Today's Bible reading is the 20th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+20&version=NASB
Prompted by the parable that Jesus had spoken "against them", the scribes and chief priests desired to "lay hands on" Him but they feared the people. We read that they devised a scheme whereby men would be sent whose sole purpose would be to catch Jesus saying something that could be used against Him. Specifically, they would try to catch Him saying something that could result in His being delivered to the rule and authority of the governor. Back in Luke chapter 9 Jesus had foretold that He would be delivered into the hands of men. But this was not His time and the current efforts by men would be unsuccessful. It was a simple question that was posed to Jesus. "Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" Although the question would not have its intended effect, Jesus' answer would provide a practical lesson for generation of believers. Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's". God would again take the ill intended actions of men and turn it into something positive for His glory.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 19th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019&version=NASB
Yesterday's text, the 18th chapter of Luke, included the story of the "rich young ruler" who had came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. At the end of the interaction between the two, Jesus says, "How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The passage goes on to say that those who heard Him then asked, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus answers them saying, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God."
In today's passage of scripture we have the famous story of Zaccheus, his climb up the sycamore tree and Jesus and salvation coming to his house. While reading the account I felt as if I was seeing the purposeful fulfillment of what Jesus had spoken in the previous chapter. Let me explain. One of the things that we read about Zaccheus, other than his small stature and his occupation as "a chief tax collector", is that "he was rich". What a wondrous story. Zaccheus was about to pass through the eye of a needle! For sure, this was "impossible with people" but not impossible for God. Unknown to Zaccheus, as he climbed up in that sycamore tree that day to look down and see who Jesus was, he would find himself looking upon God. And God would take him through the eye of the needle and into the kingdom of God. What a wonderful truth it is; "The things that are impossible with people are possible for God."
Yesterday's text, the 18th chapter of Luke, included the story of the "rich young ruler" who had came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. At the end of the interaction between the two, Jesus says, "How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." The passage goes on to say that those who heard Him then asked, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus answers them saying, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God."
In today's passage of scripture we have the famous story of Zaccheus, his climb up the sycamore tree and Jesus and salvation coming to his house. While reading the account I felt as if I was seeing the purposeful fulfillment of what Jesus had spoken in the previous chapter. Let me explain. One of the things that we read about Zaccheus, other than his small stature and his occupation as "a chief tax collector", is that "he was rich". What a wondrous story. Zaccheus was about to pass through the eye of a needle! For sure, this was "impossible with people" but not impossible for God. Unknown to Zaccheus, as he climbed up in that sycamore tree that day to look down and see who Jesus was, he would find himself looking upon God. And God would take him through the eye of the needle and into the kingdom of God. What a wonderful truth it is; "The things that are impossible with people are possible for God."
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 18th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18&version=NASB
In today's scripture reading there were a couple of passages that I wanted to make brief comments on. The first one is found in the first verse where Luke writes that Jesus was telling "a parable to show that at all times they need to pray and not lose heart." I need not go into the parable itself to praise God and be thankful that He wants us to know His desire for us to be people of prayer people who do not lose heart. As we grow in our faith and in our knowledge of the object of our faith, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (God), we will increasingly become people of prayer and people who do not lose heart. Nothing makes you more desirous of a greater prayer life than a more intimate relationship with Him. And the more we know Him, His ways, His love, His kindness, His grace, His mercy, etc.,
the more it is likely that we will be counted amongst those who do not lose heart.
Secondly, in today's text we also read the parable of the two men who enter the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The parable is well known and again, I won't go into its details. But I will point out one thing that struck me as I read the parable. The tax collector is quoted as having said, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner." He did not just see himself as "a sinner" but as "the sinner". I think this is a similar humbling before God that we see the Apostle Paul write of in 1 Timothy 1:15, when speaking of himself he said, "I am the foremost" of sinners. It is the right perspective any man or woman has when they see God with a right perspective.
In today's scripture reading there were a couple of passages that I wanted to make brief comments on. The first one is found in the first verse where Luke writes that Jesus was telling "a parable to show that at all times they need to pray and not lose heart." I need not go into the parable itself to praise God and be thankful that He wants us to know His desire for us to be people of prayer people who do not lose heart. As we grow in our faith and in our knowledge of the object of our faith, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (God), we will increasingly become people of prayer and people who do not lose heart. Nothing makes you more desirous of a greater prayer life than a more intimate relationship with Him. And the more we know Him, His ways, His love, His kindness, His grace, His mercy, etc.,
the more it is likely that we will be counted amongst those who do not lose heart.
