Luke 12 "Do Not Worry"

“Then He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.” (v.22)

This was a pretty radical statement to make in light of the time period in which it was spoken. Jesus was speaking to a people who were use to farming and fishing for their daily food. And when it came to clothing, they had to shear the sheep, spin the wool into thread, weave the thread into cloth, and then finally sew it together. Having clothes to wear wasn’t as simple as going to the local department store. So it was perhaps more significant to them (than it is to us) when Jesus said, “Do not worry” about what you’ll eat or wear.

Contentment is not the result of acquiring more, but of being thankful for what we already have. Authentic, genuine contentment, springs from a thankful heart. It is a choice we make, a choice to be thankful. Godly contentment is ours for the “thanking.” It happens when we lift up our voice to Father God, who is the Giver of all that is good, thanking Him for the blessings in our lives. Then instead of desiring more, our contentment grows.

Therefore, do not worry, be content, praise God for what you have, share your bounty with others, and watch Him bless your way.

The Truth: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

Luke 11 “The Eye - The Lamp of The Body”

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.” (v.34)

What we choose to look at matters, but equally important is how we choose to look, or more specifically, the attitude of our heart behind the look. Although sin is often expressed through our actions, it is also rooted in attitude and thoughts of the heart. 

Because sin begins in the heart, a lustful look offends God as much as the actons that will eventually follow. Many people today hold the attitude that, “I can look, but I can not touch.” Not so. What we look at enters our minds, penetrates our soul, and creates a desire for more. This can also effect how we look at others. 

The prophet Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer.17:9). The answer to that question is God. And the only way out from the dark pit of pornography lies in His forgiveness through Christ. He and He alone can trun your eyes from the darkness of sin, into the marvelous light of Christ. 

Living in these bodies of flesh, we will always struggle with their desires. But, with God’s help, we can learn to discipline them, by keeping our eyes, our thoughts, and our minds, on what is good and acceptable in His sight.

The Truth: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:16-17)

Luke 10 “The Good Samaritan”

“But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” (v.33-34)

The story of “The Good Samaritan” always blesses me whenever I read it. A Samaritan, a vowed enemy of the Jew, felt compelled to care for his fellow man and see to his provision until healed. 

We’ve all probably been on both sides of this story at one time or another, and in both situations we end up feeling blessed because of the love expressed. However, have you ever been the passer by? The one who kept going and did not stop to help? 

This passage also convicts me because I have passed by those in need; sometimes because I’m in a hurry, “Someone else will help them”, or I see them on a cell phone so, “Help is coming”, or “I’m not going to give that person any money, he’ll just spend it on booze.” 

While we can’t help everyone in every situation of need, I believe we can to be a good neighbor to those God puts directly into our path. It may come in the form of a hug or a shoulder, a ride or a car, a room or a home. You cannot touch your neighbor’s heart with anything less than your own. Therefore, as Jesus said to the young lawyer at the end of this story, “Go and do likewise.” Be that good Samaritan.

The Truth: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Luke 9 “Don’t Look Back”

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (v.62)

The basic lesson here is about the cost of discipleship, and the priorities needed to do it, live it, and not look back. Remember Lot’s wife! There can be nothing halfway about it–it’s all or nothing. Following Jesus must be an all consuming priority and passion, or it’s not really following at all. Three brief encounters Jesus had with unnamed individuals here in chapter 9 illustrate this principle.

The first person Jesus came across here in chapter 9 boldly announced his willingness to follow Him, "wherever He went" (v.57). But, when Jesus questioned the depth of his commitment, could he handle being homeless, was he ready for hardship? Evidently the cost was too great, for we never hear of him again.

The second person who was invited to follow, hedged on his commitment. His answer indicated he wanted to wait until after his father died to follow Jesus (v.59), delaying the call of God on His life due to parental obligations. Finally a third person indicated he was willing to follow, but wanted to discuss it with his family first (v.61). To him Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back, is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (v.62).

People will always have reasons not to follow through with their commitment to Christ. They feel the tug at their heart, but put it off until “they” are ready. The problem usually then becomes, they are never ready. For something else will inevitably come up causing them to turn their head away from God’s desire to work in there life.

I pray that if you're wrestling with the cost of discipleship, that you find the strength to step out and commit to His call upon your life. You will never regret it. And like Paul, become a man or woman who presses on.

