Category: Luke

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Crystal Clear Clarity

Allow me one more teaching on focus.

When I was ten or eleven my mom realized I was having trouble seeing clearly. I had to sit close to the tv, my nose was almost always on the page of my piano lesson and my grades were falling in school. She took me to the optometrist and sure enough, I was near-sighted. Glasses became my closest friend.

Although I was an embarrassed six grader, I could see clearly. Things were in focus. I hope you are beginning to understand that God’s word brings focus and clarity to our lives.

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT

These verses make me think of the eye exams where the optician says “tell me when this object is in focus”. Then they flip the lens one way or the other until the image before my eyes is clear.

When we keep our eyes on Jesus, like the verse says, we gain a clarity of spiritual vision that we previously lacked.

“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.” Colossians 3:1-3 MSG

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

Looking “around” at all that’s occurring on the earth causes heart failure and fear. Looking up makes things crystal clear – our redemption is near!

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Make A Difference

Yesterday afternoon Dave and I went to the movies. The second time in a month and it’s not something we do very often but I’m so glad we did.

Earlier in the month we saw a movie with Kim and Austin which was fun, spending time with our kids always is. It was then we saw the preview for “Jesus Revolution”. That’s what we saw yesterday.

It really hit home with me. In the fall of 1971, I attended Biola College. Coming from Yuma I had never heard of Calvary Chapel or Pastor Chuck Smith and I had only heard of the “Jesus People” on the news. Friends invited me to go with them to some of Pastor Chuck’s Sunday evening services and a couple of times to the baptisms at the beach.

What an experience!

Hippies and regular church people praising and worshipping the Lord together. No judgement or criticism, just heartfelt worship. It was a small glimpse of heaven.

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 NLT

Why am I sharing this with you? One, I think you would really enjoy the movie – it will stir your heart and two, it challenged me.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 NLT

At the start of the movie there were older people attending Pastor Chuck’s church who were offended by the hippies who began coming. Sad to say, we have that with every generation. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees and religious leaders were offended by Jesus and His group of rough fishermen, tax collectors and women of dubious reputation.

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said. ‘Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.’ 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. ‘He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,’ they grumbled.” Luke 19:5-7 NLT

I think we can all agree that our world needs more of the love of Jesus. The only way this will happen is for His love to flow through you and I. We are called to a purpose.

“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20 NLT

I pray that we will all start a Jesus Revolution, first in our hearts and then reach out to those around us.

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Begging or Believing

This morning I was reminded of a time, not so very long ago, when I was talking with the Lord about a situation that needed to be changed. Yes, I was complaining and even started to beg. It didn’t take me long to realize that the Lord was not impressed by either.

I had this thought come up – are you a beggar or a believer? What! A beggar or a believer? Show me how to stop begging because I really thought I was believing.

Jesus is the perfect example of a “believer”. He never doubted God’s word or His power. We need to follow his instruction. Jesus’ disciples asked for examples on how to increase their faith, their ability to believe, and this is what happened.

“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Show us how to increase our faith.'” Luke 17:5 NLT

Jesus went on to tell the disciples about a man that had a slave who worked for him. He said that the master doesn’t compliment the slave for doing what he’s supposed to do. No, he expects the task to be done.

The way I read this is Jesus was telling them that they didn’t need to beg for faith, they simply needed to put it to work. And then Jesus gave them an example.

“As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.” Luke 17:12-14 NLT

The lepers “begged” Jesus for healing. Jesus put his faith to work and “believed” God and it was accomplished. Faith was working to bring about the will of God.

Another example is the lame man at the Gate Beautiful who had been there begging alms all his adult life. He saw Peter and John coming to the temple and began begging from them. Peter said “We don’t have any silver or gold to give you today but what we do have we’ll give to you. In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk”. (Acts 4) Immediately he jumped up and began walking.

“You see this man, and you know him. He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching.” Acts 4:16

Begging indicates a lack of faith, an uncertainty that what we are asking will get done. But faith is confident belief.

“ We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. 15 He listens to us every time we ask him. So we know that he gives us whatever we ask from him.” I John 5:14-15 ERV

That’s the way it is with our heavenly Father, we simply tell Him about the need and believe in faith that it will be taken care of. There’s no need to be a beggar, we are called to be believers.

Have faith in God!

