Wed Devo

Read Luke 24:36-52. 

v. 36-43 Can you picture the disciples with their mouths hanging wide open. They just can't believe it. How gracious is Jesus to prepare them for belief with the testimony from the 2 men from Emaus. How gracious is He to physically appear to them by just appearing in the midst. How gracious is He for inviting them to touch and eating among them. How gracious is God to assist our unbelief. He takes us on baby steps as well. We should follow His example as we lead others to faith - baby steps are allowed by God!

v. 44-52 Can you see the disciples progression? They encountered Christ. He opened their minds to understanding the scriptures. They were told to wait for power from on high. Then they would preach Jesus name to all nations. (v. 47)

This is the pattern for any believer/church. We first encounter Christ and have our hearts understand the scriptures then the Father invites us to join his mission. The cool thing is we keep encountering Christ while on mission with him. The father loves to take us to work - he delights that his children would be busy about their father's business.

questions

1) Who is someone you need to take baby steps with in their faith?

2) Have you encountered Christ? Has your heart and mind been opened to the scriptures? Have you waited for power from on high? Have you joined your father's business?

prayer

Lord give us more of our patience to wait on you. Lord give us more of your Holy Spirit power to serve you. Raise up workers for the harvest

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 24:13-35. V. 16 - It appears their eyes were restrained because they didn't know the scriptures and they had not combined right knowledge with faith. We too will not see the Lord and what the Father is up to if we don't know the scriptures. 

v. 17 Why does Jesus set them up with a question? Why not just tell them the truth from the beginning? Doesn't he know they don't know! The Lord lets us explore - he lets our hearts search for truth. He also lets us discover for ourselves what is in our hearts. Once we have said something - our words expose our belief or lack of belief. (Mk 7:20-23) When we see clearly our lack of faith we then have the chance to repent and believe. Jesus is helping these guys get honest with themselves about their lack of faith. He will then blow them away with his presence so they can become serious missionaries. The Lord loves to take faithless men and change their hearts. Many times these are the greatest witness to others - these are the ones who can say - "we didn't believe it either - but now we can't deny the truth."

v. 19ff - This scares me - how some can be so close to the truth and yet missing the whole point. They had all the information - just not all the truth! Lord open our eyes - we don't want to miss you in our midst!

v. 28-35 Their hearts burned because the presence of the Lord had been with them. When their eyes were opened they could not help but testify. They overcame doubt - overcame fear of being ridiculed by the disciples. When we have let the presence of the Lord burn in our heart we too will find boldness. Not necessarily the removal of all fear but the motivation to overcome our fear to share Christ.

questions

1) Do your words convey faith that God will provide or doubt/ fear when you talk about your future? Our words reveal our hearts! Ask the Lord to help you see your heart as he did these 2 guys. The clearer picture we have of our hearts the better we can repent and get right with God.

2) Do you have fear in sharing what God has done for you? Ask the Holy Spirit to set your heart on fire with his presence. Let that fire drive you to overcome fear - to press on through fear of what people think.

prayer

Lord we ask you would remove the scales from our eyes. You're working around us today - we need to see you. Come burn our hearts with your presence Holy Spirit - give us the courage to take the story of the resurrection - wherever we go!

Friday devo

Read Luke 24:1-12. "First day of the week" of course this is Sunday and in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit comes and starts the church we see it was also on a Sunday. Luke 24 and Acts 2 are the two reasons the church meets on Sunday!

This story is full of surprises. Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions these poor woman must have experienced. He's dead - the angels, he's alive - go tell apostles! The reality is when we are serving God in the midst of revival our emotions will go crazy if we are not really staying yielded to the Lord. When God shows up and does things His way - and they will almost always catch us off guard. If our emotions are having trouble keeping up - that could simply be a sign of our faith in action!

Think about how many times God showed up in a way that was completely expected - not many! Sometimes he sends angels sometimes he speaks through donkeys. We know from the other gospels John also ran with Peter. Jesus' closest disciples chose to believe beyond all doubt - the run was worth it. Their faith seemed completely illogical - they saw him die. 

questions

1) When has it seemed God was taking you on a roller coaster of emotions?

2) Hypothesize why the other disciples might not have gone? What hindered their faith? Would you have gone?

prayer

Lord we love how you show up and we love when you surprise us. Please let us not doubt simply because you do things in ways we don't expect. Let us see what you're doing around us today - let us enjoy and embrace your surprises. We trust you know what you're doing.

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 24. Read this entire chapter. Try to put yourself in the position of the people in the story. What would you be thinking? What would you be feeling?

questions

1) What part of the story impressed you the most?

2) What part did not seem clear?

prayer

Lord we praise you to invading our world! Your faithfulness to us inspires our trust in you!

Wed Devo

Read Luke 23:44-56. I'm just amazed at Jesus' faithfulness. Many start well. Some who don't start well pick it up and finish well. Some might even start a project and start poorly, do ok for a while and finish bad but Jesus was faithful through every second of his death. He truly was the son of God. He truly is our model on obedience to the Father!

I know what it is to be in shock watching a loved one die. Your mind doesn't really work. No one speaks. Food looses its taste and your memory of the events is mostly in black and white. God actually gave us the ability to go into shock to help us manage trauma. These woman are in the early stages. Grief will soon set in and their emotions will start to awaken from their numbness. The real pain is yet ahead - or so it would seem. But Sunday is coming and along with it the greatest deliverance from shock - resurrection.

God loves to let things hit the trauma stage and then show up!

1) What seems to have died in your life and need resurrecting?

2) When God tells you to do something where do you struggle the most - getting started, staying strong in the middle or finishing well?

prayer

Father - increase our will to serve you. Show up Lord and invade our lives with your presence.

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 23:26-43. Lets focus in on the soldiers vs. the thieves. There is a chance that those on crosses with Jesus had more of an opportunity to hear about Jesus and know why he was persecuted. But chances are they didn't know much more than the soldiers. How is it that one thief could come to recognize Jesus as God and the soldiers and other thief missed it?

Three times in the book of Hebrews we are encouraged not to "harden our hearts." Sin will harden our hearts and it seems there is a point we reach where we simply can't see truth no matter how blatantly close it is to us. All but the repent thief had reached that point. 

The soldiers were assign a bloody duty where to just sleep at night they had to work hard to erase the memories from the mind. Many times soldiers even today who have seen the gore of battle, let alone crucifixion, have convinced themselves the only way to survive is to remove their conscience. That is why Jesus says, come to me all who are weary and burden - I'll give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-29)

A thief who continues to steal will either have to live with the guilt, harden his heart or come to Jesus. Judas was a thief. He hardened his heart and became so blind to who Jesus was that he betrayed him. We know sin that is not given to God will keep us from him and if we never give it to God and make him Lord of our life we will spend eternity with out him. 

But also sin will keep us enslaved in this life. To keep sinning and not be constantly miserable with guilt requires us to harden our heart. We have to shut our heart down - the Holy Spirit will just keep convicting us. How could they mock and murder an innocent man - the same way we would - leaving our sin undealt with hardens our heart.

1) do you have a hard heart toward anyone or anything?

2) what unconfessed sin might you have in your life?

3) what practical steps can you take this weak to soften your heart?

Lord we know the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. I pray we are ready to lean on you when he comes. Please let us be aware of our sin even if it takes swallowing serious pride!

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 23:13-25. 

This passage demonstrates the importance of leadership. As the leaders goes - so goes the nation. These people really for Jesus' blood don't even know what's really going on. They're just following the opinions of the leaders. Another gospel tells us the Jews stirred up the crowds to yell this.

When a pagan foreign ruler like Pilate can see this is simply done from jealousy and there is no real case here - how amazing the people can. Perhaps they simply don't care they are just bored and want to see some blood.

How low has the father gone to send his only beloved into such a messed up situation. But remember he didn't just send him there - He sent him there to change the situation. If we find ourselves at the mercy of the most depraved of society remember that even in the midst of us being abused we're really sent their as redeemers to take back what was originally God's.

These are God's children doing this. What a frightening thought. How fatherless they seem. Big brother Jesus lets himself go to them in the lowest of ways so he can buy them back. The very ones who shouted "Hosanna blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" now they are shouting, "crucify him." And later Jesus will say to the same group, "father forgive them they know not what they do."

1) Has the Lord been asking you to go low for someone? Who and how low?