Secondly, in today's text we also read the parable of the two men who enter the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The parable is well known and again, I won't go into its details. But I will point out one thing that struck me as I read the parable. The tax collector is quoted as having said, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner." He did not just see himself as "a sinner" but as "the sinner". I think this is a similar humbling before God that we see the Apostle Paul write of in 1 Timothy 1:15, when speaking of himself he said, "I am the foremost" of sinners. It is the right perspective any man or woman has when they see God with a right perspective.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 17th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2017&version=NASB
In today's scripture reading we have the story of the ten lepers who were cleansed by Jesus. As Jesus was traveling between Samaria and Galilee He met "ten leprous men who stood at a distance" from Him raising their voices and saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" It appears that they are standing at a distance because of their leprous condition which necessitates their voices being raised for Jesus to hear their plea. Hearing and responding to them, Jesus tells the ten to go and show themselves to the priests and as they are going they are each cleansed of their leprosy. When one of the ten sees that he has been healed, he returns to Jesus. With no need to stand at a distance any longer, the man glorifies God by falling at the feet of Jesus and thanking Him. As the account continues we see Jesus asking the following rhetorical question: "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine - where are they?" May we be like the one and not the nine. It is always good for us to "fall on our face" at the feet of Jesus and give Him thanks. Today and each day we have much to be thankful for. No, I have never been cleansed of leprosy but I have been cleansed of the penalty and power of sin. It is said that leprosy can cause severe damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes of a man. But it cannot reach to nor damage the soul and spirit of a man. Sin is a "leprosy" of the worst kind. It effects the body and the soul and spirit of a man. Without being cleansed it will take its toll on any man. I too once "stood at a distance" from the Lord but I have been cleansed in His blood and brought near where I may fall at His feet.
In today's scripture reading we have the story of the ten lepers who were cleansed by Jesus. As Jesus was traveling between Samaria and Galilee He met "ten leprous men who stood at a distance" from Him raising their voices and saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" It appears that they are standing at a distance because of their leprous condition which necessitates their voices being raised for Jesus to hear their plea. Hearing and responding to them, Jesus tells the ten to go and show themselves to the priests and as they are going they are each cleansed of their leprosy. When one of the ten sees that he has been healed, he returns to Jesus. With no need to stand at a distance any longer, the man glorifies God by falling at the feet of Jesus and thanking Him. As the account continues we see Jesus asking the following rhetorical question: "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine - where are they?" May we be like the one and not the nine. It is always good for us to "fall on our face" at the feet of Jesus and give Him thanks. Today and each day we have much to be thankful for. No, I have never been cleansed of leprosy but I have been cleansed of the penalty and power of sin. It is said that leprosy can cause severe damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes of a man. But it cannot reach to nor damage the soul and spirit of a man. Sin is a "leprosy" of the worst kind. It effects the body and the soul and spirit of a man. Without being cleansed it will take its toll on any man. I too once "stood at a distance" from the Lord but I have been cleansed in His blood and brought near where I may fall at His feet.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 16th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2016&version=NASB
God purposed to use the scribes and Pharisees in many different instances during Jesus' life and ministry in teaching many lessons. When I consider this I can't help but rejoice in the truth of God's word that tells us that "all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable". We cannot deny the profitability of scripture; even the many negative things we see written about the scribes and Pharisees. In the 15th verse of today's passage Luke records Jesus as having spoken to the Pharisees, saying to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God." In the flesh men are prone to justify themselves in the sight of other men. The Pharisees could justify themselves in the eyes of other men by engaging in certain religious practices. Heart and motive would be unknown to other men. Unfortunately we have no immunity from doing the same sort of thing in our day. In the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church he spoke of those who measured or compared themselves by themselves and said that by doing so they were without understanding. We may be able to "justify ourselves in the sight of men" but God still knows the heart. We are not the standard by which we ought to measure or compare ourselves. Christ is the standard to which we have been admonished to fix our eyes on. By God's grace and through faith and the Spirit's work in our lives we can be privileged to have Christ live in us! For this we give Him the glory.
God purposed to use the scribes and Pharisees in many different instances during Jesus' life and ministry in teaching many lessons. When I consider this I can't help but rejoice in the truth of God's word that tells us that "all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable". We cannot deny the profitability of scripture; even the many negative things we see written about the scribes and Pharisees. In the 15th verse of today's passage Luke records Jesus as having spoken to the Pharisees, saying to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God." In the flesh men are prone to justify themselves in the sight of other men. The Pharisees could justify themselves in the eyes of other men by engaging in certain religious practices. Heart and motive would be unknown to other men. Unfortunately we have no immunity from doing the same sort of thing in our day. In the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church he spoke of those who measured or compared themselves by themselves and said that by doing so they were without understanding. We may be able to "justify ourselves in the sight of men" but God still knows the heart. We are not the standard by which we ought to measure or compare ourselves. Christ is the standard to which we have been admonished to fix our eyes on. By God's grace and through faith and the Spirit's work in our lives we can be privileged to have Christ live in us! For this we give Him the glory.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 15th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015&version=NASB
They said it while "grumbling" but had no idea that I would sit here one day and write that I so appreciate the truth of what they said. As "the tax collectors and the sinners" were coming near to Jesus to listen to Him, the scribes and the Pharisees both were saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." Indeed, what grand news this was! A tax collector I have never been but a sinner I have been my entire life. Yes Pharisees and scribes, He receives sinners. He draws them. He gives them faith to believe. He forgives them. He clothes them in His righteousness. He makes them part of His body, the church. He is not ashamed to call the one who has been born again His brethren. He has prepared a place for them in His presence and promises to one day return for them. Such love and mercy is not to be grumbled about but praised with thankful hearts. This man receives sinners, praise God!
