Category: Luke

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Do You Ponder?

Interesting word, ponder. I wonder if I should ponder over it’s meaning.

In the last few days my heart has filled with memories of Christmases past when the kids were little. There were some very lean times but even in that they were good because our focus was on it being Jesus birthday, being with the ones we loved and not on the gifts under the tree.

I remember one year I insisted that we all write letters to each other on what we loved and appreciated about one another. I still have those letters today – they are tucked safely away in the cedar chest. I guess you could say, I pondered them in my heart.

We need to take a lesson from Mary for that’s what she did that very first Christmas morning.

“and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.” Luke 2:18-20 ERV

As the shepherds arrived telling all the angels had said, she pondered – treasured, meditated – those things in her heart. I’m sure it wasn’t just the words of the angels that she pondered. She probably relived her visit with Gabriel and then her cousin Elizabeth. Her conversations with Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem and the miracle of being alone in a stable and giving birth must have filled her heart as well. Each detail indelibly etched in her memory.

God’s miracle – God’s provision – God’s love – wrapped in a tiny bundle, cradled in her arms, nursing at her breast! Yes, these would be the things she pondered; these would be the memories she would hold for the rest of her life. As the angel told her: “For nothing will be impossible with God”.

We need take time to ponder – to treasure and meditate – on what God has done in our lives and for those we love. Maybe you don’t feel God has really done anything spectacular for you, well then, go back to that first Christmas, He sent His Son to save us from our sins. That’s a pretty good place to start.

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God Overlooks Our Reputation

How do you see yourself today? Are you someone who has struggled most of your life with relationships and careers? Do others look down on you because of your education or lack thereof? Maybe you’ve done some stupid stuff and it has caused people not to trust you or you’ve wounded and broken relationships.

Many years ago, there were some shepherds out on a hillside watching their sheep. Shepherds had a poor reputation in their society. They were considered the lowest of the blue collar workers, rogues, and liars, but God… God saw them as men who would be faithful to spread the message that His Son had been born!

“In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! 15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. 17 After seeing [them], they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.” Luke 2:8-20

God was willing to use the shepherds and He’s willing to use us too. He sees the best in each of us and gives us opportunities to use what He’s placed in us to touch others. God, the Father, has a message and a plan for each life. Let’s follow the example of the shepherds and go tell somebody what God has done. It’s a wonderful message about a wonderful life.

Thank you Father for your love!

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No Room in the Inn

I think it’s important that we realize the stories in the Bible aren’t fables or make-believe. They will have greater impact in our lives if we read them as if we were there. About ten years ago I started reading these verses in just that way.

“Mary was engaged to Joseph and traveled with him to Bethlehem. She was soon going to have a baby, 6 and while they were there, 7 she gave birth to her first-born son. She dressed him in baby clothes and laid him on a bed of hay, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:5-7 CEV

What was it like to be the inn keeper who turned them away? They must have gone to several places before one kind proprietor volunteered to let them use his stable. Or what about Joseph? He had promised God that he would provide for Mary. He loved her deeply. He risked reputation and standing in the community when he continued his relationship with a pregnant Mary. How did he feel?

Mary had been on the road several days while traveling to Bethlehem, only to get there and find that all the rooms were taken. There was no 800-555-5555 for reservations and now there was no room. Weary from the road trip and with contractions starting, I’m sure she was grateful for the opportunity to lay down. I think she probably found comfort in the smell of fresh hay.

No room meant God would supply their needs and He did!

When we hear the words “no room” do we get resentful or do we lay back and rest in what God provides? No room at the company, no room for us at the college, no room in the social circle, no room on the team, no room in the heart of a loved one…no room.

“There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. ” John 14:2-3 CEV

One thing we will NEVER hear from the Father is “no room”; He has enough room for all who come!

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Are You A Wise Man?

Would you have made a good wise man?

That’s the question I found I was asking myself this morning. Let’s examine their characteristics; they were studious, (they studied the skies looking for a sign), they were diligent, (they didn’t give up looking just because they didn’t see it right away), they were persistent, (they traveled a great distance and expended length of time to find the Christ child), they were consistent, (they weren’t distracted from their search) and they were dedicated (they committed to the task and didn’t stop until they reached their goal). Finally, they were reverent, they worshiped the Christ child and not the nation’s king.

It’s believed that the wise men’s journey took about 2 years. They found a child and not a babe. They traveled at their own expense and they brought gifts, lavish gifts, to the child. It cost them something – if they had been wrong in their search it would have cost them more than their finances, it would have cost them their reputation.

So I asked myself, what am I seeking? Oh, I have many things that I’m doing – preparing for the holidays, getting ready for company, baking and knitting but what am I seeking?

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Psalm 27:4-5 KJV

Jesus told Martha that only “one thing” was needed to her priority – hearing His word.

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 KJV

Lord, my desire is to be wise – to seek only one thing, You!

