are than birds!"  He states emphatically!

God provides food for the ravens.  He adorns the lilies of the field with great beauty.  He has made us for more than food and clothing. He has made us for His Kingdom. Anything less will never satisfy!

Have faith!  Jesus tells us.
Don't be anxious.
Stop worrying.
Stop seeking the things that will pass away.
Stop stacking up treasures that will disappear one day.

Instead, lay up treasures that will last forever.  Heavenly treasures.  What kinds of treasures are eternal?
Love.
Truth.
Joy.
Praises.

The Kingdom of God is given to us.. "gladly" by our heavenly Father.
He knows we need food and clothing.  He is our Provider.
He knows we need to take care of our families.  He is our King.
He knows that our hearts grow weary.  He is our strength.
He knows we are weak, frail, and sometimes sick..and He is our Healer.
But, He knows that what we need the most.. is Himself! 
And He wants us to seek Him with all our hearts.

Why is this so hard for us?  Why do we forget and start worrying?  Why do we think that we can solve our problems with money or possessions?  Why is our faith so little?

Father in Heaven,  You are so great and so good to us.  Everything we need, You provide.  May we learn to live with grateful and content hearts.  Give us the Kingdom and fill us with Your Love and Truth.  Your will be done, Lord, in us today, so that You will receive glory, honor, and praises!  In Jesus' name. Amen.

Luke 12:1-12

As thousands of people gathered around Jesus.. "so many..that they were stepping on one another.." 
He began to speak to His disciples...

"Beware of... hypocrisy.."  Beware of the actors, the pretenders, the deceitful.  Watch out for it spreads like leaven.. like yeast that penetrates all of the dough. The pretenders infect all those who listen to them with their deceptions.

The truth is.. "nothing"  can be concealed or hidden.
What is said in the dark will come to light.
What is whispered will be shouted from the housetop.

And.. God knows it all anyway.
If we are genuine believers in Jesus Christ.. it will be seen in our lives.
If not.. that will also be seen.

Jesus tells us not to be afraid of death, so don't be afraid of those who threaten to kill.  Only fear God. He is the only One who "has authority to cast into hell," 

God sees you. You have value in His sight.

If you confess Jesus before men, "the Son of Man shall confess [you] before the angels of God"
But, to deny Jesus will lead to Him denying you.

Speaking against Jesus may be forgiven. But, speaking against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

When in the midst of persecution, trust God to give you the words to say. He promises that the "Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

Father in heaven, search our hearts and bring to light our true selves... If we are deceived or pretending.. forgive us and bring us to true faith and salvation in Christ Jesus.  You know us better than we know ourselves. You love us and regard us with such grace.. we can never thank You enough.  May we boldly confess Jesus Christ before men.  May we speak as the Holy Spirit leads us. May we fear only God and no other.  May we know that death only means that we go home to be with You forever, if we are Yours.  May we be genuine.. walking in Your Light and living in unity with You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Luke 11:37-54  Jesus goes to lunch with a Pharisee....

When the man notices that Jesus does not go through the ritual hand-washing, he is a bit shocked.  But, Jesus has a lesson to teach:  The Pharisees were so focused on the outside that they didn't pay any attention to their insides.

First, Jesus points out that God made both the inside and the outside of man.
Then, He points out that if the inside is clean.. "then all things are clean for you."

It is so easy to just go through the motions.. go to church, sing hymns, read the Bible, even pray .. but if it is all done without the heart being involved... it means nothing.
Search me, O God.. examine me, change me, renew a right spirit in me.

V 42   Lesson two - The Pharisees tithed even mint and rue - the smallest of herbs or spices, but they disregarded  "justice and the love of God".  They majored in the minor things and left out the most vital things of God.

V 43 The Pharisees loved being better than everyone else.  They took the best seats.  They lapped up the "respectful greetings".  They were so full of pride.   Jesus said that they were really like "concealed tombs".  Unclean.  Making everyone who came in contact with them unclean and they didn't even know it.

When a lawyer protested, Jesus turned His attention towards them.. the ones who were experts in the law.
 v46 They weighed down men "with burdens hard to bear", while never helping anyone.
 v47  They built tombs for the prophets, even though their fathers were the ones who killed them.
 v52  They stopped men from entering into the "knowledge" of the Word.  They held the key, being scholars of the Word, but they refused to enter into it and kept all others out too.


The scribes and Pharisees hated being criticized and corrected by Jesus.  They became hostile and began to plot how to make Him say something wrong so they could condemn Him.

Father, help us to be focused on the right things, the things that really matter.. to You.  May our hearts be open and clean before You.  Fill us with Your Spirit so that we can live genuine, surrendered, obedient, faithful lives before You.  May we love You, love justice, and have mercy.  May we give to those in need, especially leading them to You.  Keep us in Your perfect will, we pray .Amen.

Luke 29-36  Jesus calls the generation "wicked" because they kept asking for a sign.  He had done miracle after miracle, but they wanted something more.  Jesus refused to perform for them, but told them that "no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah."   He goes on to say that Jonah "became a sign to the Ninevites."    Jonah, himself, became a sign.. .  Likewise, Jesus, Himself is the "sign" - the attesting miracle - greater than Jonah;  greater than Solomon; and Matthew adds - "greater than the temple". 

The Queen of the South will testify against the generation that would not receive Jesus.
The men of Ninevah, those who repented at the time of Jonah, will also testify against them.
This generation had God in the flesh,  Jesus Christ, right in front of them.  They were able to hear His voice and to recognize the Truth as He spoke.. but they refused, unlike these two examples.

Jesus talks about light and darkness.  A clear eye lets in light that will fill the whole body.  But, an unhealthy eye, blinded to light, will keep the whole body full of darkness.  Jesus did not want anyone to miss the Truth. He spoke clearly and He never hid the Light...  Likewise, He instructs His followers to not hide or cover the light, but to put in "on the lamp stand, in order that those who enter may see the light." 

What does that mean to us, today?  If we have received Jesus, the Light of the World, then we also become light.  Our eyes clearly see Him and receive Him as Lord and King.  This floods our whole selves with His light. Every part of us will shine for Him.. all we do and say will reflect His light.

But, if we do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, there is darkness in us and our eyes are blinded to the truth.

Father, our prayer is for those who still do not see You or listen to Your Word.  Shine through us so that they will see the Light of Jesus Christ and repent, confessing their sins, and receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  I pray for our nation today, asking that the Truth of Your Word will fill this land like never before. We need You now.  Your Kingdom come we pray. Amen.

Luke 11: 14-28   Jesus freed a man from a demon that had taken away his ability to speak.  When the man spoke.. for the first time in who knows how long... the crowd "marveled".  I imagine that man had a lot to say.. and his first words were probably glorifying God.

