Category: Luke

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First Words

This little one is our youngest great granddaughter. She’s about 16 months old.

Our daughter was on a facetime call and was trying to get her to say “Grama”. After much coaxing, she said those precious words. It was clear as a bell. They melted our daughter’s heart.

Do you remember hearing “first” words? Mama , dada – how about those precious three words “I love you”?

Stop and reflect for just a moment – go back and relive that joy and excitement. The thrill that came with those special moments.

Now, let me ask a simple question. What are the first words that come to mind when you open your eyes in the morning? First words are important, they can set the tone for our whole day.

For the past twenty plus years I have trained myself to commit those first moments of the day to saying, “Father, I love you. Jesus, I love you. Holy Spirit, I love you. Thank you for loving me”. Sadly, I allowed my first words for many years to express worry, frustration, regret and complaining.

I like focusing on God’s love much better than any of those other things.

“ Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:44-45 ERV

Our spoken words have power. Power to encourage or to destroy. Power to heal or to wound. Solomon wrote in Proverbs that life and death are in the power of the tongue.

“Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. 21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV

Words of love are precious. They are like good food, satisfying to the soul. They come from the heart.

“Wise people always think before they speak, so what they say is worth listening to. 24 Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health.” Proverbs 16:23-24 ERV

Kind words are therapeutic. They bring healing.

The Apostle Paul’s letters are filled with instruction for daily living. He told us we should imitate God the way a small child imitates their parents. He gave us this instruction about our words.

“ Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:17 ERV

Honestly, I’m still working on that verse. Not everything I say or do brings honor to the Lord but I’m working on it. I want my heart and my words to give honor and glory to God. I know you do too.

May the first words we utter be words of love, words of healing, words of life.

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The Note

I got up this morning thinking about what I needed to do today. The item at the top of my list is write thank-you’s.

Acknowledgement and appreciation is important. Without them we could develop an attitude of entitlement and selfishness. As a child, Mom made sure that we wrote our grandparents and other family members when they gave us a gift. Christmas, birthdays, graduations, etc. never passed without her nudging of “did you write your thank-yous”.

For as long as I can remember I have verbalized my gratitude when someone does something they don’t have to and assist me or make my job easier but saying “Thank you. I really appreciate that.” Those are not empty words, they are not cliche. They are a heartfelt expression of gratitude.

Why am I telling you this? Glad you asked.

I realized this morning that I do this very thing everyday when I write in my journal. Nearly every day the first two words I write are “thank You”… That’s probably the reason I spend so much time in the Psalms. David and the other writers continually expressed their thanks to the Lord.

“Praise the name of the Lord! He is kind and good.” Psalm 135:3 CEV

“Praise the Lord! He is good. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1 CEV

“ Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Gratitude removes worry and brings peace. Thankfulness puts our eyes on the blessing and the One who gave it to us and not on our own limitations.

Just yesterday I was reading about the miracle of the ten lepers who asked Jesus to heal them. It’s an interesting story of thankfulness.

“As he was going into a village, ten men with leprosy came toward him. They stood at a distance 13 and shouted, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’

14  Jesus looked at them and said, ‘Go show yourselves to the priests.’ On their way they were healed. 15 When one of them discovered that he was healed, he came back, shouting praises to God. 16 He bowed down at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.” Luke 17:13-16 CEV

Ten men were cleansed, only one came back to thank Jesus for what He had done. Look at Jesus’ reaction:

“17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:17-19 AKJV

There’s a difference between being cleansed and being made whole. Cleansed or healed means the leprosy was gone. The dead and rotting flesh was healed but the man who returned with the grateful heart was made whole. This word indicates that missing body parts had been restored – instead of stubby fingers, whole fingers replaced them. Instead of a nose partially there, a “whole”ness came.

A miracle for sure. Healing and wholeness!

Write a note – say thank you – give glory to God and let the healing power of God’s love flow, unlimited power and peace!

Thank you for reading each morning, I really appreciate it.

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Merry Christmas

I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating our Savior’s birth!

If today finds you in a place of heartache remember that he came to heal the brokenhearted. His life on earth was prefaced with the words “Peace on earth, good will to men”.

God will embrace you with His love as you draw close to Him!

“For God so loved the world – He gave His Son”

Merry Christmas!

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Tidings of Comfort & Joy

Tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy!

The reason Jesus came was to bring “tidings” of comfort and joy.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10

The message of Jesus in the Temple…

“The book of Isaiah the prophet was given to him. He opened the book and found the place where this is written: 18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19 and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.” Luke 4:17-19 ERV

It’s amazing how a word from Jesus can turn our world right side up.

Peace be still.

Lazarus, come forth.

Throw your net to the other side

Let him with no sin cast the first stone

Zacchaeus come down

Take your bed and walk

Don’t fear, neither be afraid

When Mary was grieving in the garden because Jesus body was gone all it took was one word, “Mary” and all was well. He simply called her by name. He knows each of our names and He speaks to our hearts.

What has you troubled today – relationships, health, finances, mental stress, work?

“ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

Listen to the words of the angels again and receive the tidings of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE.

“But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. ” Luke 2:10-11 CEV

The Savior has come and He has a word just for you!

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Mary Did You Know?

A good portion of the country is having really bad weather – the snow, subzero temperatures, the wind!

I got to wondering what the weather must have been like travelling to Bethlehem all those years ago. I know it wouldn’t have been subzero but it can get cold in the desert regions. Was there rain?

Ladies, imagine this…9 months pregnant, riding a donkey, sleeping under the stars. Regardless of the weather, it may have been perfect, but that’s not the time you want to try out the new tent and sleeping bags you just got from BassPro, right?

What was Mary thinking, this was certainly a “memory maker”? Did the trip affect her disposition? What questions did this young woman have, after all it was her first pregnancy?

Mary, did you know?

” So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17 When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18 Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:16-19 ERV

As a mother, I sit here this morning remembering different Christmas mornings with my children and grandchildren. I pray that the significance of that first Christmas morning stays as the focal point in their lives long after I am gone.

Last night I put down the knitting needles and washed the final baking dish of the season. The gifts are finished, and the baked goods have been distributed to friends and neighbors. I want to be remembered not for the goodies and the handmade gifts but for honoring the Lord and being obedient to Him.

I want to keep the attitude of heart that Mary had. The heart of a servant.

“ Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 NLT

There are not enough words of gratitude to possibly express my heart’s joy over the events of that first Christmas morning and how it’s changed my life. My desire is to be a faithful ambassador for Christ, sharing His love with those around me.

“ For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us…” II Corinthians 5:19-20a NLT

Mary, did you know that your obedience would change the world?

Thank you, Father, for loving me enough to give me the gift of Your Son and a relationship of eternal life with You that first Christmas day.

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The Lost

I get great joy sharing with you each morning. There really is nothing I love more than telling you about the Father’s amazing love and the wonderful sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us so we can be completely reconciled, made right, with God.

When I was a little girl, I got lost.

I was probably 6 or 7. My dad had taken me to the grocery store with him. We had been walking up and down the aisles when I was distracted by something on one of the shelves. I didn’t notice but my dad kept walking. When I looked up, he was gone.

I went from row to row trying to find him, but I didn’t see him anywhere. I even went to the front door of the store to see if our car was still in the parking lot and it was. I went to the register and with tears rolling down my cheeks, I told the cashier I couldn’t find my dad. She picked up the intercom and said, “Kristi’s dad is lost. Would he come to the register so she can find him.”

In just moments, dad appeared and all was well. I still remember the smile on his face and the way he wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug.

I know our heavenly Father experiences great joy when we are found.

“ Dishonest tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus’ sermons; 2 but this caused complaints from the Jewish religious leaders and the experts on Jewish law because he was associating with such despicable people—even eating with them!

3-4 So Jesus used this illustration: ‘If you had a hundred sheep and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it? 5 And then you would joyfully carry it home on your shoulders. 6 When you arrived you would call together your friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found. 7 ‘Well, in the same way heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who haven’t strayed away!'” Luke 15:1-7 TLB

“The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.” Luke 19:10 ERV

“ But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. 9 But there is more! … 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son.” Romans 5:8-10 CEV

We were all lost and Jesus went searching for us. He found us, picked us up, carried us home in His loving arms, presented us to His Father and then had a party!

We are invaluable to Christ. So priceless that He willing died to save us!

One of the gifts of Christmas is the lost becoming found and finding peace with God! It’s a gift that needs to be shared.

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Peace on Earth

The life of Jesus began and ended with a message of peace and the instruction to “fear not” and be brave.

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV

In light of all that is going on around the world today there is definitely a need for the Prince of Peace.

Can you imagine being a shepherd, probably dosing off for the night when the entire night sky lit up? Talk about UFO’s – this was an invasion! No place to run, no place to hide and then came the message:

” All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.”

13 Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: 14 “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.” Luke 2:8-14 CEV

Don’t be afraid – Peace!

This isn’t just a nice little story in a nice little book – these shepherds were real people, and they came face to face with talking angels. Ya, that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up!

But what is it you’re facing today – a bad medical report, a falling marriage, wayward children, financial failure, world unrest, the collapse of the future you had planned…

Then listen to what Jesus said

“But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. 27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:26-27 CEV

and finally one of my favorites

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 ERV

This morning as you are looking out on your world, be still and let the peace of God rule in your heart.

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Better than Anticipated

I know everyone reading this has probably ordered something on-line, sight unseen. When the package arrived there was an anticipation of what the contents would be like. Was it better than anticipated or was it disappointing?

I wrote these words in my prayer journal this morning, “better than anticipated, Lord, You do not disappoint”.

From those words of heartfelt appreciation this verse came to mind.

“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 ERV

Four hundred years before Christ was born Isaiah the prophet wrote these words.

“But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 CEV

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

For hundreds of years the nation of Israel anticipated the Child who was to be born. This was a promise from God and He was coming sight unseen. There was no estimated delivery date, no Amazon tracking that said “you package is 10 stops away”.