2) Are you frightened you might be hurt by those God has sent you to? Remember through the pain they cause you - you are redeeming them if you respond in love.

Lord forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors.

Wed Devo

Read Luke 23:1-12. How cryptic "I find no fault..." "But they were the more fierce.." When you have a personal agenda logic doesn't matter. I think of this right now as people are weighing who they should vote for. Some leave their minds at the door but locking into a certain party or fixating on one issue. Here the enemies of Jesus have their mind made up - they are unwilling to listen to a verdic of "non-guilty" they came for blood and they aren't leaving until they get it. 

v. 6-7 Like many who don't know what to do with Jesus Pilate was simply ready to pass him along to others. Let's let someone deal with him. How many times do we come to something Jesus said and as we discover its difficult we simply let others deal with it. Spiritual sloth has caught all of us sleeping on important issues that needed attention.

v. 11 the gorgeous robe was not a compliment but mockery. I had a waiter at this week and I asked him, as I often ask waiters, "how can I pray for you." His first response was a smirk. I didn't know if that meant he had been asked that before by some annoying pastor or he something else. Later I figured it was probably more just simply doubt in the power of prayer. Many will mock the power of God - especially when it looks so weak to the world. Jesus looked weak here. Prayer often looks weak - but by faith we are accessing spiritual power to change the world. No mockery of the kingdom kept Jesus from bringing down satan and no mockery of our faith will destroy God's purpose for our lives if we don't let it.

questions

1) What issue has the Lord wanting to deal with you on but you keep sweeping it under the rug?

2) how did Jesus react to being mocked? How should we?

Lord let us be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves!

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke ch. 23. Read this entire chapter and answer these...

1) what did you notice from the story that you have never seen before?

2) what is the main point of Luke 23 - why did Luke include this chapter?

3) what part would you like to study further?

prayer

Lord open the eyes of our heart to what you and your son really did for us!

We love you Lord - we love your presence!

Friday devo

Read Luke 22:63-71. I wonder if those who mocked Jesus had any idea who he was or really understood why he was arrested. It reminds me of those who deny Christ and mock Christians for their faith and yet they don't really know what we believe. It is amazing to me God would allow himself to be treated like this. How much lower and more humiliating can it get - just keep reading!

v. 67 "you will by no MEANS believe." He had already given every means possible. He had calmed the storm - walked on water and raised the dead only to be accused of using satan's power to do it. How low would the savior go to save? He allows himself to be disrespected beyond imagination and the very act of his accusers is the very act he used to save them.

questions

1) is there anyone you would be humiliated for? What kind of love would that take?

2) Who can you go lower to love? How?

prayer

Thank you Lord for going low for us. We want to love with your heart. Let us honor you today with our lives.

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 22:54-62. Can you imagine the shame you would feel. We all have denied Christ in some way. We let a dirty joke go on without saying something. We had an opportunity to pray for someone but we thought they would think us weird. We had a chance to stand up for our faith but intimidation and fear won out. 

Peter though, had it worse. He was Jesus' right hand man and he had made many claims about what he was going to do for God. V. 61 says, "the Lord looked at Peter." Wow - that would have been unbearable. But what were Jesus' eyes saying? It is interesting to think back to the fact that Jesus' predicted this betrayal but didn't push Peter away. He just told him it would happen.

The Lord knows our hearts and he knows as he said on the cross - "forgive them - THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO!" Thank you Lord for grace. From here on it will probably be harder for Peter to forgive himself than anything else.

I have noticed in ministry and life that it doesn't seem God really uses anyone until they have really come to terms w/ the condition of their heart. Hopefully we don't have to fall like Peter to discover the corruption in our hearts - but many times we do. The key is - what will we do when we discover we are wretched? Will we run to his amazing grace or make excuses?

1) Is there any place in your life right now where you're intimidated to stand up for God?

2) How can you be fearless for Jesus and yet compassionate to others?

prayer

Lord your grace is amazing - it has saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but know I'm found  - was blind but now I see. Lord unveil my eyes to the true condition of my heart so I don't betray you like Peter. Show me before the time of great testing.

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 22:47-53. How does betrayal work - here we find a case study! John 12 3:-6 tells us Judas was in charge of Jesus' money bag but use to steal from it. Perhaps he came to follow Jesus originally with good motives but over time the temptation of the money took over - satan got a foothold. Perhaps the small betrayal of stealing what was entrusted to him opened the door for a large betrayal. 

Perhaps Judas joined Jesus' group with the sole purpose to steal. His goal being to become famous. I recently watch a Brad Pitt movie on Jesse James. The man who killed Jesse James was a traitor from within his gang who wanted his fame. 

We can speculate but all we really know is that betrayal is the most painful because it comes from those we trust - that is what defines it. It involves deception like Judas kiss where one pretends to be something they are not. It hurts to be betrayed because its always personal.

v. 53 "this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Notice the word "hour" not a long period - bad enough but Jesus is going to raise and destroy the work of the enemy! (I John 3:8)

questions

1) have you ever been betrayed?

2) what are ways we might betray Jesus through our week?

prayer

Lord forgive us for playing Judas. Show us where we pretend to be one person with you but really are just playing. Lord heal us - clean us - purify our hearts - Let your Glory shine on us. Open heaven too us!

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 22:39-46. There is a lot in this passage!

"as was his custom" As John 3:16 is important to our salvation so Luke 5:16 is vital to our new life in Christ. "so he himself often withdrew to the wilderness to pray." We can read this passage in Luke 22 and think that Jesus is dialing home like a young man whose about to be arrested and needing dad to bail him out. He lives a lifestyle in the father's presence. John 5:19 tells us Jesus only does what he sees the father doing!

question: how can you better develop a lifestyle of prayer?

v. 40 Prayer greatly affects how we are tempted and our spiritual strength to endure. I know many at Encounter and other place who are presently in a bad situation financially, relationally, occupationally etc. who fell into temptation and landed there. Prayer keeps us before God so we are in step with his spirit.

v. 41 why did he withdrawl? I don't know for sure but we all need to have prayer with other believers but we must have time alone with the Lord. I have found many times the Lord draws me away from others because he knows they might influence me. My flesh, fear of man might get in the way - but alone with him - its his voice I hear and his heart is shared. Luke 3:21 at Jesus' baptism he prays and heaven opens (as it does for us by the way when we pray). How many times because we're distracted by our noise filled environment do we miss heaven opening!

v. 42 Perhaps here we find the reason he slipped away - to discover God's will. If he has discussed the details here again about his death with the disciples they would have again tried to dissuade him. There are times when God speaks to us - that no one else is going to get it and all our friends who love us will try to keep us from moving in faith. Many times the Lord leads us to our death like He did Jesus. The business man who is called the mission field. The mother who is called to leave her abusive husband. The child who is asked to confront the bully. We must get far enough away from others so we can only hear THE VOICE.

v. 43 Angel - messenger of God - the message - you're not alone - I care even though this will hurt!

v. 44 Is it wrong to struggle with doing God's will. To hate it to some extent. Jesus didn't sin by struggling to do God's will be he eventually did it!

v. 45 There are times when our flesh simply hinders us - there are times when we let the devil in the camp because we're sleeping at the wheel. I have had to start doing prayer walks at times if I'm too sleepy and need to pray. I also lay on the flood in uncomfortable positions which helps. Understand there is a spiritual drowsiness that is a spiritual attack. And there is the drowsiness that is simply fatigue. Either one can work like a sleeping pill for the enemy.

I have come under conviction recently about my need to pray for missions and missionaries more. In America we have been drowsy and distracted. I now try to pray at 9:00 pm for the nations of the world instead of being hypnotized by the TV at that time! Let's wake up saints!

question

ask the Lord "Lord what have you been trying to tell me this week but I haven't gotten alone with you long enough to hear you?

prayer

Lord remind me to get alone with you. Wake me before my alarm to slip away with you behind the door.

Wed Devo

Read Luke 22:35-38. 

It is important to see that there are seasons and shifts in seasons. Our church is in the midst of a shift. This city is in a shift. Churches have relocated, ministries displaced things like that change the spiritual atmosphere. John 3 says the Holy Spirit is like the wind he blows where he pleases. Galatians 5:25 tells us to keep in step with the spirit. How do we keep in step with a spirit that is like the wind.