But, the Pharisees couldn't rejoice in this great miracle because they didn't want to admit that Jesus was the Messiah, or even that He was from God.  Instead, they gave the credit to Beelzebul, Satan.
Jesus patiently gives them a lesson about the way the spirit world works.

First of all, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste: and a house divided against itself falls."  Even Satan can't cast himself out. The only way a "strong man" is plundered is by someone who is stronger still.  If Satan or his minions are removed from their "house"... it must be by Someone greater!   And, Jesus says it is "the finger of God"  that is strong enough!

Jesus also teaches that "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters."  Satan is certainly not "with" Jesus, nor will he "gather with" Him. Satan  opposes Jesus and scatters - puts to flight, dissipates, disperses.  Those who were opposing Jesus were following Satan, not God.

An unclean spirit who goes "out of a man" Jesus says, "passes through waterless places seeking rest..."  They need a place to inhabit.  So, Jesus teaches, they will go back to the place they were and bring more demons with them.. " seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of the man becomes worse than the first."   

Our enemy is strong but our Savior is stronger!  We need to be "with" Jesus.. on His side.. so that we might gather with Him - to accompany Him, lead with Him, come together with Him..

"... blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. "  Jesus tells the crowd.  Those who were refusing to be on Jesus' side were not blessed.. in fact Jesus is about to preach about that.  But, for now, let us stop and think about the greatness of our Savior who came to free us from the tyranny of Satan.  He alone is strong enough.. and He desires.. longs for.. us to be on His side!

Thank You Lord!  All praise and glory and honor belongs to You.  May Your Kingdom come to all the earth.  We need You!  Father,  our nation is full of darkness and division.  It will fall unless You intervene.  We pray for the peace that Christ brings to come here and fill our hearts and minds as we cast all our cares on You. Your will be done!  Amen.

Luke 11:1-13   This passage is slightly different than Matthew 6:9-13 -Jesus teaching His disciples  how to pray:

 "When you pray say:  

Father, hallowed be Thy name. 

Thy kingdom come.  

Give us each day our daily bread. and forgive us our sins, 

For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

 And lead us not into temptation."

This is such a powerful prayer...if we understand and follow the pattern He has given us. We are invited to come into the holy Presence of the Father when we pray. Our Holy God in heaven, sits on a throne surrounded by brilliant radiance and beauty. He is worshiped constantly by saints and angels.  Lightning and thunder and majestic glory surround this holy place.  And it is here that we ask Him to hallow His name.   In a world where the name of the Lord has become anything but sacred.. Jesus teaches us to ask the Father for cataclysmic change in the thinking of mankind. And He tells us that if we ask... we will receive!

The same is true when we ask the Father to come reign.. for His Kingdom to come.  Jesus will say to the Pharisees in verse 20.. "But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."   The Kingdom of God - the reign of God comes with power and authority over everything.  Over Satan. Over darkness. Over evil. Over sickness.  Over poverty. Over pain.  Yes, yes, yes...  please.. Thy Kingdom come, Lord!

We all have two essential needs that God wants to meet.. and that only He can meet :
 daily bread and forgiveness of sins - provisions for life - physically and spiritually.
We just have to ask.

Jesus also teaches us to commit ourselves to forgive others and to ask for His help to keep from straying.  Right relationships with others and with Him are vital.. we need to pray about this consistently and persistently!

He gives us two parables to help us understand how to pray this way:
First, we must learn to pray with "persistence", like the man who needed bread from his neighbor.
Second, we need to learn that God is the giver of only "good" gifts, like a father who gives his son a fish and not a snake, or an egg and not a scorpion.

We are to pray for what we need.  We are to trust that God will give us what He knows we need.
Ask. Seek. Knock.  Repeat!
Trust Him.  Keep on trusting.  No matter what.

Father in heaven, we come to You with our hearts yielded and still before You.  You are the Mighty God and we ask that You would bring glory and honor and praise to Your Name and that Your Kingdom would come in fullness of joy and power and glory. Change the way we pray, that we might truly do as Jesus has taught us. We look to You as the Giver of the Holy Spirit. Come abide in us we pray. Amen.

Luke 10:38-42
It is Martha who invites Jesus into her home.
But, it is Mary who sits at His feet to listen.

It is Martha who was busy with all the preparations and serving.
It is Mary who puts Jesus first and leaves the work to Martha.

It is Martha who complains about her sister for not helping.
It is Jesus who says that Mary has chosen "the good part". 

Like Martha, we become "worried and bothered about so many things..." 
Especially this time of the year...

What presents should we buy?
Who should we buy gifts for?
Will we have enough... money, food, gifts... ?
What if someone is unhappy ..... what if I'm unhappy?
How do we do it all and not be "worried and bothered"?

I don't want to go through the motions... I don't want to buy something for someone that doesn't mean something.. and I end up frozen, unable to decide, fretting.. "worried and bothered".  

Anyone else like that?

Jesus says... choose the "good part".  The part that will not be taken away. What is the only thing that is not taken away... the eternal thing.. ?  Love.   Choose love.

Love sits at the feet of Jesus and listens.
Love doesn't worry about the "many things".. but focuses on the One.

Father in heaven,  help me to choose well, to choose Jesus.  Help me to see as You see and love as You love.  Let Your peace and grace fill our hearts this Christmas season, so that we might enjoy and celebrate the Good News of Christ, who came to save us.  We come to sit at Your feet,  even now.  To bask in Your amazing love.  Come and fill us now with Your Presence... I ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen

Luke 10:25-37

It is a lawyer, an expert in the Law, that asks the question, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"   He knew the answer already, but he was testing Jesus.  They both agreed that the vital commandments are  " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength , and with all you mind. and your neighbor as yourself."

But, the lawyer was not quite satisfied that this was sufficient.. he had another question, "And who is my neighbor?"  

He thought he knew the answer to this too.. but, he was probably not prepared for the answer that Jesus gave him.  The story of the good Samaritan is well known.
One man beaten and left for dead.
One priest unwilling to stop and help.
One Levite also unwilling to stop and help.
One Samaritan man... "felt compassion".. came.. bandaged. him ... brought him to an inn, paid for his care, and even promised to pay anything else owed.

Jesus said "Which of these three proved to be a neighbor...?"  Who acted as a friend, a countryman.. a fellow human being?  The lawyer knew this answer too.. "The one who showed mercy toward him." 

Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same." 

Who is our neighbor?  It is the one who we can be a neighbor to.. anyone who needs compassion.. and we know that everyone needs compassion...

