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?

Friday – Good Sam
10:25-37 contains one of the greatest stories of Jesus: the story of the good Samaritan. Can I share with you some details often overlooked in the story?
• Vs27 was the answer usually given by the Jews.
• Jewish teachers usually applied ‘neighbor’ to mean “fellow Israelite”
• Many people did not have extra clothes, thus a valuable item to steal.
• The priest would become unclean if he touched a corpse.
• Pharisees’ believed in your shadow touching a corpse made you unclean.
• Jesus’ illustration would offend Jewish listeners, striking at the heart of their patriotism, which they thought was religiously justified.
• Oil was used to heal and wine was used to disinfect.
• The question was, “Who is my neighbor?”
The answer was, “Who was a neighbor?”

How about you? Look around right now and see who needs help. Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

Harvest and Workers

10:2 “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Do you still believe this is true? Are many people around us searching? I believe this is true just as much today as it was when Jesus said this. Would you join me today thinking about those who are around us who don’t know Jesus? Would you join me in praying for workers?

How about you? Are you one of the workers that we are asking God to bring?

One Thing

10:42 “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it.” Isn’t it nice when things become less complicated? Isn’t it nice when things are reduced to a short list? Isn’t it nice when your short list becomes ‘just one thing’ that you need to be concerned about? Mary discovered it. Have you? What did Mary discover? Vs. 39 she was “listening to what Jesus taught.” I think it was the fact that she was listening and not the exact words of Jesus.

How about you? Are you listening to what Jesus is saying to you today? Don’t know what that is? Trying being like Mary. Sit down as Jesus’ feet and start listening.

Blessed Are Your Eyes

10:23 “Blessed are the eyes that see what you have seen.” Jesus said this to his disciples who were able to see God in the flesh. The disciples witnessed his miracles, power, teaching, compassion, and love first hand. Vs. 24 many kings and prophets (and can I add ‘me’) would love to see what they saw. Yet, I feel special seeing what God has blessed me to see in my lifetime. I especially feel blessed to ”hear” (know) the ‘whole story’ of Jesus because people like Abraham, Moses, and David did not have the understanding of the cross and resurrection as I can. These events took the love of God, how much he was willing to sacrifice, and how reachable he is to a new level. I feel blessed.

How about you? Will you take time today to thank God for the blessing of what you see and know?

Filled With the Joy of the Holy Spirit

This week: Luke 10
10:21 “Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” What does that mean? I often read about the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but the joy? Have I been missing something? When Paul lists the fruit (results, outcome, product, end result) of the Spirit, joy is listed second only behind love (the greatest command). I don’t think Christians were meant to wear a frown on their faces.

How about you? Have you found the joy of the Holy Spirit today? Any reason to rejoice and praise God? Then let’s show the world how awesome our walk with Jesus is.

Who Is This Man?

9:9 “So who is this man?” was the question Herod asked concerning Jesus. What is the answer? Jesus later asked, “Who do people say I am?” (9:18) and “But who do you say I am?”(9:20). Have you answered that question lately? I think it helps to periodically answer that question. Make it clear who he is in your life.

How about you? Who do you say this man is?

Satan Robbed Him

9:39 “An evil spirit keeps seizing him…it hardly ever leaves him alone.” The father looks at his boy while he sleeps. A tear runs down his face as he thinks about how Satan has robbed his son. “A tear for the trade the boy will never learn, for the wife he will never love, for the children he will never look at as they lie sleeping in their beds. The neighborhood kids are warned to stay away from him. Stolen are his playmates along with his childhood. What will happen when his mother and I die? Who will take him then? Who will feed him and look after him? The spirit is like a bully waiting to pounce on a kid coming home from school.

Lord, help me to understand. And where I can’t understand, help me to trust. And where I can’t trust, help me to overcome my unbelief.” (Ken Gire)

How about you? Will you join me today in praying for those who have been robbed by Satan? How about giving thanks for those who have been delivered? 9:42 “Jesus…healed the boy. THEN HE GAVE HIM BACK TO HIS FATHER.”

The Little People

9:48 “Anyone who welcomes a little child…welcomes me.” Today, I want to see Jesus in children. We often look at adults as the ‘important’ ones. Jesus always took time for the children. So, I pronounce today as the "Day of the Little People" :)

How about you? Have you welcomed Jesus today by blessing the life of a child?