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A Personal Letter

This last weekend I spent quite a bit of time writing my annual Christmas letter and addressing Christmas cards. They’ll all go out in the mail this week – old fashioned you say – a waste of time. Never!

With our world of instant communication I find it very refreshing to receive something personal, addressed to me and not the whole of the internet universe. When I was a kid I went to church summer camp. One of the most memorable events of the day was mail call. A letter from home. Then I went off to college and each day after lunch I would head to the student union building and hope to find something in my mailbox.

The most precious letters I ever received were when Dave and I were dating. He lived in southern California and I lived in central Arizona. I have saved all of those letters and every once in a while I read a couple and they take me back to when our love was new. So sweet and precious.

To know the value of a personal letter talk to a soldier who is deployed and thousands of miles from home or a senior citizen who no longer has the ability to drive themselves to meet with friends. The personal message conveyed in a letter is priceless.

Every time I pick up my Bible and read, I realize it is a personal letter written just to me. If I had been the only one on earth God still would have conveyed His message of love and good will to me. I do not take for granted the words on the page or the way the message has been protected through the years. The love that was expressed through the writers thousands of years ago has not changed.

And then I think of the heavenly Christmas card that was given on the night of Jesus birth.

“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:9-11 NLT

The first Christmas card was written in the heavens. It was sent special delivery and was given to the most common of people, the shepherds. It was a personal message spoken to a few but given to all.

Make your outreach this Christmas personal. Convey the message of your heart to those around you. It may be just the thing they need to to brighten their day.

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Be Someone’s Blessing

What does it take to be a blessing? How do we treat the unthankful? Jesus gave this instruction to his disciples:

“I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. 36 Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy. 37 “Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. Don’t condemn others, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.” Luke 6:35-38

Jesus instruction was clear – we are to be an example of God to those we deal with each day. We were all sinners by nature but Jesus freely gave His life so that we could be brought into right relationship with God the Father. He gave freely and so should we.

Look at that second phrase in today’s verses, lend without expecting to get anything back. What have you lent…your time, your friendship, your assistance, your tools, your car, your money, your love, your compassion, your attention and genuine interest. When we lend without expecting to get things back then we’ve really made them a gift and in giving we’re an example of our heavenly Father.

Search for an opportunity to give to someone who is, by nature, unthankful. Maybe they were raised to be skeptical and feel that anytime someone gave something it was with a hiden agenda – so give today, genuinely give. Who knows you may be the one God is using to break through their shell and bring out an attitude of gratitude.

Let’s make this our prayer. “Lord, what can I do to please you today? I know I don’t have to work to earn Your love. But I like to do things that make you happy – things that bring a smile to Your face, something that will let You know that I love you?”

“My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love. 14 The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 ERV

The verse above was Paul’s instructions to the Christians at Galatia. He was reminding them of what Jesus taught and Jesus words were a repeat of a lesson God gave to Moses when the Israelites first came out of Egypt. God’s command from the very beginning was that we walk in a loving way towards those around us.

“Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18 ERV

Be forgiving, be generous, be loving, even to the unlovable and be the reason that someone else is thankful! It will make your Father smile.

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Good News!

This morning I found that our youngest daughter had put pictures of our newest granddaughter on Facebook. It was such a striking example of the love we parents have for our children. From the moment they are conceived they change our lives. SO MUCH JOY! She’s perfect!

It’s also an example of what happens in heaven when one person is “born again”!

New birth in Christ – old things are passed away and all things become new! A new member of the family – everyone’s excited. Cameras, spiritually, are capturing the moment and the announcement goes out – a new child has joined the family. Party time of a heavenly degree!

“Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when even one person turns to him.” Luke 15:10 CEV

The story that Jesus told right before this was of a woman who had lost a coin and she searched and swept every corner of her house until she found it. She lost something valuable and she was determined to find it. She wasn’t willing to just let things alone or wait for it to turn up someday. She sought it out with a unfailing determination. Everything else had to be put on hold until she was successful in her search.

That’s the way it is with God the Father. He is on a relentless search, looking for all who will accept Him. He isn’t willing that “any should perish but that all should come to repentance”. For God so loved the world that He gave Jesus to die so that “whosoever”, anyone and everyone, should not perish. He made this great sacrifice when we were at our worst, “God demonstrated His love for us while we were yet sinners Christ died for us”.

Oh the wonderful experience of the new birth – it wasn’t without pain or suffering, Jesus died a painful death; but for us, the new child, it means life eternal with a Father who gives freely His unconditional love and forgiveness. No wonder the angels are rejoicing!!

“But God, the One Who saves, showed how kind He was and how He loved us 5 by saving us from the punishment of sin. It was not because we worked to be right with God. It was because of His loving-kindness that He washed our sins away. At the same time He gave us new life when the Holy Spirit came into our lives. 6 God gave the Holy Spirit to fill our lives through Jesus Christ, the One Who saves. 7 Because of this, we are made right with God by His loving-favor. Now we can have life that lasts forever as He has promised.” Titus 3:4-7 NLV

Take time today to think of where you were when you accepted Christ and His free gift of new life! The Father took your picture and has kept it on His mantle; He’s added others to it as you’ve grown and experienced wonderful achievements in this new life. He’s pointing to you and saying “yes, that’s my son, my daughter – I love them!”

