Luke 18:9-14
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Humility acknowledges that we fall short and deserve nothing as we yearn for absolution. We ask God for mercy, not looking down on others. God justifies those coming in humility and seeking grace in forgiveness, not pride in being better than others and looking done on them. The sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart are never looked down on by God.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Pray in Continuing Trust
Luke 18:1-8
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
We should pray continually and not give up, but do we honor the one we pray to and not just seek deliverance from what we don't like to face? Do we trust Him in both good and bad circumstances, knowing and trusting He is in absolute control and is absolutely good? We can get answers to prayer through persistence, but God seeks a trusting heart of faith in all circumstances.
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
We should pray continually and not give up, but do we honor the one we pray to and not just seek deliverance from what we don't like to face? Do we trust Him in both good and bad circumstances, knowing and trusting He is in absolute control and is absolutely good? We can get answers to prayer through persistence, but God seeks a trusting heart of faith in all circumstances.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Lose Life to Save it
Luke 17:32-37
32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” 37 And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”
When we lose our lives to gain what God wants and provides for us, we have a certain hope of life with Him. If we did not receive that grace in forgiveness, we also would be left out of His presence forever. Just as vultures circle dying ones, so death is seen over those still under judgment who have not been saved from the just wrath to come. Choose life!
32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” 37 And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”
When we lose our lives to gain what God wants and provides for us, we have a certain hope of life with Him. If we did not receive that grace in forgiveness, we also would be left out of His presence forever. Just as vultures circle dying ones, so death is seen over those still under judgment who have not been saved from the just wrath to come. Choose life!
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Unexpected Second Coming
Luke 17:23-27
23 And they will say to you, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not go after them or follow them. 24 For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Many get so absorbed in trying to discern the end times that they miss the fact that He will return when nobody expects, and that people will be carrying on with life until the judgment falls on all. Luke 17:33 says, "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." So we need to ask ourselves if we have lost our own lives to be found in Him, and if so do we warn others in love as well?
23 And they will say to you, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not go after them or follow them. 24 For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Many get so absorbed in trying to discern the end times that they miss the fact that He will return when nobody expects, and that people will be carrying on with life until the judgment falls on all. Luke 17:33 says, "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." So we need to ask ourselves if we have lost our own lives to be found in Him, and if so do we warn others in love as well?
Friday, May 27, 2016
His Kingdom is Within Us
Luke 17:20-22
20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” 22 Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.
The kingdom is in us. It is not a thing to look for, just as our eternal life began at our regeneration. So why be so concerned with "end time signs" when we have it all within by the grace of God in Christ already? Of more concern is bearing witness to what He gave us already that others may see their own lack of absolute goodness, failure to please God by deeds alone, the need for God Himself to sinlessly take our just due, and grace in forgiveness to bring us into His kingdom forever?
20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” 22 Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.
The kingdom is in us. It is not a thing to look for, just as our eternal life began at our regeneration. So why be so concerned with "end time signs" when we have it all within by the grace of God in Christ already? Of more concern is bearing witness to what He gave us already that others may see their own lack of absolute goodness, failure to please God by deeds alone, the need for God Himself to sinlessly take our just due, and grace in forgiveness to bring us into His kingdom forever?
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Absolute Gratitude
Luke 17:15-19
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”
When God delivers us and makes us His own, how do we respond - not just at that moment, but every day after that? From here we see a heart of absolute gratitude honors God for what He has done in Christ for us, as our faith made us well in bringing us out of darkness into His marvelous light! So we should go every day with thankfulness in faith.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”
When God delivers us and makes us His own, how do we respond - not just at that moment, but every day after that? From here we see a heart of absolute gratitude honors God for what He has done in Christ for us, as our faith made us well in bringing us out of darkness into His marvelous light! So we should go every day with thankfulness in faith.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Servants Do Our Duty
Luke 17:7-10
7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, “Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”
Do we expect as servants of Christ to be given everything as if we are the master? Or do we serve as Jesus did, not expecting thanks but doing what we know we must simply do? We are called to serve, not be served. So how can we complain if we do not have others do what we want and get all we ask of God without this humility of giving?
7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, “Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”
Do we expect as servants of Christ to be given everything as if we are the master? Or do we serve as Jesus did, not expecting thanks but doing what we know we must simply do? We are called to serve, not be served. So how can we complain if we do not have others do what we want and get all we ask of God without this humility of giving?