You Feed Them

9:13 “You feed them.” The disciples faced an impossible task. How do you feed 5,000 men plus women and children with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish? The practical (only workable) solution was to send them away to find their own food and lodging (vs. 12). After all, there are no restaurants in this place (“there is nothing to eat here in this remote place”). But notice that Jesus took what he had (the 5 loaves and 2 fish) and LOOKED UP TOWARDS HEAVEN (vs. 15). Everybody was then fed and full.

How about you? Need to do more looking up to heaven today? Remember, you need to feed them today.

I Have The Power

THIS WEEK - LUKE 9
9:1 “Jesus …gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.” Wow! Wouldn’t it be cool to have that kind of power? I’d be greater than the super heroes that I dreamed of being when I was a kid. We usually want power to direct attention towards ourselves and/or to provide something for ourselves. But when I think about it, what kind of power has Jesus already given me? How about resurrection power? How about the power to help others? How about the power to change my life?
How about you? Are you willing to consider the power that you already have in Jesus? Are you willing to use that power today for the glory of His name?

They Laughed Because They Knew

8:53 “But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died.” They were confident in what they thought they knew. And they were right. Their reaction was laughter at the perspective of Jesus. Often we live in the ‘reality’ of this world and fail to see, understand, and act upon the promises and power of God. Who would have thought, guessed what Jesus would do next? Raise the dead? Impossible

How about you? You know you are right. But do you know what the possibilities are with God?

I’m Listening –Very Carefully

8:18 “So pay attention to how you hear.” It is not just a matter of listening. We are supposed to listen, learn, and follow. Jesus said if you will do this, “more understanding will be given.” Are you listening?

How about you? Don’t just read your Bible, pray, and think about God today. Listen to what he is trying to tell you. Follow where he is leading. The efforts that you make will be blessed.

Who Touched Me?

8:45 “Who touched me?” Every time I read that verse, I think of my kids in the back seat of our car on a long trip. I’m sure the disciples were curious about Jesus’ question because the “whole crowd is touching you.” But I love the NLT when it says, “Someone deliberately touch me…” Deliberately. That is what I want to do. I don’t want to touch Jesus casually like many in the crowd. I want to deliberately touch him and be blessed by the “power” (vs. 46) that comes from touching him.

How about you? What are your intentions today concerning your relationship with Jesus? Go ahead. Take some intentional steps and see how God blesses ‘the touch’.

Where is Your Faith?

8:25 “Where is your faith?” Interesting question. The disciples faced a situation where their faith, their trust in God had vanished. At what point or how bad must a situation become for me to lose my faith? The response from Jesus seems to be we should always have faith. There is never a situation where you can’t trust God to take care of you. God is amazing. You can trust him.

How about you? Where is your faith?

Go in Peace

7:50 “Go in peace.” Peace was often a message that Jesus preached as well as a blessing that he gave people after touching their lives. Peace is also something that seems to escape us a lot. What is the problem? One of the things that keep me from peace is focus. I lack peace because I am focusing on my problems – what is not right in my world. This woman was given peace because she expressed her love for Jesus, received forgiveness, and had faith/trust in him. I want to spend today focused on these things.

How about you? How are you doing with peace? Would you like to join me today in spending less time thinking about your problems and more time on your love for the Lord, his forgiveness and salvation, and how you can trust him? Sound like a good idea to me.

Who Did You Kiss Today?

7:38 “she kept kissing his feet” Why? It is very simple. She was expressing her love for her Lord. We all know it is important to express our love to Jesus. The question is how are we going to do it? For this woman, showing her love for him was very natural because – are you ready for this – she really loved him a lot.

How about you? How will you show the Lord TODAY that you love him? The more you think about what he has done for you, the easier it is.

What Kind of Woman?

7:39 Simon said, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” What kind of woman? Interesting categorization. Don’t we all do it? We put people in categories. We label them. We ‘understand’ what kind of people they are. Based on what? Our perspective. So we have our own categories that we place different ‘kinds’ of people in. Notice Jesus put here in a different category. Jesus said she is the kind who loves me more (42-44), is forgiven (48), and has faith (50). WOW! I think Simon miss labeled.