The disciples here the words, "but now" and must adjust. On a previous ministry trip they were not to take anything with them. It is almost human nature to discover patterns and get in a rut. Well - God did this before - this is how he will do it again. But in transitions the Lord rarely does the same thing twice. What happened on Pentecost could not have been predicted and has not since been duplicated. 

Read Ecc 3:1-8. What time are you in? Have you adjusted? Some are better with shifts in the move of God but we must all make them.

Our nation is in a time of major shifting. Our city is in a time of major shifting. Can we be people who like the apostle John lean on the Lords breast and listen to his heart to know his will and accomplish his purpose? Can we keep up when our general says, "March!"

questions

1) is there something you've been fighting that may be God trying to shift you in a new direction?

2) why is it so important in seasons of change to be in intimate relationship with our father?

prayer

Lord give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you. Fire more hunger for your power, presence and inner person.

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 22:31-34. Its amazing how much can be said in a short paragraph.

Here we learn that Satan directly attacks followers of Jesus. When you read this in the NLT you see that sifting is simply an attempt to turn the disciple from Jesus. This has always been the enemies goal and will always be!

Prayer from our Lord was the cure. It did not remove all of Peter's struggle but notice "when you have returned to Me." Just because we prayed for someone yet they still fell away - the war is not over. The Lord heard our prayer - he will finish what he started in that person (Philippians 1:6)

If Jesus prayed for Peter's strength and his prayer was answered by seeing Peter fall yet come back - we should see that will happen with our prayers at times .

v. 33 We also see we can be full of confidence and empty of faith. Faith is being SURE of what we hope for and also hoping in the right thing! Peter was ready to die with Jesus if it meant getting famous in the process but to die an outlaw - he fled.

v. 34 Jesus knows our failures before we fail. Yet do we see him chide Peter here. No he simply is preparing him to know that his love is unconditional. Are you beating yourself up for something you did. Jesus isn't! He hates sin but he also hates our lack of ability to forgive ourself when he has removed our sin as far as the east is from the west. Most of us are more more tough on ourselves than the Lord.

questions

1) How might the enemy being trying to sift you now? What if anything in your life is testing your faith?

2) Would your faith survive a total surprise by the Lord?

prayer

Lord increase our faith!

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 22:14-30. What slippery slope these guys are on. Why in the midst of Jesus' final hour are they talking about who will be the greatest? I want you to remember a time when you caught yourself thinking more highly of yourself than you ought. Many would look at this passage and just tear these guys apart with ridicule but notice v. 28-30. We can over react to this passage and miss what is really going on.

Many times when God has called us out and anointed us we will be tempted with pride but that doesn't mean we should stop moving forward. Yes these guys are way off base in their discussion. Yes the enemy has use the truth against them. They know something is special about them and so the enemy lures them to focus on that too much.

I have see people who are struggling with this over-react to the point where they walk away from what God wants them to do. We can be led astray by our pride or we can over-react and miss our destiny because we're afraid of being confident. Most of the time those attacked with pride have an awesome destiny on their life. They simply need to get their eyes off themselves and on to Jesus so you can fulfill it for them.

questions

1) have you ever not done something because you thought you would be considered prideful by others?

2) have you ever not done something because you thought to yourself - this might give me an inflated head.

prayer

Lord we want you to receive all the glory. We want to wash feet if it would honor you. But Lord we also know you raise up leaders from among us. We know you want to bless us. Let us walk the path of confidence where we know what you've called us to do and our eyes are so set on you that we don't fear our pride getting in the way.

Wed Devo

Read Luke 22:7-13. Honestly I don't get this story. There are details that I just can't make sense of for sure. I don't know why its included in the gospel. Is this all just a way of getting a place to worship the passover so they can stay under the radar of the religious leaders? Did Jesus even know who this was carrying the water pot. Was it a signal pre-arranged for the disciples or was Jesus speaking with supernatural knowledge?

Either way one point I see is that God has a place for us to worship him. He prepares a place for us. In John 14 while they're eating the meal Jesus will say, "I go to prepare a place for you." Well here we see that before he said that the Father prepared a place for them to eat this meal.

God prepares places for us to meet him. He wants us to celebrate him and his goodness. He wants us to feel his presence. He knows what we need. I think about how God has always provided exactly what we've needed. 

questions

1) where have you met with God?

2) where might he be preparing a place for you to meet him again?

prayer - Lord we are looking forward to seeing you face to face one day! Prepare our hearts by meeting with us here - now. We come hungry! Fire hunger in our hearts God! Where do you want to meet alone with me?

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 22:1-6. 

The plot is quite simple - Kill Jesus any way we can - he's threatening our power, position and prestige. Ironically the religious leaders missed that the passover was a time to remember God saving them so he could lead them. Here again God is trying to save them through Jesus but they kill him because they refuse to be led. In God's amazing wisdom he uses their very treachery to save them. 

Think about the grace of God - he sends a savior - we kill him then he uses that murder to save us - WOW!

Judas was overcome with greed. How many times are we around Jesus because we're using Jesus?

questions

1) what are you fearful God might take from you if you totally sold out to him?

2) how have you been using Jesus?

prayer

Father - your kindness leads us to repentance. We want you to clean us up. We want our hearts pure - pour out your glory on us Lord!

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 21:20-38. It is important to remember the bold headings over the paragraphs are not original. The writers of the New King James Added them. Here they seem to be accurate but there are a few places where they could be miss leading. The main thing is - think for yourself - especially on the parts that are added by man! Some would argue the heading "The Destruction of Jerusalem is also a prophecy of what will happen in the future where as just reading this heading might simply remind us of A.D. 70.

v. 29-33 make it clear that are signs that will hint at what is to come. The key as you look at all the signs is that in the end times they will all be happening simultaneously. 

v. 34-38 gives a general but much needed warning - always be ready.

questions

1) how much do you think about Jesus' return?

2) how that might that change your day - today?

prayer

Lord, let us be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.

Wed Devo

Read Luke 21:6-19. 

v. 6 understand that the disciples ask about the time when Jerusalem will be destroyed but if we look at Matthew 24:3 when Matthew records this they asked about the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming. What makes this passage so tough to understand (like all prophecy) is what parts of Luke 21 are predictions of the destruction of Jerusalem and which are predictions of the 2nd coming!

v. 7 notice that they ask for "what signs" and Jesus doesn't rebuke them - there will be signs but v. 8 makes it clear - it will be easy to be deceived.

here are the signs listed

v. 8 many false prophets saying they are the messiah

v. 9 Wars and rumors of wars

v. 10 Nations against nations

v. 11 earthquakes, famines pestilences, fearful sights, great signs from heaven

v. 12 persecution - you can read about present fulfillment of persecution presently going on in India - emailed to me yesterday

v. 12b brought before kings and rulers

v. 16 betrayed by family

all of these things happened in the first 100 years after Christ but I believe will happen and are happening again. 

v. 19 by patience of some versions say "endurance" you will posses your souls (be saved)

Jesus is coming - we need to be ready. No matter how bleak - how hard - don't quit!

prayer

Lord your word says, if we endure with you we will reign we it you. We long to reign with you - give us strength to endure!

Tues Devo

Read Luke 21:6-38. What complicates this passage is that part of it is speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem that is going to happen in 40 years later and part of of it is speaking of the 2nd coming. Now to really complicate things there is also this little thing called double reference prophecy which means some prophecies have more than one fulfillment. With that in mind we read this and realize perhaps nearly everything Jesus said applied to both events.

Read this carefully in its entirety - we'll come back tomorrow and break it down a bit. You may need to read it a couple of times in so here is the NIV version as well Luke 21.

prayer

Lord let your Holy Spirit reveal to me the meaning of this passage.

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 21:1-6. I love looking at these two stories together. In one we have a woman of great faith that the world honestly wouldn't even notice. If they did notice her it would be because they thought she was dirty and in their way. A poor widow meant a lonely widow. There was no social security except family. Perhaps she had been barren. Perhaps she had lost her husband prematurely. Perhaps her children died before her which is something that no mother should have to endure. Whatever her story is - it has ended with her being poor and lonely. 

Most would look at this widow and not blame her for being selfish. Why should she give her last bit of money to a God who didn't save her family? Why should she worship so selflessly? Shouldn't she be mourning not celebrating and praising God?

Then we have those at the temple who might brush past a poor widow and not even notice her but they are surely impressed with the building. They're impressed with a glamours structure but oblivious to a glamours heart. God doesn't look at the outward appearance - he looks at the heart and the widow doesn't go unnoticed by Him.

questions

1) what is something going on in your life that you probably haven't been looking at with God's eyes?