"Go and do the same." Jesus said.  And His message has not changed.  Love God and love others.

John, the apostle, wrote about this love.. this love that starts with loving God and continues with loving others.  " Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love."  ( I John 4:7-8)   He goes on to add.. " We love because He first loved us. If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.  And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also."  ( I John 4:19-21) 

Perhaps we find it too easy to say we love God and others. The lawyer probably did.. at first.  But, would he have stopped and helped the beaten man?  Would he "love his neighbor"?   Did he go away convicted?  Did Jesus' words bring him to repent of his lack of love?

How does this speak to us?  John also wrote, "Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and in truth."  

Father in heaven, fill us with Your holy love, that we might love You with all of our being and also love others.  May we really see those who are in need and commit ourselves to care for them.  Give us hearts of compassion for others and cast out our fears and worries, for we have become hardened by this world and skeptical of others. Move us by Your Spirit who indwells us as we submit ourselves to Your will once again.  May You be praised and glorified in our lives as we walk in Your light and love.  We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Luke 10: 1-24

 Jesus chooses 70 men to send out ahead of Him. As they go two by two, they are instructed on how to go:

Pray - for the harvest ( v2)
Take no other resources ( v4)
Enter with peace ( v5)
Stay in one place (v7)
Eat whatever is set before you ( v8)
Heal the sick (v9)
And preach the nearness of God's kingdom ( v9)

The city that received the gospel would keep the peace they were greeted with.
But, the city that would not receive it would be cursed.  God will judge according to His measurements - "The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me." (v16)

Rejection of God's servants is rejection of Him.  Judgement is certain for the home and the city that refuses to listen to the Truth.  This is true of nations also.  May God help our nation to turn back to Him!

As the 70 return, rejoicing at what God did through them, Jesus cautions them to "not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven." 

Jesus rejoiced to see "Satan fall from heaven like lightning".  
He rejoiced that the Father chose "babes' instead of the "wise and intelligent" to reveal these things to.
He rejoiced that His disciples got to see things that prophets had longed to see.

Jesus makes and interesting statement..
" All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."  


The relationship between the Father and the Son was a great hidden mystery until Jesus came to earth, sent by the Father to bring the Kingdom of God near. As we think back through biblical history, there were only a few times that God intervened so powerfully and directly in earthly events - at the flood, at the calling of Abraham, at the Exodus, and at the time of David becoming king of Israel. When Jesus came to earth as a baby boy, grew up, ministered, healed, delivered, and taught the Truth about God's Kingdom - it was the greatest intervention, the most momentous historical event that had ever happened.  Yet, there will be one more time.. when Christ returns.. that will be greater still.

Father in heaven, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.

Luke 9: 49-62  Being a disciple of Jesus - a student of the Master - doesn't come easily.  There are always new lessons to be learned...

In verse 49 John wants to stop those who were using the name of Jesus to cast out demons, but weren't with the twelve.  Jesus accepted those others saying, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you."   There are others that Jesus called and used for ministry.  That's good news, not bad. John and the other apostles needed to learn to accept and receive others... So do we. As long as they are "not against" us..

In verses 51-56 Luke tells us that the Samaritans would not receive Jesus in their villages because He was headed to Jerusalem.  James and John wanted to call down fire!  This was not acceptable to Jesus.. " You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."   Another lesson to be learned. Jesus never physically attacked people while He was walking on earth.. where did this idea of calling down fire come from?  Not Him.  Only one kind of spirit tempts us to kill, steal, or destroy.

In verses 57-62  Luke tells of three who wanted to be disciples:

The first said he would follow Jesus anywhere... but Jesus told him that "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."  We are not told if the man still wanted to follow or not...

The second was called by Jesus but wanted to go bury his father first.. " Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but for you, go and proclaim  everywhere the kingdom of God."  Jesus told him.

The third wanted to go say goodbye to his family.  "But Jesus said to him, ' No one after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." 

These are hard things to understand and to do...   We want to put everything else first.. before Jesus - family, homes, jobs, personal opinions.  It seems very natural to want to say goodbye to our family or to bury a father.  Why did Jesus say what He said?  We need to know that nothing is as important as the message of the Kingdom of God. NOTHING.

O Father in heaven, Majesty on high, holy and true, the only God,  forgive us for putting other things, other people, and other purposes before the vital message of Your Kingdom.  Time is running out.  People are dying. The world is full of wars, violence, sickness, and death.  Their only hope is the Good news of Jesus Christ who came to save men.  I want to follow You with steadfastness and devotion... to walk with my face toward You and not turn back.  Heal my blindness at the needs around me and make me bold to speak the Word of Truth.  I pray this in the name of Jesus. amen.

Luke 9:48  "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for he who is least among you, this is the one who is great." 

The argument started again.. twelve chosen apostles...looking to be greater than each other. To be in charge, to take over the management; to be the best.   Jesus addresses this issue over and over.  Mankind is always looking the wrong direction to define themselves., to promote themselves.... higher, greater, wealthier, smarter... whatever fits our definition of success.

God doesn't define success in the same way. Be -  "the least"... the lowliest.  Jesus tells them again, on the last day.. at the last supper together.. "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors'. But not so with you, but let him who is greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as the servant." 

Jesus led by example.. "But I am among you as the one who serves."  The King of kings and Lord of lords, the Son of God, the Anointed One... intentionally became a servant.  "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of man. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross." ( Phil. 2:5-8)


It is in serving that we become more like Jesus. This is the direction that God would have us travel in our lives.  Receiving a child in His name. Being like the youngest in the group. Waiting on others instead of wanting to be waited on ourselves. Laying down our lives.. taking up our crosses.. and following Him.

This Christmas season, shall we make this our purpose?  Our choice?  Not gifts or traditions or great and exciting experiences.. but serving. Receiving. Accepting.

Father in heaven, show us the way and help us to walk as Jesus walked, in humble service.  Open our eyes to see the ways that we can receive, accept, and serve others in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Luke 9 :1-45

 Jesus sent out the twelve to preach and to heal.  Even Herod heard about what was happening and wanted to see Jesus.  Herod confessed that he had John the Baptist killed and was "perplexed" because some thought that Jesus was John, risen from the dead.  Others thought that Jesus was Elijah or another prophet.  But, God revealed to Peter that Jesus was "the Christ of God".  The Messiah, the Anointed One.  Jesus referred to Himself as "The Son of Man".

"Son of man" - this man, this particular man of flesh and bone.. who came to bring the good news of God's Kingdom, and to die at the hands of men who refused to believe Him.  "Who is this man..?" 
they asked... He is the One that they never expected.