How about you? Are any of your co-workers the ‘sinner’ kind? Are any of your co-workers the kind who is looking for love, forgiveness, and something to believe in. What kind of person is this?

Reverse Influence

7:14-15 “Then Jesus walked over to the coffin and touched it…then the dead boy sat up”. Touching a ‘coffin’ brought a day of uncleanness (Numb 19:21-22) and touching a dead body brought a week of uncleanness (Numb 19:11-20). However, in this story the holiness or cleanness of Jesus reversed the uncleanness of the coffin and dead body. The boy was raised from the dead. Sometimes I’m afraid to ‘touch’ the world because I don’t want to be ‘unclean’. However, with the power of God, he wants what he has made clean in me to influence/change what is unclean in others. The power is God’s but I am the tool.

How about you? Afraid to ‘touch’ those people at work? Maybe all they need is a little salt of Christ (Matthew 5:13). Remember, the power of God resides in you. We all know some ‘dead’ people that need raised in Christ.

I Surprised Jesus

7:9 “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed.” What does it take to amaze God? “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” So the answer is faith. I usually feel like the only thing that would surprise Jesus about my faith is my lack of it. OK. That sounds like I’m feeling sorry for myself. This week, I want to take some faith steps. I want to do things for the Lord. They might be out of my comfort zone or they might be things that have lacked focus, but I want to take some actual faith steps this week.

How about you? What about your faith would surprise God? What are you going to do today that requires faith? How about we take some steps together? Let’s live by faith.

I Know Who You Are

6:45 “What you say flows from what is in your heart.” That is how I know who you are. I listen to what you say. If you want a good test of your walk with Jesus, just listen to what you are saying.

How about you? Take a moment and consider what you have said today. What does that say about you? NOW what do you have to say?

Everybody Needs A Helper

6:12-13 Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing 12 helpers or apostles. How many helpers do you have? The Bible is filled with examples of the need for helpers. Moses had Aaron, 70 elders, and Joshua. Elijah was given Elisha. The Holy Spirit sent Paul AND Barnabas on the first missionary journey. As much as we don’t like to admit it, we need others to accomplish God’s will in our lives. Even Jesus needed 12.

How about you? Can you name your 12 helpers? If you don’t have 12, your first step is to begin praying for them. Go ahead. Take a step today towards finding your 12 and being one of the 12 for somebody else.

Is This a Day to Save?

6:9 “Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” Jesus asked that question 2,000 years ago. Can we still ask it today? This Wednesday? We are all procrastinators. Passages that speak about today really catch my attention. Often the Bible talks about "this is the day". So, it sounds to me like today is the day to save. Read the whole story in verses 6-11. Somebody needs help TODAY.

How about you? Stop for a moment to look around your office or your home. How about your neighborhood? Who needs help? This is the day.

There is a Log in my Eye

6:42 “First get rid of the log in your own eye” Did anyone cut you off in traffic this morning? Has a co-worker already ‘ticked you off’? Did your spouse upset you this morning? Why don’t people treat me better? Jesus says why don’t you start with yourself. Your friend does indeed have a speck in their eye that you would like to help get out. But you have a log in your eye. I wonder which log in my eye needs to come out today.

How about you? Are you so focused on other’s faults that you have forgotten your own? Let’s start by naming your log. Then, let’s work on it today. After all, you look pretty funny with a log sticking out of your eye :)

Touching Jesus

6:19 “Everyone tried to touch him” That is what I want to do this week. Touch Jesus. I want to touch him every day. I want to be in touch with him. I want him to touch me. “because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.” I need healed. I need healed from my fears, my sins, my lack of focus, and myself centeredness to name a few.

How about you? Planning on touching Jesus any this week? Need any healing? He is waiting.

Various Thoughts

Today, I want to share several thoughts with you.
Notice the emphasis on following Jesus. 5:11 “left everything and followed Jesus” and 5:27 “Follow me and be my disciple”
5:16 “Jesus often withdrew…for prayer” If Jesus needed to pray, I even more.
5:29 “with Jesus as the guest of honor” I hope I make him my guest of honor every day.
5:32 “who know they are sinners and need to repent” I want to see my sins and change
5:39 “But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say” An interesting verse in light of the generational struggles in church today.

How about you? What do you see? All you need to do is focus on the Lord and he will reveal himself through his word, through others, and through you.