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
More Faith?
Luke 17:5-6
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
We ask for more faith, but do we exercise the faith we already possess? And do we see that the smallest bit of trust is not in our ability, wisdom, or strength but in God who enables and wills what is to be done? Faith is not to give us power or put on a show of miracles - faith is trusting in the faithful, willing, and able God who glorifies and exalts Himself in answering our absolute believing trust absolutely. Faith is the solid reality in what we cannot see or touch.
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
We ask for more faith, but do we exercise the faith we already possess? And do we see that the smallest bit of trust is not in our ability, wisdom, or strength but in God who enables and wills what is to be done? Faith is not to give us power or put on a show of miracles - faith is trusting in the faithful, willing, and able God who glorifies and exalts Himself in answering our absolute believing trust absolutely. Faith is the solid reality in what we cannot see or touch.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Forgive and Don't Offend
Luke 17:1-4
1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
We offend in many ways, some worse than others; the greatest offense is in refusing to forgive another. But we must warn or rebuke those who do us wrong so they know they have offended and turn from doing it again (repentance with real sorrow). So we can be reconciled. Bit of we offend and refuse to repent, there will be consequences. So the fellowship of confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation is God's desire and command.
1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
We offend in many ways, some worse than others; the greatest offense is in refusing to forgive another. But we must warn or rebuke those who do us wrong so they know they have offended and turn from doing it again (repentance with real sorrow). So we can be reconciled. Bit of we offend and refuse to repent, there will be consequences. So the fellowship of confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation is God's desire and command.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
No Purgatory; Death then Judgment
Luke 16:25-31
25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”
When we die, there is never a second chance; the only hope we have is to hear and believe the one who came to us from the dead - Jesus Christ who paid our ransom, suffered and died in our place, and rose Himself up from death to life. Such life from spiritual death is offered from the one who rose first and now offers us life into the grave and beyond. There is no purgatory, no coming back to get it right, we die once and face either judgment or forgiveness to life.
25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”
When we die, there is never a second chance; the only hope we have is to hear and believe the one who came to us from the dead - Jesus Christ who paid our ransom, suffered and died in our place, and rose Himself up from death to life. Such life from spiritual death is offered from the one who rose first and now offers us life into the grave and beyond. There is no purgatory, no coming back to get it right, we die once and face either judgment or forgiveness to life.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
The Law Lives in the Heart
Luke 16:17-18
17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. 18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.
Though the Law, especially the Ten Commandments, cannot justify us for salvation, it is still God's will in letters - but in one reborn it should be written on our hearts as well. So the example here is that adultery results from divorce (except for infidelity and when an unbelieving spouse leaves). But there is mercy and forgiveness in Christ. Yet sin is still sin. The balance in understanding these two truths is essential to not allow sin or to judge others (or self) harshly.
17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. 18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.
Though the Law, especially the Ten Commandments, cannot justify us for salvation, it is still God's will in letters - but in one reborn it should be written on our hearts as well. So the example here is that adultery results from divorce (except for infidelity and when an unbelieving spouse leaves). But there is mercy and forgiveness in Christ. Yet sin is still sin. The balance in understanding these two truths is essential to not allow sin or to judge others (or self) harshly.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Pressing into the Kingdom
Luke 16:16
“The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it."
People are being urged to press into the kingdom since the gospel of repentance and faith has begun to be been told, starting with John he Baptist, then Jesus himself, then the apostles - and now witnessed to and told by we who are made new. The kingdom of God is a new birth, a transformed soul, a belonging to God in Christ (not human institutions), and a certain hope from now into and beyond death forever. That reconciliation with God our Lord and King brings us into His kingdom. That is good news to urge others to press into.
“The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it."
People are being urged to press into the kingdom since the gospel of repentance and faith has begun to be been told, starting with John he Baptist, then Jesus himself, then the apostles - and now witnessed to and told by we who are made new. The kingdom of God is a new birth, a transformed soul, a belonging to God in Christ (not human institutions), and a certain hope from now into and beyond death forever. That reconciliation with God our Lord and King brings us into His kingdom. That is good news to urge others to press into.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Divided Allegiance
Luke 16:13-15
13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." 14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God."
