Encounter Mid-Week Lessons

Wed Devo

2008-11-12T09:46:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-11T10:41:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-07T08:26:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-06T07:49:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-05T10:43:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-04T09:29:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-23T11:21:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-22T12:52:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-21T10:21:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-10T12:39:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-09T11:31:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-07T10:54:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-02T09:55:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-01T11:20:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-30T11:44:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-25T10:03:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-24T13:58:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-23T10:04:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-18T07:20:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-17T09:28:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-16T08:17:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-11T08:43:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-10T11:40:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-09T09:02:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-05T08:17:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-04T08:15:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-03T07:54:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-02T07:56:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-11T04:47:00.003-05:00

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

2008-06-10T05:30:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-09T07:53:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-05T09:57:00.001-05:00

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

2008-06-04T08:51:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-03T08:33:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-28T07:55:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-27T06:09:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-23T07:43:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-22T04:07:00.003-05:00

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

2008-05-21T06:28:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-20T06:02:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-19T07:24:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-16T07:31:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-15T06:57:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-14T08:49:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-13T07:54:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-12T08:16:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-08T08:57:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-06T08:29:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-05T08:27:00.002-05:00

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!

Friday Devo

2008-05-02T07:43:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 14:15-23.

This parable makes several much needed points for us today

# 1 Life is more than what we see - there is an eternal feast the Lord is inviting us to that far outweighs anything we might experience here.

# 2 The Father wants all to come and will invite them. He is the one who draws. His heart is broken when we reject but he will move on to invite others.

# 3 Many will make lame excuses because they don't know what they're missing. Imagine someone offered you a pop tart and then someone offered you a breakfast buffet! Who would choose the pop tart? Many will be deceived by the lures of this world.

# 4 The meal the Lord invites us to is all about intimacy - true intimacy. To eat a meal with someone in Jesus day was a great honor and relational event. The TV wasn't on in the background! Life was discussed and hearts were awakened. The Father is heart broken because when we choose the world over him - it is personal. He's not a distant god out there somewhere without a face or personality. He's real, personal and wants to come make his home with us.

questions

1) who in your life are you not sure you want in heaven? The father wants them there!

2) if God gave you the opportunity to share your faith today with someone and invite them to eternal life - what would you say to invite them?

3) can you say you have tasted and seen that the Lord is good? What really draws you to Jesus? Are you still living off your parents faith? Do you simply like the social involvement of a church? Who really is Jesus to you?

prayer

Father let us not make excuses. You have made you're heart vulnerable and sometimes we crush it. You are high and lifted up - there is no other god but YOU! You ways are perfect and your laws are just. We honor you today. You give and take away - blessed be the name of the Lord.

Thursday Devo

2008-05-01T06:40:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 14:1-14. This group of Pharisees were a bit different from those in chapter 13 who were looking out for Jesus' welfare! The passage doesn't say Jesus was invited to this meal but that was the normal custom of how one would end up at a prominent Pharisee's home.

"On the Sabbath" may not mean much to us but it is key to this whole passage. The ten commandments said, "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." The Pharisees in Jesus' day then took that and added many extra interpretations. Over time all of their interpretations began to benefit themselves which of course revealed who they really worshipped. - Self!

This would be like me saying to my children - "no ice cream will be eaten in this home until after 8 pm." Well - my kids go to bed at eight - who does that law favor? This is what frustrated Jesus so much. The religious leaders who were in charge of communicating God's word were abusing their power. They would help their own fallen animal on the Sabbath to protect their assets but to help someone in need - truly in need - that wouldn't advance themselves - would be going too far!

That helps v. 7-14 make sense. The way they used the law to advance self would be like going to a party and taking the best seat - elevating self. It would be like throwing a party and only inviting those who could repay you - elevating self. Paul will say in I Corinthians 13 that true love does not seek its own.

The Lord is looking for religion that elevates him - not the worshiper. Recently I heard an evangelist point out how many Christians telling their testimony make it more about themselves than what God did. Does our story elevate us or our maker? Does our worship elevate self or Christ?

questions

1) what are ways today people use religion and God for self-promotion? (how do we use religion as an excuse to neglect those in need or promote our soap-box etc)

2) what are ways you can "humble yourself" so that God is exalted?

3) what areas do you tend to think highly of yourself in? What do you excel at? Do you tend to see this as a gift from God and how it glorifies him or do you tend to look down on others who are not as competent in that area?

prayer

Father we hate to think we've used you to advance our life. We know Jesus asked us to come follow him and give up our life. Reveal to our hearts where selfish religion has set in. Reveal to our hearts where we've made our worship more about what we get out of it for self than we have what we give. Forgive us for looking at Sunday morning like a consumer with a check list rating how well each segment benefited us rather than thinking on how you were glorified. We've made church about us - we're sorry Lord - forgive. Create in us a clean heart God and please renew a right spirit in us. Don't take away your present, restore to us a joy of our salvation.

Wednesday Devo

2008-04-29T22:08:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 14 the whole chapter.

questions

1) what paragraph applies to the most to your right now?

2) why is Jesus so intense in this chapter?

3) what is something you didn't understand?

prayer

Father we thank you that you have called us to follow you. Give us the endurance to be your people and to make you proud. Let us learn again to humble ourselves before you so you may lift us up. Put your word deep in our hearts that we may not sin against you!

Tuesday Devo

2008-04-29T07:21:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 13:31-35. Some very interesting details are found in these short verses. First, it appears there are some Pharisee who were concerned for Jesus' welfare. We know of course later that many Pharisees will try to get Herod to kill Jesus.

Secondly, there is an incredible boldness on Jesus. A fox was a despised worthless animal of destruction. For Jesus to call the king of the area a "fox" publicly is quite a move. Its easy to see Jesus simply as a loving gentle guy but passages like this remind us he was a fearless warrior. He would later look Pilate in the eye and basically ask him what he believes about God - as Pilate is deciding his fate!

Finally, we see Jesus' heart for those who have and will reject him. "How often I have longed" reminds us of Jesus' divine side. He has looked over the nation of Israel for centuries. He has seen them kill Isaiah, throw Jeremiah in a well, mock Ezekiel and persecute dozens of others. He has never given up on them. This passage reminds me of the parable Jesus tells about how a king sent many representatives to the people but they were all beat up by the ruthless men. Finally he sent his son and they killed him.

The Father's heart is so incredible we see here how high, wide, long and deep his love truly is! Even in the midst of our greatest sin the Father is longing to hold us. He sees our disfunction as an illness that only he can cure. If we would only come to him.

We see that there are some we might just assume are bad guys (Pharisees) who are not.

We see that there is a rugged side to Jesus that speaks w/ fearless passion.

We see that Jesus hurts for those who reject him.

questions

1) Ask the Lord to show you where you have made false assumptions about people in your life? Is it possible you have deemed someone evil before you truly knew them?

2) Where might the Lord be inviting you to let some rugged passion - boldness shine forth? Not - who do you need to call names but truly ask yourself - where have I been timid with my faith?

3) Do you hurt for those who reject you? Can you see past their disfunction? Remember - other people's disfunction reveals our disfunction.

Prayer (today we're praying a few verses from the first part of Romans 5)

Father we thank you that we have access to your grace by faith. Let us step into your grace - walk in it and live in it today! Teach us to see that each trial is producing character and Father please fill us with your hope by pouring your love into our hearts by the power of your Holy Spirit!

Monday Devo

2008-04-28T05:32:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 13:18:30. Jesus here ventures into discussing how many people will misunderstand the kingdom of God. Obviously those in the previous paragraph don't get that Jesus came to set the captives free. Obviously the religious leaders never get who Jesus is and what he is really about. It should warn us that the deceiver will work diligently to confuse our understanding of the Kingdom. Our pride will get in the way. Our lack of knowledge can be destructive. Our lack of faith can be our downfall!

The kingdom is both like a mustard seed and yeast. The common denominator is that both start small and grow huge! A mustard seed may start off as one of the smallest seeds in the garden but by the end will grow and be the largest. Yeast of course makes bread rise. It is "worked" into the dough so that each part is affected. So the the Father will expand kingdom of God!

I have seen the kingdom of God start small in an individual and rise to great size. I have seen it expand throughout their life like yeast working through the dough. God doesn't want any part of our life untouched by his presence. He doesn't want any part of our community untouched by his grace. When God is setting up the kingdom - it moves! I am so glad that the Christian community has been awakened to the poor and needy. There has been much time in the last 100 years where Christians didn't let the kingdom of God expand into their hearts enough to see Jesus' commands to take care of the poor. There are other areas where the kingdom is wanting to expand - God is on the move.

Jesus then proceeds to explain how many who think they are saved will not be. Many who have been hanging out with God and around religion will just assume they're in. It is important here to understand biblical faith. James says, "faith by itself - if not accompanied with action is dead." Faith means to take hold of and real faith always will end up being displayed. Here Jesus says, "The first will be last and the last will be first." Many will receive their reward in this life of being considered great. Many will begin to assume things about their spiritual lives because of the success they have in this world. But success in this world does not translate into success in the kingdom.

questions

1) Would you say that God has expanded into every area of your life? How private are you about your faith?

2) What areas around you - in your community do you see God wanting to expand his territory? (the social needs not being met, areas of sin, false religion etc.)

3) Read I John 2:3-6. Are you encouraged by Luke 13:22-30 or frightened?

prayer

Father -we love you and want to live like Jesus. Increase our faith and remove our fear of man. Remove our materialistic ways. Teach our hearts to long only for you. We want to see you high and lifted up -exalted and famous in our home, work and community! Expand your kingdom and start with us.

Thursday Devo

2008-04-24T06:15:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lack of blogs - my internet has been down - today I'm at Panera.

Read Luke 13:10-17. (biblegateway.com wouldn't open today so you'll need to find your bible!)

v. 10 "teaching" Jesus combines the traditional with the non-traditional. At first glance he looks like a normal Rabbi - teaching but he is not bound by tradition. He is yielded to his father and can break from the norm to heal - even if it ruffles a few feathers!

v. 11 "by a spirit" many physical ailments are spiritually related as this one was. I Thess 5:23 - we are mind, spirit and body. We know that when afflicted in our mind we can worry ourself into physical problems like ulcers. In addition when afflicted in our spirit we can have physical problems.

v. 11b "bent over" Obviously she is in pain and probably sticks out in a crowd. Who wouldn't have compassion on this woman whose been a victim 18 years!

v. 12 "set free" - That's why he came - to "release the oppressed." Interesting to me sometimes Jesus says, "your sins are forgiven." Sometimes he says, "would you like to be healed." Other times, "I see your faith." Why so many different formulas for healing prayer. Perhaps w/his spiritual eyes and lifestyle of fasting and prayer the Lord can see the exact need and speak directly to it. Or maybe the power is flowing so powerfully - he can say whatever he wants?

v. 13 "hand on her" Did he have to touch her to heal her? He healed the centurion's servant w/out even seeing him. Jesus touched because he cared.

v. 14 "come back" This would make sense and not seem like a big deal - to come back a day later. She's been bound for 18 years - one more day won't kill her! But God is rarely doing one thing at a time. He is the ultimate multi-tasker! He loves the woman but he loves the religious leader also. He wants to see the come to the truth. Many times those hard-hearted need bold demonstrations that are a bit "in-your-face." The Lord may call us to such demonstrations and arguments but we should never initiate them on our own.

v. 15 "You hypocrites." Jesus knows his opponents. He knows their ways and hypocrisy. He's harsh here but later while looking over Jerusalem will weep for them. His heart longs for them to love others as they have been loved and as they love themselves. They love their animals more than this woman.

v. 16 "bound" Again we see this woman's physical problem is done by Satan. Not all physical issues have a spiritual root like this one. We also see here that many are bound and not able to free themselves w/out outside help. The father intentionally involves us in his plan and purpose. He will encourage, fan the flame in us to get us to join his work but he won't just step in and do it for us. Will we boldly engage others - in the face of opposition like Jesus?

questions

1) who in your life (work, family, school etc.) is afflicted with something and you may tend to avoid. (which disfunctional person do you avoid?) What excuse have you been making to avoid them?

