Having Complete Joy

Jesus call us friends (John 15:14-15). And in John 3:22-4:6, His cohort John the Baptizer says, "The friend who attends the bridegroom (Jesus) waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete."

Today we see people searching for joy in about every way you can think of. Some ways seem noble and others perverted. But even though some things and people can give us enjoyment, it is always temporary. God is our only source of lasting joy.

Thank God for His reminder through John. Hearing Jesus results in complete, lasting joy.

Open our ears today to hear You, Lord.

A Gift

I was so set up for this. It was struggle writing this morning. "Is this even understandable? Since I'm scaling down to two posts per week, does it even matter?' But the email-article ended up being titled "An Authentic Life" or the idea of being real. That's when stumbling onto this link became more than amazing.

I promise if you take a few minutes to watch and listen, you will be encouraged, warmed and strengthened as Christmas continues. 

An Authentic Life

Nicodemus came to Jesus as a curious sign-seeker. And he came at night.(John 3:1-21) Jesus answered the Pharisee leader's questioning with the puzzling, "I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He went on to say, "I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

But Nicodemus did not get the message at all. Jesus is amazed that "Israel's teacher" does not understand the things of the Spirit.

However, what do we seek when we come to Jesus? Do we just seek natural help (signs for good) with our problems? Jesus is wanting to give us new life in the spiritual realm. Accepting all He has for us is truly Good News. Then we will be able to come to him in the light of day or any old time. Our life will begin to be authentic. Jesus can say of us, "But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God."

Learning to Celebrate!

Can you believe that the very first miracle our LORD does is turning water into wine? (John 2) Even with all the terrible needs and hurting people around, that is what Jesus does first.  

My Sweetheart was just telling me all the pros and cons of whether or not December 25 was Jesus actual birthday. I'm thinking, "How many years was it before I even celebrated Jesus birthday at all?"  We need to learn to celebrate. 

And what a celebration it is if Jesus is present! After His mother mentioned that they were out of wine, Jesus took over and directed the preparations. He had the servants fill six - twenty to thirty gallon stone water pots.That is about 150 gallons! Can you see them muttering about all this useless work? After all the meal was about over. But then when they took the "water" to the head water, it must have been quite a shock:  "You have kept the good wine until now ." 

Folks, we're talking about 900+ bottles of "good" wine. They probably had wine to take home. It is touching to me that Jesus cares about the details of our lives. We can trust Him about "is there enough and will it be good?" But mostly I love how Jesus can teach us to relax and celebrate His love. His love is more than enough!

A Wonder-full Way

Chapter one of John ends in a most strange verse: "He then added, 'Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'"  (John 1:29-51) Of course the angels did come and minister to Jesus after His temptations and at Gethsemane. But in John, Jesus is talking to Nathaniel. Was he close enough to see this wonder?

Another possibility comes out of Genesis 28:12-17. Jacob is describing a dream about a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with the angels of God ascending and descending on it. The awestruck Jacob marvels at God's presence as the LORD has just described the details of His covenant with Jacob's family.

But the thing that is so significant to us is the ladder. Our LORD did indeed become that ladder for us to heaven. He came down and bridged the gap so we don't have to earn our way there. He doesn't show us the steps to get to heaven - He is the steps - the Way. Every other religion and self-help program is about steps you have to take. "Jesus is the only One who become the step - to take you." (Ann Voscamp in "The Greatest Gift")

Let's don't miss Him as our Way by performance and preoccupation this Christmas. Let's slow and  toss those to-do lists that wipe out the wonder of His coming. He wants our accessibility not our accomplishments. Come, let us adore Him. 

Preparations Underway

God loves to prepare. And the beautiful book of John begins with the word of preparing for the Light. (John 1:1-28)

John the Baptizer was clearly commissioned to prepare. "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" If you have heard Handel's Messiah lately, You have certainly heard that word. It is from Isaiah 40, and the first soloist (tenor) has amazing job of illustrating the valleys lifted up and the mountains being made low.

As the singer finishes, the audience has the treat of their lives. The whole assembled choir bursts into "And the Glory of the Lord". Isaiah says it this way: "And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

God's preparations are amazing! In the beginning the light was first. The prophets then foretold of the true Light that was coming. The angels had to burst into praise to prepare shepherds on His birthday. Then John the Baptizer alerted the people that "He's here."

Even our book of John was written so "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

Lord, make us more like You. May we prepare the way for Your coming to those around us. Come Lord Jesus!

Got an Open Mind?