Jump and Praise

5:25 “the man jumped up…and went home praising God” The man was paralyzed. I can only picture myself cautiously standing up to see if everything is working. But when the power of God hits you, it is only appropriate to jump and praise. According to Eph 3:16-20, we have that power right now. Can we make this a day or ‘jumping’ and praising?

How about you? Would you take the time to focus on God’s power in you today instead of your problems? Let’s call this a jump for joy day. Oh come on. Give it a try. It might even be contagious (5:26 “and THEY praised God”)

My Faith – Your Life

5:20 “Seeing THEIR faith” Most stories that we read deal with a person’s faith and their relationship with Jesus. In this story, the paralyzed man has his sins forgiven and is healed because Jesus saw THEIR faith implying the men who carried their friend, the paralyzed man, to Jesus. That is flat out interesting. All of us believe our influence is minimal. That is a concept we get from ourselves, not from Jesus. I wonder what would happen today if I made an extra effort to bring my friends to Jesus. I wonder how my faith affects the people I work with.

How about you? Feeling very influential today? Feeling very faith-filled today? Start with what you have, try to add a little each day, and let God work. Today is the day my faith should influence those around me.

I Am Willing

5:13 "I am willing" I think most of us experience the feelings of the leper when he acknowledges that God can heal me and make me clean. The power of God is usually not questioned. It is his willingness. God can, but will he? That is why verse 13 is so comforting. "I am willing" The man was not only healed, but he was healed instantly and received the 'touch' of the Lord.

How about you? How is your faith in God's willingness? Why not focus today on the love of God and his willingness? He has a reason when he says no, but he loves to say yes.

Going Deeper

This Week - Luke 5
vs. 4 "Go out where it is deeper" Every time I see those words I wonder where my deeper waters are. What area of my life needs deepened? Many areas need worked on, but what does God want me to work on right now. A place where I've fished before and caught nothing? A new place where the fish are hungry? In the deep water is where Jesus works. It's where the Lord's fish are.

How about you? Where is your fishing hole this week? Need to go deeper? Remember to take someone with you because there will be plenty of fish in the Lord's deep waters.

The Temptations Continue

Only three temptations are listed. But Luke says he was tempted “for forty days”. Later, it says the devil left him “until an opportune time.” Can you think of other times when Jesus was tempted? Here are a few: Bread = physically, he had no home (Luke 9:48), Jump = emotionally, they tempted him to come down from the cross(Mark 15:30-32), and Bow down = psychologically, they tried to force him to become king (John 6:15). Now turn and look at Hebrews 4:14-16. Because he was tempted, we have confidence to receive grace and peace.

How about you? Is the strength of Jesus giving you strength to overcome temptations? When you fail, do you confidently approach the Lord for grace and peace? This should be a day that you live in freedom and peace.

It's Just Bread

4:3 “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” What is the harm? Is bread sinful? Would it be OK if he turned it into steak and potatoes? What is so sinful about this miracle? Can you name one miracle that Jesus performed for himself? Is this a temptation of control, dependency, and security? ‘God isn’t providing, so I guess I’ll have to get it myself.’ It is hard to let God set the agenda and determine the timing. Obedience, trust, and confidence are all tied together.

How about you? Have you taken matters into your own hands today? What about today shows your dependence and faith in God? Stop for just a moment and ask God to take control again.

Expand My Vision

4:22 “Everyone spoke well of him…How can this be? Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” How do you answer that question? Yes – he lives with Joseph and is being raised as a son by Joseph and Mary? OR No – he is the Son of God (3:22). Here is the problem. The people of his hometown can only see him in the setting of their own village (their own world). Jesus is bigger than that. So much bigger than that. The challenge is to open your heart and mind to see ‘beyond your world’.

How about you? Are you looking at ‘your village’ today or can you expand your mind to see God’s world. There is more going on than you think. There is more that is about to happen than you think. Watch out. God is at work.

The Holy Spirit

This week = Luke 4
Did you notice the mention of the Holy Spirit in this chapter? Spirit verses ‘sandwich’ the temptations of Jesus. Vs. 1 Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” when he was led “by the Spirit” into the wilderness/desert. Vs. 14 Jesus returns “filled with the Holy Spirit’s power”. When finding a place in Isaiah to read in the synagogue, he begins by quoting Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”.