2) are there things in your life (hobbies, obsessions etc.) that you are more dedicated to than helping the oppressed.

3) what can you do today to impact, encourage, personally touch one in need?

prayer

Father forgive us for loving our animals more than those in need. Fill us with your spirit today to love like we've been loved.

Monday Devo

2008-04-21T06:45:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 13:1-9. These verses reveal some wrong thinking that is typical of all humanity about God's justice and also it reveals God's incredible mercy and patience. These events mentioned make this passage almost feel like reading a tabloid in Jerusalem. We have a politician accused of killing some Galileans who got in his way. And a mysterious tower that fell in Silaom killing 18 people.

v. 1 "at that time" This refers to the previous chapters where Jesus was mentioning all the end time preparation that needs to be made.

v. 2 "do you think" It seems those telling Jesus of these events thought that those Pilate killed in a barbaric way were worse sinners than others. It is typical to see those who die horrible deaths to think God must be more angry at them. "I tell you no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."

v. 4 "do you think" These two events contrast in that what Pilate did was clearly an act of an evil man but the tower falling could be viewed as God's judgment. Jesus again points out that those who died are not worse sinners.

Many continue to sin because they haven't been judged or they see another doing the same sin who God didn't strike dead so it must be o.k. For example I know a guy who decided to move in with his girl-friend. When his father confronted him on this sinful lifestyle the young man's response was, "my brother did it and he's doing fine." Don't assume just because God doesn't strike someone down immediately for a sin that what they're doing is o.k.

The parable of the fig tree is basically just saying that when God has every right to assume that someone isn't going to repent because they have not produce anything good in a long time - He is patient and gives more time. Put these two paragraphs together and basically God is saying, "I love you but please repent before judgment comes. Don't assume that just because you haven't been judged yet that the way you're will land you were you want to be eternally."

This passage makes me stop and think about my own sin. Have I ever started a sin that I saw others doing and getting away with? Have I ever told myself, "They weren't judged so I won't be." Because after time of doing a sin we can do it so long we don't realize we're doing it any more. That is the danger of God not punishing us immediately. Like a child who doesn't get disciplined right away - they might just continue to disobey and with no correction forget they're disobeying.

questions

1) Have you ever thought that God might be judging someone's sin more harshly than another by how the pain or death they experienced?

2) How does God show patience and love towards those stuck in sin? How should we treat those stuck in sin?

3) Could there be any sin we have justified in our own life by saying, "I know some other Christian who did/does that and they seem to be doing fine"?

Father we want to pause here and let you speak into our hearts. In the spirit of Psalms 139 we ask you to search us and to know us - is there any sinful way in us. Holy Spirit would you reveal to me any sin hidden in my heart that I may have been justifying for a long time and don't even realize is there. An attitude, action, thought, or desire. Bring it to my mind Holy Spirit. (take 5 minutes to listen - go through you life in your mind let the Holy Spirit point out anything that shouldn't be there.)

If you discover something pray: I confess I have ____________. Lord I repent of this sin and ask your forgiveness. Fill me with your Holy Spirit today as I walk with you.

Friday Devo

2008-04-18T07:43:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 13. As you read this chapter look for the main point you see tying it all together.

questions

1) which story stuck out to you that you don't really remember that much?

2) which part hit home with you the most right now in your life?

3) which part was a bit hard to understand and you would like more background on?

prayer

Father thank you for your word - it truly encourages us. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We love how you love us! Let us not conform any longer to the world around us but be transformed by the renewing of our minds!

Thursday Devo

2008-04-17T06:54:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 12:54-59. In one sense we're always in the "end times." Because at any time we could leave this earth. For Jesus' listeners here they are in the "present time" of spiritual crisis and coming judgement on Rome. It will be less than 40 year when Titus, the Roman General, marches his armies on Jerusalem. It will be a few months before Jerusalem mistakenly kills the son of God!

We are good at reading weather. We are good at discerning things around us that matter. Notice again as we've seen in chapter 12 the concept of "worry" comes to light. Jesus has said not to worry about the material things but to keep their eyes focused on the spiritual. In other words - there are things to be concerned about - the right things.

Verse 57 following is just a picture of how getting focused on the material keeps God and spiritual things out of focus. We can be so wrapped up in being right and keeping our own that we end up in jail but the times are too significant to worry about petty matters and even whose loosing money. As Paul says, in I Corinthians 6:7 "why not be wronged." Sometimes we can be right but in the process of proving it we win the battle and loose the war.

There are times when our "right or wrong" doesn't matter. Could you imagine pulling up on the scene of an accident and 2 paramedics are arguing how to unload the stretcher. The guy laying there dying probably doesn't care! Many times we are worried and distracted by petty things in comparison to the kingdom of God.

Read II Timothy 2:2-7. - "civilian affairs."

questions

1) what quarrels or arguments have you had in the last month or so that looking back now were just foolishness?

2) Look back over ch. 12 of Luke what principles can help us from loosing our focus?

3) What is the big picture God wants you to be focusing on right now? What plan is he working around you? How is he setting up the kingdom and inviting you to join him? If you don't know spend some time this week/ weekend seeking him.

Pray and ask, "Lord I know I get distracted sometimes. Would you speak to my heart and bring to my mind what it is you want me to be focused on right now. Would yo lead me to the scriptures that I need to be living out the most.

Wednesday Devo

2008-04-15T09:37:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 12:49-53. It is important here to remember a key to understanding scripture - scripture interprets scripture. Jesus is the prince of peace. He said, "blessed are the peacemakers" in Matthew 5. His point here is that many times in the process of bringing peace people must decide whose side they're on. It is no different during a war. The end result of Jesus' ministry will bring peace to all men. The 3 years leading up to his resurrection was a time of great division.

The religious and non-religious alike had to decide what to do with Jesus. Jesus came to bring peace to our hearts and peace with our father God. But in the process we are often at odds with those who oppose this message. The gospel message that Jesus came to save us from our sins naturally brings division. There are many who don't want to admit they need a savior. They take personal offense to the gospel and see Christians as having a superiority complex.

Don't assume just because someone doesn't like you that you are not in the center of God's will. The key is we need to let the message of the cross do the dividing - not our personalities! The message of the cross is offensive enough to the hard hearted. We must ask ourselves is the message of Jesus dividing families and churches or our poor explanation. Many Christians take the bait of using the gospel to beat up those who don't see the truth - if not to their face - behind their back. Paul said, "its your kindness Lord that leads us to repentance."

The more division we create with the truth we live and preach the greater the opportunity to show the love of Christ. When the message of salvation for sin has offended the lost they expect us to kick them while their down. Instead we lay our life down for them as Jesus did even for the Pharisees. At the end of the day they may not repent but they will know God sent his people to live among them. They will know we are Christians by our love.

questions

1) Has the message of Jesus ever turned you off? Perhaps the way is was presented?

2) Are you bold enough to risk conflict by sharing the message of salvation for sin?

3) Jesus said, "Do you suppose I came to bring peace on earth?" Have you ever mistakenly thought you should be having peace on earth? Have you forgot the main goal of the Prince of Peace was to bring peace between you and God? If we forget that - what might it lead to?

prayer

Father we want your heart. We know the message of the cross cuts many deeply and to others its just foolishness. Lord let us live the crucified life and absorb the division it brings. Show us where our heart are wrong toward others who have rejected us for righteousness. Let us not be timid in the face of rejection. Let us not be vindictive in the face of rejection. Let us wash feet.

Tuesday Devo

2008-04-15T06:25:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 12:35-48. Are you ready for Jesus to come? I think this passage can be applied to the 2nd coming but also to the many ways in which Jesus comes every day. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Father in heaven hallowed be your name, let your kingdom come and you will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Later in Luke Jesus will say, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst."

Jesus is constantly coming. His spirit is constantly moving we must be wise and faithful managers or we'll miss out on his working right in our midst. The simplicity of "distraction" can be our greatest enemy! The wise manager knows this life is a test. We will be tempted to trade eternal life for temporary fleeting pleasures - many do. Remember eternal life is not simply life in eternity - it starts when you are saved and also represents the "quality" of life here. (I John 5:11)

The last passage said not to worry about our life but seek first God's kingdom. I pointed out yesterday that this did not mean to rid ourself of all concern but concern for our promotion.

John the Baptist put it well in John 3:26-31. When we're waiting for the bridegroom to come we're consumed with honoring him. We enjoy becoming less so he can increase. This can't be overstated. Where Jesus is coming to it must be an area where those present are ready to decrease so he can increase.

I have seen this in churches and communities. The Lord is willing ready and longing to move in power but it will require a leader to decrease his control. He won't do it. A couple is struggling in their marriage and they both need to decrease and humble themselves. If they would - the kingdom would come and be set up and God exalted. Churches need to partner which will cause all to receive less glory for their accomplishments and God will receive more.

This passage ends with a note that is very personal to me right now. A friend of mine who knows betters is committing a terrible sin. I was thinking of this passage last night not realizing it was in Luke 12! I have been praying for something drastic to come and break into this person's life. Anything to wake them up in this life so their soul doesn't get tortured in the next. They have no excuse. They have been entrusted with much. They know exactly what they're doing and have given themselves over to satan. Lord please wake them up before its too late! If they continue they will receive "many blows."

questions

1) Where might God be setting up the kingdom around you? How?

2) What are the distractions that keep you from seeing God in your midst? (not sinful things but simply distractions)

3) What did you learn from the last 2 verses?

prayer

Father we do pray your kingdom would come. We don't want to be easily distracted like Martha in the kitchen when only one thing matters. Give us spiritual eyes to see what you're doing around us. Let us start each day with you and prepare our mind for action so we're ready to see you lifted high. Let us become less so you can increase.

Monday Devo

2008-04-14T09:21:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 12:22-34. This follows nicely on the parable of the rich fool. We shouldn't store up in the matter he did because we should trust our father to provide. Worry can kill us in many ways but mostly it kills our intimacy with our father. Imagine being a father who has literally everything possible at your finger tips but you have children who are constantly fretting about having enough. That is our father's position. He longs for this truth to settle deeply in us.