The friends were gathered and grieving when Jesus appears before their eyes. Startled and thinking they see a spirit, they struggle with "too good to be true" thoughts. (Luke 24:28-53)  And their beloved Jesus keeps saying, "It is I myself!" and showing them His pierced hands and feet.

But "they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement". What off the chart kind of joy!

So Jesus eats a piece of fish in front of them. As they start to understand, He begins to explain the prophecies about Himself. Luke adds that Jesus "opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures". Wow, this is key!

Then they could receive the word of the power (Spirit) from on high that was coming. And later accept His blessing as He ascended to heaven. Worship and joy would continue as they stayed in God's presence (the temple) with praise.

Lord, open our minds to understand Your powerful words. We want to consistently praise You and have Your joy.

Time with Cleopas

Jesus was back and clearly the victor over sin and death. I'd feel like celebrating. He did too.

But it wasn't by appearing to the 5,000 that ate bread and fish ("Hey, I'm alive!") or even first to the band of friends. He shows up walking with this little known Cleopas and friend and chatting all the way to Emmaus . (Luke 24:13-27)

And even though they don't recognize Him and are sad about His death, He doesn't spit out, "Hey I'm alive". He listens as they exclaim, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" (I'm thinking He must have choked back a chuckle.) And then He even asks  "What things?" And they start telling Him about His death and some women who now actually say He is alive.

It is so wonderful how Jesus listens. And when it is time for Him to speak, He reprimands them for not believing "and beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself". The guys are so intrigued and blessed that they talk Him into staying the night with them. They finally know Him in the bread breaking of supper.

What a personal, patient, loving way to spread the Good News. And these guys are on fire. As Jesus vanishes from their sight, they immediately run back the seven miles to Jerusalem to tell His friends. Only then after all prepared with faith, excitement , and expectancy, does Jesus appear to the group. 

Thank you Lord how You so wisely prepare ahead. Thank you for the personal, patient time you take with us. We delight in Your love.

A Tomb or Cradle?

Isn't it ironic that the only really wealthy type of house that our LORD lived in was a tomb? (Luke 23:44-24:12)   At least it was supposed to be a tomb.

The good religious leader, Joseph, had a new place cut in the rock that he planned for a tomb. It was evidently pretty massive with a stone door you could hardly move. And even with the dark sun-hiding cross time, this Joseph had not given up but was still "waiting for the kingdom of God". As Jesus had died, this councilman courageously went to Pilate and asked for His body. He carefully took it off the bloody cross, wrapped it in clean linen, and laid it to rest in that new tomb house. 

But we wonderfully know that death could not hold our LORD. Life came to that new house with such power and glory that the world would never be the same. And I'm guessing that the new "tomb" was never used to cover a decaying body. It probably was a place of wonder. A place that cradled this wonderful new life. 

God loves thrilling turn-arounds. 

Lord, help us to have the same kind of faith in the darkness that Joseph had. We'd love to be gifted with the presence of our Lord in places reserved for death. Turn our tombs into cradles.

Faith's Reward

What was it that the other thief said that accomplished such an amazing reward? All three on the crosses were looking like powerless, dying criminals. But the second thief said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:18-43) 

It was nothing but a wonderful statement of faith considering their circumstances. Despite their impending death, this robber still believed they both had a future. And Jesus was actually royalty on the verge of receiving a kingdom.

But how this criminal's faith was rewarded! Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Wow! Not only could he look forward to paradise, but he also would not be alone - in death or the afterlife. Jesus, the King of kings, promised to be with him.

Folks, that is our promise too! As we commit ourselves to Him in faith, He says "surely I am with you always".( Matthew 28:20)

Room in Your Heart?

How differently Jesus answered His interrogators in Luke 22:66-23:17! And it was not about people pleasing. Both parties got very angry. But His answers accomplished what was needed - a revelation of their heart.

The chief religious guys asked Him straight out, "Are You the Son of God, then?" And He said to them, "Yes, I am." To them it was a  sealing of His fate. He was guilty of blasphemy. Their answer must be death.

However Herod was hoping for a good performance from Jesus. He thought he might even see some grand miracle. But Jesus knew how to answer a fool. (Proverbs 26:4) When Herod questioned Jesus for some time," He answered him nothing."  So Herod just treated Jesus "with contempt and mocking". 

Really both parties were seeking their own agenda. And Jesus had the strength of character to be true to His course - no matter the response. He became the saving grace to us all - even to hearts that have no room for Him. Let us make ample room for Jesus today.