But there was a growing excitement. There was faith in God’s promise, hope for the Messiah.

“…The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:9-12 CEV

Delivery of the package! A gift that changed the world.

Not a dictator with a strict list of rules. Not a tyrant but a Savior. Not a thief but a Shepherd.

“ I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will be able to come in and go out. They will find everything they need. 10 A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good. 11 “I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 ERV

This gift, this life, that we celebrate at Christmas came sight unseen, but He does not disappoint. He came bringing abundant life to all who receive Him.

Yes, He’s much better than anticipated!

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The Impossible Made Possible

With God NOTHING is impossible!

Nothing…not your financial situation, not your health, not your kids or your spouse, your job, your safety, your peace of mind. Nothing!

These words were spoken to a young Jewish girl by an angel.

“Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. 30 Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31 and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. 33 He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am not married!”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. 36 Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. 37 Nothing is impossible for God!”

38 Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” And the angel left her.” Luke 1:29-38 CEV

What could be more impossible than this – a young woman, who was a virgin, having a child? No situation in your life or mine could be more impossible than this. Truly!

How? God’s power and Mary’s agreement. If Mary hadn’t believed the angel’s message to her He would have gone to someone else. But she accepted that NOTHING was impossible.

She believed, she conceived and she received what God gave.

The hard thing was walking it out. She had to tell her family, she had to tell Joseph and then she had to hear the whispers and the criticism that followed.

God has made us a promise that He will supply all that we need and He will give us the strength that we need in every situation. (Philippians 4:13, 19)

He has promised if we ask, we will receive. He won’t give us a stone for bread or a snake instead of a fish. He is a good Father and He will provide for his children. (Matthew 7)

There was another woman who saw the power of God at work. She was old, I mean really old. Almost 90 and her reproductive system had never worked but God made a promise. Sarah saw God work.

“The Lord asked Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? 14 I am the Lord! There is nothing too difficult for me. I’ll come back next year at the time I promised, and Sarah will already have a son.’” Genesis 18:13-14 CEV

So, compare your situation with Mary and Sarah. Whose need was bigger or more difficult to fix? God is the same – nothing, absolutely nothing, is too difficult for Him.

Time and time again I come back to my favorite verse. It is the foundation I stand on everyday.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Get in God’s word, find His promise then stand knowing that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

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Seek for What’s Lost

Have you ever lost anything?

Maybe it’s your car keys, glasses, a special dish, jewelry, a family heirloom, money, a child! Each one of these items probably brought a different reaction in your thinking – a smile when thinking of losing your keys or glasses, a sense of gratitude at finding an heirloom or something of monetary value but an absolutely overwhelming peace and relief at finding a child!

When Kaci, our youngest daughter, was in pre-school they went on a field trip to Sea World in San Diego. I went along as one of the parent helpers. Another parent helper was my friend Theresa. She had 2 children in the preschool but she also had 2 other little ones that were younger than that. We had a wonderful day – the kids had a ball. All was well!

It was getting time to leave and each parent was responsible to see that their group had gone to the bathroom and had all their belongings before we started on the hour’s drive north to the school. Suddenly, there was a frantic movement in one of the other groups. It was Theresa’s. The twins were gone! They had just been there at the fountain with all the others and now they were gone. We got all our kids to sit down out of the way of foot traffic, left a couple of parents with the group and began searching, praying and searching, for Luke and Lizzie. It seemed like hours but was really only about 15 minutes and they had been found! Relief, tears, joy, peace!!

I was reminded of this story this morning as I thought of a verse in Luke 19. Jesus was walking through town and Zacchaeus had climbed a tree to get a look at this man that everyone was talking about. Jesus spotted him and called him down from the tree. Then Jesus said that he wanted to go to Zacchaeus’ home.

The Pharisees, the religious rulers of the day, were critical of Jesus for associating with “such a low life”, my paraphrase of Zacchaeus’ character. You see, Zacch worked for the IRS and had just been in hearings in front of the Senate committee for misappropriating funds and lying about how much taxes the folks owed. Oh, wait – no that’s another story. But by his own admission, Zacchaeus had taken money wrongfully from the citizens. The Pharisees felt justified with their criticism of Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Now hear Jesus words:

” For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 ESV

He, Jesus, came to seek and to save the lost! That’s the reason He came on that Christmas morning.

With the same singleness of purpose that we searched for Luke & Lizzie, Jesus “just happened” to walk down a road by a big tree – He just happened to look up and call to a man that others would ignore. Zacchaeus went to see Jesus, but Jesus was seeking to touch and save Zacchaeus.

I want to ask a personal question. If we lived in Jesus’ time and saw Him hanging out with the IRS agents, hookers, liars, politicians, etc. would we be critical of Him for making association with people of such low degree? Or would we realize that He was on a mission from the Father to find and save a lost child?

May the love of God flow through us today and allow the Father to use us to seek out, befriend and find the lost!

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