Verse 28 brings to light the obvious - worry is directly linked to a lack of faith. Then 29-30 point out the heart of the matter. What we set our heart on will determine the anxiety in our life. What is it we really want? Does our father want us to have it. Like a wise man recently taught me, "if God wants us to have it - nothing can get in the way. If he doesn't - then we don't need it!"

Like all emotions worry allows us to look in and examine our heart. The moment we feel stress stop and ask yourself - what do I have my heart set on that I'm not getting? Does God want me to have it? If the answer is yes then we must trust He's big enough to provide. If we are having to wait then we must trust he's shaping our character - probably so we can handle the blessing of the gift. For example I have seen young gals desperate to get married but no husband in sight. They pray long and wait but during the waiting if they do verse 31 "seek his kingdom" they are being perfected by God so they have the character needed to make a marriage work.

The last few verses bring us fully back to the rich fool. Do we have an eternal perspective? When our heart first longs for the Kingdom and Jesus has again become our first love (Rev 2:4). We will worry but about the right things. Notice Jesus doesn't say in the passage to never worry. Worry is a human emotion like anger that he gave us. Verse 22 said, "don't worry about your life."

Is our treasure here or in the next life? Our money will pretty much answer that question for us. God doesn't ask us to tithe because he needs our money. He asks us to give 1/10 as a minimum so he can prove to us how He's a good father - pleased to give us the kingdom - when we trust him!!!

questions

1) What do you worry about in your life?

2) What part of this passage helps you the most?

3) What strategies does God use to help us stop worrying and to trust him?

prayer

Father forgive us for our silly fear. We don't think its silly at the time but when we consider you created the earth in 6 days and parted the red sea - raised your son from the dead - they seem a bit silly. We know you're a good father. We need more grace to trust you more. Please increase our faith. Remind us of how you've blessed us before even when we thought our resources we're depleted. (Spend a few minutes remembering times when God has shown up before and pulled you through. Write them down - praise and thank Him!)

Friday Devo

2008-04-11T05:43:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 12:13-21. The scariest thing about this parable is that this guy simply did exactly what every American dreams! He didn't cheat on his wife. He didn't abuse his kids. He didn't rob a bank. He didn't even use his money for "evil" stuff. He simply spent all he had on himself. He simply secured his future - built a great portfolio and retired early!

Jesus says in the sermon on the mount, "do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust can not destroy. For where you treasure is - there your heart is as well." The heart of course is the issue.

Tithing is the easiest thing in the world when we know that its all God's money. A friend recently shared with me how it is so much easier to give away someone else's money. When you know you simply are a manager of all you have - that God has entrusted you. Its pretty easy to give away.

This man didn't see that fact that all he had - had been given to him. The Father gives to us richly to discover our heart. Our money is a test. Like God tested Abraham in Genesis 22:1 and Hezekiah in II Chronicles 32:31 so God test us. "But when the envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart."

Obviously this rich man didn't pass the test. Self was his idol and eternity wasn't on his mind!

questions

1) How many of your non-church friends might read this story and not even see what the big deal is?

2) What do you think about the idea of God "testing you?"

3) Look up and read Proverbs 10:16. How is the income of the wicked his punishment?

prayer

Father we know every good and perfect gift comes from you. We want to invest our life and wealth well while on earth. Teach us to give. Teach us to share. Teach us your generous father's heart. You have so many children in need and so much work you want to do. Please let us remember we're simply stewards of all we have!

Thursday Devo

2008-04-10T05:51:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 12:1-12. Chapter 12 reads like a powerful, somewhat disconnected sermon.

v. 1 Hypocrisy is like leaven. It grows and spreads. It can take over our life.

v. 2 We try to cover it up. In fact hypocrisy is saying one thing and doing another so the whole idea is to cover up our sin but it will be uncovered. Jesus has just blasted the religious leaders with their sin - it makes sense that he now speaks on hypocrisy.

v. 5 The "fear of the Lord" is one of the most common themes of the old Testament. It is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is called a sanctuary and Psalms 25:14 says, "the Lord confides in those who fear him." Here also we can see that the fear of the Lord is not a doom and gloom - look out for a lightening bolt, but a good thing. Notice v. 7 says, "do not fear." Strange turn of ideas here but the point is we need to choose to fear God so we don't fear anything else. Our fear is a deep reverence that reminds us of his power and authority so we can dwell in his love. It should be the same kind of fear a small child has with the loving, firm father. I have seen with my children if they don't fear me with I'm firm and they're out of line - they end up getting hurt many times. The father wants us to fear him so that we avoid the pains of this world.

v. 9 Here we must remember Jesus is speaking to his disciples as the crowds press in. He is preparing them for the final events of his life. The reality is they all deny him initially but he restores them. This should encourage us that if we deny Christ we can repent!

v. 10 Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a worse sin and unforgivable because it requires much more knowledge and having experienced God. Notice Jesus didn't speak it to the crowds but to his disciples. In Luke 10:13 we saw that there will be greater punishment for those who really knew better than to reject Jesus. God reveals more to some and to those he expects more. If people have experienced the Holy Spirits work and power and then turn on Jesus - there is no hope. Hebrews 6:4-6. One of the reasons there is no hope for Satan himself is that he blasphemed the Holy Spirit. He was in the very presence of God. Remember on the cross Jesus says, "forgive them they know not what they do." Well - after we have experienced the Holy Spirit powerful move and use us then we decided to turn back - we condemn ourselves. This is a warning to the disciples who will be filled with the Holy Spirit. There is a movement on youtube.com where people record themselves blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Just some basic uninformed atheist stuff. I hate to correct an atheist trying to blaspheme the Holy Spirit but technically until you've experienced the Holy Spirit's power working through you - you haven't experienced enough of him to blaspheme him. In other words - keep praying for those youtubers!

v. 11-12 Again Jesus is preparing them for future rejection and suffering. They have had the Holy Spirit's power - later the disciples will have the Holy Spirit breathed on them. (John 20:22) They will rely on this power. As Jesus will tell them on the night they're betrayed, "apart from me you can do nothing." The reality is Jesus and his spirit do all the heavy lifting. Even when we think we're carrying the load - God is carrying the bigger weight. If we lean into him - His power will ease our burden - he'll give us what to say!

questions

1) In what ways have you seen hypocrisy grow like leaven and take over a situation or person?

2) How does the fear of the Lord protect Christians?

3) When is a time you wish the Holy Spirit would tell you what to say? Have you asked him to?

prayer

Father we want to be your disciples. We want to remove hypocrisy from our lives. Would you replaced it with sincerity. We pray for more of the fear of the Lord in our life. Let us see you as the firm loving father who has our best interest in mind. Let us lay down our worries and fears and teach us to trust for your provision. You will carry the heavy load. Thank you Lord!

Wednesday Devo

2008-04-09T04:58:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 12.

questions

1) What is something you that stuck out to you for the first time?

2) What might be a good "main point" of the chapter?

3) What is a verse you would like to memorize?

prayer

Father in heaven - your name is sacred. Would you let your kingdom come - you will be done in my life today as it is in heaven. Please give me my daily needs and forgive me as I forgive others. Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from today - please Father.

Tuesday Devo

2008-04-08T05:39:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 11:45-53. Calloused hearts lead to closed minds. The Teachers of the law were the wisest of the wise. They above all had the least excuse to miss that Jesus was the son of God. They have the most exposure to the text of the Old Testament but they had used their intelligence as a means to financial and social gain. This was something they would not give up at any cost - especially to some want-a-be prophet from Nazareth.

Its a scary thing when there's something we choose over God. Today we have to choose whether to sleep longer or to get up and be with the Lord. Today we have to choose to share with those who annoy us. Today we have to choose to respond in love to those who cut us off. The scary thing about this passage is that the more we have been given - clearly the more we will be held responsible for - v. 50 "held responsible...".

James 3:1 says, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." Preachers love to skip that verse in the wonderful book of James but this verse isn't just speaking to preachers and Sunday School teachers. If we claim to be a follower of Christ - our lives are a text book to others - either for good or bad. The more this is true the stricter our judgement will be.

v. 52 bothers me because I pray I never hinder others from entering relationship with God. I want to ask the Lord if and how I've done this. One thing clearly seen here that leads to this is when we put expectations on others that we refuse to follow.

v. 53 Ah - the problem of confronting pride. Pride can't be confronted well - by its nature is refuses to listen. It plays the victim and tries to kill the messenger without ever really listening to the message. It rationalizes, sympathizes, justifies but pride is blind to itself - unteachable because it has it all figure out. It reacts with vengeance not realizing its killing itself along with the message and messenger.

questions: ask the Lord these questions and listen

1) Holy Spirit would you who me show me where I have been given much but have not been faithful.

2) Holy Spirit would you show me what rules I have enforced that I don't follow well.

3) Holy Spirit would you show me where my pride has kept from me being teachable.

Pray

Today's pray is listening for the answers above and repenting.

Monday Devo

2008-04-07T08:28:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 11:37-44. I love the example of Jesus. The Pharisees probably never realized this but based on this passage they are the ones who are truly evil and sick. Every time they accuse Jesus of hanging out with the worse of sinners He could have honestly responded, "yes I do - when I hang out with you." V. 37 Jesus went to their invitation. We can't skip verse 37. Many have looked at this passage and made good application how the churches who fight over the color of their carpet are like these Pharisees. But do we notice that Jesus loved them intensely. He spent much time with them and to my knowledge never turned down an invitation to be with them. Praying, preaching, hoping they would come to truly see God.

There is a mind that waters things down so much they loose their meaning. There is also a mind that gets lost in the details and can not prioritize them. The Pharisees were the latter. They had created laws not just that you should wash before eating but exactly when and how. Details such as which way your poured the water - from the wrist down, must be followed to avoid sinning! Jesus mentions "rue" in verse 42 because the law didn't even require them to tithe rue.

The Pharisees not only got lost in the details they were very committed to the external. They loved to be seated in impressive places that would tell those looking on they were important. They loved to pray to be seen, fast to be noticed and give to get attention. They used worship to elevate self instead of God. This always means the same thing - they worshiped themselves - not God.

questions

1) what details do we sometimes prioritize over love and justice in the church today? In your personal life?

2) ask yourself if there is anyway in which you have used religion to advance self? For example I know Christians who have used God's principles to run their finances successfully or the families, but not out of love for God - out of love for self advancement.

3) (a real thinker!!!) Why do you think Jesus added verse 41. How would that clean things out?

prayer

Father we repent of putting things over love and justice. We repent of our divisions and separating from others. Help us to love deeply from the heart, give generously from our heart and to exalt you in everything we do this day.

Friday Devo

2008-04-03T22:46:00.001-05:00

Read Luke 11:33-36. This is a difficult passage to understand. I had to read several notes on it before it made sense to me. The meaning becomes more clear when we tie this passage to yesterday's passage. The crowds asking for a sign had been given many signs. Jesus had not hidden his lamp but put it on a stand sort of speak. The problem were the eyes of the people were not good. They could not see what Jesus had been doing already proved who he was. The darkness in them kept them from seeing the light.

v. 35 - If the light in us is not darkness we can take in God and see who he is. It has been said that more people are not atheist because they truly don't believe in God. The truth is - they don't want to believe in God because they want to live their immoral life their way. Their lusts and greed keep their eyes are bad - they can't see God. They can witness a miracle and completely miss the goodness of God.

