Category: Luke

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Making Right Choices

Everyday we have the opportunity to make many choices; the hard part is making the correct one.

“Today I am giving you a choice of two ways. And I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses of your choice. You can choose life or death. The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. 20 You must love the LORD your God and obey him. Never leave him, because he is your life. And he will give you a long life in the land that he, the LORD, promised to give to your ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ERV

This was Moses’ instruction to the Israelites when they were about to leave the wilderness and enter the Promised Land. You have two choices and in case you aren’t sure which one to choose, Choose LIFE!

Jesus said something similar to Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary.

She was busy in the kitchen, running her household and preparing a meal for her brother, his friends and Jesus, the Messiah. While Martha was in the kitchen making sure everything was just perfect Jesus was in the living room doing what He did best. He was talking about His Father and the peace that comes from following His Father’s instructions.

Martha had enough!

Her sister was sitting front and center absorbing every word that Jesus was saying. Martha needed help and Mary was obliviously absent.

“While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work that had to be done. Martha went in and said, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’

41 But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42 ERV

Many choices! Make the right one – choose life, choose the bread of life, choose God above all else, He is the right choice!

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Like a Dove

This morning we’re going to spend a few minutes looking at the third person of the Godhead – the Holy Spirit.

When we talk about the Holy Spirit, many times He is referred to as it but He is every bit as much “God” as the Father and the Son. He is the ever present, empowering, victory giving, life changing, comforting, teaching, presence of God.

In the beginning he was there. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:2

When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, Holy Spirit was there to confirm that Jesus truly was the Son of God. “And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:” Mark 1:10

As Jesus began to do signs, wonders and miracles, it was “THE” Spirit who filled Him with power. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” Luke 4:17

He is the same Spirit that Jesus told His disciples would come and empowered them, and us, as well. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27

and

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14

The Spirit of God isn’t pushy but is patient and He purpose is to glorify Jesus and not draw attention to Himself, but he is our power source.

Paul put it this way in Romans. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11

The word quicken means to empower or make alive – and that’s what the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit does for us as believers. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit’s empowering and then they were to go and make disciples.

“And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit is here to empower us so that we can make an impact on our world the way the early Christians did in theirs.

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The Father’s Love

I was thinking about this this morning. Who taught you to brush your teeth and hold a fork and a spoon? Who taught you to eat good things, to button your shirt and tie your shoes? What about looking both ways before crossing the street or how to ride a bike?

One of my kids asked me once, “Mom how long are you going to tell me to brush my teeth every night?” My answer, “Until you brush your teeth every night without being told.”

Discipline or correction isn’t a bad thing. It’s necessary to develop in the essentials of life. That’s what parents do – they correct their children so they will learn to do things right and they help them learn discipline so they will stick with it when things get hard.

“for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold.” Proverbs 3:12-14

You know our heavenly Father does the same. His word will bring us discipline and correction. He sent the Holy Spirit to be our teacher and to guide us into all truth. And when we learn we develop wisdom and acquire understanding.

“The child Jesus grew. He became strong and wise, and God blessed him…Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people. Luke 2:40 & 52

It was important that Jesus, in his human body, gain wisdom and disciple in order for Him to accomplish what his Father had sent Him to do. He did what He learned from his Father.

“28 So Jesus said to them, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own. But just as the Father taught Me, I say these things. 29 The One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.’ 30 As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:28-32

Jesus said that by doing what the Father taught, it pleased the Father. If we follow His (Jesus) example we will find true freedom. He also said in John 6:63 that the words I speak unto you are spirit and life.

” Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are. But since the people of this world did not know who Christ is, they don’t know who we are” I John 3:1 CEV

God’s instruction, his correction, and his commitment to discipline are to bring us life, truth and freedom. The next time you tie your shoes and brush your teeth, thank God for parents who loved you and corrected you and helped mold you into the person you are today.

And the next time you love with your heart and give to help others, thank God that He loved you enough to mold you into His character and give you life.

The Father’s love is worth more than silver or gold!

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Amazing Love

Each morning I try to take time to focus on the unconditional love of the Father. As I follow that path, my thoughts are overwhelmed with His goodness and grace.

“ I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. 18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. ” Ephesians 3:17-21 ERV

This was the Apostle Paul’s prayer, written thousands of years ago, and it is still a life-impacting, life-empowering, life-changing prayer for all who read it and take it to heart.

There’s an old hymn, written by John Wesley who was a great preacher. He marveled at the amazing love of God.

“And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!”

These words were written in the 1700’s and repeated in a more modern song which was written by a current Christian artist, Chris Tomlin.

“I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your sprit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.
(Repeat x2)

[Chorus:]
Amazing love,
How can it be?
That You, my King would die for me?
Amazing love,
I know it’s true.
It’s my joy to honour You,
In all I do, I honour You.”

Sometimes all I can do is sit silently and let my heart sing in worship of my Lord and Savior. Never has He forsaken me, never have I been abandoned, never has He lied to me.

““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.”

Always forgiven, always accepted, always loved. AMAZING LOVE!