Jesus fed the 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, and then asked the disciples who the multitude thought He was... and who they thought He was. Then He revealed the fact that He would be rejected and would suffer. "But, they did not understand..."  He was transfigured on the mountain before Peter, James, and John.. but they didn't understand that He would suffer before He would be glorified.

God calls us to listen to Jesus.  To let His words sink into our ears. He came to this earth as a man, so that we could be saved. His salvation would come, not by the overthrowing of a government, but by a cross. He would deny Himself, take up His cross, lay down His life and taste death.. for us.  And to follow Him, requires us to do the same.. "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."  

Daily.. we must choose to be "all in"...every day.

O Lord, help us to understand and to do Your good will.  Your love is great and we have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ our King. Today.. we commit ourselves to follow Jesus.  Help us to accomplish this by Your Spirit at work in us.  Thank You. Amen.

Luke 8:40-56  Jesus revealed His authority over nature by stopping the storm.  He revealed His authority over the evil ones by delivering the Legion.  Now He reveals once again His authority over life and death.

Two people - a woman stricken with a condition that caused her to hemorrhage for 12 years and a 12 year old girl who was dying.

 Jesus is on His way to the girl's house with her father when the woman simply touches the hem of His robe from the back.  This woman was desperate but did not want to be seen.  This is like us sometimes..  We know we must have help, but feel unworthy of even seeking the One who is our only hope!   She wanted to "escape notice".. but Jesus noticed anyway!  When He called her out, she came "trembling".  But, Jesus was not condemning her.. He was commending her!  "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." 

As all of this is taking place, the young girl dies.  Jesus encourages her father to keep believing.  Jesus goes into the house, takes the girl by the hand and calls her to "arise".  And she does.

A daughter restored to her parents. And a "daughter" restored to health.
12 years they had joyfully raised this precious child... 12 years the woman had suffered continually.

We would choose the joy over the suffering, naturally; but both of these were saved by the One who alone is able to do all things!

Father in heaven, we are thankful for this Word of truth, reminding us again that nothing is impossible for You. Jesus Christ is Lord of all, appointed by You to bring us life.  You are our healer. You are our life-giver. Every cell in our bodies is subject to Your command. Take our lives.. take our bodies.. we offer them as living sacrifices... today and every day.. for this is our "spiritual service of worship" ( Romans 12:1).  O how we praise You , for You have shown us such mercy and grace.  Fill us with Your Spirit that we might walk in righteousness and joy and peace today.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

Luke 8:26-39  Every time I read this passage I am reminded that Jesus crossed a stormy sea for ONE purpose - to meet a man filled with a Legion of demons.  They land, He heals, and then they leave....

In my thinking this is a divine appointment.. an intentional meeting.. all for the salvation and deliverance of a man so crazy that he lived in a tomb.. had no clothes.. could not be shackled.

Yet, the people of the land were so afraid that they begged Jesus to leave.  And He did. But, the delivered man, a transformed man, was given a mission.. to go and tell what God had done.  "And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him." 

We must remember that NOTHING is impossible for our God.  In our thinking, a crazy, demon-filled man would be the last person to think could be transformed like this..  but Jesus... shows us that He loves and saves even the most hopeless.

Thank God!  As I pray continually for unsaved loved ones.. I wonder how they will ever turn their hearts back to Him.. but, I KNOW that HE can do this.. and only He can do it.


Father in heaven, You have given the Son all authority. You sent Him to bring salvation to the world because of Your great love. Thank You!  Father, lead my unsaved loved ones to Jesus.  Speak to them. Change their hearts.  Bring them to repentance and salvation through Christ Jesus.  Give them each a divine appointment with You, today.  I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Luke 8:22-25  

It is Jesus who directs them to get into the boat and launch out to the other side. 

It is Jesus who falls asleep as they are sailing along.

 It is Jesus who remains asleep as the storm sweeps down and floods the boat. 

It is Jesus who rebukes the wind and waves... 

It is Jesus who asks, "Where is your faith?"

"Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"

Who, indeed, is this?

The writer of Hebrews says it so well... 

"... in these last days [God] has spoken to us in His Son,

whom He appointed heir of all things,

through whom also He made the world.

And He is the radiance of His glory

and the exact representation of His nature,

and upholds all things by the word of His power." ( 1:2-3)

Jesus, who sits at the "right hand of the Majesty on high."  The One who has a name that is above all names. The One who is higher than the angels.  The One who has been given "the Righteous Scepter" of God's Kingdom.  Jesus is the One who was anointed.. and the One who was crucified so that we might be saved. 

Jesus commands the wind. Think of that!! There is nothing that He does not have authority over! 

Father, we struggle with the things in this world that are beyond us.. health issues, family issues, world issues.  We live in a world where sin seems to reign.. but we know.. we KNOW.. that this is not Truth.  Your Word has shown us that JESUS reigns.  He is the heir of all things.  He is the One who upholds all things..  And, we, who believe, are His possessions.  Where is our faith?  O God.. increase it! Remember us, that we are weak, and forgive us for our failures to completely trust and rest in You. 

Once again, I ask that You take control of me.. this body, I offer as a living sacrifice.. set apart for You.  I'm all in.. You are my God and I am Your child, in Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. 

Luke 8:1-21  The crowds are gathering around Jesus. They are coming from every direction, seeking to hear Him and to be healed by Him.  As Jesus travels with His twelve apostles, He is also accompanied by a group of women who provide some of the financial support needed.   Luke names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna.. "and many others", who make up this group.  It appears that Mary, His mother is not yet part of this group, as she turns up later with Jesus' brothers. ( v19)
Jesus says, "My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."  Perhaps this was a gentle ( or not so gentle)  call to His earthly family...???

It is at this point that Jesus begins teaching with parables. When His disciples ask why, Jesus tells them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, in order that 'Seeing they may not see and hearing they may not understand..' "  This is, to me, a difficult statement....  Why would God keep some from seeing or understanding?   These words were spoken to Isaiah from the Heavenly Throne room,  from Almighty God.  He knew that some would receive the Word and that many would not, but He commissioned Isaiah to preach anyway.  Jesus and His disciples would also preach the Word, knowing that some would receive it and many would not.  Jesus makes two statements that are vital to this situation:

"As He said these things, He would call out, 'He who has ears, let him hear." ( v9)
"Therefore take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be take away from him." ( v18)

The parable of the sower does help us to understand a little more:

The Sower goes out to sow the seed.. the Word of God.
Some falls beside the road and is trampled..  Some people hear the Word, but "The devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved." 
Some seeds fall on rocky soil.  Some people hear and are excited about it, but they soon move on to other things.
Some seeds fall on thorny ground.  Some hear the Word, but allow the things of the world to choke it out and nothing comes from it.
But, some of the seeds fall on good soil and produce a good crop.  Some people hear the Word, "these are the ones who have heart the word in an honest and good heart and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance . " 

To be careful of how we listen to the Word, we must be intentional about listening.  God promises us that those who seek Him will find Him, when they seek with all their heart.  It is the good and honest heart that makes a difference here.