If you love money, not just have it, then your heart's allegiance is not just divided with God and self. Such love of money is truly the root, the cause of evil - it makes men push God aside for self and treat others without love or consideration. God knows our hearts and others will see the results of this as we attempt to justify ourselves. He also calls this love of money an abomination, a detestable idolatry. Who do we serve?
13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." 14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God."
If you love money, not just have it, then your heart's allegiance is not just divided with God and self. Such love of money is truly the root, the cause of evil - it makes men push God aside for self and treat others without love or consideration. God knows our hearts and others will see the results of this as we attempt to justify ourselves. He also calls this love of money an abomination, a detestable idolatry. Who do we serve?
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Faithful in All Things
Luke 16:8-11
8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. 9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
We can make deals and compromise when things go badly in an attempt to get something in return when we need it later. But in the things of God, our everlasting home is not in the riches we set ourselves up for, but faithfulness in Ahmet we have been given in the first place. If we cannot even be faithful in the material things we are given, how will we ever be entrusted with true and never ending ones?
8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. 9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
We can make deals and compromise when things go badly in an attempt to get something in return when we need it later. But in the things of God, our everlasting home is not in the riches we set ourselves up for, but faithfulness in Ahmet we have been given in the first place. If we cannot even be faithful in the material things we are given, how will we ever be entrusted with true and never ending ones?
Monday, May 16, 2016
Lost and Found
Luke 15:30-32
30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”
The brother of the returned prodigal could not understand his father's open arms for his sinful brother. Be missed the fact that the prodigal was dead and lost, and now came to life in being found. So are we, lost in sin's grip and dead to God inside - until found by His Son who took our punishment so we could freely find our Father's love in a new life! That is cause for God to "make merry and be glad."
30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”
The brother of the returned prodigal could not understand his father's open arms for his sinful brother. Be missed the fact that the prodigal was dead and lost, and now came to life in being found. So are we, lost in sin's grip and dead to God inside - until found by His Son who took our punishment so we could freely find our Father's love in a new life! That is cause for God to "make merry and be glad."
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Compassion for Returning Prodigal
Luke 15:20-24
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
When we run from God into a wasteful life, He waits for us to come to our senses and turn to Him, admitting our sin. He then gives us the kingdom with more joy and blessing than we ever could imagine - and never deserve. This grace of God in Christ brings us into His joy...
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
When we run from God into a wasteful life, He waits for us to come to our senses and turn to Him, admitting our sin. He then gives us the kingdom with more joy and blessing than we ever could imagine - and never deserve. This grace of God in Christ brings us into His joy...
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Rejoice for Repenting Sinner
Luke 15:8-10
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
When you lose your treasure, worth both money and status, you diligently search everywhere to find it and can't rest or find peace until you find it. Then you feel compelled to share the good news because of the elation from the peace and satisfaction of it being found. How much more God and His servant angels have abounding joy when just one of us is brought from being hopelessly lost from Him to reconciliation and gracious mercy! That love drove Jesus to suffer and die in our place.
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
When you lose your treasure, worth both money and status, you diligently search everywhere to find it and can't rest or find peace until you find it. Then you feel compelled to share the good news because of the elation from the peace and satisfaction of it being found. How much more God and His servant angels have abounding joy when just one of us is brought from being hopelessly lost from Him to reconciliation and gracious mercy! That love drove Jesus to suffer and die in our place.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Joy Over Found Sheep
Luke 15:6-7
6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
God so rejoices in just one coming to be found by faith in His given grace through Christ! We are all lost like wandering sheep until we hear and turn (repent) to follow. Then there is such joy in heaven such as is not seen for those already found...
6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
God so rejoices in just one coming to be found by faith in His given grace through Christ! We are all lost like wandering sheep until we hear and turn (repent) to follow. Then there is such joy in heaven such as is not seen for those already found...
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Sinners as Lost Sheep
Luke 15:1-4
1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
Do we get accused for eating or associating with "sinners?" Jesus did. We must see we are all under judgment apart from the grace and mercy in Christ, and so need to be where other sinners like us are in life. How else can lost sheep be brought back from the destruction they are unaware they are heading towards?
1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
Do we get accused for eating or associating with "sinners?" Jesus did. We must see we are all under judgment apart from the grace and mercy in Christ, and so need to be where other sinners like us are in life. How else can lost sheep be brought back from the destruction they are unaware they are heading towards?