2) Is there someone in your life that you might brush by every day who the world doesn't even notice (they're invisible)?

prayer

Lord let us see with your eyes and love with your heart today? Let us not be distracted by the glamour the world gets caught up in - let our hearts be glamours for you today!

Wed Devo

Read Luke 20:41-47. There is a lot here in this short passage. 

- v. 41-44 Jesus in his tender way uses scripture that the people were familiar with to teach them something they refused to believe. He is the messiah and if they would only re-examine passages they have known and memorized since their youth they would see the truth. He quotes a Psalm and points out that David calls Jesus "Lord". So yes - the messiah is the "son of David." But also David's Lord. How is that? If they would listen to what Jesus has been saying they could figure it out. He came from David's family tree which makes him a "son of David" but he was before this he is creator God - "LORD."

- its cool that God uses what we know to explain himself - he builds a bridge from what is familiar to what we need to understand - he starts where we are!

- its true for us as well - there are things about God we have understood somewhat since our childhood but we need more - deeper revelation on.

v. 45 Jesus never talked behind people's back in a sinful way but here we see its not wrong to warm people about false teachers and the religious abusers. Those who take religion to control others and promote themselves. I heard a preacher rightly say earlier this week, "many times those whom God uses turn around and try to use God for self promotion." We must all guard against this trap the pharisees fell in. Just because God is using us now doesn't mean we're not vulnerable to getting a big head and trying to use God!

questions

1) where did God start when he first began to reveal himself to you? Who did he use, what life events? Can you see how he perfectly revealed himself? Can you remember it took time and patience on his part so we must be patient with not-yet believers in our life?

2) read Ephesians 5:8-11. Is there something you need to expose in a Godly way? Is there a sin in your home you need to confront with the heart of Christ?

prayer

Read Luke 20:27-39. What I love about this passage is that Jesus doesn't really have to have some wise way of asking a question back to dumbfound their question. He basically says, "no you're wrong - read your Bible!" He quotes Moses whom they immediately would recognize and respect. He does cause them to realize their error and his wisdom supreme.

questions

1) have you ever argued with God? How did that go?

2) what is a subject you have been uncertain about in your relationship with God - where you personally need to sit down and study? Not hearing what your pastor says - but listening for yourself to the word!

prayer

Lord give me the dedication to hunger after you in your word. Give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation!

Friday devo

Read Luke 20:20:26. I just recently heard a teaching on this passage that unlocked its meaning for me. The real issue here is that Caesar claimed to be God and the Jews refused to honor him because of this claim. When they ask Jesus, "is it lawful for us to pay?" they are really wanting to see hoping to catch Jesus either being afraid of Caesar or dishonoring him. In their minds either way Jesus' answers they got him!

Jesus of course being slightly wiser than his interrogators doesn't give them either answer they're looking for on this day. Its incredible because Jesus' answer does two things. It proves he doesn't think Caesar is god because he says, "give to God what is Gods." It also shows that we are to honor leaders over us. 

The Pharisees believed it impossible and ungodly to honor one who claimed to be God. Jesus shows that it is possible to honor them but give God the greater honor. When Jesus says, "give to God what is Gods." What does he mean? In reality everything is the Lords. Romans 12:1 - Offer your very lives as a living sacrifice to the Lord. Jesus has already said, "take up your cross and follow me." Give God your life and quit worrying about taxes!!!

We can get lost in politics this time of year - especially this year. It is important to stay informed but are we giving to God what is God's? Are we honoring him with our lives? The Pharisees were worried about a man claiming to be God way off in Rome and missing the point that they were face to face with the son of God - and they're not giving him glory.

questions

1) do you tend to get really hyped about politics or do you tend to ignore it?

2) how can you keep the main thing the main thing when everyone else is all stirred up about the next president?

prayer

create in me a clean heart God and renew a steadfast spirit within me!

Thursday devo

Read Luke 20:9-19. Jesus doesn't directly come out and tell the religious leaders this parable is about them but they figure it out. The man who planted the vineyard is the heavenly Father. The religious leaders are the vinedressers. The prophets in Israel's history are the servants who were sent and beaten. Jesus is the son who is about to be killed.

The fact that the religious leaders knew it was about them proves their guilt. 

God will entrust his people with responsibility like he did Israel. He will entrust us. Will we be faithful? God will send us prophets and those to instruct us - will we be teachable? 

V. 14 is cryptic - "that the inheritance may be ours." That's not even logical. Who is going to give the inheritance to those who murders their son. This is how messed up this group is. It demonstrates they lost all sense of who the true owner of the vineyard is. Sometimes we can get to managing what God has given us and totally forget it is his - all his. We don't get to keep any of it - we can only let Christ be king of it - or have it taken away. We are stewards of all we have - from our children to our collectibles. 

questions

1) what is one thing you own that you don't seem to ask God for input on how He wants managed anymore?

2) who is someone God has sent to instruct you? are you listening?

prayer

create in me a clean heart God - renew a right spirit within me!

Wed Devo

Read Luke 20:1-9. This day of the passion week has come to be known as the "Great Day of Questions." Matthew 22 gives additional questions that the religious leaders asked Jesus on this day - trying to trap Him. I think its really cool how Jesus managed to confound his accusers and never really answer their questions. 

It was Rabbinical teaching to answer a questions with a question. It seems sometimes it was almost a dual of the minds - who could ask the better question. Here Jesus wins the battle because his question forces them to give up. 

It is so frustrating that in v. 5-7 the religious leaders are not even looking for truth. They are thinking about what would anger the crowd and what would embarrass them. They don't even slow down to think - "maybe we've been wrong the whole time."

questions

1) do you sometimes get in an argument where being right is more important than the truth?

2) what things has God said that you still struggle to believe?

3) how open are you to re-examining those areas?

prayer

create in me a clean heart God and renew a right spirit within me - 

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 19:45-48. This is the 2nd time in Jesus' ministry when he goes into the temple and cleans house. He did it early in his ministry. (John 2) He does it hear as a final reminder before he goes to the cross. His passion for his father's house is quite intense. I wonder what he would clean out my church?

"My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." How many times do we take something that should be all about God and turn it into all about us. We go from asking - what can I give to what can I get.

v. 47-48 remind us of Jesus' words - "I lay my life down - no one takes it from me." John 10:18

questions

1) If Jesus' passion for holiness is a 10 - what is yours?

2) Ask the Lord to show you what you have been turning into being more about you than him? Where have you been taking - not giving?

prayer

Wed Devo

Read Luke 19:28-44. This is a happy and sad story all together. We have the worship of a righteous king entering his city only to end with the king weeping over the depravity of His people. The very worship of their lips convicts them that they are unrighteous but God lets it come. How many times do we worship on Sunday but are a different person through the week like these people. Our gracious God still invites us to worship and like in this story will still show up to hear our praise.

The colt was an animal of victory not war. If Jesus had wanted to send the message he was coming to overthrow Rome or to fight the religious leaders he would have ridden a horse. His message is one of gentle peace. His is the meek savior who saves by giving his life away. This is how we will save our friends and family - not by force but by meekness.

v. 37 reveals that the power of miracles to convert people's heart is very limited. These people had seen miracles but they had not internally experienced the power of God change their hearts. As Paul says in I Corinthians 13, "if I have the faith to move a mountain but have not love - I have nothing." We may experience the power of God but we should much more so long for the presence of God to invade our life and change our character.

v. 42 sums up the story of Jesus, "If you, even you had only known on this day what would bring you peace..." That is it - isn't it. We're all looking for peace but we tend to find different answers. There's only one answer and he entered Jerusalem on a colt 2000 years ago to prove he is the prince of peace.

questions

1) How does knowing God invites imperfect worshippers to worship change your perspective on worship?

2) Where have you been trying to use your might and force but Jesus is calling you to meekness?

3) What area of your life are you struggling to have peace right now? How can you let the prince of peace into that area?

pray

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 19:11-27. This may be the only parable of Jesus that is based on historical events. When King Herod died he divided his kingdom into 3 parts and Judea was to be ruled by Archelaus. When Archelaus went to Rome to to gain the official ok to enter into his inheritance (Judea) the Jews sent an embassy of 50 people to argue they needed no king. Augustus the emperor went ahead and made Archelaus king.