The problem of course when one chooses not to take God into their life is expressed by vs. 34 "when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness." Without God coming in we are full of the greed, jealousy, anger and other problems that control us.

As Christians a good application here is to watch for hardening of the heart. We don't just wake up one day and say - I've had enough God. It comes in the big wounds of life and the slow poisoning of unchecked thoughts that oppose the creator. Like a callous builds so our heart can put off repentance, check ups and gather layers of hardness. Proverbs 4:23 says, "above all else guard your heart for it is the well spring of life." This fits exactly with what Jesus is saying - when our heart is bad it affects our whole life - its all dark.

Hebrews 3:13, "Be encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Sin deceives - then it hardens - then the callous comes and we can't see Jesus when he's right in front of us. The truth is all of us probably have some calloused parts of our heart that have been calloused so long we don't recognize it anymore. That's the tough thing with deception - YOU CAN'T SEE IT!

Notice also Paul's method for overcoming deception - Encourage one another - DAILEY. No wonder we live bound and calloused - we are lacking in being an encouragment and being encouraged. Encouragement comes in many forms - often acceptance and affirmation but sometimes accountability and authority. The Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth to use these!

questions

1) what is an area of your life that use to be hard but the Lord has softened?

2) if deception is something we can't see - and its the primary tactic of the enemy - how do we stand our ground against sin?

3) Can you encourage someone to live more for Jesus every day the rest of this week? (Simply accepting the lonely, affirming the good in others, keeping the struggling accountable, and applying authority where the Lord leads) You never know whose heart you may be help keeping from getting hard!

prayer

Father let our eyes be good. We repent of wanting to run our life - our money, our home, our career, our church. We know you're a better leader - teach us to trust you even when it doesn't make as much sense. We do believe that letting you in makes our whole life a light to others and keeping you out leads to much darkness throughout our life. Encourage us Lord so we can encourage others to let more of you in! Let us walk in a matter worthy of you Lord. Let us be fruitful in every work, increasing in our knowledge of God and strengthened with all power!

Thursday Devo

2008-04-03T06:11:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 11:29-32. Romans 8:24 says, "For in this hope we are saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Thomas was told after he touched Jesus, "Blessed are you who have not seen and yet believe."

Remember the faith of the Centurion in Chapter 7. A man who wasn't even a Jew - saving merely a servant and he had a faith that "amazed" Jesus! These people are the Centurion's opposites! Jesus started this chapter talking about prayer. Our faith can be seen clearly by our prayer life. It takes much faith to keep praying for something when we can't see the results.

I just did some ceramic tile at the house and it was so cool to do something and then see the actual results of my hand. Most of ministry doesn't work that way. The Christian life many times doesn't work that way. We work and minister - love others and pray its impacting those we help long term. We befriend the week, we encourage others to go to church, we hope and long for that which we can't see. Believe that he who promised is able and will guard what he promised for the day of his return.

If you ever feel warn out because you're living by faith just think of these guys in Luke 11. How worn out they get by not living by faith. The reality is - faithless living is a long dark road. If we can't live beyond what we see we'll be miserable people. Imagine only loving those that you knew 100% for sure would love you back. Imagine helping those you knew 100% for sure would say thank you. Imagine forgiving only those you new 100% for sure would stop hurting you. Imagine trying only those things that you knew 100% for sure you would accomplish.

We wouldn't do anything, love anyone or have any friends. Faith propels us past logic, past the past, past our fears. It pulls us up when people have put us down because in faith we believe God can resurrect our hearts. It moves us forward at work to do our best even when our boss may not notice again. Jesus is the object of our faith and he motivates us to keep living - He empowers us with his spirit to live the great adventure before us.

questions

1) what time in your life was faith the only thing that pulled you through?

2) Is it always wrong to ask God for a sign?

3) If you could ask God for more faith in one specific area - what would it be? Ask him!

prayer

Lord we don't want to be like those in Jonah's day who refused to believe simply at God's word- those who needed a sign to believe. We want the passion of the queen of Sheba who traveled far to simply see and hear and be amazed. Give us endurance in the areas our faith wanes. Give us strength in the place we are weak today. We throw ourselves at your feet - we are poor of spirit - bankrupt without you. We believe you rose Jesus from the dead and you can resurrect faith in our hearts - do it Lord by the power of your name Jesus!

Wednesday Devo

2008-04-01T11:20:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 11:23-28. This passage makes us re-examine Luke 8:26-39. Jesus sent the demons into the pigs - perhaps because he knew they would go somewhere and he was saving the people from the town? Perhaps not - but the point is quite clear here. When God saves us and cleanses from evil - we need to let him fill us. Ephesians 5:18 says, "do not get drunk but be filled with the Holy Spirit." Seems like a strange verse out of context - but the fact is - if we don't let the spirit fill us - something will.

Read Colossians 3:5-12. Notice there are many "don'ts" but Paul ends with instruction on what to do. Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We must realize that God is not just interested in a good defense. Actually the best defense is a good offense! We overcome our sin when we replace it with righteousness. We overcome jealously by celebrating other's success. We overcome anger by replacing it with forgiveness. We overcome greed by generously giving away.

I've said this before - but its appropriate here. The moment I feel jealousy coming on - I start celebrating what God is doing in and through another person. The filling of celebration - eliminates the foothold of jealousy.

questions

1) when have you fallen into temptation simply because you were not busy doing righteousness? (idle mind is the devils workshop!)

2) how does the devil use fallen Christians for his purpose more than non-Christians at times?

3) Think of a struggle you have been having - a habit, temptation etc. What is something you can do to replace that struggle? The last paragraph gives some examples.

prayer

Lord - fill us with your spirit. Let us yield deeper - love more and follow closer. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or think - according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever Amen.

Read Luke

2008-04-01T07:03:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 11:14-23. Again we see religious opposition somehow has the ability to turn a miracle into a debate. You would think there would be celebration - a party - someone who could not talk now can. There will always be skeptics of the good things God is doing. To some extent that can be a good thing - there are pretenders that we must put in their place. Jesus is not a pretender. His power is real and when we've experienced it - there will be no doubt.

Notice Jesus is not afraid of opposition. He knew before he did this miracle some would scoff. When we are working for the father we can't be overly concerned about the critics. In reality if we truly are serving God - slanderers will come. As we learn to hear the fathers voice of approval the voices of critics fade in the background.

When our opponents resort to slander - and lies we know we're touching a sore spot! If people have to create stories and angles to get at us then they prove the good we're doing. If Jesus had actually been wrong or sinful - they could have said as much. We see here just as we do at his trial, that all they have are made up stories.

Like present day politicians hungry for power Jesus' critics are scared people might follow him and leave their influence. In some ways we all struggle with a fear of "being controlled." It seems safer if we're in control than if we fully surrendered to Jesus. But if we take a closer look - scan our memory we'll see we are harsh taskmasters of ourselves. Most never think they're good enough. We think critical thoughts about ourselves that aren't true. "I'm fat." "I'm dumb." I'm a failure." "Others are so much further ahead than me." Etc. When Jesus leads us - he much gentler. He tells us who we really are - "sons of God, new creations, adopted children, seated in heavenly places."

Jesus is the stronger man. He has entered the devil's playground and bound him. The preaching of the gospel binds the enemy. In the last chapter the disciples helped bring satan down - Luke 10:18. What is the "armor" in verse 22 that the Lord is breaking through to take over? It is that in which we have trusted. God is wanting to break through whatever we put our trust in. Here Jesus' opponents have trusted in their positions and power - a tough thing to give up.

questions

1) Can you handle being slandered for the sake of Christ?

2) Do you remember when you ran your own life - made your own decisions without first asking your Lord Jesus? Can you remember how harsh you used to be with yourself?

3) Are you free from this harshness?

prayer

Lord - let your kingdom come and your will be done in our lives. Lord - come set up your kingdom in our hearts. We are sorry if we have ever scoffed at you work in someone else's life. We know you can change hearts - heal brokenness and bind the enemy. Bind his influence in our life today. Be the strong man who comes in and takes away what we've trusted in. We simply want to trust you!

Monday Devo

2008-03-31T09:07:00.003-05:00

Read Luke 11:1-13. In the first few verses I'm really interested in how the disciples asked to be taught to pray. It appears that Jesus prayed alone - a lot. You would think if he prayed with his disciples regularly that they would know "how to pray." Perhaps the disciples are wanting to know how to pray with power. They recently couldn't cast out a demon because of their lack of praying. Probably their problem in Luke 9 with the demon was in part due to a lack of a lifestyle of prayer. Paul would later say, "pray without ceasing." I Thess 5:17.

A lifestyle of prayer is where we learned to think and breath prayer throughout our day. It involves as much listening as it does talking. It involves hiding God's word in our heart so we know his character and works so well - we can anticipate what the father would do in each situation. Remember Jesus only did what he saw the father doing. John 5:18.

The rest of the chapter is about persistence and boldness in prayer. As we quoted last week Paul speaks of the boldness we can have now through Christ, "Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16 Verse 7-8 are not saying God is indifferent to our prayers - its just illustrative that persistence gets noticed.

Only recently have I found myself comfortably being bold. I want to be so respectful in prayer. I want the fear of the Lord (which is a sanctuary Isaiah 8:13-14) to permeate my life - especially my prayer life. In the month of March several times when prayer for Encounter people who were really hurting or stuck in sin - I became more bold than ever in prayer. Almost demanding God to do something - I wasn't asking, or seeking - I was knocking. I got very loud (no one was i the house!) and I literally begged the father to fix lives.

Jesus sweat drops of blood in prayer - I was quite a ways from that - but I think we can be much more bold than we usually are. James 4 says - we don't have - because we don't ask. Maybe this passage says - we don't have because we don't beg. The father has good things for us - how persistent will we be? Daniel prayed and fasted for 21 days in Daniel 10 before he got what he wanted. Are we that determined to see the kingdom come - God's will done?

questions

1) what is something you think you need to approach God boldly for - more persistently?

2) why do you think God doesn't just give us what we want the first time we flippantly ask?

3) what might it look like for you to beg God for something?

prayer

Lord we know it will take more faith to pray this way - increase our faith. Lord we are tired of powerless Christianity. We are tired of feeling defeated and distant from you - the almighty God of the universe. Teach us the lifestyle of prayer you long for us to have. Saturate our minds with your thoughts as we memorize scripture. Teach how the begging perfects our love and cast out all fear!

***after reflecting on questions 2 - I think part of the answer is that God wants to perfect humility and other parts of our character in the process of our prayer life.

Friday Devo

2008-03-28T06:12:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 11 the whole chapter.

As you read write down

1) What might the main topic of chapter 11 be?

2) What is something you didn't understand?

3) What was the most convicting that you can apply today?

prayer

Lord thank you for prayer. Thank you that even though you know what we're going to say you give us the chance to say it. Give me strength today. Let me think your thoughts and love from you heart. Deliver me from evil - Amen.