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Heading Home

I want to tell you a story this morning about a rancher I know and his sons. The youngest son was tired of all the hard work, long hours and responsibility so he left for a more relaxing, fulfilling life in town.

No more getting up at 3 am during calving season; no more doctoring in the rain; no more busted fences to mend and no more eating dust on long, hot days.

His life in town was heavenly. Nice apartment, new car, boots that didn’t have manure plastered on them and a new Stetson that wasn’t sweat ringed or rain blotched. Yes. Life was good.

It didn’t take him long to make new friends and put ranch life behind him. Steak houses and clubs at night, a life of leisure. It was a constant party. Wine, women and song. Over the next few months things were going just as he had planned.

But then one day he got his Visa bill and he was shocked. The “good life” was costing him plenty. He went to make a withdrawal at the ATM and found his withdrawal limit had been reduced. The proverbial well was running dry.

He was behind on the rent and had received an eviction notice. He sold his car but that money didn’t last long. He had to get out and look for a job but what? His pay checks went for cheap wine, he overslept and missed his shifts so he was fired. He found himself on the streets – really! A street person.

Wasted, used up, cold and alone!

Putting pride aside he started for home. Hitch hiking and walking he finally made it. He was only 200-300 miles away but it took over a week to get there; begging for food along the way.

The whole way home he rehearsed his story. What he would tell his dad and how he would ask for a job, the job of a hired hand.

He turned off the main road and headed up the 1/2 mile drive to the house. While he was still a long way from the front gate he saw someone come out and start up the lane.

Now that person was running! Really running. It was his dad and he was calling his son’s name. As they met, tears were streaming down both their cheeks. The father hugged and kissed his son and the son tried to get out his request to be a hired man – just a worker, no special privileges but the Father was talking excitedly.

Ok by now you’re probably saying this is all just make believe but no…no, it’s not. This is exactly what the Father has done and will continue to do for each and everyone of us who go our own way, wanting to do our own thing without His oversight and restrictions and then come home!

He’s waiting…waiting and watching for you and I and He comes running to meet us and to lavish us with His love!

You’ve not gone too far or done too much that the Father won’t love and welcome you home!

“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’ We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.” Luke 15:20-24 MSG

Welcome Home!

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You Are Loved

I’ve been doing quite a bit of praying this morning for different friends and loved ones. These are people who the Lord put on my heart; people who have been hurt deeply by others, those would have been wounded and rejected, those who have felt the stabbing pain of ridicule and mocking.

As I prayed, I asked the Lord to heal their hurt and to reveal to them their value, their worth to Him, as their Father, and show them how to walk free of the pain, never to be held in bondage again to the hurts of the past.

Just a couple of days ago I was talking with a friend about the oppressing weight of unworthiness. Those feelings of not measuring up or being good enough can be crushing. I know. But I also know the peace that comes when we realize that we are accepted in Christ.

“He was hated and men would have nothing to do with Him, a man of sorrows and suffering, knowing sadness well. We hid, as it were, our faces from Him. He was hated, and we did not think well of Him.

4 For sure He took on Himself our troubles and carried our sorrows. Yet we thought of Him as being punished and hurt by God, and made to suffer. 5 But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone the wrong way. Each of us has turned to his own way. And the Lord has put on Him the sin of us all.” Isaiah 53:3-6 NLV

This is what Jesus did for us! He took our sin, our sorrow, our rejection, our pain and carried it to the cross to be crucified there.

When He rose from the tomb, He left all of the above in the grave and He brought us a new life. His death and resurrection created a new way for us to live.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the 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 that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 NLV

Christ knew rejection and heart ache. He knew sorrow. His mission was and is to bring us healing and freedom.

“…the Father loves you. He loves you because you love Me and believe that I came from the Father.” John 16:27 NLV

“ So we can say for sure, ‘The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.’” Hebrews 13:6 NLV

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free for sure.” John 8:36 NLV

If you are one who has been hurt and rejected, I pray you will let Christ heal your broken heart and set you free. You are Loved!

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Not A Fan of Change?

This morning I’m fighting frustration.

I don’t like it when things change with my computer. You get one of those messages “Update and Restart”. I did and left the computer sitting on my tabletop and went about the rest of my day. This morning when I opened it up, things were gone!

I refuse to let it spoil my day but I know eventually I will have to search for the missing information or try to recreate it and that is never a welcomed task.

But this I do know, God never changes! Thank you Father.