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Look Straight Ahead

Stay focused. That was the theme of the movie we were watching last night.

One of the things I appreciate about my husband is his agreement to watch Hallmark movies with me. Generally, every plot is the same, but he knows I enjoy them so he watches them without complaint.

Last night’s feature was about a young woman who had inherited her grandmother’s horse property. She decided to get back into competing in three different riding events. She needed to train extensively to be ready for the competitions.

There were many things vying for her attention; a fiancé, the care of the property, and a competitor who was out to destroy her confidence and her relationship. An elderly woman, with much experience, agreed to be her trainer. Each time the young woman would become distracted her trainer would remind her to stay focused. Concentrate on the one thing that was before her.

That storyline fits perfectly with this morning’s reading from Proverbs.

“My child, listen carefully to everything I say. 21 Don’t forget a single word, but think about it all. 22 Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you. 23 Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. 24 Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. 25 Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. 26 Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. 27 Don’t make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.” Proverbs 4:20-17 CEV

Jesus put it this way:

“The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.” Matthew 13:22 CEV

God’s word, His teaching is the source of true life. Worry gets us distracted and keeps us from looking straight ahead. We need to stay focused – trusting God and His word no matter the circumstances.

“While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work…41 But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ERV

It’s a necessity that we stay focused. Looking straight ahead at God’s word keeps our lives worry free and in line with His plan.

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At The Feet of Jesus

In my prayer time this morning I heard myself say, “Lord, I’m laying this at your feet”. That may sound strange, I know, but my heart is filled with such gratitude for all the Lord has done for me; for His forgiveness and love, His direction and peace, His protection and strength.

I don’t want there to be anything that hinders my relationship with Him. My desire is to give Him all that would distract from Him being my Lord and my God. The woman who had a bleeding disorder came to mind when I was thinking about placing all at Jesus’ feet.

“In the crowd was a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. 26  She had gone to many doctors, and they had not done anything except cause her a lot of pain. She had paid them all the money she had. But instead of getting better, she only got worse.

27 The woman had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him in the crowd and barely touched his clothes. 28 She had said to herself, “If I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 As soon as she touched them, her bleeding stopped, and she knew she was healed.

30 At that moment Jesus felt power go out from him. He turned to the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

31 His disciples said to him, “Look at all these people crowding around you! How can you ask who touched you?” 32 But Jesus turned to see who had touched him.

33 The woman knew what had happened to her. So she came trembling with fear and knelt down in front of Jesus. Then she told him the whole story.

34 Jesus said to the woman, “You are now well because of your faith. May God give you peace! You are healed, and you will no longer be in pain.”” Mark 5:25-34

This woman had no right to be in public because of her bleeding disorder. She was deemed “unclean” by Jewish society; yet, she came. If only she could touch the hem of His garment, she believed she would be made well. She sacrificed well-being and reputation, just to be at the feet of Jesus.

Then there was this woman.

“ He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, ‘Have you noticed this woman? When I came into your home, you didn’t give me any water so I could wash my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You didn’t even pour olive oil on my head, but she has poured expensive perfume on my feet. 47 So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.”

48 Then Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’” Luke 7:44-48 CEV

Sitting at someone’s feet or washing their feet was a sign of servitude, an act of humility.

Jesus’ feet were pierced for our sins. It was a sign that we have been forgiven all. At the feet of Jesus there is healing, salvation, hope and forgiveness.

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A Place of Help & Hope

As a child I used to look up in amazement when planes flew over. They were a completely new phenomenon to me. I wondered where they were going and how they could possibly stay in the air. To a four-year-old it was a miracle.

We are told to lift up our heads in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean to turn our heads up, it is an attitude of the heart. This was an attitude that King David took. Turn our focus heavenward. Looking up is looking beyond ourselves and looking to someone higher, looking to God the Father.

“ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” Psalm 24:8-10

Are you looking up today? Are you looking beyond yourself and finding God’s directive on how you should function today? It’s easy to get discouraged and even depressed with all the world’s happenings and Jesus knew that these days and times we are living in would be taxing to our mental peace at the very least so He gave us this command.

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28

So many things around us are in turmoil. Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, weather disruptions, political unrest, bias, hatred, financial uncertainty, relationships failing. All of these things wear on us emotionally, physically and spiritually.

The prophet Isaiah had this vision from the Lord.

“I saw the Lord sitting on a very high and wonderful throne. His long robe filled the Temple. 2 Seraph angels stood around him. Each angel had six wings. They used two wings to cover their faces, two wings to cover their bodies, and two wings to fly. 3 The angels were calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.‘” Isaiah 6:1-3 ERV

The Lord is still on His throne. He is still in control and we can trust Him! God is not taken by surprise, and He has a plan for our good.

Don’t let your heart fail or become fearful – lift up your head for your Redeemer (redemption) draws near!

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A Gnarly Tree…

or as the prophet Isaiah put it, “oaks of righteousness” or the planting of the Lord.