They said it while "grumbling" but had no idea that I would sit here one day and write that I so appreciate the truth of what they said. As "the tax collectors and the sinners" were coming near to Jesus to listen to Him, the scribes and the Pharisees both were saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." Indeed, what grand news this was! A tax collector I have never been but a sinner I have been my entire life. Yes Pharisees and scribes, He receives sinners. He draws them. He gives them faith to believe. He forgives them. He clothes them in His righteousness. He makes them part of His body, the church. He is not ashamed to call the one who has been born again His brethren. He has prepared a place for them in His presence and promises to one day return for them. Such love and mercy is not to be grumbled about but praised with thankful hearts. This man receives sinners, praise God!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 14th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14&version=NASB
In verses 16 through 24 of today's chapter we read what is ofter referred to as the parable of the dinner. When the "dinner hour" arrived, we see that the one giving the dinner sends out his slave to tell the invited guests to come "for everything is ready now". The fist one responds by saying, "I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.". The text tells us that "they all alike began to make excuses" for not coming to the dinner. The parable includes three different excuses that were given by invited guests for not being able to come to the dinner. The "excuses" mentioned each appear to have had some sense of legitimacy to the ones giving them. One had bought a piece of land and needed to go look at it. Another had bought five yoke of oxen and was going to try them out. And the other had married a wife and could not come. The parable reminds me of the many excuses that we give for not being faithful in the assembling together with other believers or for not being about the ministry that our gracious Lord has provided for us. Selfishly we can say in our hearts or with our mouths, "please consider me excused" and consider our reasons for not doing that which the Lord would have us do as legitimate. Don't get me wrong, there are clearly times when it is God's will that we not do a particular thing because He would have us do another at that particular time. But may we be discerning and not fall into a pattern where we are oftentimes considering ourselves excused from what the Lord would have us do so that we might be about our own business and not His.
In verses 16 through 24 of today's chapter we read what is ofter referred to as the parable of the dinner. When the "dinner hour" arrived, we see that the one giving the dinner sends out his slave to tell the invited guests to come "for everything is ready now". The fist one responds by saying, "I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.". The text tells us that "they all alike began to make excuses" for not coming to the dinner. The parable includes three different excuses that were given by invited guests for not being able to come to the dinner. The "excuses" mentioned each appear to have had some sense of legitimacy to the ones giving them. One had bought a piece of land and needed to go look at it. Another had bought five yoke of oxen and was going to try them out. And the other had married a wife and could not come. The parable reminds me of the many excuses that we give for not being faithful in the assembling together with other believers or for not being about the ministry that our gracious Lord has provided for us. Selfishly we can say in our hearts or with our mouths, "please consider me excused" and consider our reasons for not doing that which the Lord would have us do as legitimate. Don't get me wrong, there are clearly times when it is God's will that we not do a particular thing because He would have us do another at that particular time. But may we be discerning and not fall into a pattern where we are oftentimes considering ourselves excused from what the Lord would have us do so that we might be about our own business and not His.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 13th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here on bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13&version=NASB
Throughout the Book of Luke and the other Gospels we often see Jesus giving the right perspective on a matter. God's perspective. In today's passage we have another account of Jesus healing on the Sabbath while teaching in the synagogue. The recipient of His healing is a woman who had a sickness which had caused her to be "bent double" for eighteen years. The text says that this particular "sickness" was caused by a spirit. We read that Jesus said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness" and then He laid His hands on her and she was immediately made erect again. The synagogue official is described as being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. The official then speaks to the crowd of people in the synagogue, telling them that they should come to be healed on any other day, but not the Sabbath. Jesus then appears to address the synagogue official and all those who may be of the same mind as he was. He calls them hypocrites. He challenges their thinking by reminding them that each of them unties their ox or donkey from their stall and leads them to water and that they do so even on the Sabbath. Putting things into their proper perspective, He asks them if this woman, "a daughter of Abraham" should not have been released from her bond on the Sabbath day. We read that those who were in opposition to His teaching were humiliated. They would untie their animals on the Sabbath and lead them to water but they would stand opposed to Jesus releasing or "untying" this woman and leading her to Himself, the giver of living water.