One Last Touch

It was time. Jesus had gone through the unimaginable agony of Gethsemane. Know anyone who has sweated blood? (Luke 22:24-65)

Judas had come and turned Him in. Jesus had seemed surprised the betrayal was with a kiss. It stung more than we can think .

Jesus'  friends suddenly woke up to the attack and struck back, hitting the high Priest's slave. But our Lord said, "Stop! No more of this." 

Then Jesus did it. Carving time and energy and love into this dark disastrous scene, He reached out and touched the bloody mess. He graced the hanging mangle on the side of the slave's head. He healed his ear. 

And in this one last touch, love poured out. Healing poured in. And abundant grace is seen.  No matter what the situation. How we love you Lord.

I Prayed for You

Peter was so confident: "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." (Luke 22:24-46) Sometimes we can feel like things are going so well that we really can handle it. But we turn the corner, and we crash.

Peter sure did: "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."

The good news is that God knows and has made provision - for Peter and for us. He tells Peter, "but I have prayed for you". And for us - "Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."(Romans 8:34)

Peter was able to reconcile with Jesus, strengthen his brothers (verse 32), and become a leader in the church. With Jesus praying for us - who knows how good it will turn out.

His Earnest Desire

It's His last chance with them. And Jesus says, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer ". So what does He say? What does He do? (Luke 22:3-23)

The Word says, "When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him." He does not seem at all to be in a rush or anxious. His thoughts are not elsewhere - on some happening or gadget. He is "with them". They are "with Him". 

It is the same today. He desires to be with us. He desires us to be with Him.

Lord, thank you that being with us is Your earnest desire. Open our eyes and ears to You.

Lift Up Your Heads

Whew! Things have been shaken up around here. Activities cancelled, postponed, rearranged. Life is just not what it was when December opened. In Luke 21:20-22:2, Jesus is talking about really big weather and government changes. And the good news is that He makes us a promise: "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

"Lift up your heads" runs all through the Christmas season. It has to be partly because of that great chorus in Handel's Messiah. But mostly we badly need to remember. We've got to keep alert and looking for Jesus and His truth and love no matter what changes may occur. 

No matter what we may be into. Jesus goes on to say, "But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping."(The Message)

Hmm...  How tragic to let the "worries of this life" cloud our expectation and ability to see Jesus at Christmas time. Maybe the weather changes have helped us slow..... look..... and lift up our heads.

Gaining Life

God places huge value on just hanging in there with Him. Revelation honors those who overcome with their name in the Book of Life and more. (Revelations 3:5)

In Luke 20:45-21:19  Jesus warns of all kinds of trails followers might suffer. But the crowning last verse gives us hope. "By your endurance you will gain your lives." At first glance this seems rather obvious. But we're not talking about grit your teeth, "I'm going to make it through this or else". And we are not talking about doing great deeds for great rewards. The word means "hopeful expectancy". And life here is the "true life of your soul". 

That's huge! My word for this year has been "life". And I have been beyond thrilled with the diamond-like facets of joy and depth and richness in that one word. Life in Christ is worth any cost.

Lord, inspire us with the beauty of life in You.  Thank you that in this holiday season You are just longing to give more "life".

Well Said, Teacher!

What fun is a exhilarating debate! And Jesus is the master. In Luke 20:19-44, the Pharisees send spies with trick questions about paying taxes to Caesar. As they produce the coin with Caesar's likeness, Jesus triumphs. ("Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.")  "Yea, Jesus!"  But the Pharisees - "astonished by his answer, they became silent."

Next it is the Sadducees turn. As they didn't believe in the resurrection, they come with a question from Moses' law about how can remarriages work in the resurrection. Jesus clearly explains how there is no marriage in heaven, and then goes on to prove from Moses' calling the Lord, "the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" that these men must have been resurrected. God "is not the God of the dead, but of the living". We have to exclaim with the scribes, "Well said, Teacher". But all those religious authorities "did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything."

Lord, peel from our eyes and hearts the dead crust of familiarity with Your word. Help us to be amazed and thrilled with You over and over again.

Who Is He?

Who is He? It is the most consuming question. In the shocking story Jesus told (Luke 20:1-19), the vine growers surely did not know who the owner's son was. They thought he was just the heir to the vineyard. If they eliminated him they could have the vineyard to themselves. They'd be free to do what they wanted.

But no! He was the owner's "beloved son". One surely due respect. And who can fathom the pain to the owner when the vine growers not only did not respect his son. They killed him.