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

Every people throughout the Bible faced hardship and frustration. They faced physical enemies and divisive thoughts that warred against their faith and trust in God. But there has never been a time that Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has left us on our own.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

And although Jesus never had to deal with computer issues, He dealt with reprogramming the thoughts of the human heart on a daily basis.

“But Jesus told them: You are always making yourselves look good, but God sees what is in your heart. The things that most people think are important are worthless as far as God is concerned.” Luke 16:15 CEV

Jesus longed to see people become less self-sufficient and more God-dependent. More of Him and less of me.

“I love you, Lord God, and you make me strong. 2 You are my mighty rock, my fortress, my protector, the rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful weapon, and my place of shelter…Your way is perfect, Lord, and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help. 31 You alone are God!  Only you are a mighty rock. 32 You give me strength and guide me right. 33 You make my feet run as fast as those of a deer, and you help me stand on the mountains.” Psalm 18:1,2, 30-33 CEV

God has made Himself unchangeable. He is forgiving before we ask to be forgiven, He is patient when we choose our own way and not His. He is always loving.

“Descendants of Jacob, I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I never change.” Malachi 3:6 CEV

Now back to the small matter of my computer, I refuse to let those changes disrupt my peace and spoil my day. Eventually, I will get back what I can’t access at the moment.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

Major circumstances or small frustrations, I will trust my God who never changes to keep me in His perfect peace!

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Remember Me

For the last twenty years or so Dave and I have taken time at the beginning of the year to celebrate communion – just the two of us.

We take time, on purpose, to remember Christ’s sacrifice. We express gratitude for His love, healing, peace of mind, forgiveness and daily provision.

“Do this in remembrance of Me!”

As I’m writing this, I can see Jesus reclining around the table with His disciples at His final Passover dinner. The Passover celebration was a remembrance of the Father’s deliverance and power. When the Israelites left Egypt, they were ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Their bread was free from leaven, the spotless lamb was boiled and blood was applied to the doorposts and the header beam. This secured their safety when the death angel “passed over” the land.

I imagine that night with Jesus they were all in a celebratory mood. They were remembering God’s protection and provision as their ancestors left Egypt, headed for the land of promise.

“ Then He brought Israel out with silver and gold. And there was not one weak person among their families. 38 Egypt was glad when they left. For they had become afraid of Israel. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light at night.” Psalm 107:37-39 NLV

Jesus was preparing them, as best He could, for the events that were about to occur. He needed them to be strong for each other. He wanted them to remember the miracles that they had seen and done. He wanted them to be free from fear!

“Then Jesus took bread and gave thanks and broke it in pieces. He gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you. Do this to remember Me.’ 20 In the same way, after they had finished the bread, He took the cup. He said, ‘This cup is My blood of the New Way of Worship which is given for you.'” Luke 22:19-20 NLV

He did something they really wouldn’t understand until after the resurrection. He presented Himself to His disciples as the spotless lamb of God. The bread and the cup had always been a reminder of God’s deliverance from physical abuse and slavery. But now Jesus made it personal. This is my body and my blood given for you. I AM your salvation and your deliverance – remember Me!

The actions of Jesus that night weren’t just for His disciples. The Apostle Paul said that they are for us as well. It is a time of remembrance of all Jesus has done to provide us with new life.

“When He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take this bread and eat it. This is My body which is broken for you. Do this to remember Me.’ 25 In the same way after supper, He took the cup. He said, ‘This cup is the New Way of Worship made between God and you by My blood. Whenever you drink it, do it to remember Me.'” I Corinthians 11:24-25 NLV

Communion isn’t just a religious rite or exercise. It is His promise to be our Savior, Lord, Healer, Provider, Giver of Life.

I hope you will set some time aside with your spouse or your family and “Do this in remembrance of Me”.

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Of Great Value

We have been watching a pair of dove build their nest in the palm tree just outside our window. It’s well hidden from view, but we know it’s there. Many times a day the pair come with twigs in their beaks, sit on the palm frond and then disappear toward the trunk of the tree.

Just last week Dave had told our neighbor that he would be cutting some of the dead fronds from trunk and dispose of them for her but now that has to wait. The nest, eggs and bird couple need their home protected.