Throughout the Book of Luke and the other Gospels we often see Jesus giving the right perspective on a matter. God's perspective. In today's passage we have another account of Jesus healing on the Sabbath while teaching in the synagogue. The recipient of His healing is a woman who had a sickness which had caused her to be "bent double" for eighteen years. The text says that this particular "sickness" was caused by a spirit. We read that Jesus said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness" and then He laid His hands on her and she was immediately made erect again. The synagogue official is described as being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. The official then speaks to the crowd of people in the synagogue, telling them that they should come to be healed on any other day, but not the Sabbath. Jesus then appears to address the synagogue official and all those who may be of the same mind as he was. He calls them hypocrites. He challenges their thinking by reminding them that each of them unties their ox or donkey from their stall and leads them to water and that they do so even on the Sabbath. Putting things into their proper perspective, He asks them if this woman, "a daughter of Abraham" should not have been released from her bond on the Sabbath day. We read that those who were in opposition to His teaching were humiliated. They would untie their animals on the Sabbath and lead them to water but they would stand opposed to Jesus releasing or "untying" this woman and leading her to Himself, the giver of living water.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 12th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2012&version=NASB
Each one is used in today's chapter to teach us a lesson,; a sparrow, a raven, the lily and grass. The apparent insignificance of the sparrow was reflected in the ability to purchase five of them for just two cents. But we see that God pays attention to the sparrow despite its small monetary worth to men. To God we are more valuable than many sparrows the text says. Later in the passage we read about another bird, the raven. They neither sow nor reap, have no storerooms or barns to keep their food and yet God sees that they are fed. We read that we are much more valuable than the birds. And then we are told to consider how the lilies grow and to take note of how God clothes them although "they neither toil nor spin". Lastly we read that God even concerns Himself with clothing the grass of the field that is alive one day and thrown in the furnace the next. Each of these examples is intended to teach us and/or remind us that if God cares and provides for the sparrow, the raven, the lilies and the grasses of the field, His concern for us is greater still.
Each one is used in today's chapter to teach us a lesson,; a sparrow, a raven, the lily and grass. The apparent insignificance of the sparrow was reflected in the ability to purchase five of them for just two cents. But we see that God pays attention to the sparrow despite its small monetary worth to men. To God we are more valuable than many sparrows the text says. Later in the passage we read about another bird, the raven. They neither sow nor reap, have no storerooms or barns to keep their food and yet God sees that they are fed. We read that we are much more valuable than the birds. And then we are told to consider how the lilies grow and to take note of how God clothes them although "they neither toil nor spin". Lastly we read that God even concerns Himself with clothing the grass of the field that is alive one day and thrown in the furnace the next. Each of these examples is intended to teach us and/or remind us that if God cares and provides for the sparrow, the raven, the lilies and the grasses of the field, His concern for us is greater still.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 11th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11&version=NASB
Although we read of how Jesus would go away and pray while alone, there were certainly times when He prayed while in the presence of His disciples. In today's passage we see that after one of those times, one of His disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. The disciple was aware that John the Baptist had taught his disciples to pray and he asked Jesus to do as John had. I can't help but think that when His disciples heard Him pray that they were struck by both the content of His prayers and the manner in which He prayed. I can only imagine that the intimacy in which He prayed was unlike anything they had ever witnessed or experienced. In fact, there is a part of me that believes that what moved the disciple to ask the question was his desire to find the intimacy with the Father that Jesus demonstrated in His praying. Jesus graciously responded to the disciples request and taught them how to pray. The words that He gave are often referred to as "the Lord's prayer" although it may be more accurate to call them the disciples prayer. It gave them a guideline as to how to pray. May we grow in intimacy with the Father through the relationship that we have with Him in His Son Jesus and learn to pray as He did.
Although we read of how Jesus would go away and pray while alone, there were certainly times when He prayed while in the presence of His disciples. In today's passage we see that after one of those times, one of His disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. The disciple was aware that John the Baptist had taught his disciples to pray and he asked Jesus to do as John had. I can't help but think that when His disciples heard Him pray that they were struck by both the content of His prayers and the manner in which He prayed. I can only imagine that the intimacy in which He prayed was unlike anything they had ever witnessed or experienced. In fact, there is a part of me that believes that what moved the disciple to ask the question was his desire to find the intimacy with the Father that Jesus demonstrated in His praying. Jesus graciously responded to the disciples request and taught them how to pray. The words that He gave are often referred to as "the Lord's prayer" although it may be more accurate to call them the disciples prayer. It gave them a guideline as to how to pray. May we grow in intimacy with the Father through the relationship that we have with Him in His Son Jesus and learn to pray as He did.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 10th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10&version=NASB
I appreciate a simple verse out of today's passage that should help remind us of a proper perspective to have in life. Jesus had sent out "the seventy" in pairs to go to all of the cities and places where Jesus Himself was going to go. We read that they returned "with joy" and when they spoke of their journey they said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." I suppose that may have been my response as well had I been amongst the seventy. But the Lord did not want their "joy" to be based on the authority He had given them over demons. Jesus acknowledged the authority He had given them and His awareness of their effectiveness in the work He had sent them to. But in verse twenty Jesus says, "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven." Ministry involves both good times and difficult ones. Although we can and should rejoice when we see the Lord work in and through His vessels, the foundation of our joy, and that which is enduring, is that by grace we have found ourselves the recipients of God's kindness in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, forgiven of our sins, children of God and joint heirs with Jesus. What a source for joy is ours in Christ!