This is, of course, a prophetic word to the Pharisees. And they knew it. ("The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them.")

Lord, help us to know You - the real You. You are not an ideal that we try and fail to live up to. You are the love of our life!

Real Thanksgiving

Oh my! Jesus is stirring things up again. (Luke 19:28-48)  He is just coming into Jerusalem (for the last time) and the whole crowd erupts as they begin "joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen". They are shouting, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

Notice that this ending sounds like the angel choir's praise to shepherds at the beginning. (Luke 2:13-14) It's wonderful that now this praise and thanksgiving has passed on to people. 

But it is evidently getting out of hand, as some of the Pharisees tell Jesus to rebuke that rowdy crowd. Don't you love Jesus' answer!  "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Lord, give us this same spirit of exuberant thanksgiving and praise. We are so glad You came.

Our Little Things

Great Tuesday to you,

It's coming - that New Year with a chance to make new goals and start agains. But today Jesus is speaking of the little things right before us and in our hands. 

In the story of the Ten Talents, the master commends the slave who is trustworthy with the little provision he had been given. In fact this guy is in for a huge surprise with the gift of authority over ten cities. 

You might think so what. Who wants that? But authority was the shocking thing about Jesus. (Matthew 21:23)  And it can be the powerful quality that God uses in us to defeat the enemy and spread His kingdom. 

I sure want to hear that "Well done" that the slave heard. Lord, give us grace to be trustworthy with the little provision and talents that you have given us. Keep us from fear and hiding our gifts like the worthless slave did. We offer to You our little things and anticipate Your using them in mighty big ways. 

Blessings,

Ouida

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Yea!

Don't you love Zaccheus? He may be rich and a cheater, but he is short and will climb trees to see the good stuff. And his excitement about seeing the Teacher was sure rewarded in Luke 18:31-19:10.

Notice Jesus knew his name, called him down, and announced that He would spend the day at his house. Wow!  Zaccheus is so thrilled that he announces on his way there that he will give half of his stuff to the poor and repay double the penalty to anyone he has cheated. Jesus' reply is that "today salvation has come to this house".

Don't you want to applaud! Yea, for Jesus who "came to seek and to save the lost." Yea, for the little guy who was humble and did crazy things to get help. Yea, for all of us who have a Savior that "rewards those who earnestly seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Letting Go

I think one of the hardest things for moms is learning the joy of letting go. As "mother bears' we get so good at collecting to make that nest.  It provides and teaches and protects. Plus, society is wonderful to inform us of all our children's "needs" - from the right pacifier to that pricey college education. So we begin to research and save and work and hope for the best for those little ones.

But then, a new word starts coming from these precious souls: "Let go. I want to grow."

Its now that  Luke 17:20-18:8 begins to make some sense. Jesus says to be ready to go whenever He appears. In fact if our things (or people?) are in the house we are not to go back and get them. Hmm...

So we really don't need all that stuff - in the end. In fact gripping it will prevent openness to new
things and activities. There is joy and hope and a future in letting go. Jesus said, " Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it."

Thank you Lord for providing those children who say, "Let go. We want  to grow." It is not our natural way, Father. But by Your grace we do - and so receive more of You. 

Becoming Whole

Jesus seemed amazed. Nine lepers had been healed but only one had come back: "Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" ( Luke 17:1-19 )

Sure the others were doing what He had told them: ("Go, show yourselves to the priests.") And they were probably excited about getting on home to family and friends to share this wonderful life changing news of healing. They might have even thought to thank Almighty God on the way for this blessing.

But one had come back. And he was an outcast Samaritan. One of that hated sect that had messed up in the past and didn't do all the law and worship right. But oh, how he was grateful! ("praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him").

The deal was that he had come back to Jesus the Giver of the gift. The gift of healing was sure great but coming to thank and praise the Giver was even better. Jesus told him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." They had all been healed, but this man was well (or whole, having been saved in the Greek). His healing had penetrated his soul. 

Lord, help us to come back to You this Thanksgiving. May Your work in us penetrate our soul and spirit so that we offer heartfelt praise and are made whole. 

God's Eyes

God has wonderful eyes to see through. The Pharisees were obsessed with looking good and righteous to others. But Jesus notes in Luke 16:14-32 that they are "lovers of money". As leaders in the Jewish religion who knew God's law, you would think they would be lovers of men.