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Live with Preserving Flavor
Luke 14:34-35
34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
We are as salt that adds lasting flavor and offers to preserve what is good through the words of hope, the good news. If we become as what we were rescued and set apart from, then we are good only for the trash. To be of value we do not need to be relevant to society, but to God and His words - true seasoning does not add to or mask life's flavor, it gives it real taste. So we do not adapt truth to attract moths to our flame, but present it with its inherent flavor to those who are looking to hear it...
34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
We are as salt that adds lasting flavor and offers to preserve what is good through the words of hope, the good news. If we become as what we were rescued and set apart from, then we are good only for the trash. To be of value we do not need to be relevant to society, but to God and His words - true seasoning does not add to or mask life's flavor, it gives it real taste. So we do not adapt truth to attract moths to our flame, but present it with its inherent flavor to those who are looking to hear it...
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Count the Cost and Follow
Luke 14:28-33
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’... 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
Have we counted the real cost of following Jesus Christ? It is our very lives. Do we halfway commit to follow Him to only avoid hell, or to expect to get things from Him (easy life, wealth, etc.)? Or do we see the cost to build on our lives includes tearing down as well as building up and suffering to honor the one who bought us at such a price? We cannot be His followers (Christians) if we are not willing to be nailed as it were to a cross daily to die to ourselves that we may live for Him.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’... 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
Have we counted the real cost of following Jesus Christ? It is our very lives. Do we halfway commit to follow Him to only avoid hell, or to expect to get things from Him (easy life, wealth, etc.)? Or do we see the cost to build on our lives includes tearing down as well as building up and suffering to honor the one who bought us at such a price? We cannot be His followers (Christians) if we are not willing to be nailed as it were to a cross daily to die to ourselves that we may live for Him.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Love Follows on a Cross
Luke 14:25-27
25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Do we truly love God more than anyone else, so much that our love for those closest to us is closer to hate than love? Jesus pointed out that we are to have no other before Him to become our gods. A disciple follows one master. To do this we must nail ourselves to the cross each day, dying to our desires to live for Him above all others. This does not negate our love and responsibilities for others, it just eclipses them.
25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Do we truly love God more than anyone else, so much that our love for those closest to us is closer to hate than love? Jesus pointed out that we are to have no other before Him to become our gods. A disciple follows one master. To do this we must nail ourselves to the cross each day, dying to our desires to live for Him above all others. This does not negate our love and responsibilities for others, it just eclipses them.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Dining in the Kingdom
Luke 14:15,22-24
15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 22 And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”
Sadly, though many are called to eat at heaven's table, few are chosen to the narrow way and instead find excuses on the wide road to deny the invitation. So those who realize their eternal helplessness and hopelessness come willingly and eagerly to dine with their Master and Lord. We are compelled to freely enter in and dine with the God of all creation; how can we know this and still refuse to eat with Him in the kingdom of God?
15 Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 22 And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ 23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”
Sadly, though many are called to eat at heaven's table, few are chosen to the narrow way and instead find excuses on the wide road to deny the invitation. So those who realize their eternal helplessness and hopelessness come willingly and eagerly to dine with their Master and Lord. We are compelled to freely enter in and dine with the God of all creation; how can we know this and still refuse to eat with Him in the kingdom of God?
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Return on Investment
Luke 14:12-14
12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
Not only must we not look for all we can get, we need to also extend our giving to those who cannot repay us. It is so easy to give with expectations of getting something in return, but how much more rewarding when those we help are the reward itself! God honors the selfless as well as humble heart. So He gave His Son to us, knowing we could never pay Him back for such a price He paid...
12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
Not only must we not look for all we can get, we need to also extend our giving to those who cannot repay us. It is so easy to give with expectations of getting something in return, but how much more rewarding when those we help are the reward itself! God honors the selfless as well as humble heart. So He gave His Son to us, knowing we could never pay Him back for such a price He paid...
Friday, May 6, 2016
Humble are Called Higher
Luke 14:7-11
7 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Humility is not next to godliness as the saying goes - humility is the foundation of a true godly character as Jesus pointed out in this parable. Seeking the most and best position or possessions only brings shame before God and man in time. Those who accept what God gives with contentment leave the sovereign choice to God who gives all things richly to enjoy in His time and with His portions. He lifts up those who allow Him by not seeking it.