Can you even imagine what this tree has experienced in its life cycle? The winds, the rains, the hurricanes, the drought, the fight to survive and thrive!

I think of trees like this as well as the giant redwoods, the sequoias, massive olive trees and cedars groves when I read what Isaiah, David and the other Old Testament writers refer to when they write about those who are righteous.

The term “righteous” isn’t some unattainable religious goal. No. Simply put it means to be in right standing with God. Righteous is a term that can be applied to all of us who have placed our faith in God.

“ Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:20-21 NLV

“But he finds joy in the Law of the Lord and thinks about His Law day and night. 3 This man is like a tree planted by rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time and its leaf never dries up. Whatever he does will work out well for him.” Psalm 1:2-3 NLV

Isaiah, the prophet, wrote these words about Jesus hundreds of years before He was born.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV

Jesus spoke these words in a synagogue and it made them so angry they tried to throw Jesus off a cliff. (Luke 4:17-30, read it)

Some people still get angry today when they are told that we have received right standing with God because of what Jesus did.

A life lived in Christ is a life of thriving in the storms. Our roots go deep into His word, our branches sway in the wind, we provide shelter to those in need, comfort to those who are weary.

We become gnarly old trees who have been planted by the Lord and we stand grounded on His word.

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Caution Low Power

Every morning I pick up my laptop and share what the Lord has put on my heart for that day. After I post, I look at what others have posted overnight, read through emails and then do some research.

Inevitably, I will receive this message. “Power supply at 10%. Plug into power source.” And if I don’t heed the warning, I will get another one in a few minutes telling me I only have 7% of my power and if I ignore that warning the laptop just shuts down.

Do you ever feel like that? Your power is in short supply, you’re running low and about ready to shut down? I’ve been there many times and that weariness is my warning that I’m operating on stored power and need to reconnect to the power supply.

In Acts, Jesus had spent 40 days with His followers proving to them that He had died, rose again and was fulfilling the Father’s plan. Their main concern seemed to be the Roman government. They wanted to know if Jesus was going to set up His earthly kingdom and do away with the Romans. Jesus said to leave that up to the Father; He would handle things. (a good word for us today)

Jesus then gave them what He saw as their primary mission.

“Jesus said to them, ‘The Father is the only one who has the authority to decide dates and times. They are not for you to know. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” Acts 1:7-8 ERV

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to give testimony of what God has done in our lives. Starting first with those closest to us and spreading out from there. Our family, our friends, neighbors, work mates…

The Book of Luke puts it this way.

“You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that they must change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name to the people of all nations. 49 Remember that I will send you the one my Father promised. Stay in the city until you are given that power from heaven.” Luke 24:47-49 ERV

Jesus knew they needed to be connected to the power supply, the Holy Spirit. It was essential. Jesus didn’t do any miracles or ministry until He had the Holy Spirit empowering Him and He doesn’t want us to attempt anything on our own either.

We need to be connected.

Thank you Father for reminding me that my power is draining and that I have a power source with unlimited supply. I desire to stay plugged into You today!

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In the Storm

Peace, be still.

Simply put be at rest. Some see peace as the absence of conflict, but I want to show you that we can be at peace in the midst of a storm.

In the book of Luke we read about the final days of Jesus life. He was celebrating the Feast of the Passover with his disciples. He told them that the broken bread and the wine represented what was about to happen to Him. He told them He would be betrayed.

Their reaction was strange.

They began arguing about which one of them would do such a thing and then they began to argue about which one of them was the most important to Jesus.

Oh my goodness!!!

If I had been Jesus, I would have left them all. But instead, Jesus told them that He was praying for them and He gave them instruction on how to live once He was gone.

Then He took them to the garden where He prayed. He told them they needed to pray also. He knew they would need to remain strong. He prayed for Himself and for them, but they fell asleep.

He knew what was about to happen.

In His humanity, He didn’t want to face the cross and the horrible death of crucifixion but in His divinity, He knew He was the only One who could be the sinless sacrifice. Only He could be the One to redeem us all and reconcile mankind to the Father.

He went through great conflict and turmoil; battling His mind and emotions He came to a place of peace, His spirit found rest!

When Judas betrayed Him with a kiss there was no ridiculue or retaliation, when the soldiers were placing him under arrest there was no fight. He was at peace!

Jesus was living the words He spoke to the disciples earlier that day.

“‘I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV

The Apostle Paul tells us this:

“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

Our storms come in a variety of ways. Some are actual weather-related storms; others are physical and health related. Financial, emotional, relational – storms are storms and their purpose is to rob our peace. They come to distract us from trusting God’s word. They come to steal the seed what God has planted in our hearts.

“…The seed is God’s teaching… But when trouble comes, they turn away from God. 14 ‘What about the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That is like the people who hear God’s teaching, but they let the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life stop them from growing. So they never produce a crop.” Luke 8:11-15 ERV

Are you in the middle of a storm today – do you feel like you’re about to be crucified? Let the Lord’s peace rule your thinking. Don’t be troubled, don’t be afraid. Take refuge in God and trust Him to control the outcome.

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