But God could see they had heart trouble. Love of self and the power from money had hardened their hearts and had even spread to their ears. So the life giving words Jesus spoke, they scoffed at. They dismissed the Savior as "hopelessly out of touch." (The Message)

What the Pharisees and the world esteems highly, God sees as "detestable". He sees behind the facades. He values healthy, humble, life giving, full of love hearts. The monuments to this world's prideful accomplishments He would call monstrous. 

Lord, may we be open to Your truth so our heart can be healed. May You transparently see us as lovers of You and men.

Blessings this season,

Ouida

Being Grateful

Do you get the older brother in Luke 15:25-16:13?  I do. He is hard working, serious, diligent, dependable, obedient and very productive. He is so job focused that when he hears the music and dancing (his good-for-nothing younger brother's homecoming party), he goes to check out what is going on. And it is understandable that he gets miffed because that renegade brother of his is getting the party when he's been left at home to take up all the slack. Actually he's been fuming about this brother for some time ( he calls him the Dad's son instead of brother).

But then the sad truth comes out that this oldest son thinks he deserves favors from the father because of his hard work and consistent obedience. Really, hasn't he earned it? But the pride has puffed him up so much that he boycots the party and finally blows up bitterness on the father.

Hmm... This poor guy has forgotten who he is and whose family he's in. But the reminder to him and us comes: "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'"

Oh Father! Help us to remember that we are in Your family. All You have is ours. May we be only grateful.

Coming Home

This time of year our thoughts turn toward home. How warming it is to read about that son that did come home in Luke 15:8-24. He was just like so many of us who thought "there's got to be more and better out there. I'm going to find out." So we gather our stuff and head out only to start making bad choices.

But then comes the thrilling part - the big turn around. When times get really hard, this son finally "comes to himself". It's like he meets up with the real boy (or now humble young man), who knows where to go. And it is home. 

And what a short the trip. The watching Father runs out to meet him. The young man doesn't even get all his prepared speech spit out before the father starts ordering up honor and celebration. His son has come home!

Lord, thank you for calling and watching for us. We love how you welcome us home.

Joining the Party

Jesus is welcoming, laughing and eating with some pretty shady characters in Luke 14:25-15:7.

I'm wondering if I would be surprised and think grumble thoughts like those Jewish church leaders. 

So Jesus tells the story of the shepherd who lost one of his sheep. He leaves the 99 sheep in the wilderness and goes of to find that lost one. When He finds her He lays her on His shoulder, rejoicing. I mean He is very happy. So happy that He calls His friends and neighbors to come and have a party. "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!"

Jesus says "in the same way" there is more rejoicing in heaven over one lost child that is found than over 99 who get by on good behavior. 

I want to join those rejoicing parties. I want to be used by God in helping find those lost ones. It will make those parties ever so sweet.

A Lively Kingdom

Seen any good kingdoms lately? Even the wonderful fairy tale versions are just shallow facades of God's Kingdom. (Luke 13:18-14:6)

As Jesus is describing the mustard seed and yeast analogies, we get a sense of life. And life that can multiply and grow amazingly. Also this life works and grows in secret. We sure don't see the beginning of the seed under ground or yeast in the dough.

But what we do see are the results. The tree life embraces birds and gives shelter and protection. At our place we see great oaks that have supported playful squirrels, hummingbirds, numerous insects, one large snake, honey bees and several tree house variations. 

Yes, in God's kingdom there is life in abundance. Thank you Lord for inviting us into Your realm.

Donkey or Daughter?

What must her life have been like? (Luke 12:57-13:17)  "She was bent double and could not straighten up at all." You can only see the ground that way. How can you even have a conversation?

Probably people just ignored her. But Jesus saw her. And when she shuffled over to His call, He said, "Woman. you are freed from your sickness". At His touch "immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God". 

Yeah! The people around shared her joy. But not those Jewish church leaders. They started indignantly going on about how people should come and get healed during the work week and not on a worship day. It's just not right on God's day, they thought.

So Jesus cries "hypocrites" and asks if they would untie their donkey on God's day to lead him to water. "And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?"

Wow! We have to rejoice with the crowd over such a wonderful answer, put down of the hypocrites, and display of compassion. 

Lord, give us Your kind of love and compassion - whether everyone approves or not.

"Please Sit"

We mothers should know what it means to be "expecting". The new life we  look forward to seeing causes all kinds of changes in us. We dream, we plan, we purchase, we place in readiness.

Jesus tells us to be expectantly alert in Luke 12:35-56 for His arrival. He wants us to be ready and open the door for Him (in whatever form He shows up) because He has a surprise. He, the Master, is going to serve us, the slaves. Jesus gave a preview of this at the Last Supper as He put on a towel and washed His disciples feet.