I appreciate a simple verse out of today's passage that should help remind us of a proper perspective to have in life. Jesus had sent out "the seventy" in pairs to go to all of the cities and places where Jesus Himself was going to go. We read that they returned "with joy" and when they spoke of their journey they said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." I suppose that may have been my response as well had I been amongst the seventy. But the Lord did not want their "joy" to be based on the authority He had given them over demons. Jesus acknowledged the authority He had given them and His awareness of their effectiveness in the work He had sent them to. But in verse twenty Jesus says, "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven." Ministry involves both good times and difficult ones. Although we can and should rejoice when we see the Lord work in and through His vessels, the foundation of our joy, and that which is enduring, is that by grace we have found ourselves the recipients of God's kindness in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, forgiven of our sins, children of God and joint heirs with Jesus. What a source for joy is ours in Christ!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 9th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway:http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209&version=NASB
In today's passage we see Jesus sending His twelve apostles out into ministry, Herod "trying to see Him", the feeding of the five thousand, Peter's proclamation that Jesus was "the Christ of God", the transfiguration, the discussion amongst the twelve regarding which of them would be greatest and the expectations accompanying discipleship. The chapter is full of topics that volumes have been written about. My quick thought from the passage is from the instructions given by Jesus to His disciples when He sent them out "to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing". In verses three through five we read His words, "Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." As I consider this "take nothing for your journey" passage, I could not help but think that by telling them what they were not to take the Lord was telling them what to take plenty of. Faith! It was faith that they needed most. Faith to believe God. To trust in His calling them and in His provisions for them. May we not tempt God with foolish and unwise actions and decisions, but may we seek Him first and trust in His gracious provisions for all that He has called us to.
In today's passage we see Jesus sending His twelve apostles out into ministry, Herod "trying to see Him", the feeding of the five thousand, Peter's proclamation that Jesus was "the Christ of God", the transfiguration, the discussion amongst the twelve regarding which of them would be greatest and the expectations accompanying discipleship. The chapter is full of topics that volumes have been written about. My quick thought from the passage is from the instructions given by Jesus to His disciples when He sent them out "to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing". In verses three through five we read His words, "Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." As I consider this "take nothing for your journey" passage, I could not help but think that by telling them what they were not to take the Lord was telling them what to take plenty of. Faith! It was faith that they needed most. Faith to believe God. To trust in His calling them and in His provisions for them. May we not tempt God with foolish and unwise actions and decisions, but may we seek Him first and trust in His gracious provisions for all that He has called us to.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 8th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway:http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+8&version=NASB
God is the author of family and family relationships. He graciously gives instructions to husbands, to wives, to children and to parents for the purpose of fulfilling those roles before God in a Christ honoring manner. We read in Luke 2 that Jesus continued in subjection to His parents while He was growing up in Nazareth. But God is also the author of fellowship amongst the family of believers. In today's passage we find Jesus' mother and brothers unable to get in to see Him because of a large crowd. When He is told that His mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to see Him, He replied that His mother and brothers "are these who hear the word of God and do it." He was not lessening the importance of His earthly family but demonstrating the special relationship that exists between believers. We are the children of God. We are, as the word teaches, members of the Body of Christ and members, one of another. Paul encouraged Timothy to consider the older men in the church as fathers, the older women as mothers, the younger women as sisters and the younger men as brothers. We ought to be thankful for the many "family members" we have in Christ. They are often some of the closest relationships we have in this life. A common faith, strengthened by a like mindedness of doctrine and fellowship in ministry can make for a bond that is stronger than flesh and blood.
God is the author of family and family relationships. He graciously gives instructions to husbands, to wives, to children and to parents for the purpose of fulfilling those roles before God in a Christ honoring manner. We read in Luke 2 that Jesus continued in subjection to His parents while He was growing up in Nazareth. But God is also the author of fellowship amongst the family of believers. In today's passage we find Jesus' mother and brothers unable to get in to see Him because of a large crowd. When He is told that His mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to see Him, He replied that His mother and brothers "are these who hear the word of God and do it." He was not lessening the importance of His earthly family but demonstrating the special relationship that exists between believers. We are the children of God. We are, as the word teaches, members of the Body of Christ and members, one of another. Paul encouraged Timothy to consider the older men in the church as fathers, the older women as mothers, the younger women as sisters and the younger men as brothers. We ought to be thankful for the many "family members" we have in Christ. They are often some of the closest relationships we have in this life. A common faith, strengthened by a like mindedness of doctrine and fellowship in ministry can make for a bond that is stronger than flesh and blood.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 7th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+7&version=NASB
The Gospels are full of various accounts of Jesus healing people who have come to Him on their own or who have been brought to Him by others. Today we read of a most wonderful encounter that Jesus has with a woman and her only son. As Jesus is entering the city of Nain, we read that the woman, already a widow, is walking out of the city when the two cross paths. She is walking alongside some men who are carrying the casket that holds the dead body of her son, her only son. The passage also tells us that there is a large crowd accompanying her as they walk. She does not approach Jesus and no one approaches Him on her behalf. No one approaches Jesus on behalf of her son who lays dead in the casket. But Jesus sees the woman and has compassion for her. He tells her not to weep and then He does an amazing thing. He walks up and touches the coffin and then speaks to the woman's son, saying, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" Of course, a dead man has no ability to respond to someone who speaks to them. But Jesus also quickens the woman's son to do two things. To hear His voice and respond to Him. Luke tells us that the man "sat up and began to speak". Praise God that Jesus still speaks to those dead in their sins and trespasses AND quickens them to hear Him and respond to Him.