This story surly brought back some memories and hit home with this audience. The harsh reality is that we don't want Jesus to be our king because we want to rule our own kingdom. There is the lure of self reign. When we want a king who will fulfill all our expectations and do everything our way in fact we are simply wanting to be our own king without the responsibility. We want authority without responsibility. This parable shows that in God's kingdom we have the opposite. We are under his authority and we have responsibility.

If we really trusted God is good and has our best interest in mind and that he rewards those richly who are faithful with their responsibility maybe we would not mind him being our king. But do we long for him to rule us? Shouldn't we? What are the benefits for a good king to rule us?

A good king protects, provides, encourages, keeps order, rewards, moves the kingdom forward and many other things. Part of the reason we're not so cracked up about Jesus being our king is our amazing ability to justify and overlook how poor of job we do in running our own kingdom. I know personally I can go for months and overlook how harsh I am to my wife and children, how greedy I am, how proud and arrogant I've been. I will have a spiritual retreat where God peals back the layers of superficiallity and I see who I've really been. I can't escape all my cracks and flaws. I desperately come to the conclusion I need a real king. I need a good king. I can't rule my own kingdom and be who I want to be deep down inside.

The cool thing about this king is that he trust us. In this story responsibility was delegated and the King left. He didn't micromanage! Those who simply tried succeeded and the one who didn't were punished. God trust us with his work. We are here to set up his kingdom not ours. But when we are faithful with the small things he will bless us with more responsibility. 

questions

1) What other things can you think of that describe a good king that are fitting of God besides: protecting, providing etc.

2) Are you being faithful with the responsibilities God has given you to set up his kingdom?

3) What do you think about verse 26?

prayer

Monday Devo

Read Luke 19:1-10. This passage reminds me of Romans 2:4 - it is your kindness that leads us to repentance. I bet Jesus wish he could have gotten the "self-righteous" to repent like Zacchaeus did! The Lord can see repentance in Zach's heart before he gets there and sometimes if we open our eyes so can we. We can see the brokenness. The spiritual Hunger. The readiness for change. Jesus is on his way to die but he has time on this last trip to Jerusalem for someone who is ready to repent.

God puts Zacchaeus' in our life all the time - they may not be up in trees but they can be hard to see. They don't often call out to us and neither did Zach in this story. They come to see our faith or our church - they want to observe because something is burning in their heart. This is why Peter tells us to always be prepared to give a reason for our faith. We never know when someone will come to us hungry for God. 

Jesus does something most strange. He invites himself over to Zach's house. A house of a sinner. Who knows what kind of parties and illegal things had happened there. Jesus came on a rescue mission. He's not scared of getting his hands dirty. He doesn't operate out of an office. He's in the lives of people - not offering a program as the answer - but offering himself.

Notice Jesus wasn't content to just be his friend. He led him to repentance. What did Jesus say on the way to his house? Did he confront? He led with love and acceptance and repentance came to the surface. Zach gives us the model of repentance. He paid back with interest. When we repent we do more than say "sorry" we make things right if at all possible.

questions

1) ask God if there is a Zach in your life you need to encounter deeper? (one seeking God)

2) Where can we offer more of our life to people? Just being with them?

3) Do we need to "make things right" with someone? If you have made a mistake and said or felt sorry - have you gone the extra mile to make things right?

pray

thursday devo

Read Luke 19. 

questions

1) what part stuck out to you the most?

2) what from chapter 19 applies to your life right now?

3) which verse would be worth memorizing?

pray

Wednesday Devo

Read Luke 18:35-43. 

This story demonstrates the prerequisite to great faith - "emptiness." Honestly what did this guy have to loose - nothing. This passage say's he was a blind beggar. That is almost redundant. To be blind was to be in most cases in this day. This man didn't know shame. He didn't have much family or they would have been taking care of him. He had no fear of what people thought - he just went after Jesus. Notice verse 43 that he didn't just receive his sight - he also followed the sight giver.

His dream was to see. It sounds so simple but Jesus is the dream fulfiller. Why didn't Jesus go into Jericho looking for a blind man. He's God - surely He knows a blind man dwells outside the city begging - in need. Jesus always gives space for our faith to take action. He could step in and just fix things but coming to him on our knees demonstrates our faith. It also expands our faith.

The story ends with praise. Any time God's people move in faith - the end is worship - the world will see our faith and God's power show up and they will praise Him. Even non-believers at times will worship as they see the goodness of God. The Lord loves to do things in such a way that only he can be praised. We often will try to take some credit we don't deserve so He will do things in a dramatic way that lets us and others know - its all about Him!

questions

1) is there something that you would like Jesus to fix but you're too ashamed to ask? Maybe you think its too little? Maybe you think you deserve the problem? Maybe you think its too big for him to handle? cry out to him!

2) Is there something you have asked God for but God is waiting on you to take a step toward him in faith? Think about a prayer that hasn't been answered? Is there something God is waiting for you to do?

prayer

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 18:31-34. 

v. 31 "told them." This was not the first time! I'm so encouraged when I read about how many times Jesus reminded the disciples of the future. I'm not so encouraged to see they never got it! Have you ever felt God is going to give up on you. Remember even though they didn't understand the death Jesus predicted was his death for the world - Jesus came after the resurrection and gave them even another chance. He doesn't quit on us. Just because we don't have the kind of love that would pursue one as far as God pursues us - we can't project that on him. God is not done with you - even if he as told you 100 times - and you turned a deaf ear each time. He loves you too much. He will pursue you because you are worth pursuing! 

The father's heart is not logical. We shouldn't try to understand it too much!

"everything...will be fulfilled." Driving to Missouri on Saturday I saw a rainbow and the Lord reminded me he will fulfill everything he has promised. The first rainbow was a sign of a covenant that God made with Noah. It was a promise that God is faithful no matter what. Here Jesus is simply saying God doesn't change (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). He will finish what he started.

v. 32 "handed over." Jesus will tell Pilate in John 19 that it is only by his own will that he dies. We must keep at the forefront of our mind that Jesus' death was a sacrificial CHOICE!

"Mock, insult, spit, flog and kill" WOW that's not what we would call glamours ministry. Many times the things the world considers success are not success in the eyes of God and many times the sacrifices God ask us to make don't make sense to the world.

v. 34 "hidden from them." We don't like this verse. We try to explain it away to simplify what it might mean but the reality is - it means what it says, "God hid it from them!" Why would a father hide something from his children. Perhaps to protect them. Imagine a father about to go off to war where most soldiers are not expected to return. What would he tell them? Jesus gives the disciples information to help them cope once they're in the midst of the last hours of his life. But as I Corinthians 13 says, "love always protects." He guards there hearts and minds from the tragedy.

questions

1) have you ever felt God is done with you - about to give up? When is a time you know He gave you a 2nd chance (other than salvation)?

2) How does the phrase "you are worth pursing" change your perspective about your relationship with God?

3) what sacrifice is God asking you to make right now that doesn't make sense to the world?

4) what might have the disciples done if they had fully understood that Jesus was going to suffer and die?

Wednesday Devo

Read Luke 18:15-17. We all can sympathize with Jesus' disciples. They want the master to preserve his energy and the custom of bringing children to a famous Rabbi would surely just tire him all the more. We shouldn't read into this passage that the disciples hate children but that they love Jesus. 

It is true that many see children as a burden. Many see children as an obstacle in their way that needs to be set aside - quietened but Jesus in the midst of his fatigue invites them come and so should we. Mark 9:37 teaches that when we welcome a child in our midst - we are welcoming Christ himself. The implication is when we reject a child we are rejecting him as well.

Being the father of 3 precious children it is easy to see how rejection impacts them. A rejected child may struggle all their life to recover. Jesus doesn't miss the opportunity to bless them. We can spiritualize this passage and say, "what qualities of childlikeness do we need to have to please God." And come up with things like trust, dependence and meekness. The problem with that is we all know children who are not so innocent!

Perhaps we should just focus in on a common denominator of all children - neediness. All children have one thing in common and that is they need their father. Luke puts this story right after a story of a Pharisee who didn't need anything - his self-righteousness was going to get him through. This story shows us what kind of faith pleases the father.

How comfortable are we with the fact that we need him every hour just as the old hymn says? We work hard to become independent but we never are from the creator. If there is one thing every child has that we all need that is the awareness of our dependence. 

questions

1) what would our prayer life look like if we lived with an awareness of our radical dependence on God?