Yesterday it seemed like every bird in the neighborhood had joined the avian chorus and was providing us with a concert. A concert which would rival Handel’s Messiah. Before daybreak the birds are singing, throughout the day their chorus wafts on the breeze and each evening as the sun starts to set they repeat their melodious refrain.

“ Jesus said to His followers, “Because of this, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you are going to eat. Do not worry about your body, what you are going to wear. 23 Life is worth more than food. The body is worth more than clothes. 24 Look at the birds. They do not plant seeds. They do not gather grain. They have no grain buildings for keeping grain. Yet God feeds them. Are you not worth more than the birds?…Do not give so much thought to what you will eat or drink. Do not be worried about it. 30 For all the nations of the world go after these things. Your Father knows you need these things. 31 Instead, go after the holy nation of God. Then all these other things will be given to you. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock. Your Father wants to give you the holy nation of God.” Luke 12:22-32 NLV

“Are we not worth more than the birds?” “Do not be afraid, little flock.”

Words to live by! Of course, we are worth more than the birds. But even if we consider ourselves to be as insignificant as one of the feathered chorus, we are admonished to live fear free – we are part of the Father’s flock and He promises to care for us.

All of creation is a living example of how the Father cares for us; the seed in the ground, the birds in the air, the lilies of the field, the oceans with their tides, the changing seasons and even the heavens declare the glory of God.

Often when I stop to think about the way God provides for His creation I remember a little chorus we sang in Sunday School.

“The birds up in the treetops sing their song, The angels chant their chorus all day long. The flowers in the garden blend their hue, So why shouldn’t I, why shouldn’t you Praise Him too?”

It’s a simple theology that requires childlike faith.

Listen for the song of the birds, join their chorus and thank the Father that He provides for us!

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One More Time

Every couple of years I am reminded of “one thing” and you know if the Lord reminds me, I’m going to remind you.

We’ve just completed the first month of the year and before we advance another week, I want us to stop and focus in on the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha.

“As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”

41-42 The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” Luke 10:38-42 MSG

Martha wanted Jesus to be comfortable, well fed and rested. Extending hospitality can be a lot of work – everything has to be perfect. The bread, the wine. Cheese and olives. Cakes to bake.

And where’s Mary?!

Looking out from the kitchen, wiping flour from her face, counting heads to know exactly how many need to be served, Martha sees Mary sitting in front of the guest of honor, hanging on His every word. Martha would love to be sitting there too but there’s just too much to do.

When Martha can stand it no longer, she complains. She actually makes a bit of a scene, complaining publicly about her sister. Surely, she thought Jesus would understand her plight. He would have Mary get up and join her in the kitchen to finish the meal but no.

Instead, Jesus addressed Martha’s busy-ness, pointing out her fussing and frustration. Martha had the Master Teacher in her home and instead of honoring Him with her time she complained.

Just a few days before, Jesus had taught his disciples on sowing seed and good ground. Jesus was teaching (sowing seed) and Mary’s heart was good soil for those seeds to be planted in. Martha, on the other hand, had thorny ground filled with the weeds of distraction and care.

Jesus’ words are clear, “One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”

I can identify with both these sisters. I want to hang on every word I read but sometimes I get distracted. There are mornings I sleep a little later than normal and feel rushed to get through my Bible reading. Other days I may be distracted by making my list for the day, doing some quick research on the computer, read a couple of emails and before I know it the day has taken me captive, and I’ve missed out on those moments of quiet communion, peaceful prayer and joyful conversation with the Lord.

That’s when I hear those words, “Kristi, Kristi – only one thing is essential, choose the good part”.

Join me in putting aside the busy-ness for these morning moments and spend time listening to the words of Jesus.

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Did I Say That?

A new day – a clean slate! What we write on it will impact the people we love and even those that we have a casual association with.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

As a mother and as a kid, I heard and said “Watch what you say!” An admonishment I didn’t always follow and so my mother made sure that there were consequences for those improprieties. We learn to discern what are the right and wrong things to say and when to say them. But as important as the words we speak are the meditations of the heart.

What do we dwell on? The word meditate paints a picture of a cow chewing her cud; in the same way we meditate by going over and over things in our minds. So if we want to say the right things we need to be thinking on right things. That’s what Jesus told his followers.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

Our thoughts and our meditations will direct our lives and can bring us to a successful place or a place of turmoil. Think on what is good today.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

When we keep our thoughts focused on the Lord we won’t have any trouble with our words.

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