The Truth: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have been apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Luke 8 Jesus Displays His Authority”

"Little girl, arise." (v.54b)

After showing His authority over the natural world by calming the wind and the waves on the Sea of Galilee (v.22-24), Jesus showed His authority over the supernatural world, by casting out demons from a man living among the tombs of the Gadarenes (vv.26-33). Then finally here in our text, Jesus displayed His power and authority over death, by raising a young child to life who had passed (vv.49-56).

We serve a great and mighty God. One who has authority over all things. Who speaks to the wind and the waves, and calms them, who casts out evil spirits, and restores life. The One who holds all things together, or breaks them down, by the power of His voice. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. And one day, all will bow to His authority, and confess Him as LORD.

The Truth: “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”  (Colossians 1:16-20)

"The Crucifixion of Jesus and Good Friday"

“So he (Pilate) delivered Him (Jesus) to them (the chief priests) to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.” (John 19:16)

After being betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, delivered to Pilate (who found no fault in Him at all but had Him scourged anyway). After being mocked by the roman soldiers, crowned with a crown of thorns and beaten while being blindfolded, Pilate had Jesus brought out from the Praetorium (where these actions had taken place) and said to the chief priests and officers, "You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him" (v.6). 

Death by Roman crucifixion was a result of the whole body weight being supported by the stretched arms of the victim. When nailed to the cross, there was a massive strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. The rib cage was constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath. The victim would continually try to draw himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. The pain in the feet and legs would become so unbearable, that the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain and eventually die of suffocation. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours to a number of days.

The punishment of Roman crucifixion was chiefly inflicted on slaves and the worst kind of criminals. Crucifixion was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die and condemned Roman citizens were usually exempt from crucifixion. The manner and process of crucifixion was that after the criminal had been scourged and sentence had been pronounced, he carried his cross to the place of execution, which was just outside the city. (John 19:17) The criminal was next stripped of his clothes and nailed or bound to the cross. Before the nailing to the cross took place, a medicated cup of vinegar mixed with gall and myrrh (the sopor) was given, for the purpose of deadening the pangs of the sufferer. (Mark 15:23)

Roman Crucifixion was typically carried out by specialized teams, consisting of a commanding centurion and four soldiers. It was common to leave the body on the cross after death. However, it sometimes became necessary to break the legs of the criminal (as mentioned of the thieves in the Gospels) because Jewish law expressly forbid bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath day. Jesus died this death for you and for me, that we might have forgiveness of sin - through His atonement. 

So why is today called "Good Friday" instead of "Bad Friday" or something similar? Because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God's plan to save His people from their sin. The Law required a blood sacrifice for sin, so God poured out His wrath against sin on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order that forgiveness and salvation would be possible for all nations. Jesus endure the cross on "Good Friday" knowing it would lead to our salvation, His resurrection, and the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption. Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross, but the best is yet to come, as Jesus would rise from the dead and conquer death for us all. 

The Truth
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Luke 7 “Are You The Coming One?

When John’s disciples came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else? ” (v.19)

After John the Baptist had been imprisoned, he heard reports from his disciples that Jesus’ popularity was growing and His message about the a new kingdom was spreading. Though John had long ago recognized that, "one would come who’s sandles he was unworthy to latch," he sent for conformation.

Jesus’ response is a comforting model for us to use. Instead of discounting the doubt or criticizing John, Jesus pointed to the miracles He was doing. As eyewitnesses, John’s disciples could return with vivid assurances for their mentor. But He did more than that. He used words and phrases (v.22) drawn from Isaiah’s prophecies of the coming Messiah (Isa.35:4-6; 61:1) which were certain to be familiar to John. Then, turning to the crowd, Jesus praised John (Luke 7:24-28) removing any doubt that He was offended by John’s need for reassurance after all he had seen (Matt. 3:13-17).

Questioning and doubting are both natural and understandable human responses, but they provide opportunities for us to remind, reassure, and comfort those who are shaken by uncertainty. The Easter season is a time of year when many are looking for answers. May we share the love of Jesus and His message of forgiveness with them, and provide His comfort to all who doubt.

The Truth
 “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)

Luke 6 “The Mouth Reveals The Heart”

“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.” (v.45)

Here in chapter 6, Jesus, after spending a night in prayer considering whom He would choose among His many discipiles to be His apostles, begins to teach the chosen many things. Of all the lessons He taught them in our text, a tree known by its fruit spoke clearly to me.     

This parable goes far beyond fruit trees, for we ourselves are known by certain identifying characteristics. May we desire to be, one who is known for the good treasure of his heart bringing forth good. And that our mouths be known for blessing, and not emotional outbursts.  

LORD, help us all to store up good treasure in our hearts in order to bless others and glorify Your name. Amen. 