So when we think we're working so hard for God, let's remember that He is really serving us and has already done the most important work. Even in a mother, the most important work of growing and developing that new life is done by God. But when we accept our Lord's finished work of salvation, we can know that the Father has "seated us with Him in the heavily places". (Ephesians 2:16) With the work done, God gives us this position of rest. Let's accept His invitation to "Please sit".

The Worry Remedy

Did you get the message? ( Luke 12:22-34)  Jesus says, "Do not keep worrying." "But how?"  I hear you and me asking.

It seems to be a matter of what's first:  first when I have a need, first when I wake up, first on my to-do list, first when I'm about to do something scary, first when I'm happy, first when I go to bed and on and on. Jesus says," But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

It seems that turning to the Lord first and seeking His will, help, praise, comfort, and abundant grace will put all other things and worries into proper perspective. 

Lord, help me to take frequent doses of this worry remedy and seek You and Your reign in my life - first.

My Stuff

What to do with all this stuff? Jesus says, "Life is not defined by what you have, even if you have a lot." (The Message)

But didn't that rich man in Luke 12:4-21 have the American dream? He could say, "Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!" (The  Message)

The problem is that is just a dream and every single person has to finally wake up to the truth. Then reality or God shows up and says, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"

In the long run (eternity) the rich man was surely foolish: "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God." Treasure stored up for God's honor is priceless in the long run. I want a bunch of that!

Our Hidden Self

How delicious is a crusty, warm, feather-like loaf of fresh bread! But what is it full of ? Air! And that happens because hidden yeast has spread and multiplied and puts off gas that stretches the dough into great puffiness.

It's sure a good picture of hypocrisy. And Jesus loves us enough to keep saying, "Watch yourselves carefully so you don't get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness. You can't keep your true self hidden forever; before long you'll be exposed." (Luke 11:37-12:3 - The Message) 

I'd like to think this only applies to those Pharisees.  But even when I want to love someone who is "different", it is so easy to let critical thoughts and small "puts downs" build walls, thought-brick by thought-brick.  Until finally the misunderstandings and critical words slip out, and love is doubted. Our true inside mind is exposed. And the pride wall keeps love from flowing. 

Lord, You are our only hope. Help us be alert to the small "put downs" and criticism - tools (lies) of the enemy. Help us to reject them and focus on Your love that flows freely. May our hidden self be authentically You.

I've Seen the Light!

Good day to you all,

Don't you love being around people that seem to just glow with God's love and joy? We hope their enthusiasm is contagious. 

In today's reading (Luke 11:14-36) there is a strange sounding verse: "See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness." Jesus has been talking about your eye being the lamp for your body and how you need a healthy clear eye so your body (life) will have good light. So what your good humble eyes and minds focus on opens doors for enlightenment in your life. 

Many people feel like they have "seen the light". But what they have seen and been filled with is man's earthly wisdom instead of God's wisdom. That light in them is really darkness and will cause stumbling  and maybe a big fall down the road. 

People who are full of God's wisdom and love can bless many on their path. Let's be those people today!

Love,

Ouida

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Shameless Audacity

What in the world! Jesus says to imagine us having an unexpected guest arrive late and there are no leftovers. So we go to a friend's house and start asking for 3 loaves of bread even though it is midnight and all the family is in bed. (I guess all the stores are closed.) This irritated friend absolutely does not want to get up, but we keep making a big ruckus until he finally gets up and gives us whatever we need.  (Luke 10:38-11:13)

Wow! Can you imagine waking everybody up to borrow some food?  And if you make bread you know that asking for three loaves is a big request. But the word for our persistence here literally means "shameless". We have boldness without shame. And that is how we are to ask our Father for what we need.

It doesn't sound like the Father is offended by big bold shameless requests. In fact he is most likely honored that we trust Him for impossible things. It gives Him great glory. 

Jesus Is Delighted

It is fun to see in Luke 10:21-37 how Jesus got so excited. In fact "rejoiced greatly" in verse 21 literally means "leap for joy". Can you picture our Lord doing that?

And notice what is thrilling Him!. It is seeing how the Father reveals His truth and power to the 70 (who were actually innocent newcomers to the faith).

What hope that gives me! There is so much of scripture and truth that I don't know or practice. But God reveals it to us "infants". And Jesus is delighted: "Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight."

Thank you Lord for Your grace and mercy on Your little children.