2) what hinders our ability to remember our dependence?

3) how can we keep our dependence on God at the forefront of our mind?

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 18:9-14. There is a religious spirit of false humility that finds pride in being humble but there is also a religious spirit that is a spirit of superiority. This Pharisee had that problem. We are to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ - to demolish strongholds even in us. Monitor your thoughts. It is very critical to determine if we have a superiority spirit. 

Many Christians look down on non-Christians. Many saved looked down on those who struggle with "dirty" sins. But like the older brother in the prodigal son story we must be careful not to become too critical. The moment we reject the prodigals with a superiority spirit - is the moment we become just like them - a prodigal being disobedient to the father.

This superiority spirit is always comparing always competitive. The moment it feels inferior it tries to come up with some reason that its better. "He may have gotten a raise, but I work harder." "She may be prettier but I'm smarter."

Jesus says it here, Peter says it in I Peter 5 and Paul says it in Ephesians 4 and James says it in James 4 - "Humble yourself." It is a choice to put our eyes on the creator not self. Pride in reality is a mode of defense. Like Peter on the water took his eyes off Jesus and then started to question himself. That is where all pride starts - our eyes are off Jesus and on self. Pride comes to pat us on the back for what we've done or achieved. Peter fell in the water but imagine if he had looked away from Jesus on the sea and yet managed to walk on water. His pride and ego would have gone through the roof. No wonder Jesus let him sink. No wonder he lets us!

All pride begins with eyes off Jesus and on self. That is where we begin to compare instead of worship. Worship is the antidote to pride. When our eyes are on self we become "confident of our own righteousness." True CONFIdence comes from confiding in the Lord. Psalms 25:14 says, "the Lord confides in those who fear him." Fearing God is worship. When we fear something we are like the lowly tax collector here - a true worshiper.

If we fear our image being inferior we will worship our image which is basically what pride is. That's why pride is a defense. It is always defending self from the fear of inferiority. When we have to one-up others, compare or let ourselves feel inferior at another's success we are in reaction mode. The fear of the Lord keeps our eyes on Jesus so we don't end up with eyes on self. When our eyes are on self - we'll always land on fear because deep down we know on our own we are inferior. Those with their eyes on Jesus are not relying on self in the first place.

Notice the tax collector approaches in fear as he has humbled himself but leaves confident just as Psalms 25:14 promises. His confidence was not in self-righteousness but in the cleansing of the Lord. He humbled himself simply by looking at the truth. It will set you free. Even if the self-righteous Pharisee was pretty religious he is not a self-made man. As Paul says in Romans 12, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEASURE OF FAITH GOD HAS GIVEN YOU.

(Romans 12:3)

Even when we have reason to be proud - where did the faith come from to do what God set before us? I heard a preacher once criticize the beggars in this area who stand on the on-ramps. Knowing this preacher made it difficult to keep my mouth shut as I wanted to rebuke him. He was in his 30's and still receiving quite large hand outs from his parents. He saw himself as superior but his blessings were "given to him." In reality everything we think we have a right to be proud about - is simply God's grace. That is the truth that will set us free from pride and free to worship. 

We deserve nothing we have. There are people who have worked twice as hard and received twice as little. What is the difference - not us - but the greatness of our Father! Oh Pharisees turn your eyes upon Jesus - look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth (self) will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

questions

1) Do you find yourself often thinking thoughts of superiority? Comparing yourself?

2) What are ways you can choose to humble your thoughts and actions? 

3) Who is someone you typically look down on? Why? What is the Father's heart for this person?

prayer

Friday Devo

Read Luke 18:1-8. 

v. 1 what does it mean to "always" pray. I probably wouldn't know except the Lord has allowed me to encounter men who understands this. My friend Joe is one such guy. When others mention some concern - he never says, "I'm going to pray for you." He just starts praying! He doesn't write down request - he just prays them. After a while around Joe you realize that he acts as if God is right next to him and he's just talking to him - asking him to do only what God can do all the time! After a while you then begin to realize - God is near us - in us and this lifestyle of prayer isn't as weird as it sounds!

The rest of this passage makes me think how many times I quit praying and how many times I quit too early. It also makes me wonder why would God do this? Why wouldn't he just give us what we need the first time. Matthew 7 says he knows what we need and He's a good father - why even make us ask?

The key is to understand the Father wants relationship. Our biggest barrier to right relationship with God is our trust issues. God wants to show us he's trustworthy. Someone who just gives us everything we ask for the first time isn't doing us any favors - that's called spoiling your child!

If God is good and God is love there must be something very specific that the continued asking does for us. He wouldn't put us through it if it didn't somehow build our trust in Him

questions

1) What is something you have asked God for and not received? Have you given up?

2) When have you perceived your persistence pay off?

3) Do you have a regular prayer time and prayer list? Does this passage challenge you to make one?

4) What might a father be doing in his children to help them grow up by making them continually ask for their needs and desires?

prayer

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 18. 

questions

1) what did you notice for the first time?

2) what didn't you understand?

3) what surprised you the most?

pray

Wednesday Devo

Read Luke 17:20-37. There are many hard things to understand in this passage but a few are very clear. Jesus has taught his disciples to pray, "Let thy kingdom come and they will be done." Jesus here says that his kingdom is "within you" or some versions say, "among you." Jesus came and brought the kingdom. It is an important thing to pray, "let thy kingdom come" it is equally important to pray, "Lord what would it look like if your kingdom came to my life, home, school, work place?" 

I think part of the focus of the first two verses is that the kingdom of God is not just going to come but it is within us - meaning it is our responsibility to help set it up. The Pharisees who kept questioning Jesus were looking for a king on a white horse leading and army to set up the kingdom and they personally expected to be held in high honor. Jesus challenges them with the truth that the Father doesn't just "set up" the kingdom - He involves us as co-laborers. That is proven in part by how Jesus teaches us to pray for the kingdom to come. The very act of praying is co-laboring with God to set it up. (for more study on the Kingdom - click "kingdom" for a look at every verse in Luke that uses the word."

To understand the rest of this passage we must keep in mind the kingdom came with Jesus the first time - continues to come and will one day come in full. We are encouraged by Jesus to seek first the kingdom of God. It is something we can find to some degree in this life. Almost like seeking out a real kingdom and a palace. With God we can discover much of his kingdom in this life like journeying around a kingdom's palace in the countryside. There we discover many beautiful and inviting things but the most glories riches are at the palace. The palace and full culmination will be entered by those who give their life to Christ - heaven!

questions

1) what did you learn about the kingdom in this passage?

2) what did you learn about the day(s) of the Lord in this passage?

3) what does it mean for you personally to be a co-laborer with the Lord?

prayer

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 17:11-19. Leprosy of course was a horrible disease to have in Jesus' day. You were quarantined outside the city. When others would approach you were to yell "unclean" to declare you disease to others and keep them from getting close to you. It appears in this instance that a group of Samaritans and Jews had formed a small leprosy colony together. 

Its amazing what it takes to break down racial lines. Its sad but sometimes were more human when our bodies are full of sickness or disaster has struck. We seem to set aside the petty things that divide us. These men had been taught to hate each other growing up but when you have no one and you're rejected by society the common ground of leprosy can be the start of a friendship.

Jesus pointed out yesterday that faith as small as a mustard seed - in the soil of God - can do incredible things. It is faith in God not ourselves. Today we see other characteristics of faith. Faith led to this man's healing - v. 19 and caused him to return praising God.

What is the connection between faith and praising God? The other 9 obviously had faith to be healed v. 14 but the Samaritan was praised for a different level of faith. All ten took Jesus at his word and started on their way to the priest. Faith almost always starts moving before it sees results but also faith leads us to worship the giver not the results.

This man had become stronger through trials as a leper. He had turned his heart to God and realized he truly needed a faithful Lord. Perhaps the Jewish men who didn't come back thought that their national heritage earned them to the right to be healed. Perhaps they had  a sense of entitlement but not the Samaritan. He has no shame - "he...came back.. praising God in a LOUD VOICE. He THREW himself at Jesus' FEET." He didn't care who saw him. He didn't care if he got dirty. He knew the truth about himself - he was poor and wretched. He knew the truth about God his was mighty to save and full of love.