The Truth: “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:2) 

Luke 5 “Jesus Calls Sinners"

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v.32)

Here in chapter 5 Jesus was asked the question, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” His answer, “ Those who are well have no need of a Physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v.30-32)

Jesus ate and drank with publicans and sinners simply because of their need for Him and His purpose to seek and save the lost. Others like the Scribes and Pharisees who were righteous in their own sight, trusted in themselves, and submitted not to the righteousness of Christ, had in their own view no need for Him. Therefore, He spent time with those who did.

Jesus stills calls sinners to repentance today through the power of His Spirit and His Word. His desire is that, "None should perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9), even those who would would reject Him. For our Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with everyone (2 Peter 3:9), giving all time to repent.

His grace is waiting for all who seek His face.

The Truth
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Luke 4 "The Temptation Of Christ"

"The Temptation Of Christ"

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,  where for forty days he was tempted by the devil." (v.1)

Here in chapter 4 Satan had but one goal, to bring Jesus to sin against God. Three times Satan tempts Jesus with the desires of the physical and material realm, all within his power to provide. And, three times Jesus answered with, “it is written.” What made Satan give up (that day) on his tempting of Christ was not only the verbal quoting of scripture, but His commitment to living it out. You see, Satan himself could quote scripture but he had no intention of living by it, Jesus however did.

Today Satan’s goal remains the same, to get people to compromise on their beliefs and sin against God. We are all in a constant battle against his deliberate and subtle attacks and can’t win in our own strength. The true power in overcoming temptation lies in: 1) the submission to God’s Word and 2) in the commitment to live by it. May God give us the discipline to do both when temptation comes our way.

The Truth: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Like 3 "Jesus Baptized"

“When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (v. 21-22)

Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist marked the beginning of His public ministry. We might legitimately wonder why Jesus was baptized. He had no sins to confess and no need for repentance. But by allowing John to baptize Him, He identified Himself with John’s ministry and message of repentance and forgiveness. Indeed, these would be the themes at the heart of His own ministry and of the gospel.

In addition, this event was recognized and approved by the other two members of the Trinity: “The Holy Spirit descending on Him in bodily form like a dove, and God’s voice from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’” (v. 22).

Thus, as a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ, we too should be baptized. This will identify us with Him (through His death, burial, and resurrection) and show others we identify with His message of repentance and forgiveness.

The Truth
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

Luke 2 "Submission"

“And He went down with them (Mary and Joseph), and came to Nazareth, and was subject into them: but his mother kept all these things in her heart.”

When Jesus was twelve years old, his family had traveled from their home in the city of Nazareth, to Jerusalem (as was their custom) for the feast of Passover (v.41). Once it was completed, they (Mary and Joseph) started the journey back to Nazareth thinking Jesus was traveling in the company of those returning - they did not realize He was still in Jerusalem (v.43). 

When they could not find him among the group traveling back to Nazareth, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him (v.45). After three days of “sorrowful searching” they found him in the temple listening, asking and answering questions of the Rabbis – all that heard Him were amazed, even his mother and father (v.46-48).

Now comes the question from his mother, “Son, why have you dealt with us this way? We were worried about you (v.48). Jesus said, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?” (v.49) 

This brings us to a point, a line drawn in the sand. Is Jesus going to stay and continue in His calling or, will He submit to his earthly father, who has less understanding of the big picture and His purpose in life (at this point), and return to Nazareth.

Submission is not about how much one knows but how mature one is. Clearly Jesus, even at the age of twelve, knew infinitely more than Mary and Joseph and could have easily stood firm and not returned. However, His maturity in His future allowed Him to return with His earthly parents. 

Submission is something He would continue to do His entire life, at the will of His  Heavenly Father, even to the death of the cross. Therefore, we too should submit to those in authority over us even if we have more knowledge, for this is the will of God (Romans 13:1)

The Truth 

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Luke 1 "A Certain Future"

In today’s passage, we see two sets of parents who could look ahead into the future and predict what would happen with their children: Zechariah and Elizabeth and Joseph and Mary.

Both sets of parents were; given a child through miraculous and supernatural means, told what to name their child, and both couples were told the future role for their child. Imagine a child growing in your womb and already knowing the major role he would play in the salvation of the world!

Zechariah and Elizabeth were told their son, John the Baptist, would become a deliverer of light to a dark world: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High” (v. 76). He would also be given a special task: to prepare the way of the Lord—to go before Jesus and prepare people for the Messiah, giving them  “the knowledge of salvation” (v. 77) and would baptize and teach the forgiveness of sins.