How about you? Did you remember that the power of God’s Spirit is within you? You can face temptation, live by the power of God, and carry out the Lord’s will today because you have His Spirit. This should be a great day.

My Personal Message

3:10-14. As the crowds begin to ask "What should we do?" John begins giving specific answers. Also notice that two specific groups (soldiers and tax collectors) ask him the same question. If we combine the answers, we are told to share food and clothing with the poor, don't cheat people, don't make false accusations, and be content. Hmmm. Interesting list. But notice that specific groups were given specific answers. In other words, what would happen if you had the opportunity to ask John the question, "What should I do?" What would John tell you?

What about you? What does God want from you? The more you read the Bible the clearer that answer becomes. Today, let's work on John's list of contentment, honesty, and sharing.

The Son of God

Did you ignore the genealogy of chapter 3? It’s easy to do, isn’t it. Who wants to read a bunch of names? I think I’ll assign someone to read verses 23-38 in class Sunday :) The difference between Matthew’s genealogy and Luke’s is that Luke goes all the way back to Adam. Did you notice that Adam is the son of God? We know Jesus is the Son of God, right? But Adam is too. We are quick to understand mankind’s ‘fallen state’, his sinful nature. But we were made in God’s image. We are his children because we are human. In fact, the genealogy shows that Jesus by his very humanity is God’s son.

How about you? Do you dwell on your sin or on your sonship? It will make a difference in your day if you can see yourself as God sees you and not as you see yourself.

You Bring Me Great Joy

I love the NLT in 3:22, "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy." What I love even more is how God says the same thing to us. Doesn't He call us his children? Doesn't He repeatedly tell us of His great love for us? Doesn't He also tell us that He is pleased with us? Just because we don't always hear it doesn't mean that He isn't saying it. I did a Bible search on the word 'pleased' and was amazed.

How about you? You may not hear an audible voice from heaven or see a dove land on you (but remember the Spirit does live within you), but try to hear or read today that you are God's loved child and He finds great joy in you.

Prepare the Way

Luke 3:4 "Prepare the way for the Lord" Even though this was a prophecy concerning John, doesn't this concept apply to all of us? We daily prepare our hearts so that He can enter and change us. We are lights to the world that prepare others to be receptive to the good news (vs. 6 so all people will see).

How about you? Have you prepared your heart so God could speak to you today? Have you helped others see the Lord today? I want to follow Jesus and help others join in the adventure.

Assumptions

Luke 3:8 As we look at chapter 3 this week, I want to begin with verse 8. They had grown up with the ASSUMPTION that since they were Abraham's descendant they were already in a right relationship with God. John had to change their false confidence. John's desire was to change their hearts and their lives. It makes me wonder if I'm making false assumptions. What am I missing? I'm not saying, "Let's live in fear and guilt that we might be doing the wrong thing" but rather I want to open myself up this week and allow God to teach me whatever he wants me to learn. I want to grow.

How about you? Do you know everything? Do you have it all together? Why not stop and pray that God opens your eyes this week and teaches you things you never knew before. But be careful. It might change your life.

Misc. thoughts

Vs. 13-14 The emperor at the time of Jesus’ birth was Augustus who was praised for bringing ‘worldwide’ peace. How long did it last? While Augustus had choirs that would sing his praise, the angels sang the praises of Jesus who brought a peace that I am still enjoying today.
Vs. 42 Jesus was twelve which would have been one year before he officially became an adult Israelite and accepted responsibility for fulfilling the law (although bar mitzvah ceremony was not in existence yet, the practice seems to have already started). Perhaps the emphasis is that he was still considered a boy.
Our class last Sunday emphasized the ‘losing God’s Son’ part of the story. I liked Abby’s comment about Mary was not so much losing God’s Son as she was losing “my son”. While it was common for family and neighbors to travel together for safety and to watch out for everybody’s children, I never really thought about Joseph and Mary having younger children to watch. Jesus was the oldest and probably at times responsible for his brothers and sisters (Matt 13:55-56 James, Joseph, Simon, Judas, and sisters).

How about you? What do you see in God’s Word today?