Reason to Rejoice

Yesterday I saw a video clip of the "Most Romantic Proposal Ever".  It was sure fun as this Emily was so surprised and delighted by the demonstrated love of Brad and her family and friends.

In Luke 10:1-20 Jesus is speaking to one excited bunch of followers. These seventy had just been on an adventure where they had experienced much power over the enemy. But Jesus tells them " do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

It hit me this morning that we will have our new married name written in heaven. We are the bride of Christ! And all this time Christ has been wooing us, convincing us of His love, and encouraging us to say "Yes" to His proposal!  Who could demonstrate love any better than Jesus has?

And because of saying "Yes" to Him we will have that new name in heaven. That is a reason to rejoice!

Seize the Day!

The second wannabe follower of Jesus in Luke 9:44-62 must be the "elder brother" responsible type. When Jesus calls him, he responds,"first permit me to say good-bye to those at home". Nice sentiment, but also a great priority on getting my relationships and business straightened out. Maybe more important than jumping into a jaunt with Jesus?

I understand that kind of "responsible" thinking. There are so many more things that need to be in order before I can feel free to leave. 

But Jesus warns the man and me to put God's promptings and kingdom first. I'd be wise to stop procrastinating and looking backwards. Let's seize the day!

Where Am I?

So many are in search of their true identity. Tests and books and courses try to help. Jesus shows us how (Luke 9:23-43). "Self-sacrifice is the way, My way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?" (The Message)

Our hearts have limited space. We can chose to fill them with all kinds of wants and desires or with Jesus and His will: "Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You're not in the driver's seat - I am." (The Message)

Thank you Lord for the reminder that a self-sacrificing, open -handed, generous attitude is the door to finding me. As I let go or even kick out the selfish stuff, You and Your abundant life - the real me - come in. 

Some Time Together

The Twelve had come back from their trip and were so excited about what they had done. They wanted to tell Jesus all about it. So He took them off to Bethsaida for some time together (Luke 9:7-22).

But the crowds found out and here they come. And our amazing Lord "welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing".

Can you get over the love of our Lord - not only for the close friends but also the huge rabble? He not only helped them but He did it with a sincere "so glad you are here". 

I can know that He never gets tired of my coming to Him and sharing my heart.

But Lord help me to listen as you teach me about the kingdom of our Father. Help me to delight in being chosen, royal, holy, and special to You (I Peter 2:9).

Have a Good Trip

We are going on a little trip. So I am thinking about washing and packing and who will feed the animals etc. etc. In Luke 8:-9:6 Jesus sends the twelve on a trip. But He tells them to prepare quite differently.

He tells them to take nothing. He even spells it out: no bag or food or money or extra clothes. Hmm...  How he does have them prepare is to give them power and authority and purpose. 

Their equipment is power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Their purpose is to "proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick". Sounds like an exciting trip!

What would happen if we go on our daily "trips" well prepared with the "equipment" of the Holy Spirit and the purpose that God has revealed to us. Sounds pretty exciting!

Have a good trip!

Light in the Darkness

Fear ruled the country of the Gerasenes. It even sounds rather dark (Luke 8:26-39). Jesus had just delivered the notorious tomb-haunting mad man from a mob of demons, and the people were shocked and scared. The demoniac was now sitting calmly in decent clothes and making sense.

However, when those who had lost their pig multitude to the demons spread the news abroad, the whole countryside came and asked the Light of the World to leave. "They were gripped by great fear". It had been too much change - way too fast for their darkened eyes.

The healed man also wanted to go with his Savior. But Jesus told him to "go back to your home, and tell all that God has done for you". So off he went "proclaiming throughout the town all that Jesus had done for him".

Hmm...  Usually, Jesus told those He healed to keep the news quiet. But in this country that is "gripped with fear", the people needed to hear.

It sounds like the situation that we often find ourselves in. Where fear abounds good news is the light in the darkness. Let's ask God to "open a door to us for the message" (Colossians 4:2-6) so we can share what Jesus has done for us.

"Where Is Your Faith?"

It's time to move on. Jesus and the guys climb into a boat and start to cross the lake. But our Lord falls asleep right before this terrific storm catches the crew and starts to capsize the boat. The panicking fishermen wake up Jesus crying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

The Lord of Creation then commands the wind and the waves to quiet down and they do it. And in the stillness Jesus asks a revealing question: "Where is your faith?" (Luke 8:16-25)

Could these experienced fishermen have been trusting in their own ability to handle the storm? It seems like I often wake up to the need to pray when that is "all we can do". What if prayer became the first resort instead of the last resort? 