The second parable in this chapter explains a bit more.. we don't light a lamp and then cover it up and put it under a bed.  We put it on a lampstand and let it give light to all who come in.  If we have received His Word with anything but a "honest and good heart".. there is no light to shine. It goes out.
Whether from Satan snatching it, rocky soil or thorns choking it, worries and cares or riches and pleasures.. whatever is more important than holding fast the Word,  there will be no light.  But, if we have listened carefully and intentionally.. if we hold fast to it and persevere in it.. then there will be light and fruit will come.  

Father in heaven, we thank You for granting us the opportunity to know the mysteries of Your kingdom.  Thank You for ears to hear and hearts to receive the Truth of Your Word.  May we always listen intentionally, carefully, with good and honest hearts.  May the light of Your Word, the lamp to our feet, shine brightly so that others may also see and hear and understand.  Have mercy on those who have not yet received Your Word, Lord.. that You may become their Lord and Savior also.. to the glory and honor and praise of Your Holy Name.  We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.

Luke 7: 36-50   Simon, a Pharisee, invited Jesus to come dine with him.  But, when Jesus came, Simon did not even offer water for Jesus to wash His feet, a kiss of greeting, or anointing oil for His head.  These common courtesies should have been extended to any guest, let alone One as special as Jesus.  The Bible Knowledge Commentary says this, "In effect he ( Simon) did not seem to think Jesus could do anything for him, for he did not consider Jesus a prophet."  Simon saw himself as above Jesus, more pure, more righteous.. and therefore treated Jesus poorly.

The woman, however, showed her love for Jesus by anointing His feet with the costly perfume and her own tears.  She kissed His feet, " a sign of utmost respect, submission, and affection".

Two contrasting reactions.  Simon quickly condemned both the woman, "a sinner".. and Jesus.. "If this man were a prophet he would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner." 

Jesus tells a parable to Simon.  Two debtors, one owing 500 denarii and one owing 50, were both forgiven their debts.  Which would love the moneylender more?  Simon knew the answer.. of course the one forgiven more.  Jesus applies this to the current situation.. Simon and the woman were both debtors. But, she knew that she had been forgiven much and she was so thankful!  She loved Jesus very much for this gift of mercy.   Simon didn't even know that he needed forgiveness.  He didn't see the debt that he owed to the Savior.  He didn't love Jesus, because he didn't receive the forgiveness that he so desperately needed.

Jesus released the woman from her sin. "Your sins are forgiven."  But, Simon and his associates remained "righteous" in their own eyes and unrepentant before the Lord.

Are we forgiven much?  Do we recognize our need for the Savior's gift of mercy?  Or do we go around like Simon, perhaps curious enough about Jesus to start a conversation, but unwilling to let down our walls and admit that we have a debt we cannot pay?

Father in heaven, thank You for bringing me to Christ.  I know that there was a great debt that I could never pay, but that Jesus paid it all!  What a wonder!  And now, this day, bring me again to His feet, to worship, to anoint His feet with my tears of gratitude and love. Keep me in Your love and in the steadfastness of Jesus. Thank You that I can know Your grace that is sufficient for me.  You will complete that work that You have begun in me, for You are faithful and able.  I praise You, Lord.
Amen.

Luke 7: 1-10  The healing of the centurion's slave gives a lesson about faith.  The Jewish elders considered the centurion "worthy" because he had built the synagogue there in Capernaum. But, the man, himself, did not consider himself worthy of even having Jesus come under his roof.  This Roman centurion understood more about Jesus than the Jewish elders did.  He understood that Jesus was greater than him.. with more authority than his.  He knew he was not worthy in relation to the Lord.   Jesus considered this man a man of faith.

11-17   Jesus traveled to Nain.  Here they were met with a funeral service of a man whose mother was without any other sons, a widow, with no hope or help.  Jesus "felt compassion for her".  So, He touched the coffin and spoke to the dead man!  And, the dead man spoke back!  "And fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, 'A great prophet has arisen among us!' and ' God has visited His people."  ( v16)

"God has visited His people." Isn't this what we long for more than anything?  We pray, "Let Your Kingdom come.."  and this is what we are asking, " Come visit Your people. visit us,  Lord!"  

When John sends his disciples to ask, "Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?"  Jesus responds.. "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them." (v22)  God visited His people.. His Kingdom came.. and the world was given Hope.

Father in heaven, we desire to know Your Presence.. to know that You have visited us. You are here and You will not forsake us. May we be gripped with fear and glorify Your Holy Name as Jesus abides in us through Your Spirit.  May the wonder and glory and power of Jesus be made known through us today so that You may be exalted!  We know our unworthiness for such a request, Lord.
But, we come humbly to Your throne of grace in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is worthy.
Amen.

Luke 6:12- 49

The next thing that Luke records is the calling of the twelve to be apostles. Disciple actually means learner or pupil, while apostle means delegate; commissioner; messenger, or sent one; an ambassador.

We know the names of these men well: Peter and Andrew, James and John; Phillip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James, son of Alphaeus and Simon, the Zealot; Judas, the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.  Jesus spent the whole night praying before choosing these 12 men as His set apart ambassadors.  Wonder what He was thinking about the choice of Judas?

As they came down from the mountain, there was a "great multitude of His disciples and a great throng of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon."  They came to hear Him and to be healed.  And they were.

Luke tells us that Jesus gazed at His disciples.. His pupils.. and began teaching.  This section parallels chapter 5-6 in Matthew, the Beatitudes.. although it is condensed.  Luke emphasizes some of the lessons:

Three "blesseds"-  the poor; the hungry; and the hated; (Those who felt anything but "blessed")
Three "woes" - the rich; the well-fed; and the well-spoken-of; ( Those who thought they had it all!)
Three commands -
1. Love your enemies - doing good to those who hate you, blessing those who curse you; and praying for those who mistreat you;
2. Give to those who ask - give more than what another takes from you; give without demanding something in return;  Give in a way that is above and beyond the ordinary.
3. Be merciful - don't judge; don't condemn, but pardon.

Three incredible statements;
1. "But love your enemies and do good and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to the ungrateful and evil men.:

2. "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into you lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." 

3. "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart." 