Understanding

Vs. 50 “But they didn’t understand” That bothers me. For lack of understanding, Saul persecuted the church. For lack of understanding, the apostles deserted Jesus. For lack of understanding, they crucified Jesus. Do I lack understanding? Do I understand the “Father’s business” (49) in my life? I want to understand Jesus. I want to learn. I want to grow.

How about you? Are you searching/praying for understanding? May God give you a clear vision of your walk with him today.

Do not fear

2:10 “Do not be afraid” There is it again. Over and over, throughout the Bible, God’s message is one of peace and not fear. Today, I’d like to share with you other “Don’t be afraid” passages and the reasons listed with them.
Luke 1:13 Do not be afraid, your prayer has been heard
Joshua 1:9 Do not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you
Jeremiah 1:8 Do not be afraid… for I am with you to deliver you,
Daniel 10:12 Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.

How about you? Can you put your fears aside today and live in the joy of the good news of Jesus? 2:10 “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy”

The God of Peace

It seems to me that the emphasis of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is salvation. Jesus means ‘savior’. The emphasis from the actual birth is peace in chapter two (vs. 14). Salvation and peace should go together. Picture thousands (?) of angels crying out, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth…” Even though war, conflict, and struggles would continue, Jesus brought the opportunity to have peace in your heart.

How about you? Have you found the peace that God brings? May you enjoy the presence of God in your life today and may it bring you peace.

The God of Surprises

2:13 uses the word “suddenly.” Can you imagine the shepherds surprise when the sky is filled with a multitude of angels? The word can actually be translated ‘army’ or ‘troops’. What a sight to see ‘thousands (?)’ of angels praising God. This was not an ordinary night for the shepherds.

How about you? What is the last ‘surprise’ that God has given you? Following Jesus / walking with God is a life full of good surprises.

Misc.

Sunday in class and Monday via blog we will begin looking at Luke 2.

LUKE 1 - Misc. thoughts

1. Luke starts his gospel not with the birth of the Son of God but from the beginning of hearing God's voice again.
2. 1:19 Gabriel brings the gospel (good news). The noun form of the Greek word for good news is not found in the book of Luke. It is always found in its verb form (to bring good news). The good news is meant to be shared -- on the move.
3. 1:71,74 The enemies were not so much foreign invaders as spiritual darkness. Sometimes we are fighting the wrong enemy.
4. Notice the Holy Spirit. 1:15 (John filled with the Spirit), 1:35 (birth of Jesus), 1:41 (Elizabeth), 1:67 (Zechariah). In the words of Michael Wilcock, "Here, unmistakably, is another world breaking into this one." The next step will be the Spirit breaking into the world of our hearts.

How about you? Have you allowed the Spirit to take control of your life?

Have a blessed weekend.

Sending his son

Today's thought comes from my wife. What was it like for God to send his son to this earth from the perspective of separation? Our oldest son and his wife left today to return to Pennsylvania. It was hard to watch them leave knowing it will be several months before seeing them again. Twice a year is not enough. How did God feel about Jesus 'leaving' heaven (his home) and spending @33 years on this earth? It makes me think of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his son..." This giving begins in Luke 1:35 with the planned birth.

How about you? Do you understand how much God loves you? Do you understand how much he has given you? Do you understand how much he has sacrificed for you? Live today in the love of God. Appreciate his gifts and sacrifices for you.

Answered Prayer

ANSWERED PRAYER. 1:13 "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer." Although the timing was not what Zechariah had hoped for, the answer was beyond his wildest dreams. Not only was he blessed with a son, he was blessed with a son who would prepare the way for God's greatest entrance on earth. When his son was born, "Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughut the Judean hills." 1:65
How about you? What are you worrying about that God is saying, "Don't be afraid" Trust God -- be patient -- and watch how he will answer your prayers beyond your imagination. God is good. God is faithful. God is giving. Stand in awe!

Welcome

Welcome to our journey in following Jesus through the book of Luke. We will look at one chapter per week. Please take a few minutes each day to help us learn about Jesus. Add your thoughts so we can all grow.

VS. 26-38. Who is Mary? What are her qualifications to become the mother of God? Why did God pick her? From these verses, it is obvious that Mary has a lot of faith. She takes God at His word. How about you? Do you believe God? Do you take Him at His word? God makes many promises to us and He fulfills them all. Vs. 45. "You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said." May you have a blessed day.