Thursday Devo

2008-03-27T07:47:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 10:38-42. This story of Mary and Martha and yesterday's Good Samaritan story are two great descriptions of the present American Church. The good Samaritan story we read illustrates how many churches see needs and just pass buy - focused on their own interests. The American church is rooted in self-interest. Build our church, hide behind or walls - ignore the needs of those around us. After a while of ignoring them we forget they exist! If people want God - they'll come find us. The Good Samaritan story teaches us to discover those in the ditches of life and go the extra mile to love them.

The story of Mary and Martha illustrate how the Church today is worried and distracted by many things. Things like Martha was doing - things that look important but don't have Jesus front and center. So we run programs, entertain, babysit and take a lot of pictures of ourselves doing it. But Jesus clarifies - "only one thing is necessary." What is that one thing - to know the Lord. When we have sat at his feet and taken in his heart - true ministry will spill out of our lives.

I'm so encouraged when I read the gospels. Jesus wasn't a management expert. He didn't build a great organization or create new companies. He simply sat at the Father's feet - took in God and let the Father spill out of him where ever he went meeting needs. - I can do that!

Martha wasn't wrong in wanting to serve Jesus but in how she was serving Jesus. "Service" is one of the primary spiritual gifts from Romans 12. Her attitude was one of jealousy and accusation. She was serving out of anxiety and nervousness not joy. When we find ourself full or worry as we serve Jesus there's a good chance we are overly focused on being "impressive" instead of focused on simply doing our best out of love. Are we serving to get recognition or are we serving because we simply love Jesus?

Martha was attacked where we're all attacked - at her strength. If your gift is serving, organizing, researching, encouraging, truth telling, giving, or showing mercy - the enemy will try to get you to long for praise in that area - to rely on your own strength. Where we are strong we'll tend to get ahead of God - trusting self and anxiety will come. Yesterday as I was praying over the church much of the morning - and the Lord kept bringing Proverbs 3:5-6 to mind. Read this - actually read 3:5-12 in the message version - let it encourage you today!

questions

1) what keeps you worried and distracted from God?

2) are you more of a Mary or Martha?

3) examine your worries of late. How does your need to be liked or impressive play a role in your worries? How can truly believing only doing our best to let Jesus love flow out of us curb our anxiety?

prayer

Lord show me today where I need to be more like Mary and less like Martha. Show me where I've not been trusting in the Lord with all my heart and I've been leaning on my own understanding and strength. Your ways are higher than my ways - your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. Many, O Lord my God are the wonders you have done for us, no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them they would be too many to declare. (Ps. 40:5)

Wednesday Devo

2008-03-26T10:55:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 10: 25-37. I have read this story a dozen times - memorized it for a class in Bible college and only today did I notice something! That is why we keep reading the book - revelation comes in layers!

I'm puzzled as to why Jesus told the story from the point of a Samaritan helping a Jew instead of a Jew helping a Samaritan. Of course there was much hate with Jews and Samaritans back then like there are Palestinians and Israelies today! He could have left the story about the same but had a Samaritan in the ditch and 2 Jews pass by and the final one stops to help but Jesus didn't. He had a Jew in the ditch and a Samaritan stopped to help him.

Of course in answering this question we must keep the point of the parable in mind. It was spoken to answer the question - "who is my neighbor." I'm speculating here but I wonder if Jesus had the Samaritan helping the Jew because the point was until your pride and enthocentric/egocentric mindset is gone - you can't be a good neighbor.

Jesus is speaking to a Jew and as always when we ask Jesus a question He knows the real thing we're struggling with even when 99% of the time we don't. Have you ever had a child ask you something like - "could you help me turn on a toy" - but from your adult position - they shouldn't be playing with that toy right at all. You can see a bigger problem that trumps their concern.

The bigger picture to the Jew asking this question - the real problem all Jews needed solved was not "who is my neighbor" but "why do we hate everyone who isn't Jewish?" Obviously in the last chapter some of the pride came out in Jesus' own disciples as they wanted to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans.

The way Jesus tells the story would be humiliating to a Jew. Our own country men wouldn't stop and help one of their own but a dirty, no good Samaritan did? If it had been a Samaritan in the ditch there would be nothing in their minds wrong with leaving him there. It would have been extraordinary for any Jew to help a Samaritan. Jesus is wanting to communicate this kind of love shouldn't be the exception but the rule.

Jesus' plan was to not only show what a good neighbor does but how wrongly the Jews perceived people. God's love is so much bigger than they understand. In reality A good neighbor is one who is hated and continues to love anyway. That should not be the exception but the rule.

I think Jesus was hoping this Jew would meditate on this and learn one thing. The Jew in the ditch represents him - the man who asked the question. When we see that we have all been in the ditch of sin and we were the ones needing delivered - and the one who delivered us owed us nothing and sacrificed much - then the pride that keeps us from loving others falls off.

questions

1) who is someone you tend to treat good or bad based on their performance?

2) why doesn't God want you to do that?

3) why doesn't God treat us that way?

prayer

Lord we know our pride gets in the way of loving others. We so easily forget that we are only saved by your grace and many of the things we hate in others - reside in our hearts. We repent of our hypocrisy. Teach us the depth of your love for us. Thank you for sending Samaritans in our life - people who had no reason to love us but they did. Let us remember what it means to be loved when we least deserved it - so we can love others when they least deserve it!

Tuesday Devo

2008-03-25T07:20:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 10:1-16. I love the fact that chapter 9 was full of the disciples' mistakes but the Lord sends them out again. This time he empowers them to heal and cast out demons. Those whom have been with the Lord receive his authority as he delegates it to them.

Verse 3 "I'm sending you out among wolves." Many Christians look at their trials and wonder how a loving God could let things bad happen to them. Jesus is always sending us among wolves - teaching us dependence on him. We can't assume because we're in a touch situation - we must be somewhere God doesn't want us. Rather this paragraph indicates - if we're not facing any wolves - are we walking were the Lord sent us?

Why would the Lord send them to towns were they would be rejected? He's Jesus - doesn't he know before they go to those towns they people won't listen. Why not just avoid them? At least 2 reasons. One - the disciples must learn to fear the Lord more than man. Two in the final judgement no one will be able to say - "I didn't" know. Notice that those who heard and rejected will receive a worse punishment in hell - verse 14-15. I'm not sure if there are hotter places in hell or what? To whom much has been given - much is expected. What you are doing with your knowledge of Jesus?

questions

1) what mission of communicating God's love does the Lord have you on right now?

2) what wolves are you encountering? How does this passage help you face them?

3) what assignment from God have you avoided because you knew "they won't listen"?

do you see - now that you're suppose to speak anyway!

prayer

Lord - we want boldness. We know these disciples had it because they spent so much time with you. Fill us with your courage - give us your lions heart - lion from the the tribe of Judah. We want to face the wolves head on. Teach us to be your lambs (v. 3) gentle and loyal to you good shepherd. Lord we pray for repentance for those who need you. Those around us at work today. Those in our family. They may reject us but give us courage to share you love.

Monday Devo

2008-03-24T09:42:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 9:57-62.

The man in verse 57 is like many - verbally he communicates commitment but Jesus clarifies what is involved in following him. I think verse 23 is strategically placed in the middle of the chapter as the main point and this verse brings us back to that focus. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

"the Son of man has no place to lay his head." We're all looking for security. Most are looking for security in the portfolio. Many find security in their friends and family. Many churches find security in their building 0r dynamic ministries plans. Jesus has already shown us where his security lies - simply in His father. His father has just shown up to affirm him for his faithfulness through his transfiguration.

"bury my father" wow this looks harsh but many commentators look at the customs of the times and believe the young man is not asking to wait a few days for the funeral process to be complete but he's asking Jesus if he can wait around until his father finally dies some day - then he will bury him. In others - he doesn't want to leave his family. God has said that a man will leave his father and mother to be united to his wife. Following Jesus requires no less commitment.

I have a friend who became a Christian against his parents wishes and experienced much rejection. They took his vehicle away and stopped helping with college. They didn't talk to him much for the first year. Would you follow Jesus if it cost your family?

Verse 62 gets right to the point. Oaths have lost so much meaning in our country. We say one thing do another. We make promises that we never tend to keep. We sign contracts we don't honor. When we stand in front of a congregation and say "Jesus is my Lord" it needs to be understood what is being said. We are turning the rights to run every area of our life over to the Lord - there is no looking back!

questions

1) rate your commitment level to Jesus on a scale 1-10 (10 being willing to die for him)

2) what habits, practices and characteristics of your life prove your commitment?

3) can you follow Jesus into the unknown where the Father is your only security or do you have to know every detail before you set out on the journey? Clearly this passage say - get on a Journey with God. - It doesn't mean - leave your brain at the door but the Lord is always wanting to lead us out of our comfort zone - into the unknown - so He can truly prove - HE IS GOD!

prayer

Father we want to have the faith to leave whatever security behind to follow you. We're a rich nation obsessed with our stuff, relationships and security. Father we want to be obsessed with you! Lead us into the unknown to become the people of your hearts desire.

Friday Devo

2008-03-19T08:19:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 9:46-56. The lack of faith we saw yesterday might be related to all the sin we see today! Sin at its core - destroys faith. Every little sin is putting faith in something besides God and weakens every other area of faith in our life. That is why Paul says, "hate what is evil and cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9) If we tolerate any sin in our life we give the devil a foothold for other things.

The disciple demonstrate pride and ambition as they argue about who is the greatest. They demonstrate jealously as they put down those who can actually have success in exorcising demons. They show vengence against those who rejected them. Wow - and these were Jesus' closest followers. This should give us all hope that we too can overcome who we use to be!

Instead of pride and ambition the disciples simply need to look to Jesus. He didn't go to the finest schools and strive for the most glorious job or wealth. Even in this chapter when rock star fame is dripping off of him he seems to not even notice. Pride and ambition are destroyed in us as we humbly spend time alone with the father - receiving his commands and faithfully obeying. The commanders voice and his commands are our focus - not what we've done!

Jealously is destroyed in us when we come to celebrate the success of others. At times when I feel jealously rising in my heart at someone's success. I retreat to prayer and force myself to praise God for that other's person's success. This praise and celebration cleanses the heart.

The enemy is always trying to get us prideful and ambitious - then comes a rejection. The cycle in these verses is a favor play by satan. Scripture calls him a "schemer" in Ephesians 6 and Luke 4:13 said that the devil left Jesus to wait for an "opportune time." Think back to some of the worse times in life - you'll quickly remember the rejection and hurt you received - but look just before that. If you look close - there was probably a series of events where you let your pride go unchecked. You were set up!

I see this happen before people get married all the time. Pride and independence will start to set in and something will go really wrong with the bride or groom that causes a deep wound. This can be settled quickly if the one deeply wounded forgives but if they don't the enemy has successfully set things up for a very hard first few years of marriage.

Here the disciples are full of pride and ambition and in a short time the wound will come. Jesus won't turn out to be who they had hoped and his kingdom is much different than they expected. John 21 is a picture of Jesus not letting shame consume them for the time they rejected him. He restored them and as God loves to do - what was meant for evil - God used for good.

questions

1) Can you see how sin can erode faith in God? Can you give an example?