So much more in this chapter as the Lord Jesus turns the world on its head, so to speak.  Everything that the Jewish leaders had taught the people - keeping the Law and traditions as they sought wealth and honor and obedience - is completely thrown aside by the teaching of Jesus.

Love, give, show mercy... Jesus says that to hear these words and to do what He says is like building a house on a firm foundation.. on rock.  But, to ignore these words is like building a house on sand.  When the storm comes, the house.. the life.. will fall down.

Father in heaven, help us to know Your word, to do what Jesus has taught, and to live for You in all we do and say.  It is impossible for us, but nothing is impossible with You.  May Your will be done in each of us today..
In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.

Luke 6  In chapter 5 Luke recorded how Jesus revealed His power, authority, willingness, purpose and mission.  He also gave us examples of those who followed Jesus, leaving everything else and going "all in".   Jesus testified that He had come to call "sinners to repentance".  This was His primary mission.  In this chapter, Luke gives us a detailed account of Jesus' teaching.   It begins with a lesson about the Sabbath.

Verses1-11

When the Pharisees saw the disciples picking some grain, rubbing it in their hands, and eating it, they criticized them for breaking the Law.   Jesus did not defend their actions, but instead reminded them that David had actually eaten sacred bread from the house of God when he was hungry. Then He makes a startling  proclamation.. " The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath"!   Mark added this statement... "The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath."  In Exodus 23:12 God established the Law about the Sabbath day.. " Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from your labor in order that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as the stranger, may refresh themselves. "   The Sabbath was made for man.. for rest.  Colossians 2:16-17 says, "Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or  a new moon or a Sabbath day - things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ."  The Pharisees  were judging the disciples by their own philosophy about the Sabbath, not by the Truth.  Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.. is the Lord of all.. including the Law.

On the next Sabbath, Jesus entered a tabernacle and was being watched closely to see what He would do.  Was the man with a withered hand planted in that audience?  Maybe..  But, Jesus knew what they were thinking and He knew that the man was in need.  So, He called him to stand up and come to Him.  "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life, or to destroy it?"   What a question!  They had no answer.  Mark tells us that Jesus was angry and "grieved at their hardness of heart."  Jesus commanded the man to stretch out his hand and as he did so, it was restored.  This is such an amazing miracle!  How could anyone witness such a thing and not be astounded?  Yet, the Pharisees "were filled with rage and discussed together what they might do to Jesus." 

The Lord of the Sabbath declared and proved that doing good on the Sabbath was lawful and right.
The Pharisees were filled with rage.  They were being proved wrong in all of their personal  beliefs and they were unwilling to surrender to the Truth.

Father, once again we are reminded that You alone are God.  You established the heavens and the earth.  You proclaimed the Word and the Law.  You have established what is right and what is wrong. You have declared what is good and what is evil.   Keep us walking in the Light of Your Word, filling us with Your Spirit so that we may do only that which pleases You.  Deliver us from evil and from hardened hearts. Transform us by the renewing of our minds.  Our world has been filled with darkness Lord, and we pray that Your Kingdom will come and that Jesus will call many more sinners to repentance. We pray that Your good and perfect will be done in us today. Amen.

Luke 5:27-39  This chapter reminds me of the contemporary *song that speaks of diving into the deep end.. head first... being all in - completely abandoned into the Hands of Jesus.  The leper was all in.. falling on his marred face; the paralyzed man and his friends went all in.. digging a hole in the roof and letting the consequences fall as they may;  and now.. Levi, the tax-gatherer..

Levi, had a great job.  He was very well off, although despised by his Jewish kin, for he worked for the Romans.  But, when Jesus "noticed" him and called him,  Levi ( Matthew) "left everything behind and rose and began to follow Him." 

All in...  Levi didn't look at what he had just walked away from, but he looked at those he knew and held a reception at his house so that others could meet Jesus too.  The Pharisees were watching.. and complaining.. " Why do you eat and drink with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" they asked the disciples.  But Jesus is the one that answers, " It is not those who are well who need a physician but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." 

They could not argue with this, so they posed another question.  This one was a criticism about the disciple's lack of fasting.  Jesus also explains this, comparing the disciples to a groom's attendants.
A time of fasting will come later.  Right now, it wasn't needed.

Jesus uses a parable to teach them that He was doing a new work. You wouldn't cut a piece from a new garment to patch an old one.  You wouldn't put new wine in an old wineskin either.  Both things would be foolish and useless.  If they wanted to keep the old traditions but take part of what Jesus was revealing to them... it wouldn't work.  To truly follow Jesus you need to go "all in"!

This chapter gives us three amazing examples of people who went "all in" with Jesus.  The leper who fell on his face, the paralyzed man who picked up his stretcher and walked, and Matthew, who left everything he had worked for to follow Jesus.  This is what Jesus calls us to do.. " If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." ( Luke 9:23)  Try to save your life and you will lose it, Jesus said,  but lose it for Him.. and you will be saved.

Father in heaven,  You have called us to follow Jesus.. to be all in.. head first in the deep end.  Help us to do this.. daily.. to lay down our burdens, our worries, our fears.. and our wills;  to take up our cross and follow Jesus.  Take my life and let it be.. consecrated fully, Lord, to Thee!  I present my body to You as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is my spiritual service of worship. Amen

 (* Song "All In"  is by Matthew West)

Luke 5:17-ff

Jesus is always intentional in what He says and does.  In this passage we see Him sitting in a house, teaching and healing, surrounded by Pharisees and teachers of the law.  When the paralyzed man is let down through the roof and set right in front of Jesus,  He spoke these words, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you."  This was not what anyone expected to hear.  But, it was what the man needed the most.  Jesus knew the criticism that would follow.  That didn't matter.. for He was revealing something vital that they all needed to know.

The scribes and Pharisees were shocked by this.  They considered it blasphemy.  They recognized it as a statement that only God could make.  There were only two ways that this could be interpreted... either Jesus was an evil man and speaking blasphemy... or He was God.  As they were considering these choices.. "reasoning in [their] hearts",  Jesus entered into the discussion.  "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins have been forgiven you, or to say, Rise and walk?"  

If Jesus was an evil man, speaking evil, would He or could He heal a paralyzed man?  Jesus helped them in their reasoning.. "But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins... He said to the paralytic - I say to you, rise, and take up your stretcher and go home."
And the man did. Off he went, "glorifying God."  And not only him, "and they were all seized with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, ' We have seen remarkable things today." 

They had to come to the conclusion that Jesus was not evil, was not blaspheming, but was most certainly God, Himself.  His authority is established.  He healed a paralyzed man with His words which confirmed His power and authority to also forgive sins.  The fact that they were "filled with fear" reveals that they recognized the Presence of God.