The Gospels are full of various accounts of Jesus healing people who have come to Him on their own or who have been brought to Him by others. Today we read of a most wonderful encounter that Jesus has with a woman and her only son. As Jesus is entering the city of Nain, we read that the woman, already a widow, is walking out of the city when the two cross paths. She is walking alongside some men who are carrying the casket that holds the dead body of her son, her only son. The passage also tells us that there is a large crowd accompanying her as they walk. She does not approach Jesus and no one approaches Him on her behalf. No one approaches Jesus on behalf of her son who lays dead in the casket. But Jesus sees the woman and has compassion for her. He tells her not to weep and then He does an amazing thing. He walks up and touches the coffin and then speaks to the woman's son, saying, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" Of course, a dead man has no ability to respond to someone who speaks to them. But Jesus also quickens the woman's son to do two things. To hear His voice and respond to Him. Luke tells us that the man "sat up and began to speak". Praise God that Jesus still speaks to those dead in their sins and trespasses AND quickens them to hear Him and respond to Him.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 6th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6&version=NASB
By no means is this meant to give them praise or thanks, but God, who I will thank, uses the Pharisees and Scribes to help teach us lessons we can learn from. The chapter begins with Jesus and some of His disciples passing through some grain fields on the Sabbath and as they travel along they are "picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the grain". Some of the Pharisees then wish to question the lawfulness of this behavior on the Sabbath. On "another Sabbath" we read that Jesus had entered the synagogue and was teaching. We see that there is a man present who has a "withered hand". The passage goes on to say that "the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath". Again, their interest is only in finding reasons to bring accusations against Him.They have no concern for the man with the withered hand. It is unfortunate that they were "watching" Him instead of listening to Him. It is unfortunate that their religiosity made it quite common to be those who would be content being those "who commend themselves", "measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves". As it says in 2 Corinthians 10:12, those who do such things "are without understanding". May we never be counted amongst those who practice such things and may we always be more concerned with hearing the word of God and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ than being those who "watch" others. Quite simply, may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
By no means is this meant to give them praise or thanks, but God, who I will thank, uses the Pharisees and Scribes to help teach us lessons we can learn from. The chapter begins with Jesus and some of His disciples passing through some grain fields on the Sabbath and as they travel along they are "picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the grain". Some of the Pharisees then wish to question the lawfulness of this behavior on the Sabbath. On "another Sabbath" we read that Jesus had entered the synagogue and was teaching. We see that there is a man present who has a "withered hand". The passage goes on to say that "the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath". Again, their interest is only in finding reasons to bring accusations against Him.They have no concern for the man with the withered hand. It is unfortunate that they were "watching" Him instead of listening to Him. It is unfortunate that their religiosity made it quite common to be those who would be content being those "who commend themselves", "measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves". As it says in 2 Corinthians 10:12, those who do such things "are without understanding". May we never be counted amongst those who practice such things and may we always be more concerned with hearing the word of God and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ than being those who "watch" others. Quite simply, may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 5th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway:http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+5&version=NASB
This is one of those chapters of scripture that one could spend much time pondering the various things that are recorded for us. There is the calling of Peter, James and John to be "fishers of men".
There is the cleansing of the leper and Jesus both healing the paralytic man and forgiving his sins. There is the calling of Matthew, the tax gatherer. And we read about prayer, fasting and the parable of the wineskins.
But there is one verse that seemed to catch my attention as I read the chapter today that I would like to share a couple of thoughts on. It is verse 16 and it simply says, "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray." There is so much that we can learn when we consider the life that Jesus lived and the manner in which He conducted Himself. By example, He speaks of our need to "slip away to the wilderness and pray". No, we need not necessarily go to a wilderness characterized by mountains, trees, lakes, rivers or even deserts. But we do need to slip away to a quiet place in our heart and mind to pray. There are times when an actual quite place is quite helpful although sometimes that opportunity is not readily available. Whatever the case, we must slip away to for this purpose of prayer and like Jesus, we must slip away often. May we consider this wonderful example that Jesus has given us in today's passage and "slip away to the wilderness and pray".
This is one of those chapters of scripture that one could spend much time pondering the various things that are recorded for us. There is the calling of Peter, James and John to be "fishers of men".
There is the cleansing of the leper and Jesus both healing the paralytic man and forgiving his sins. There is the calling of Matthew, the tax gatherer. And we read about prayer, fasting and the parable of the wineskins.