2) Have you ever looked back and seen clearly how you fell to the temptation that got you? If not take a moment to look at the schemes of the schemer. Simply things like the acronym HALT - you're more susceptible to sin when you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired are helpful to examine patterns to avoid.

3) Can you see any areas of your life that you have pride about? I never thought of this until I got hit by the IRS but I had developed a lot of pride about never being in debt. Its silly but I was proud of that and looked down on others who struggled in this area. After the IRS deal I realized that God has protected by finances and taught me the discipline and principles that led to success. It was all about him.

prayer

Lord heal our hearts from past wounds. Teach us how to forgive. Lord forgive us for wanting to call down fire on those who reject us instead of loving with your heart. Expose our pride to us and let your spirit fill us.

Thursday Devo

2008-03-18T08:27:00.003-05:00

Read Luke 9:37-45. Imagine that - a demon destroying someone (v. 39). The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. One of Satan's princes is named Apollyon which means "destroyer." Where their is destruction, depression, anxiety, broken families - the destroyer is near.

The disciples can't set the boy free and in reality neither can we set people free. The power of Jesus can and this passage demonstrates that if we are powerless in our lives we simply need more of Jesus presence. Jesus came to set up his kingdom and in the next chapter we'll see His disciples following his example as they go and cast out demons (10:17). They are struggling here because of their lack of faith which needs to be demonstrated by their prayer and fasting. Matthew 17, Mark 9)

Jesus has the amazing ability to do these great feats as he demonstrates his power but he doesn't loose his focus. The last few verses show how he knows who he is and what his purpose is all about. He can see the important details of this boy's condition and the big picture of dying for all the world.

In Marks account of this story the boy's father is recorder asking Jesus, "could you help my son?" Jesus responds, "Can I?" "Where's your faith?" The father replies, "I do believe help me overcome my disbelief."

questions

1) What might a father in this situation be feeling?

2) Are you more of a big picture person or do you get lost in the details at times? How can keeping God's big picture for your life - help you this week? (Your big picture is the same as Jesus' - to die more to self and follow God more passionately)

3) Jesus' own disciples struggle here to cast out the demon but in the next chapter they don't seem to have any trouble. What demons need to be casted out of your life that may simply need a bit more faith - demonstrated by fasting and prayer?

Wednesday Devo

2008-03-18T07:56:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 9:28-36. Its hard to leave heaven - come to earth - lead a band of young ambitious disciples on a mission to change the world. Even Jesus needed some encouragement. He gets a chance here to visit with two great saints whom he had surly met before he left God's presence to come into our world. In some ways this is kind of like a meeting of three generals - 2 who have passed their test coming to speak to the one yet to go through his trial of delivering God's people.

Moses had delivered a rebellious bunch through the desert. Elijah had delivered God's people by standing against Ahab and Jezabel. Both of these great saints had to spend much time alone learning to totally depend on God for their every need. Both of them had endured much suffering and God glorified them. God had revealed himself to them in their weakest hours. Here Jesus is visited not only by them but His fathers' verbal encouragement. "This is my Son". All of this is preparing Jesus for his death. I imagine several times through his arrest, trial, beating and crucifixion - Jesus reflected on this moment and it gave him strength. He surely thought - my father didn't forsake his other generals - He will resurrect me!

Jesus is an alien from a different world in a sense. He's phoning home for a bit here and his disciples get to see this - they are lost for words. Peter doesn't know what to do so he but he can't just watch - he feels compelled to serve them in some way. Sometimes when God is moving he doesn't want or need us to do anything but observe. God the father graciously says, "Listen".

questions

1) When has God helped prepare you for a trial. He always does if we'll look back remember.

2) Jesus says that he is with us always (Matthew 28:20). How can we learn to hear the father's encouragement better? (God speaks through his word, other Christians, experience, sermons, creation, Holy Spirit planted thoughts)

3) When has God give you a gift simply because he loved you? He didn't need you to do anything with the gift - he simply wanted you to enjoy it as a gift from him. He simply wanted to bless you like he did the disciples here? (When Mel and I were at ground zero on 9/11 last year - a trip entirely paid for by someone else - I went into prayer warrior mode - praying for all the mourners crying at ground zero. Later as I was trying to figure out what God had been up to - it hit me - He simply wanted to bless us - he didn't need me to do anything. He's a good father sometimes he simply gives good gifts - no string/expectations attached. That's what the disciples got here. If you can't think of a time - keep you eyes open - its coming!

Tuesday Devo

2008-03-18T07:12:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 9:18-27. Verse 18 reveals that this conversation comes from Jesus' prayer life. Many times alone in prayer the Father breaks in and talks with us. Prayer is also about listening. Jesus here is prompted to ask "who do the crowds say I am?" A good question at this point in the ministry. Everything has been going so well - the crowds are coming out to everything. Its a good time to check the motives of the disciples. Why are you following Jesus?

Verse 19 reveals a truth that is sadly still a problem today - many have a wrong opinion about Jesus' identity. Verse 20 reveals a sadder truth. The disciples who are very close to Jesus can say it with their mouth - he is the Christ (messiah) but they don't really get what that means. Jesus gives them little excuse to miss that he must die but when the passion week comes they still didn't understand. One thing I've notice many times when Jesus predicts his death - the disciples just seem to get quiet - or change the subject. Why didn't some of them asks about this in more detail? Probably the same reason we don't ask questions at times - we don't want to look silly in front of others - like we don't know something - a.k.a PRIDE.

Right after predicted his death Jesus says, "follow me." The Christian life is simply about dying. So many Christians today are longing for the safe and comfortable life. Get the spouse - nice house - kids - secure job - portfolio for the future - and cruise. Jesus calls us on a very different journey. He calls us to radically give our life away. This world is not our home but so many of us have gotten so safe and comfortable here that we forget every day the mission God puts in front of us to tell others about him.

Verse 26 has been on my mind lately. The Lord is always stretching us. He will test us to see how low we will go for him. Are we so worried about what others think. Peter would show his shame when he denies Jesus. Are we ashamed to let God use us in some way. God's glory - is God's presence. A life lives without shame attracts the presence of God. God will rest on the one who unashamed - remember the Martyrs in Revelation get a special place in heaven - closer to God! We will probably never be faced with truly dying for Christ but every day we have the chance to be martyrs in a different way - will you give your comforts, safety and reputation away to follow the king?

questions

1) What has God said to you lately in your prayer life? What thoughts have come that could be from him - that align with his word? Gods thoughts are always in line with his love for us and others. They also always have a weight to them that is different than the other thoughts in our mind.

2) Who is Jesus to you? Is he a dead guy that we go and hear about on Sundays? Is he your best friend that you talk to 50 times a day and find yourself lost in thoughts of him?

3) How low will you go for Jesus? Where is he asking you to stretch yourself this week? When is the last time you had a spiritual conversation with someone?

prayer

Lord you ask much - our life. But you gave much - your life. Forgive us for thinking your way is hard. You say that your way is easy and your burden is light in Matthew 11. Teach us that to die is easier - increase our faith this day to love from your heart. Let us accept the mission you have put in front of us at work, home or school. We are on a mission with you today Lord - Lead on oh King eternal!

Monday Devo

2008-03-17T10:06:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 9:10-17. As mentioned yesterday this is the only miracle of Jesus mentioned in all 4 gospels. Its kind of cool to read it in Matthew 14, Mark 6 and John 6 and look at the different details each writer decided to add or pull out. John mentions there was a little boy who shared his food but Luke doesn't seemed focused on that at all. He doesn't even mention the boy!

Read this passage more than once. Slow down - look for details that stick out. Each time you read it look for something you missed before. This is the Devotional study method. Look for themes - what do you think the main point of this passage is? Write it down before you go to the questions and before you read the next paragraph.

Main point:

As I read through this slowly the theme that jumped out at me was how Jesus continued to minister to these people when it looked like they had nothing to give. Sometimes I feel so drained I don't think I can help one more person - and I'm relying on my own strength - I probably can't. The disciples here just want to send people away but God's love is too great.

Jesus spends all night in prayer filling up on God so he has more to pour out to those who come to him. In this moment he calls on his father to step in and do the heavy lifting. Sometimes I pray - "father help me meet this person needs" other times I leave out the word "help" and simply pray - "father please meet this person needs!"

questions

1) who drains you in your life? if you don't have someone what might that say about you?

2) when do you feel like you meet everyone else's needs but no one meets yours?

3) what are ways you can let God fill you up so that you can continue to feed others?

prayer

Forgive me Lord for relying on my own strength. Let me love like you love me. Let me love like I've been loved by so many you've put into my life. May your love abound more and more in me - in knowledge and depth of insight so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.

Friday Devo

2008-03-14T05:45:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 9:1-9. Its fun when the coach finally lets you get out onto the field. He feels your ready for some real reps after watching game film, studying the enemy and seeing his example etc. is over. Here the disciples get to put into practice what they have seen Jesus doing. Jesus didn't just send these guys - he also sends us. He expects us to become like him (Romans 8:29, Col 3:10).

Jesus gave them real authority. He gives us real authority as we yield to him and let him establish his rule in our hearts. He sends them out with little tangible resources - the point being - Christ himself is our resource. We honestly don't need much else - God will supply all our needs according to his riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19)

When the ruler in the area hears about this small band of uneducated men and he is perplexed it drives home even more than Jesus is our resource. Many times God will withhold his power to bless our methods and devices because if they worked - we would take all the glory. But God is always bringing us back to his methods his ways. Then those in the highest and lowest places can hear - not about us - but about Christ.

questions

1) Do you sense God has called you to get off the bench of watching ministry happen to actually doing ministry?

2) What worldly methods or resources have you used this week in your relationships, finances that are not from God? What would God ask you to replace them with? (for example: this week I used whining to get my way instead of simply asking the person directly for what I wanted and praying God take care of it)

3) How could using God's methods of love, respect and integrity in your work place bring glory to Christ?

prayer

Lord we don't want to sit on the bench anymore. Your word says you prepared good works in advance for us to do. Show us your methods and help us to let you be our resource. Give us the emotional energy and patience to show your love. Reveal to us the places we have not yet let you be Lord of - come set up your kingdom in our heart.

Thursday Devo

2008-03-12T21:57:00.003-05:00

Read Luke 9 the whole chapter.

questions

1) what themes seemed to repeat?

2) what was something you didn't understand?

3) if you could memorize one verse what would it be?

prayer

Thank you Lord for entering our world and walking among us. You are the model for our lives teach us to be more like you. Teach us how to die every day and let you reign in our lives!

Wednesday Devo

2008-03-12T09:12:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 8:40-48. In reflection of the last story - I think its really cool how Jesus went across the lake - away from the crowds to impact one demon possessed guy. He's God - he knew before he went to the Gerasenes what would happen but one guy's freedom was worth the trip.

Today Jesus is walking in his rock star fame again. The crowds are "crushing" him. I love how Jesus keeps his focus right - If I were this popular it would surely go to my head!