7 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Humility is not next to godliness as the saying goes - humility is the foundation of a true godly character as Jesus pointed out in this parable. Seeking the most and best position or possessions only brings shame before God and man in time. Those who accept what God gives with contentment leave the sovereign choice to God who gives all things richly to enjoy in His time and with His portions. He lifts up those who allow Him by not seeking it.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Rules or Love in Action?
Luke 14:3-6
3 And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 4 But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. 5 Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” 6 And they could not answer Him regarding these things.
The religious leaders were waiting to pounce on Jesus to catch the smallest thing to accuse or discredit Him with. When Jesus asked a direct question before helping a man on a religious day where it was supposedly forbidden to do any work, they refused to answer. He further reminded them how they themselves also broke their own rule when it profited them, silencing further accusations in their revealed guilt. Do we judge harshly or in mercy and truth?
3 And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 4 But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. 5 Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” 6 And they could not answer Him regarding these things.
The religious leaders were waiting to pounce on Jesus to catch the smallest thing to accuse or discredit Him with. When Jesus asked a direct question before helping a man on a religious day where it was supposedly forbidden to do any work, they refused to answer. He further reminded them how they themselves also broke their own rule when it profited them, silencing further accusations in their revealed guilt. Do we judge harshly or in mercy and truth?
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Trust God's Work in Christ
Luke 13:34-35
34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”
Jesus loves and calls us to Himself, waiting for us to acknowledge Him as the Christ (Messiah) who comes in the name and presence of God himself among us. We cannot see God except in Jesus and honor that by believing with trusting faith in all He is and has done. We glorify and honor God by believing His Son. So He longs to gather all who actively believe to Himself in one body - the church.
34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”
Jesus loves and calls us to Himself, waiting for us to acknowledge Him as the Christ (Messiah) who comes in the name and presence of God himself among us. We cannot see God except in Jesus and honor that by believing with trusting faith in all He is and has done. We glorify and honor God by believing His Son. So He longs to gather all who actively believe to Himself in one body - the church.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Stay the Gospel Course
Luke 13:31-33
31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.” 32 And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ 33 Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.
On the day Jesus spoke on deliverance from our hopeless state, threats to kill Him because of that message came. Yet Jesus went on doing good and teaching while setting men free, knowing He was headed toward a cruel death on a tree - cursed as it was written - all to set us free in taking our deserved punishment. He did not run from this death, but into and through it for us.
31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.” 32 And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ 33 Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.
On the day Jesus spoke on deliverance from our hopeless state, threats to kill Him because of that message came. Yet Jesus went on doing good and teaching while setting men free, knowing He was headed toward a cruel death on a tree - cursed as it was written - all to set us free in taking our deserved punishment. He did not run from this death, but into and through it for us.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Narrow Gate is Christ Alone
Luke 13:23-24, 29-30
23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. ... 29 They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”
Not everyone is delivered from due judgment on their sin. The way is very narrow to God and His kingdom - it is only entered through His Son, Jesus the Christ. But those chosen and allowed are from every county and people of the world, not one race or nation. Those called last are no worse than those in the beginning when Jesus walked the earth. Enter the narrow gate.
23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. ... 29 They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”
Not everyone is delivered from due judgment on their sin. The way is very narrow to God and His kingdom - it is only entered through His Son, Jesus the Christ. But those chosen and allowed are from every county and people of the world, not one race or nation. Those called last are no worse than those in the beginning when Jesus walked the earth. Enter the narrow gate.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Kingdom Expanding as Yeast
Luke 13:20-21
20 And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”
The already and the not yet - the kingdom grows within us as yeast fills dough and it rises to become more what it started as. Yet the kingdom is not yet fully come until Jesus returns, completes judgement, and restores all things. So we leaven ourselves and each other as we grow as a body closer to that day, hopeful of the softening for hearts hardened by sin so we learn love in truth.
20 And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”
The already and the not yet - the kingdom grows within us as yeast fills dough and it rises to become more what it started as. Yet the kingdom is not yet fully come until Jesus returns, completes judgement, and restores all things. So we leaven ourselves and each other as we grow as a body closer to that day, hopeful of the softening for hearts hardened by sin so we learn love in truth.
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