Joseph and Mary were told of their son, Jesus, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (v.33-34).

Two women, related to each other, each given a child of miraculous birth and foretold by the Angel Gabriel, would raise their children knowing that each had a certain destiny to fulfill in God’s plan for His people. While we do not have the same luxury of knowing the future of our children, we can rest assured that God is working out His plan for them.

The Truth
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Proverbs 31 "A Woman of Valor"

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.” (vv.10-11)

Proverbs 31 was presented as advice, which Lemuel's mother gave to him, about how a virtuous king should reign (verses 4-9), and also detailing the attributes of a virtuous wife or a woman of valor. Verses 10-31 of the chapter are called Eshet Ḥayil (אשת חיל, woman of valor). This passage was intended to show a young man the qualities he should look for in a wife and the things he should value in her.

God molds us and shapes us every day, we are all continually under (His) construction. I know I am not the same man my wife married over 35 years ago (praise God), and neither is she the same woman. But, the qualities that drew me to her are the same things I still value in her today, a woman of valor. All men loose their strength and beauty fades with age, but a man who finds a woman of valor is blessed all his days.

The Truth: “Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:14)

Proverbs 30 “Integrity And Contentment”

“Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion.” (v.8)

A man identified in the Bible as Agur had a different perspective on riches when he asked God to grant him two requests before he died.

First, he said, “Remove falsehood and lies far from me.” Integrity is truly a key to living without anxiety. When we have nothing to hide, we have nothing to fear. Deceit enslaves; honesty liberates.

Second, he said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me.” Contentment springs from trusting God as our supplier and gratefully accepting what He provides. Agur said of the Creator that, "He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him” (v.5). One can have no greater protector.

Integrity and contentment are riches of the soul that are available to all. And, our Lord is pleased to give these treasures to everyone who asks.

The Truth: “He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, He who rejects unjust gain And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil; He will dwell on the heights, His refuge will be the impregnable rock; His bread will be given him, His water will be sure.” (Isaiah 33:15-16)

Proverbs 29 “In Him We Find Peace”

“The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” (v.25)

Fear can lead us into a an unexpected trap.

There is a story of a man who was running from his wife named Ima Terror. She chased her husband through the crowds at the zoo, waving her umbrella and unleashing insults like invisible missiles. Her perspiring and winded husband, seeing that the lock on the lion’s cage had not quite closed, yanked it open, jumped into the cage, slammed the door, pushed the astonished lion hard against the bars, and peered over its shoulder. His frustrated wife shook her umbrella at him and yelled, “Ralph, come out of there, you coward!” Ralph by running from one fear found himself with a much bigger one.

Obviously this isn’t a true story, but none the less, it shows how we can be confused about whom or what we should fear.

King Solomon wrote, “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge” (Proverbs 14:26) Our faith then relies on a fear that is different from worldly fear. To fear God is to sense His awesomeness. When we acknowledge that greatness and trust in Him, we no longer want to sin against Him. He becomes our refuge from the fears of this world, and in Him we find peace.

Those who fear God need not fear the world or its snares.

The Truth: “You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.” (Psalm 115:11)

Proverbs 28 ‘Confession Leads to Mercy”

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (v.13)

When we fall into sin, we have 2 options before us: try and cover it up or be honest and confess it. One leads to mercy and the other to more condemnation.

When we confess and forsake our sins, we are seeing our actions from God’s point of view and agreeing with Him about their wrongness. God then immediately accepts us, giving us mercy, which is good for the soul. King David said, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity” (Psalm 32:1–2).

Therefore, choose mercy over condemnation and seek forgivness through Him who’s sacrifice covers all sin.

The Truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Proverbs 27 “Faithful Wounds Correct”

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” (v.6)

Not everyone appreciates correction, but David did. He felt indebted to those who corrected him and realized how much he owed them. “Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. Let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it” (Psalm 141:5).

Correction is a kindness, David insists, a word that suggests an act of loyalty. Loyal friends will correct one another, even when it’s painful and disruptive to relationships to do so. It’s one of the ways we show love and help one another to grow stronger.

It takes grace to give godly correction; it takes greater grace to receive it. Unlike David, who accepted Nathan’s correction (2 Sam 12:13), we’re inclined to refuse it. We resent the interference; we do not want to be found out. But if we accept the reproof, we will find that it does indeed become “excellent oil” on our heads, an anointing that makes our lives a sweet aroma wherever we go.

Godly correction from a loyal friend can help us change for the better, if we are open to receive it.

The Truth: “Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.” (Psalm 141:5)