The word "expecting" in verse 40 sticks out. They were expecting Jesus - expecting him to do something amazing - but unfortunately mostly for their entertainment. The crowds are always fickle. People who flock to the newest latest thing - a problem that saturates our culture of high-tech invention and innovations. What a difference it would have made if they had the right expectations about Jesus - that he came to teach us how to die with him. As Paul says in Philippians 3:10, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

So many of us struggle with the fear of what others think and we come to Jesus like this woman - timidly. The passage should lay to rest our fears. Notice Jesus' tenderness, "Daughter your faith has healed you. God in peace." Jesus will soon say, "come to me all you who are weary and heavily burdened - I'll give you rest. Take my yoke upon you for I am gentle and humble of heart." His actions and words in Luke 8 prove his invitation is true in Matthew 11:28!

questions

1) what expectations do you have of Jesus? really brew on this - don't settle for surface answers.

What do you want him to do for you, what have you been taught being a Christian is?

2) Are you afraid to bring anything to Jesus - confessing a sin, sharing a "small concern"? Or does your pride keep you from admitting you truly need him?

3) How has the fear of what others might say or think kept you from following Jesus wholeheartedly?

prayer

Lord we know you are gentle and humble of heart. We know we get to come "learn" from you and you are so patient with us. I pray we would have proper expectations of you. Not simply that you would give us stuff but that you would transform us to be cities on hills that cannot be hidden - salt of the earth that adds flavor to everything around us!

Tuesday Devo

2008-03-11T07:55:00.002-05:00

Read Luke 8:26-39. This is an incredible story. It tells of the fearlessness of Jesus as he approaches a man most of us would run from. It demonstrates the power of God. It also demonstrates the reaction most people have when they truly encounter the presence of God - "sent him away." This story displays the sad truth that most people would rather keep the power of God at bay and those near them in bondage.

The power of God is a scary thing. We can't control it nor understand it. Isaiah 55:9 says his ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts higher than our thoughts. Psalms 147:5 says, "his understanding has no limit." Many times we try to put God in a box so we can control him to gain our purposes. Today many people come to Christ initially because they want a better marriage, children with character or some favor in life. In reality if we could just harness enough of God's power to use for our purpose to get the life we want most of us would.

Fortunately our loving Father doesn't work this way. He doesn't let us use him for our Glory. When Jesus comes into our life he comes on his terms. In the next chapter we'll see that for him to live in us - we must die to self and take up our cross daily. If we truly want the power of God in our life we must get past what this town could not. Jesus comes to destroy evil and set up his kingdom - His way. If we don't want his power in our lives - he'll leave but his healing presence goes as he does.

How sad this town could not get past loosing some assets (pigs) to see they had gained a human life. They valued their comfort and understanding more than this man's freedom from demons. How ironic that we see their fear come alive when their comfort was imposed. But the man who had lived in fear and bondage truly encountered Jesus and was willing to go and face his greatest fear - those who had rejected him. The freed man was willing to face his greatest fears because when the power of God frees you - Jesus comes to empower you to live free. As is often true - those who were the farthest from God and come to know him truly have much to teach the rest of us.

questions

1) What areas of your life do you like to be in total control of? Do you have anxiety in these areas when there are unknowns?

2) What scares you about God completely 100% controlling your life?

3) When has God faithfully led you through a very stressful time where it felt like you had no idea what was going on? Can this memory give you confidence God knows what he's doing?

prayer (praying through Proverbs 3:5-7)

Lord teach us to trust you will all of our heart and keep us from leaning on our own understanding. God we boldly pray for troubled waters where we can't see the future or know what is doing to happen so we can learn to walk by faith not by sight. Lord we repent for making our understanding our god instead of you. We repent for being "control freaks" who keep your power at a distance because we don't want to enter the unknown. We claim the promise that as we acknowledge you in all our ways you will make our path straight - even if we can't see it right away. We repent for being wise in our own eyes. We fear you today and refuse evil. Come Lord Jesus come!

Monday Devo

2008-03-10T12:39:00.004-05:00

Read Luke 8:16-25. Remember Luke is not writing chronologically, but topically as we read these verses. Notice they all speak of connecting faith with action. We can't say we have a lamp and the light of God in us and not let it be seen. We can't claim to be God's family unless we put his words into practice. And when the storms of life come we'll really figure out if what we believe matches what we do.

James said, "faith by itself - if it is not accompanied by action is worthless." If we claim to be a Christian - that is great - but how do we spend our money. Do we tithe? Our actions will reveal our heart. If we say we are a Christian do we serve God with our time and gifts each week? Our actions will reveal our heart. Do we truly try to step outside our comfort zone and let other's know about God? Our actions will reveal our heart.

questions

1) Would you consider yourself and active Christian or a passive Christian? Why?

2) What areas of your life do you wish you had more boldness in - where you know you should sacrifice more?

3) Think through great men of faith in the Bible (Hebrews 11 is full of them) how did God stretch their faith? How might he be trying to stretch yours in this season of your life?

prayer

Father - thank you that Jesus was so faithful. We have such a model to follow - a big brother who was fearless for you. A man whose values were lived out for everyone to see. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus better. Let us throw off the things that are weighing us down and the sin that is like a spider web. This week, Lord - may my actions speak louder than my words!

Friday Devo

2008-03-07T05:14:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 8:4-15. Today I want you to read this quickly once and then pray - "Lord speak to me in this passage - I want to be more like you." Read the passage again at a snails pace looking for words that stick out for the first time. Really spend time on each word - it may take 3-5 minutes to get through just reading. In our fast pace world we are seriously lacking - "deep" people who stop and reflect - meditate on the word. If you're a Christian you have the Holy Spirit in you. He is like a flash in your soul - seeking areas yet redeemed.

One comment on verse 10 that may help. Some struggle with the idea that God doesn't want some to see. The whole point of Jesus quoting this Old Testament verse is to show that most simply come for the show. They don't seriously want to understand the deeper truth of what Jesus is saying so it can transform their life. Their parents sent them to see Jesus or its just where the crowd were, or maybe Jesus would do a miracle today.

There are still "secrets of the Kingdom." You can tell when you are with someone who doesn't simply know about the Lord - but knows the Lord - walks with him. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." The Lord longs to be discovered but the reality is most are comforted just getting enough Jesus to get them through the week.

questions

1) As you read very slowly the 2nd time - what words stuck out to you that you had never noticed before or they had new emphasis?

2) How do some of those words or phrases apply to you right now?

prayer

Just speak your heart to God today! Tell him how much you love - try to express it verbally to him!

Thursday Devo

2008-03-05T14:20:00.003-06:00

read Luke 8:1-3. Only 3 verses but look is not just adding appendix type stuff here - this is an incredible bit of detail!!! You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep. Jesus has quite the band of followers. The fact that women are mentioned at all might discredit the Savior in and of itself - let alone to mention one had been possessed by 7 demons!

I imagine Luke mentioned Mary and Joanna just to give his readers a sense of how different the people were following Jesus. Joanna would have been very wealthy and a very trusted official to be in charge of Herod's household and probably finances. Mary would have been homeless. She is like the woman of ch. 7 who anointed Jesus. She has been forgiven much and now loves much.

Imagine the different temptations these woman would have faced. Joanna possibly would face thoughts of superiority. She might be tempted to think - what is this Mary doing with us? Mary surely at times had thoughts of inferiority. "Am I worthy to follow Jesus?" How amazing it is there is a place for all who would follow. Paul states in Colossians 3:11, "here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Phillipians 2:3 "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourself."

questions

1) Do you lean more toward a superiority complex or an inferiority complex?

2) How might simply being around Jesus all the time erase these complexes?

3) Think though your list of friends - are they all people just like you? What does your list of friends reveal about you?

prayer

Lord thank you for accepting me right where I am and loving me even though I was a sinner. Let me accept others as you accepted me. Show me when my friends are leading me away from you. Show me how to interact with those who are different than me. Remove the fear or rejection from my heart. Give me boldness Lord to love with your heart. Today Lord provide an opportunity to step out in faith and connect with someone new.

Wednesday Devo

2008-03-04T21:43:00.003-06:00

Read Luke 7:36-50. I'm so amazed at how Jesus just seemed to go where he was invited. I think of doing ministry as strategic planning. The best stuff comes from highly organized events - detailed programs running off of the latest methods. Jesus' best stuff that really changed people's lives was simply saying "yes" to a dinner invitation. He just went were life carried him and turned everyday moments into life changing experiences!

I also love the fact that Jesus looks at this woman for who she can be - not who she has been. It would be really easy to think she is just having an emotional moment. Like a decision for Christ at church camp or something - it can't be based on true faith with all this emotion involved. It might have been easy to think - she's just doing this for a show - why here - why now to wash Jesus feet in front of all these people. Like those annoying people who raise their hands in worship - it must just be for show right. This woman doesn't care who sees her worship. She doesn't care what anyone thinks. She is radically in love with Jesus!

Jesus sees her heart - he knows her faith. Simon's own fearfulness and insecurity leads him to judge. He can't see what this woman can be - he has no hope for her. He simply defines her by her past.

questions

1) What are some of the routine, everyday experiences you have in life right now where God may be looking to break in and do amazing things?

2) Who in your life have you lost hope for? Whom are you tempted to think is beyond God's grasp?

3) Where are you afraid to let your worship show? If you were radically open to God and passionately in love with him - how might it be displayed more boldly? Not to be seen by men but simply because you couldn't contain it!

prayer

Lord teach us to love like this woman. Teach us to be so in love with you we don't care what those around us think. Teach us to bring expensive gifts and dump them at your feet. Teach us to boldly let our light shine - to be a city on a hill that cannot be hidden!

Tuesday Devo

2008-03-04T07:10:00.004-06:00

Read Luke 7:18-35. John the Baptist needed some proof that Jesus was the awaited Messiah. What was the proof? Changed lives. Verse 22 sounds a lot like Jesus mission statement in Luke 4. Jesus hasn't change his message to this day. Where his presence is - lives will be changed.

questions

1) How has God changed your life the most?

2) How would you rate yourself on "teachableness" 1-10 ten being excellent?

3) The last few verses of this passage tell why transformation never happened for the pharisees. Their pride and critical thinking got in their way. All they could see were the reasons not to follow Jesus. How has pride affected your relationship with God?

prayer

Lord change us. We want to be teachable - we don't want to miss what you're doing around us out of fear or pride. Thank you for involving us in your plan. Thank you for your patience with us!

Monday Devo

2008-03-03T10:40:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 7:11-17. This story is amazing for the fact that it is one of the few times Jesus healed someone without asking their permission. So much of healing is spoken of today in regard to faith. The faith of the individual is what brings the power to heal. Well in this case - the lady didn't even ask! She didn't have a chance to have faith for Jesus to heal her son.

Christians today should read this story and know there is a God in heaven who knows our needs before we ask. He "heart goes out to us" even when we feel unworthy of him reaching down and helping us. If we have ever thought Jesus doesn't see - he does care and sees.

For some of us the lesson hear needs to be to see others like Jesus. Imagine Jesus' potential point of view. He knows everyone's sin. He knows everything wrong this guy and his mother have done. He knows that some in the crowd will use this story for their own gain or use it like the pharisees to misrepresent Jesus. He knows that life here is short and heaven is way better than being raised. Why does he heal? Because he's human now too. He's left heaven - he's entered our world and understands our fear of death. Though to him personal the fear of death is silly - he himself knows for a fact heaven is better. He doesn't base he actions on his reality. He sees a hurting mother - enters her world emotionally and understands her pain. Hebrews 4:14-16.