Father in heaven,  may we recognize Your presence in our lives today and glorify You, giving You all our praise and thanksgiving.  Every gift we have is from Your hands.  Even this moment, I thank You for the Word of God... the Truth that reveals the power and authority of Jesus to forgive sins and to heal bodies.  Thank You for the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Who takes away the sin of the world.  Thank You for family and friends and for the church.  I pray for those who are still walking in darkness, asking that You would open blind eyes and change hearts of stone.. that all of my family will know You and walk in faith by Your Spirit, in the Name and authority of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

Luke 5 :12-

Jesus comes face to face with a man "full of leprosy".  This man "fell on his face and implored Him, saying 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'"   Think about this... a man full of leprosy would be greatly marred... perhaps missing a nose or fingers; disfigured and broken.  Yet he fell on his face... risking further damage to his body, he was totally counting on Jesus and holding nothing back.  If Jesus didn't heal him right then, he would be completely done in...  "Blessed are the poor... " Jesus taught.  The poor.. the beggar, the mendicant - so desperate that if help is not given, life will end.
The leper had no other hope, no other life-line, no other way to turn.

But, Jesus said, "I am willing; be cleansed."  And the  man was cleansed, "immediately" !

We are in the same desperate need as the leper. Maybe our body parts are still attached, but without Jesus, our hearts are stone. We are dead. We have no hope, no life-line, and no other way to turn.
Only Jesus can cleanse us from our sins, our guilt, and our lostness.

And, He is willing!  Thanks be to our God!

Father in heaven, You have given us life through Jesus Christ the Lord and we are so thankful!
May Your name be glorified in all the earth and may the name of Jesus be lifted up and exalted.
Help us to know You in the way that this poor man did, as our life-giver, our healer, our Hope, and our All in all! Amen.

Luke 5:1-11  The crowd pressed in to hear Jesus, but the fishermen were at the edge of the lake, washing their nets.  Jesus got into Simon's boat and asked him to put out a little way from the edge and sat there to teach a little more.  When He was done He told Simon to put his nets out again in deeper water.  They had fished all night without success, but they did what Jesus said and caught more fish than what two boats could hold...

Simon fell at Jesus' feet.  He knew that this was something so extraordinary that everything else would fall far short.  So when Jesus called him to follow Him,  Peter, James, and John.... all left everything behind to follow Jesus.

Jesus asks nothing less than this for all of us. What is He calling us to leave behind?   Family?  Jobs?
Comfortable places?  Comfort zones?  Our own agendas?

Have we missed the extraordinary that Jesus wants to do for us because we have tried and failed and we are tired.  E.M. Bounds wrote about this in the book Waiting on God.  "Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the Everlasting One, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?"  ( Isaiah 40) And because of this inexhaustible power.. He gives to us strength as we wait upon Him.. "they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."  Bounds says, "Believers are to live a heavenly life, in the very presence and love and joy of God. They are to live where God lives; they need God's strength to rise there. To them that wait on Him it shall be given."

Father, You spread Your wings and we find rest from our weakness and strength for whatever lies ahead.  Thank You.  Help us to continually lay down our lives, our burdens, our fears, our wills... and follow Jesus with confidence that He will never fail to hold us up.  Nothing in this world is worth holding on to, so help us to fully trust You every day and every hour. Amen.

Luke 4 :14 -

The ministry of Jesus began after He returned to Galilee following the 40 days in the wilderness.  Luke tells us that Jesus "began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all."  Jesus chooses Nazareth, His home town to read the Isaiah passage that He fulfilled..

" The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, 

because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.  

He sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,

 and recovery of sight to the blind, 

to set free those who are downtrodden, 

to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord."

( v 18-19) 

This is a quote from Isaiah 61:1-2a.  Jesus stops in mid-verse, omitting the end of verse 2, "and the day of vengeance of our God.".  He came the first time to fulfill the prophecies above.. but He will come the second time to fulfill the rest.  John the Baptist spoke of this.. " And His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." 

Luke tells us that the people in that synagogue in Nazareth were stunned, "and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him."  But, even then, doubt and rebellion began to slip in.  They questioned His authority because they thought Him to be Joseph's son.  When He questioned their ability to believe in Him, they tried to throw Him off a cliff!  This conflict escalated so quickly. 

It is at this point that Jesus of Nazareth moves to Capernaum. 

Jesus keeps teaching in the synagogues.  He rebukes and casts out demons.  He heals the sick.  He preaches "the kingdom of God".   This word - kingdom- brings to our minds the idea of a country.. a place.  But, the Greek word here is basileia -rule or realm.  It carries the idea of sovereignty; the foundation of power.  We could say that Jesus preached the supreme reign and rule of God.   

The Almighty God, Sovereign King of heaven and earth poured out His Spirit on Jesus, the Son.  He anointed Jesus to preach good news to the poor, the captive, the blind, and the downtrodden.  Our God sent Jesus to proclaim His favor- His grace, His mercy.. His salvation to mankind.  Jesus said, "..for I was sent for this purpose." 

The time of the Lord's favor is still upon us.  People can still choose to believe in Jesus Christ and receive the good news of God's love and grace.  But, there is a time coming when the rest of Isaiah's prophecy will be fulfilled. There is a time of judgement coming and the unbelievers will be lost forever.. cast into the fire.  

O Father, we see the darkness rising and it breaks our hearts to know that some of the people we love so much are lost and are facing Your holy wrath.. Jesus alone is our hope of salvation and they refuse to believe.  How can we change them?  We cannot.  But, nothing is impossible with You.  The hearts of men and women are in Your hands. Please Lord, hear our prayers, and bring repentance and salvation to these ones we lift before You today.  You know the ones on my heart and I speak their names to You, even now.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 

Luke 4:1-13  The Holy Spirit had "descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove...." ( 3:22)  And, now Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness.  For forty days Jesus was tempted by Satan and did not eat.  At the end of the 40 days, He was hungry and Satan struck again.

Rather than turn the stones into bread, which Jesus could have easily done, He trusted the Father's word, "Man shall not live on bread alone."

Rather than worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world,  Jesus proclaimed, "You shall worship the Lord Your God and serve Him only."   Jesus knew that all the kingdoms of the world were His inheritance already.  He also knew that Satan had it backwards.. he should have been worshiping Jesus.

Rather than test God's word about falling off the pinnacle of the temple and having the angels catch Him, Jesus chose to stand in perfect confidence and trust in the Father's will.

These temptations have been compared to the temptations in the garden and Adam and Eve's failure to trust God.  Eve saw that the fruit was good and did not resist it, unlike Jesus who resisted the false bread.  Adam took the forbidden fruit, unlike Jesus who would not take the kingdoms from Satan's hand.  Adam and Eve believed the lies of Satan, unlike Jesus, who trusted in the Father's perfect will.