How quick are we to worship when blessed? Have we taken God for granted? How shamelessly do we throw ourselves on God to give him the honor He deserves? There is a level of faith that believes in praying for healing and their is a level that can't stop worshiping God for the amazing things he's done. Read I Peter 2:9-11. We were created to praise God and make him known. He doesn't heal us and bless us simply so we can enjoy our families and get back to our lives. He blesses so others can learn about him as we praise him for blessings us!

questions

1) How can you be more intentional about thanking God for what he has done?

2) How might that affect your family, co-workers?

3) Now get specific - what is something God has done for you recently? How can you share Christ with others in your praise of what he has done?

prayer

Monday Morning

Read Luke 17:1-10. Jesus shifts his focus from rebuking Pharisees to instructing disciples. Verse 3 makes it very clear that his instruction on causing others to sin is directed at his disciples, "watch yourselves." We probably don't think of ourselves as Christians as being the cause of another's sin but we're all vulnerable here. Paul discusses in Romans 14 how what we eat and drink could cause a brother to sin. He instructs us to avoid things that are not technically sinful if we think they might cause another to sin.

Jesus adds another dimension here with verse 3b and 4. Sometimes we cause a brother to sin by simply being silent. If we had just tripped over a root and then didn't bother to point it out to the one behind us we would be guilty of causing one to stumble by neglecting to speak! Many around us are sinning without a clear understanding of what they're doing. The term "rebuke" may seem harsh but some versions simply say, "correct."

The disciples understand that this takes faith so they ask for more and Jesus responds with his famous mustard seed line. In Matthew and Mark Jesus gives more explanation to the mustard seed illustration. read Mark 4:30-32. The point here is that it may start small but if IN THE SOIL it will grow to the largest of plants. The soil is God. We are like the seed. The men who have done the greatest things in God's eyes through history were simply those who were abiding deeply in him. (John 15:5 - apart from me you can do nothing).

I'm not sure of Jesus intent with verse 7-10 but what I get from it is that this kind of faith is expected. We may tend to think that kind of faith illustrated by the mustard seed is the extraordinary faith that deserves a pat on the back but after we have it and function with it we should say, "we are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty." 

The reason for this is simple. God does all the work. Our faith is not in ourselves but in Him. If a father told a child to would walk across a lake on top of the water and calm a storm by speaking to it and the Father would give him the power to do it. If that child did what the father said and it worked how much should the child pat himself on the back?

questions

1) is there anyway you might be causing another to sin by your words or actions? Or perhaps you lack of words or actions?

2) if you had the faith of a mustard seed what might you do differently?

3) how might understanding that our faith is not in our ability but God help us influence our family?

prayer

Friday Devo

Read Luke 17. There seems to be some randomness in the three stories in Luke 17 but if anything connects them it is the idea that we need to be grateful and faithful!

questions

1) what verse or paragraph jumped out at you the most?

2) what is something you didn't understand?

3) does anything from this passage suggest we're in the final months of Jesus life?

prayer

Give us the faith of a mustard seed Lord!

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 16:19-31.  Most refer to this as a parable but nowhere is the word parable found. In Jesus' other parables he doesn't name the individuals involved. I tend to believe this is a true story that really happened. If so it gives us incredible insight on life after death. 

We might not understand why God would expect this guy to take care of some random beggar if we associate this guy with a beggar on the street in our culture. In Jesus' day however there was no well fare system. It was common for beggars to be taken care of by such men as Lazarus. It would be socially acceptable for him to beg at Lazarus' table.

I think the main point to this passage goes back to the deceitfulness of wealth. Jesus has already mentioned in Luke 16 the Pharisees were warped by wealth. They valued the wrong things they had the wrong definition of success.

Jesus knows that we loose ourself in the riches of this world and the joys of heaven fade off our radar. Even if someone would rise from the dead (Jesus did and most Pharisees didn't believe) and tell them - they wouldn't listen. As mentioned yesterday there is the lure of justification. We can get in such a mindset that we can justify anything!

It reminds me of Jack Black's character in King Kong - not a movie I much like or enjoyed but holds true as an illustration of the art of justification. In the process of trying to get a picture of Kong people start to die in the dangerous journey. After the first person dies Black's character 

rattles off something about how we can't let this death be in vain. The footage of Kong will make their sacrifice worth and they will display the video in his honor. Well many continue to die horrible deaths and Black's character spouts the same thing. His pursuit of fame was worth many innocent people dying. 

read James 1:9-11.  This is not saying money in and of itself is a bad thing. As I once heard - having money is not the problem. Its when the money has you that you are in danger!

questions

1) what part of this passage stuck out to you the most?

2) what are several things the rich man could have done differently?

3) we're all wealthy in some way - rich in some area - are you using your wealth (of information, money, abilities) for others or just self?

prayer

Wednesday Devo

Read Luke 16:14-18. It is very important to see that verses 14-15 go with 16-18! The Pharisees highly valued the wrong things and neglected the right things. In this present time Jesus spoke - marriage was near the top of the list! Jesus preaches the principles in 14-17 and gives the application - marriage - in verse 18.

The principle He's communicating in  verse 16-17 is that His preaching of the gospel is not giving  any excuse for the present cultural views on divorce. These views were in place well before Jesus came along and they are in direct conflict with the Law. In Malachi 2:16 God says, "I hate divorce." His plan was always one man and one woman for life. The present religious leaders of Israel had made allowance for a man to divorce his wife for almost any reason. It was as if they had done away with the Law. Later Jesus will accuse them of rigidly keeping parts of the law and neglecting weightier things - marriage would be an example of the latter.

v. 16 states that the Law (first 5 books of O.T.) and Prophets (last 17 books of O.T.) were preached up until John and now the Kingdom of God is the message. Many are anxious to hear (forcing his way) to the gospel but that doesn't mean the Law is gone. In other words Jesus' message doesn't remove the things they learned from the O.T. - marriage is still marriage!

Men will use any method they can to excuse their behavior. Just today I heard a reason why someone thinks divorce is ok and I was amazed because I would have used the same argument to prove how wrong it is. People will choose to see what they want to see and the condition of their heart will be revealed in the process. As verse 15 says, "you are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of man".

questions

1) How willing are you to evaluate your present opinions and convictions?

2) What are ways we justify our beliefs and actions?

3) What is one strong belief you use to have that God has confronted and changed? What did that process look like?

prayer

Father we repent of justifying our sin. Let us have sensitive hearts to your commands. We are not the law creators or the ones who implement them. We truly want to follow you. Reveal your truth to us. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear your ways. May we only need to hear once to know its your leading and increase our faith to follow!

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 16:1-15. 

How true it is that those of the world seeking their own gain and glory work all the angles they possible can. They are working from the motive of survival and they leave no stone unturned as they look for ways to move things forward. I don't think this parable is encouraging dishonesty like modeled by the steward but it is encouraging us to be as motivated and as creative in advancing the kingdom.

Verse 10 lays down a principle I use constantly. I try to remember it for myself and I apply it to those I delegate responsibility to. Those who are going to be faithful with a large task have proved themselves with a small task already. For myself I sometimes wished the Lord would entrust me with more but this passage always forces me back to the question, "how can I be more faithful with what I have?" 

The last verse of this passage is very powerful. It makes me think of even ministry and the church. What the worldly church values might be detestable in God's sight. There are so many inventions of man that work their way into the church. There are so many definitions of success that many use to define their position. We must be very careful not to make the mistake Samuel almost made when he went to anoint the next king of Israel. He saw Jesse's oldest son Eliab he thought - this must be the next king, but God doesn't look simply at the outward appearance. He looks at the heart. Whose definition of success are we using?

One of the reason I do this blog is to daily give myself and others a recalibration. We live in this world and w/out resetting our heart on God each day its very easy for the world's definition of success to drown out God's!

questions

1) Where could you be more motivated and creative to advance the kingdom of God?

2) Is there something you want from God but perhaps he's waiting for you to be faithful with something first? (for example perhaps you want a new job with better pay and benefits but God wants to see you faithful with this job first?)

3) Where might you have been using the wrong definition of success? Ask God to show you this week where you need some recalibration in this area.

prayer

Monday Devo

Read Luke 15:11-32. Its very important as we read this story to remember Jesus is aiming these parables at the Pharisees who are opposing him hanging out with sinners. With that in view we are led to believe this parable is mostly about the older brother. Like the older brother the Pharisees are frustrated and judgmental toward repentant sinners.