Can we set aside some of the stuff we "know" about people - the excuses we use to avoid them? Can we love with this kind of heart - even when we know the worst things about people and we can see their pain is not as serious as they perceive?

questions

1) What is something you have wondered if God really knew and cared about in your life?

2) How does this story impact your view of God's love for you?

3) Think of the person you know God wants you to love more - what excuses do you make that keep you from loving more. (they don't deserve it, they're too selfish, they won't appreciate it, look at all they've done, they'll turn it against me, they'll expect it all the time etc)

prayer

Father - thank you for your amazing love and grace. It has saved us and changes us. Thank you for your patience with us as we learn to be more like you. Teach us Lord how to love like you love, see what you see, hurt where you hurt. Remove fear from our hearts - let your spirit of power, love and sound mind permeate our lives.

Revelations

2008-03-02T12:00:00.003-06:00

Revelation 6-9

Friday Devo

2008-02-29T08:39:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 7:1-10. Now that you have read all of chapter 7 - lets zero in on some specifics!

This story is amazing because it is one of the two times Jesus was "amazed". (v. 9) The other place is in Mark 6 but there he was amazed at the lack of faith. It seems as you study the gospel the only thing that amazes God is faith!

What made the Centurions faith so impressive was the fact that he wasn't even Jewish, he didn't need Jesus presence - he has just heard of God's power, compassion for a servant and probably most importantly he understood spiritual authority.

It is amazing when you think of a centurion - a man over 100 even cared for a servant. He didn't turned to his Roman Gods but the one true God. Didn't question, didn't need a sign, showed no doubt and displayed incredible humility "did not consider myself worthy to come to you".

questions

1) what about your faith would amaze God? What incredible step of faith have you taken lately?

2) how could you increase your faith?

3) God's answer to our problems always require faith and humility. Many times as I counsel people I see that they want answers but God has already told them what to do - they just don't want to humble themselves and step in faith. What answer have you been looking for? What answer might God have already given that will require faith and humility?

prayer

Father you have proven yourself trustworthy. Increase our faith. Give us new challenges, assignments, stretch our faith. Lord we want to amaze you by our faithfulness. Lord remove our fear and give us a spirit of power, love and sound mind!

Thursday Devo

2008-02-26T06:53:00.002-06:00

Read Luke chapter 7. (the entire chapter)

questions

1) what was the main point of this chapter in one sentence?

2) what part spoke to you the most?

3) what part would you like to study more because it was a bit hard to understand?

prayer

Make a list of 5-10 people who don't know Christ. Here are some great prayers for non-believers.

Father would you open the door of __________'s heart for salvation.

Father would you open the eyes of __________'s heart so they might know the hope of your calling, the power toward them as believers and the inheritance that awaits Christians.

Father would you let __________ know how high, wide, long and deep your love for them is.

Father would you awaken _________to righteousness - the power and joy of right living!

Father would you awaken _________ to intimacy with you - to know what true love and living is.

Wednesday Devo

2008-02-25T16:28:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 6:46-49 and Matthew 7:2o-29. When we combine the similar passage from Matthew 7 we see that it is possible to both call Jesus Lord and do amazing works (even miracles) in his name and not be a true disciple. Jesus has just spent some time discussing a love that sounds so foreign to us. This chapter contained phrases like, "love your enemies", "do good to those who hate you", "give to everyone who ask you", "don't judge", and "forgive everyone". That is the foundation Jesus speaks of in verse 48.

questions

1) what are some of the "torrents" that shake your love for others? (things that annoy you)

2) what "good works" do we sometimes think are more important to God than our love for others?

3) what qualities does it take to build a good foundation on the rock rather than on the sand?

(really spend some time thinking about this one - chew on it all day!)

prayer

Lord - I'm lazy with love sometimes - Lord forgive me. You are an incredible example. You loved me while I was a sinner. You knew and know everything bad about me and you keep loving me. You know the sin I will commit next and you love me. Let me love with your heart.

Tuesday Devo

2008-02-25T07:37:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 6:43-45. Read James chapter 3 and Galatians 5:22 today this will place my comments.

questions

1) In the last year what fruit has developed in your life? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)

2) What do you say or you first thought when something really goes wrong?

3) How does it change our motivation to develop fruit when we realize God is not condemning us for not having the right heart sometimes but he's inviting us to receive a new heart from him?

prayer

This morning - simply cast your burden on God like he desires (Psalms 55, I Peter 4:6-7)

Tell him every little thing that is bothering you - he cares about every single thing.

Monday Devo

2008-02-25T05:58:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 6:37-42. Do you remember the last time you thought for sure you were 100% right only to discover you missed something. Judging others and situations is always a dangerous thing and Jesus here gets right to the point. Most of the time our judgments are like the blind leading the blind. He gives us hope though. We can be fully trained and become like him - he is the teacher. Verse 41-42 share that part of being fully trained will be first examining ourself - getting right with God and then we can see clearly.

Philippians 1:9 says, "that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God."

We won't judge right or have "knowledge and depth of insight" until we learn to be like the teacher - specifically in the area of love. When we love like Him - we'll see what he sees. We can be a friend of sinners because we first see a hurting soul - not the sinful actions. We won't call down fire from heaven on those who annoy us or hurt us. We will see past the surface and make a right judgement. We'll realize we're not so different and we'll give grace. We'll take the plank out of our eye and love with God's heart. We'll be filled with fruit of righteousness that can only come through God!

questions

1) who is someone you have had negative thoughts and perhaps even actions with lately?

2) did you spend time taking the plank out of your own eye before making the judgement?

3) what do you think God thinks of that person? How should the change what you think?

prayer

Father forgive us for sitting in the judges chair - that is reserved for you. Lord I want to see that person like you see them - give me greater faith to do this. Lord what do you see when you look at ________ (put the name of the person from question 1 here and sit and listen to the Lord)? Lord help me to see them this way - with your heart.

Friday Devo

2008-02-22T06:52:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 6:27-36. I read this passage and I praise God for I John 4:7-10,19! These verses tell us we love out because God first loved us. We love with his love in us and we can only love by first letting him love us. This week God has shown me more clearly than any time I remember how dependent on him I am. I can't have the right attitude, love, forgiveness, peace or joy without learning to totally depend on him.

I wonder if Jesus starts off his teaching to his disciples with such great expectations to help them realize there is no way on earth they can do this on their own. A close look a Luke 9 reveals his closest disciples were incredible self-center! They want to call down fire from heaven on their enemies 3 chapters after Jesus say, "love your enemies!"

The Lord will let us be like the prodigal son when it comes to love. He will let us wander off in the desert of bitterness, hatred, revenge and resentment to learn that on our own we can't love like we need to. He'll let us come to the end of ourself so we come home and invite his power into our lives.

Reading Matthew 25 - the sheep and the goat judgement will reveal that on Judgement Day - we will not be asked about our theology, tithing, church attendance - the real question will be - how did you love?

questions

1) read the passage again - what is the hardest thing for you to swallow about what Jesus says?

2) who or what has God put into your life to teach you that you can't love properly without his strength?

3) Read v. 36 again. How can focusing on God's mercy toward you more help you to be more merciful? What has God done lately to show you his mercy?

prayer

Read through the 15 qualities of love in I Corinthians 13:4-7. Slowly say each one and ask the Father to show you which ones you really are struggling with. Remember your heart is corrupted. I John 4:7-8 says, "love comes from God." You don't have to "feel" these qualities to perform them. Choose to do them regardless of feeling - that is love! Ask God to give you his heart for the people or situations you have grown cold toward. When you are tempted with thoughts like - "they don't deserve your love", "I don't feel like" - just agree with the accuser who is trying to deceive you - "yes they may not deserve it and I may not feel like it, but God commands it and I will be blessed - God give me strength to love..."

Thursday Devo

2008-02-21T06:45:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 6:17-26. Wow - what an orientation speech! I remember my first day a bible college. It was much more "positive" than - "blessed are you who weep... when men hate you"! Jesus just calls his disciples to begin their training but doesn't waste much time getting to the point. They are now apart of a kingdom that is not of this world. The world offers riches of many kinds but following Jesus offers the richness of God that flows from relationship to the creator. In reality everything this world has to offer is a counterfeit. Following Jesus may not have the luster of what this world offers but it does have the substance that leads to a full abundant life.

This passage makes sense in light of what we see in society. The rich are not happy. Celebrities get addicted and go crazy. Those who have chased "happiness" end up miserable. Those who chase God end up happy. I John 2:15 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does -comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

questions

1) read this again slowly - which verse sticks out to you the most and why?

2) who is someone you know who has made life all about "being happy" - how are they doing?

3) what do you find yourself chasing at times other than God?

prayer

Read the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12.

Pray through each one asking God to help you develope that attitude more.

For example

v. 3 "Lord where have I not been poor of spirit" (humble)... - wait and listen

confess the areas that come to mind - repent and ask God to fill you with humility.

v. 4 "Lord where have I not been sorry for my sin"

v. 5 "Lord where have I not been meek" (gentle)

Wednesday Devo

2008-02-20T07:08:00.002-06:00

Read Luke 6:12-19. Jesus didn't go to the finest schools to find his disciples. He didn't use popular opinion to solidify who would be apart of the official 12. He found men he knew he could shape - who were hungry for God and he got alone with his father long enough to hear what the creator had to say.

The methods we use to make decisions are often very worldly. Worldly methods usually look out the outward appearance while God looks at the heart. Worldly methods often speed things up but are deficient in quality. When is the last time we spent all night in prayer or 1/2 a night or even an hour at night when getting ready to make a big decision.

We can fret and worry and stress for days. What if we just spent a night in prayer? God's methods are always a bit strange but they should be - strange to this world. His methods are from a different world. I Peter 2:11, "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens ands strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, thought they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Many times when I work with couples I give them a big picture to help on their relationship. If couples will discover God's vision for the relationship and use his methods - relationships work. Some of God's methods for relationship that seem alien to this world are: bless those who curse you, pray for your enemy, submit to one another, don't complain about anything, consider others better than yourself, when angry first retreat to God and let him absorb your emotion etc.

questions

1) What methods of the worlds have you been choosing over God's? (in conflicts, money, relationships, entertainment, attitude, vocabulary, thought life...)

2) What makes it hard for you to chose God's methods over the worlds? simply trusting? looking silly? knowing God's methods? remembering God's methods?

3) Jesus didn't need the greatest seminary students he just needed some followers who were radically open to God. How open are you to doing whatever God is calling you to do? Where might God be asking you to expand your comfort zone?

prayer

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

(read this prayer of David again super slow - spent several seconds on each word thinking about and applying its meaning. For example - what does the word "the" mean? God is not just any Lord but "the" Lord". What does Lord mean" - what does the word "is" say - God presently "is" our shepherd - not past or future - but present. Finish the prayer looking at each word like this - ask the Holy Spirit to guide you - He will! This is a method of meditating on scripture.