But there is one verse that seemed to catch my attention as I read the chapter today that I would like to share a couple of thoughts on. It is verse 16 and it simply says, "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray." There is so much that we can learn when we consider the life that Jesus lived and the manner in which He conducted Himself. By example, He speaks of our need to "slip away to the wilderness and pray". No, we need not necessarily go to a wilderness characterized by mountains, trees, lakes, rivers or even deserts. But we do need to slip away to a quiet place in our heart and mind to pray. There are times when an actual quite place is quite helpful although sometimes that opportunity is not readily available. Whatever the case, we must slip away to for this purpose of prayer and like Jesus, we must slip away often. May we consider this wonderful example that Jesus has given us in today's passage and "slip away to the wilderness and pray".
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 4th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4&version=NASB
In 2nd Corinthians 12:10, the Apostle Paul spoke of that which he had come to know in Christ when he wrote, "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." Of course, such thinking is contrary to human intellect but it is nonetheless God's Christ honoring way. Paul also wrote, in 1st Corinthians 1:25, "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men". Let me conclude that the weakness of God is stronger than all of His creation, including that of the angelic realm.
In today's passage of scripture we find a great example of power and triumph in weakness.. The beginning of the chapter contains the account of Jesus being tempted in the desert by the devil. Jesus is in the wilderness for forty years and it appears that the devil is tempting His periodically throughout that time. We read that Jesus ate nothing during this forty day period. One can only imagine the physical and mental weakness that would be the result of going forty days without food. Yes, He was God incarnate but in His humanity He had physical needs for food, drink and rest. At the end of these forty days, when He would have been at His weakest point, He faithfully relies on the strength that is found in the truth of God's word to combat the devil's temptations. Oh, what a lesson He has given us! That we might live by faith and trust wholly in God and the truth of His word through the temptations that come are way each and every day. The flesh is weak but may we find great strength in the truth of God's word and the Spirit's victorious work in our lives.
In 2nd Corinthians 12:10, the Apostle Paul spoke of that which he had come to know in Christ when he wrote, "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." Of course, such thinking is contrary to human intellect but it is nonetheless God's Christ honoring way. Paul also wrote, in 1st Corinthians 1:25, "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men". Let me conclude that the weakness of God is stronger than all of His creation, including that of the angelic realm.
In today's passage of scripture we find a great example of power and triumph in weakness.. The beginning of the chapter contains the account of Jesus being tempted in the desert by the devil. Jesus is in the wilderness for forty years and it appears that the devil is tempting His periodically throughout that time. We read that Jesus ate nothing during this forty day period. One can only imagine the physical and mental weakness that would be the result of going forty days without food. Yes, He was God incarnate but in His humanity He had physical needs for food, drink and rest. At the end of these forty days, when He would have been at His weakest point, He faithfully relies on the strength that is found in the truth of God's word to combat the devil's temptations. Oh, what a lesson He has given us! That we might live by faith and trust wholly in God and the truth of His word through the temptations that come are way each and every day. The flesh is weak but may we find great strength in the truth of God's word and the Spirit's victorious work in our lives.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 3rd chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+3&version=NASB
The day in which Jesus was baptized by John in the wilderness was a most glorious day. The scripture tells us that "heaven was opened" that day. We read that on that day "a voice came out of heaven", saying of Jesus, "You are my beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." It seems clear that these would be words spoken only by His Father in heaven. It was the voice of God proceeding from heaven above to the earth below. John was indeed, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" as he fulfilled the prophetic utterances of Isaiah and made ready the way of the Lord.That John the Baptist was a great man is indisputable. But John himself put things into their right perspective when he said of Jesus, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." The Son of God was mightier than John, a chosen servant of God. John was baptizing with water but the Son of God would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The final words of Isaiah's prophecy recorded in today's passage says that "all flesh will see the Salvation of God". This "salvation" has a name. The wonderful name of Jesus.
The day in which Jesus was baptized by John in the wilderness was a most glorious day. The scripture tells us that "heaven was opened" that day. We read that on that day "a voice came out of heaven", saying of Jesus, "You are my beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." It seems clear that these would be words spoken only by His Father in heaven. It was the voice of God proceeding from heaven above to the earth below. John was indeed, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" as he fulfilled the prophetic utterances of Isaiah and made ready the way of the Lord.That John the Baptist was a great man is indisputable. But John himself put things into their right perspective when he said of Jesus, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." The Son of God was mightier than John, a chosen servant of God. John was baptizing with water but the Son of God would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The final words of Isaiah's prophecy recorded in today's passage says that "all flesh will see the Salvation of God". This "salvation" has a name. The wonderful name of Jesus.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 2nd chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it hear at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2&version=NASB
Today's chapter includes Luke's glorious account of the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It never ceases to be a most wondrous story that brings joy to the heart of those who know its truth. Those who know Him should never tire of its telling, but only rejoice in its sweet refrain. Consider the response to the Saviors birth by the following. For the ears of the shepherds out tending their flock in the field to hear, the angelic host proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest" regarding the Savior's birth. Returning from having seen the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds were "glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen". While in the temple, with the Holy Spirit upon him, "righteous and devout" Simeon took the young child Jesus "into his arms and blessed God". The prophetess Anna, well advanced in years, "began giving thanks to God" when she also saw the child Jesus in the temple. Each one, the angels, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna all were moved to do the same thing in response to the news of the Christ child; praise God. We should follow their example.