John wrote "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever."  ( 1 John 2:16-17)  This is also tied to the temptations that Jesus resisted in the wilderness. ( See the entry for April 2, 2019 for more on these verses).

Jesus is our Teacher and we are His followers.  We are tempted and tried and we must learn to trust Him and stand firm "against the schemes of the devil" by putting on the full armor of God.  The belt of Truth, the breastplate of Righteousness, the shoes of Peace, the helmet of Salvation, the shield of Faith and the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.  Only then can we stand firm. All of this is what we receive in Christ, who is our Shepherd and King.

Father in heaven, keep us in Your shelter.  You are our Refuge and Strength .  It is by Your power and grace that we stand against the temptations of the world and of Satan.  Let the victorious Savior reign fully in our lives we pray. Amen.

Luke 3  Verses 1-20 record the ministry of John the Baptist. John was in the wilderness when he finally heard "the word of God".  How long did he live in this desert, waiting on the Lord?  We do not know.  As the son of Zacharias, John would have been in the priesthood.  Yet, he doesn't seem to ever serve in the temple, that we know of...  His calling was something far greater.. as the "Voice of one crying in the wilderness.. "  Filled with the Spirit before his birth, John was a different sort of man.

We are told that John preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;"  He taught the people that repentance bears "fruits".  If there is no good fruit produced in one's life.. then it is like a bad tree, "cut down and thrown into the fire."   John didn't pull any punches and didn't tickle anyone's ears.  There is a "wrath to come".. and only true repentance will bring salvation.

The multitudes didn't even know what that meant. "Then what shall we do?" they asked.
The good fruit of a forgiven man is compassion and kindness.. "Let the man who has two tunics share with him who has none; and let him who has food do likewise."  John answers.

The "tax-gatherers"  asked "Teacher, what shall we do?" 
The answer John gives, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to, " tells us that good fruit includes honesty and integrity.

The soldiers also asked, "And what about us, what shall we do?"  Imagine, Roman soldiers asking this!  John answered, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages."  Be fair, honest, truthful, and content.

The fruit of repentance should reveal transformation of a man's character and heart, John teaches.  Radical changes reveal true salvation, brought by true repentance and forgiveness of sins.

There was such a change in people that they began to be in a "state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he might be the Christ."   John was quick to set that straight.  The One coming was much greater.  John considered himself unworthy of even being His servant.  The One coming is mightier, coming with a "winnowing fork in His hand... to gather wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." 

Jesus came to bring salvation, yes.  But, John makes it clear that He also came to reveal the judgements of God.  Jesus taught this so clearly.  Every person must choose.. to believe and be saved, or to reject Him and be cast into the fire.

Luke gives a detailed list of the line of Joseph, showing the relationship to David, as well as to Abraham and even as far back as Adam. He is also the one that tells us that Jesus was about thirty years old when He began ministering.  Luke briefly mentions the baptism of Jesus by John and the arrest of John by Herod.   All historical facts that show us the time and places of all the events that happened.

Father in heaven,  we are waiting on You, to hear Your word, to seek Your will, and to see Your glory.
We want to live for You and be ready for the day of Christ's appearing.  I pray for those, especially my own loved ones, who have not truly repented and come to the salvation that Jesus alone can give, that You would open their eyes, change their hearts, and bring them to Yourself.  This is my earnest prayer and I wait on You to do this great work, for I ask it in Jesus'  name. Amen.

Luke 1-2  In verses 26-56 of chapter 1 we read the details about Mary's encounter with the angel, the amazing announcement of the Christ child she would bear, and her meeting with Elizabeth. This young woman was called "blessed".  The commentary in my Bible says that this word indicates that Mary was "indwell by God and thereby to be fully satisfied".  It goes on to say that blessedness is an "inner quality granted by God.. His indwelling and the consequent peace and satisfaction to the believer no matter what the circumstances may be.. "

Chapter 2 gives us the "Christmas story".   Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem and while there, Jesus is born.  Luke gives us information on some of the witnesses to this event.

First, the shepherds are visited by the angels and told amazing good news.  They immediately go and find Jesus just as they had been told.

33 days later, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem so that they can offer the appropriate sacrifice.  Simeon and Anna, a "righteous and devout" man and an eighty-four year old "prophetess"  acknowledge and testify that Jesus is the One that would bring salvation and redemption to the world.

Later, when Jesus is 12 years old, He is found in Jerusalem speaking to the teachers in the temple.  "And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers."  Jesus went back to Nazareth with His family and grew up "in subjection to them".   He "kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." 

I always wonder what happened to these people who saw Jesus... the shepherds, the wise men, the teachers, and His family..   What happened to them after witnessing such amazing things?  Were they believers when Christ began His ministry, when He was crucified, or when He rose again?  Did they remember their first encounter with Him.. at the manger or at the temple?

Father, we sometimes wish we could have seen Jesus while He walked this earth the first time, but we look forward even more to the day when He returns to rule forever.  May we never forget.. but like Simeon and Anna, may we wait and watch.. ready for that day, when Your glory comes again. How lovely it will be to say, "My eyes have seen Thy salvation."   Keep us walking in truth and love, that we might persevere through every trial and overcome to the end.  For it is in Christ Jesus that we live and pray. Amen.

Luke 1  This book was written so that the "exact truth" would be made known.  Luke did careful research and thoughtfully recorded the events in "consecutive order".   Here we learn the back story of John the Baptist's birth.

It begins with an older couple.  Righteous people who were "walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord."  Zacharias was a priest "from the division of Abijah". The Lord chose to answer the prayers of Zacharias and Elizabeth, giving them a son.. a son who would be unlike any other.  "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord.. he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. and he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God."   John would "go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah".  

And it was so.  Elizabeth became pregnant.  When Mary came to visit her, she and the baby were filled with the Holy Spirit.  When John was born and Zacharias finally spoke, he was filled by the Holy Spirit also.   God was glorified in every way for He made it known that He was doing a great and mighty work in Israel.  After 400 years of silence, the people were being made ready for the Messiah.

Every plan of God astounds us.  It is always perfect.. always amazing.. always the impossible!  Why is it then, that we think He is unable to help us?  Why do we think that He has nothing great in store for our lives?

Father, change our ways of thinking about You.  Give us greater understanding and knowledge of who You are. May we learn to worship You in spirit and in truth as we read  Your word and believe Your truths.  Open our eyes Lord, that we might see Your glory.. even in the everyday walk of life.
Amen.