A Different Journey

This blog began in connection with the Young Adults class at the Bentonville Church of Christ. Due to a change in class structure, this blog is completed - at least for now. Thank you for taking this journey with us. May God continue to bless your journey as you follow Jesus.

Stand Tall and See

13:10-17 I was reading the story of the crippled woman and wanted to share some thoughts from Ken Gire.
• Physically her view was of the dirt and litter of the world instead of being able to look at the sky.
• Spiritually we see the damage Satan can do.
• Jesus teaches (vs. 10) and then shows his teaching by putting it into action.
• The woman was crippled but was at the synagogue to worship God.
• She praised God and not man for her healing.
• Did the synagogue miss the miracle? Shouldn’t he be rubbing his eyes instead of raising his voice?
• Notice the now flexibility of the woman verses the rigidity of the religious leaders.

How about you? Are you ready today to stand tall and see the sky?

How Often?

12:34 “How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings” OK, Lord. How often? You seem to imply it was a lot. How often have you thought of us? How often have you hurt because of our struggles and wanted to pull us into your arms for protection? But you say, “You wouldn’t let me” 12:34b. Lord, have I been like that? Have I intentionally or unintentionally pushed you away? Lord, I’m asking you to pull me in today. Wrap your arms around me and love me the way you want to. Please.

How about you? Would you like to spend the day in the arms of God or ‘I won’t let him’?

Work Hard

13:23, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.” The words “work hard” really jumped out at me this time. Does that describe me? It reminds me of Solomon when he told me to, “Search for (wisdom) as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.” This is serious business. My life needs to be ‘about my Father’s business’.

How about you? Are you ‘working hard’ in God’s Kingdom?

Steps of Jesus

13:12-13 “When Jesus SAW her, he CALLED her over and said, ‘Dear woman, you are HEALED of your sickness!’ Then he TOUCHED her, and INSTANTLY she could stand straight. How she PRAISED God!” Notice the words: saw, called, healed, touched, instantly, and praised. Jesus is always looking, calling, and healing. Was the touch necessary? If you mean to heal, then no. If you mean to show who God really is, then yes. He is a God who touches our lives daily. Our response should be a response of praise.

How about you? Where are you today? Still needing Jesus to ‘find’ you? Do you need to answer his ‘calling’ today? Do you need his healing or touch? Have you just experienced an amazing outpouring of his power? Does this need to be a day of praise? Experience an amazing day with Jesus TODAY!

Me, Me, Me

12:17-19 There are 16 stated or implied “I’s”, “my”, or similar in just three verses. Do you think he is self centered? Are you? The answer is yes. It is hard not to be. We think about our problems, our pleasures, our situations, and our world. Is your world consuming you? Is all you think about is your crops, your barns, and your pleasure? I will try today (again) to focus on the Lord and the people that the Lord wants me to help/encourage/serve/share.

How about you? Will you join me? Just take a step. Set aside SOME time for God and others.

Teacher, Tell My Brother

I’m back :) Had a great week visiting my grandson and new little granddaughter. God is good.

This week: Luke 12.
12:13 “Teacher, please tell my brother to…” How interesting. Telling God how to take care of things. Almost demanding that God fix my problems. Here is what is going on in my life. God, here is what you need to do about it.

How about you? Have you ever found yourself playing God and telling God how it should be? Do you think today could be a day that we trust God and allow him to take control?