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Grateful for Good News

I have a few tabs on my desktop that I leave open because I visit the sites frequently and see no need to close them but when I do open a new tab my screen defaults to a news page and I am faced with the latest headlines of the day. Very rarely does that page bring me good news.

That is a stark contrast to the headlines I find each day when I open my Bible! I am grateful for good news, the good news of the gospel.

“Good news from a faraway place is like a cool drink of water when you are hot and thirsty.” Proverbs 25:25 ERV

Since all Scripture is inspired by God and since His throne is in the heavens I figure that constitutes a faraway place. His word, my good news, is refreshing to my soul. Each morning we are able to choose the path our day will take; we can choose life and joy or frustration and stress. All of us face difficult and trying times but we don’t have to let them control us.

“When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” 20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” 22 Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:16-22 NLT

Jesus is our good news! When he came, he came with purpose – He came to bring deliverance, sight, freedom and favor with the Father. He spent His entire life of ministry bringing good news to all He met.

The angels announced it on the night of His birth.

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:8-11 NLT

Good News!

And I am very grateful that I get to share the good news with you.

“Yes, the Scriptures say, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed.” 12 It says this because there is no difference between those who are Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is the Lord of all people. And he richly blesses everyone who looks to him for help. 13 Yes, “everyone who trusts in the Lord will be saved.” 14 But before people can pray to the Lord for help, they must believe in him. And before they can believe in the Lord, they must hear about him. And for anyone to hear about the Lord, someone must tell them. 15 And before anyone can go and tell them, they must be sent. As the Scriptures say, “How wonderful it is to see someone coming to tell good news!” Romans 10:11-15 NLT

I hope you welcome this blog each morning as your good news. Extra – Extra. Today is a day of Good News – Jesus, our Savior, is here to save, protect, provide and deliver!

Read all about it!

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In God We Trust

Watching the nightly news can either make you cynical, fearful or it can be an opportunity to build your faith. There seems to be very little truth but instead truth is replaced with speculation, accusation and fabrication. No wonder the Bible says that in the last days men’s hearts will fail them for fear!

“And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Luke 21:25-28 NLT

We are to put more value and trust in God’s word than that of the news commentators, the financial experts, the medical elite and the military strategists. Trust the one who knows the beginning from the end. Trust the one who knows the number of hairs on your head and sees a sparrow when it falls.

Everyone of us have a Bible in our pocket or our purse; it is small, round and shiny. We should take it out and read it – read it several times each time and remind ourselves “In God We Trust”.

“If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. 33 Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right. 34 Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. 35 Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love? 36 As the Scriptures say,

“For you we are in danger of death all the time.
People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.”

37 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. 38-39 Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39 ERV

There is such an enormous effort being made to silence the teaching of godly principles, Christian morals and faith in Christ. Without God’s word people lose hope, fear prevails and deception runs unchecked. With God’s word we find hope, courage and truth.

Let God’s word be our final authority!

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away.” Luke 21:33 NLV

In God We Trust!

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Mums the Word

Have you ever heard or used that expression? It comes from the Old English where the word “mum” meant to remain silent.

Dave and I were having a discussion on our drive Sunday morning where we wondered about different phrases and idioms that are used so when I thought of this phrase this morning I had to look it. Mummers were actors who used no words, basically they were pantomimists. There you have your verbal history lesson for the day.

Last night we were watching a movie of espionage. The main character had to be very careful not to reveal his true identity and his occupation to the people around him. He didn’t know who he could trust so he said very little about himself and was very evasive when asked direct questions. I found myself admonishing him several times to keep his mouth shut.

I bet you thought I was going to be writing about flowers today because of the image I used, right? No.

This morning I found the Holy Spirit admonishing me to choose my words wisely and to keep my mouth shut when necessary. Our words are containers – much like a glass holds water our words hold blessings or cursing.

“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 19:20-21 ERV

Maybe you’ve heard the expression “Keep your words sweet, you may have to eat them”. I feel that is probably an accurate paraphrase of these verses written by King Solomon.

Our heart and our mouth are connected. The things we keep in our heart, good or bad, will eventually be expressed in our words. Jesus knew that and He gave some specific teaching in that regard.

“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 thorn bushes! 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

We’ve all been around people who worry or pessimistic – the words of cynicism flow freely. They are fearful of everything. While on the other hand a hopeful person’s conversation is filled with encouragement and optimism.

We all need to listen to our words today. What do they say about us, the real us? What do they reveal about what’s in our hearts? We don’t change our heart by changing our words. But what we say will change when our heart is transformed. As we let God’s word fill our hearts our words will be containers of life.

Until then, Mum’s the word!

“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 19:13-14

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