There are a ton of lessons from this parable. I have heard probably 10 sermons on the Prodigal Son and they're all very different! There is the story line that exposes the ingratitude of the younger brother. There is the elements of "coming to one's senses" as they reach rock bottom. There is the point that zero's in on how the father ran to the son. Phillips Craig and Dean even did a pretty cool song called God Ran off this passage.

Of course we see how the father celebrated the return of the prodigal's return. (I just noticed for the first time the term "prodigal" isn't in the Bible.) But the story ends with sad account of an older brother who struggles with this Father's sense of justice. 

I think many of us can identify with the older brother at first glance it doesn't seem fair that the younger brother would get such a feast. It almost seems like a reward for being evil. We must have the father's heart and see with the father's eyes before this parable makes sense.

The most important thing we learn about the older brother is the condition of his heart. It is easy to compare ourselves to others and think we deserve more. It is easy to see the sin of a prodigal and compare our "staying at home". We can falsely conclude we're innocent and their guilty. The reality is the pride of the older brother - the superiority spirit is just as evil as the prodigals wanderings.

The older brother hears the music and celebration and he learns who its for. He comes to a cross roads. He can choose to think about himself and his position. If he does this he will obviously compare himself and see himself as superior. Or he can choose to do what the father does and simply focus on the fact that his long lost brother is home! If he ever truly loved his brother his heart is immediately filled with joy. I know - I have a prodigal brother and if he came to Christ right now and my family gave him 4 times the inheritance in celebration - I wouldn't care a bit. I 'm not living for my families inheritance. I haven't been loving my parents and working to be nice to them to gain something. I love them because I love them and I'm sure you feel the same way with your family. My family doesn't owe many anything.

When you begin to put yourself in the older brother's shoes and think about your family and what you would do - you begin to see how self-centered and egotistical he is. You can almost hear Dr. Phil in the back ground confronting the older brother with the words, "Its not about YOU!" You're brother is home - how can you be thinking about yourself at a time like this?

Like the Pharisees demonstrate over and over - the older brother is more concerned about their position and possessions than people! Do a study on how Lucifer became satan - this was his path.

Here's the harsh reality. Our response to other peoples' disfunction reveals our disfunction. How sad that it took the prodigal a lot of pain and loneliness to finally realize security in his father's presence was all he needed. Even more sad is the fact that the older brother never found security in the father. His neediness to be recognized and his inability to celebrate his own brother's return show that he really never was a son with his father's heart.

questions

1) imagine you had a sibling who squandered everything but got right with God and your family threw a big expensive party - how would you feel?

2) When others come to God and repent of their past do you tend to celebrate or judge their conversion?

3) What would it look like in your life right now to have more of the Father's heart for a prodigal?

prayer

Father give us more of your heart for the prodigal. Please show us how to focus on what you're doing and the joy of a sinner coming home more than what we think we should be getting. Forgive us of our selfishness. We know you've forgiven us of many sins even if they're not the "big" ones. Let us live out Luke 17:10 and after we have done all we should - we wills say, "we are unworthy servants - we have only done our duty."

Thursday Devo

Read Luke 15:8-10.  

There are a couple options here what this coin represented to this woman. One it was worth about a day's wage and for someone living pay check to pay check that was huge. The floor of a Palestinian home was dirt covered with dried reed and rush. There would only be one small window so no matter which part of the day she was searching - it would be hard to see. Literally this is a needle in the haystack search!

Another options of what this coin may have been makes this search and rescue even more dramatic. Palestinian woman would collect 10 coins together and connect them with a silver chain to wear as a headdress when they were married. It was the equivalent to a modern day wedding ring. If she lost one of these coins her passion to search for it was surely great and her excitement to find it quite jubilant!

Its cool to think about a God who searches for us. Imagine that Ephesians 1 says, since the foundations of the world we were predestined in Christ. He has pursued us before we were born. He knew when our family tree was created when it would branch and produce us and he had a plan in place to help us find his son!

Imagine how many obstacles God has overcome to be with us. The cross is obviously the most essential obstacle and he triumphed over death. But beyond that he heard the prayers of our grandparents, he kept us alive when we were young and dumb and reckless! He brought believers and seekers into our live at just the right time. He is the woman who would not stop looking for the coin - US!

questions

1) what is something you've lost that you thought would kill you? what great lengths did you go to to find it?

2) think back to how you came to Christ - what events, people etc did God use to find you?

3) the Lord wants us to love like we've been loved. what great lengths might God be calling you to go to in reaching another for Christ?

prayer

Lord we know that you are in passionate pursuit of the lost. Forgive us for our apathy in the things that break your heart. Move in us to search for the lost with your heart. Remind us of your pursuit of us. Keep on the front of our mind the celebration that awaits for every sinner who returns home.

Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 15:1-7. 

v. 4 Jesus makes its personal to these cynical leaders. "suppose one of you."

many times we don't get the impact of sin or suffering until it is our child or friend. Jesus is trying to penetrate the hard hearts of these who continue to reject truth out of fear of loosing their positions and power. 

v. 4 b How far would we go to save 1 out of 99? 

v. 5 Jesus came to seek and save the lost - what should be our priority. If we could start seeing the annoying family members as lost instead of annoying. If we could see our enemies as lost instead of enemies. If we could see the beggar as lost instead of lazy. If we could see the out of control child as lost instead of as undisciplined.

v. 7 Are there really any who need not repent? NO! But many will not let themselves become poor of spirit and see their spiritual need.

questions

1) we don't have sheep but what is something that if you lost it - you would search forever?

2) how would it change your thinking to see people as either lost or saved?

3) who in your family if they died right now has never confessed Christ?

prayer

Lord give us the heart of the good shepherd - that we might lay our life down for the sheep!

Monday Devo

Read Luke 14:25-35. I love the fact that Jesus never let the crowds go to his head. At times it seems every time there was a crowd forming that spoke of something "big" happening he rebuked them! Like Mark Twain once pointed out, "if you start to find your views are becoming the popular majority - it's probably time to change views." In other words if its really becoming popular there are probably questionable motives involved.

Jesus doesn't let his followers go unchallenged. Why are we following Jesus?

If we don't see the big picture of Jesus and his message of love this can come across a bit harsh. 

When Jesus says, "shoulder his own cross" it is important to understand the Father always does the heavy lifting. Christianity isn't about our ability or striving. As Paul says, I labor with all HIS energy in me." (Col 1:29) The Lord provides the strength. The point of this verse is that we must let him lead - not our family. It is hard to walk away from the values we were taught that contradict Jesus but if we fear our parents more than we love the Lord we can't follow him.

Jesus himself was rejected by his family - laughed at even. I'm concerned about how secular Christianity is. So many don't know or accept the fact that we should at times be viewed as different. When the world looks at the church and accepts them - there's probably something wrong. The radicle love of Jesus in and of itself is a mystery. The early church fellowshiped so much that the Romans accused them of having orgies. They couldn't understand why people would love to just get together and be with one another. Those kinds of friendships were so strange to them.

Notice verse 33 says "if you're not WILLING". Like with Abraham being asked to sacrifice his own son after waiting decades to have a child many times we are asked to give up the most dear things to us simply to is if we're WILLING. At times we must truly surrender the things and people precious to us but the key is - "are we willing?"

It is encouraging that the chapter that follows this is all about God's pursuit of us. He will stop at nothing to chase us down to show us his love. When we really have let Jesus love us we'll count the cost and follow Jesus with out looking back. When we truly embrace the cross we see the love of Jesus for all it really is we can put the cross before us and the world behind us with the joy of the Lord as our strength. It won't seem like work to follow Jesus.

Mary Magdalene cleansed of 7 demons had this radicle commitment. She knew God's love because she knew what it meant to truly be set free by the master.

I think Jesus took this direct approach to force the crowd waiting to see the next miracle or receive the next free meal to check their motives. This passage doesn't intimidate the Jesus lovers but it does those just hanging out for the experience.

questions

1) What is the greatest sacrifice you've had to make for Christ? Is there anything you would not give up for Jesus?

2) How has the church conformed more to the world to avoid rejection?

3) What should the church today be doing that demonstrates the kind of commitment Jesus is speaking of?

prayer

Father we want more of your heart. Purify our motives. Strengthen us to follow you regardless. Let us be like the 144000 of Revelation 14 who, "followed the lamb wherever he went." Lord we are radically open to you. We want whatever you have for us. Your loving kindness is better than life!