Today's chapter includes Luke's glorious account of the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It never ceases to be a most wondrous story that brings joy to the heart of those who know its truth. Those who know Him should never tire of its telling, but only rejoice in its sweet refrain. Consider the response to the Saviors birth by the following. For the ears of the shepherds out tending their flock in the field to hear, the angelic host proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest" regarding the Savior's birth. Returning from having seen the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds were "glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen". While in the temple, with the Holy Spirit upon him, "righteous and devout" Simeon took the young child Jesus "into his arms and blessed God". The prophetess Anna, well advanced in years, "began giving thanks to God" when she also saw the child Jesus in the temple. Each one, the angels, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna all were moved to do the same thing in response to the news of the Christ child; praise God. We should follow their example.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 1st chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1&version=NASB
This first chapter of the Book of Luke is simply a wonderful passage of scripture. It includes the angel Gabriel's appearance before Zacharias to announce the coming birth of his son, John, even though he was advanced in years and the womb of his wife Elizabeth had been barren. Later, Gabriel appears before Mary, foretelling the virgin's miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. There is the meeting of these two expecting women, relatives of one another, and then the chapter ends with the birth of John the Baptist.
And although there is so much one could write about as indicated above, the short thought that I would like to share is from the introduction that is found in the first four verses. Luke, the writer of the Book, tells his recipient, Theophilus, that his purpose for writing is that he would "know the exact truth about the things" he had been taught. We could only hope and pray for such a desire to permeate the church in our day. Oh, that we would have a desire to know and to teach the "exact truth" regarding all matters of our faith; to those both young and old in the Lord. In this introduction, using Luke's written words, God also gives us instruction on a proper way to prepare for truth telling. Before writing the things included in the letter, Luke first "investigated everything carefully from the beginning". A careful, prayerful and exhaustive examination of "everything carefully" is necessary if we wish to be those who do "not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." May His "exact truth" about Christ and all matters of Christian faith and practice be what we speak and teach.
This first chapter of the Book of Luke is simply a wonderful passage of scripture. It includes the angel Gabriel's appearance before Zacharias to announce the coming birth of his son, John, even though he was advanced in years and the womb of his wife Elizabeth had been barren. Later, Gabriel appears before Mary, foretelling the virgin's miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. There is the meeting of these two expecting women, relatives of one another, and then the chapter ends with the birth of John the Baptist.
And although there is so much one could write about as indicated above, the short thought that I would like to share is from the introduction that is found in the first four verses. Luke, the writer of the Book, tells his recipient, Theophilus, that his purpose for writing is that he would "know the exact truth about the things" he had been taught. We could only hope and pray for such a desire to permeate the church in our day. Oh, that we would have a desire to know and to teach the "exact truth" regarding all matters of our faith; to those both young and old in the Lord. In this introduction, using Luke's written words, God also gives us instruction on a proper way to prepare for truth telling. Before writing the things included in the letter, Luke first "investigated everything carefully from the beginning". A careful, prayerful and exhaustive examination of "everything carefully" is necessary if we wish to be those who do "not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." May His "exact truth" about Christ and all matters of Christian faith and practice be what we speak and teach.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 16th chapter of the Book of Mark. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2016&version=NASB
In this final chapter of Mark's Gospel we read Mark's account of Christ's resurrection. We find "Mary, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome" coming to the tomb early in the morning on that first day of the week following Christ's death and burial. We read that they had brought spices to anoint Him and that they were concerned about who would roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for them. When they arrived, the two women found the stone had already been rolled away. Although not recorded in today's text, in Matthew's gospel account we read that an angel of the Lord had come down from heaven and rolled the stone away. Their entrance into the tomb had been provided for but they would not be anointing the body of Jesus. It would not be necessary. When they entered the tomb they find that Jesus is not there. What they do find is a "young man" sitting and wearing a white robe who tells them, "He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him." Each Gospel writer gives varying accounts and details as to the things that occurred that glorious resurrection morning. The most important detail is consistent. Jesus was no longer in the tomb. He was risen, just as He said. Praise the Lord!
In this final chapter of Mark's Gospel we read Mark's account of Christ's resurrection. We find "Mary, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome" coming to the tomb early in the morning on that first day of the week following Christ's death and burial. We read that they had brought spices to anoint Him and that they were concerned about who would roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for them. When they arrived, the two women found the stone had already been rolled away. Although not recorded in today's text, in Matthew's gospel account we read that an angel of the Lord had come down from heaven and rolled the stone away. Their entrance into the tomb had been provided for but they would not be anointing the body of Jesus. It would not be necessary. When they entered the tomb they find that Jesus is not there. What they do find is a "young man" sitting and wearing a white robe who tells them, "He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him." Each Gospel writer gives varying accounts and details as to the things that occurred that glorious resurrection morning. The most important detail is consistent. Jesus was no longer in the tomb. He was risen, just as He said. Praise the Lord!
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