Father, make us people of prayer.  Help us to keep our faith in You.

A Good Mystery

Who doesn't like a good mystery? The neat thing about a mystery is that you get clues that enable you figure out the answer - sort of participate in the story. It surely draws you in and makes you feel even valuable.

In Luke 1:1-15, Jesus says,"To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables ..." And the story or mystery we can possibly understand is that of the "Sower and the Seed" or "How God's Word Can Work in Our Hearts".

Jesus reveals in this story that there are four heart conditions that people can have:

• The road hardened heart where God's Word is snatched away by Satan before it can penetrate.
• The rock strewn (possibly bitter) heart that won't allow joyful new truth shoots to grow deep enough roots. They will wither in drought-like temptation.
• The thorn infested heart that steals the time and provision for new growth in order to support worrying about tomorrow, making money, or having fun. 
• The good honest heart that hears and sticks with the Word until there's a harvest.

As I solve the mystery of how God's Word is faring in my heart, I will know better how He'd like to work to make me more fruitful. Fruit-bearing means new life that never ends!

Truth Triumphs!

What a movie Luke 7:36-40 would make! It opens as the town harlot slips into the wealthy dinner party and just falls apart at the feet of the popular new Teacher. Her tears rain down on those calloused dirty feet, and her hair is loosed to dry them. She smothers these same feet with kisses and soothes them with the most expensive fragrant oil. Her love for the Teacher seems to know no bounds.

In sharp contrast, the dinner host is scandalized as Jesus allows such a display by this audacious brazen woman. He even thinks Jesus must be a fake prophet since He surely doesn't know what is touching Him. 

But now the Teacher, our hero, speaks up and truth shouts loud and clear. Jesus reminds the host, in a little story about money, that people who are forgiven the most are the most grateful. And He proceeds to expose this host as inadequate and ungrateful, while the broken woman is full of thankfulness and faith resulting in her salvation and peace. 

Truth has triumphed! Good prevails. And the best news is we grateful, forgiven sinners also win. He has given us salvation and peace!

Blessings Await!

Doubt has set in for the former "Thunder in the Dessert" John. He is day after day in a dismal dungeon vaguely remembering Jesus' baptism, the dove, the heavenly voice. So he begins to wonder, and sends messengers to Jesus to ask, "Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?"  (Luke 7:18-35)

Jesus doesn't script a pep talk or an elaborate defense of His ministry for His friend John. He just says,"Go and report to John the things you have seen and heard". And that is plenty - miracles, healings, good news abounds. But Jesus adds one vital promise: "And anyone who is not offended because of Me is blessed." This is huge for him and for us.

When we are serving Christ and we we seem to get the raw end of the deal, how do we respond? When prayers I offer for others get answered, but those for me are ... waiting, what am I thinking? Am I going to be offended at God when my state seems like a dismal dungeon? 

Blessings are promised! God's kind of blessings await my repulsing "poor me" and doubt temptations.

Lord, help us to reject satan's sick offer of offense at You. May we "bless the Lord at all times". (Psalm 34:1)

Understanding Authority

Jesus asks, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I say?" That is one good question! And I hear Jesus asking that of me.

In Luke 6:46-7:17 there is one man who knew how to obey. He describes himself as "placed under authority with soldiers under him". He says: "I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

Simple! And that seems to be why he understands Jesus and knows He can "but say the word, and my servant will be healed." You see this obedient captain's beloved slave is very sick, but he only asks Jesus to speak the word from afar to effect healing. He understands authority.

And Jesus marvels. He says to the crowd, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 

Lord, help us to understand Your authority and obey. We look forward to Your gift of faith. 

Living Generously

Our Father loves mercy. He loves seeing it. He loves giving it. He is full of it. (Mark 6:27-45) 

But God's mercy is rare. He says to not be critical and judge because He doesn't want us to be judged. He says do not condemn because enemies should bring out the best in us - not the worst. He says pardon and give life because He wants to give it to us.

And He wants to give life generously - because He does. Pouring it into our lap, "pressed down, shaken together, and running over". He gives with big bonuses and blessing. 

Thank you, Father, for teaching us to live generously - like You.

He Is Wonderful

The young lions are ready. They encircle the arena and are pulling on their restraints, eager to pounce on the Teacher if he takes the bait. They knew He would. The man with the withered hand was just too obvious for Jesus to miss. And when He healed him, they would attack. It would be a cut and dried case of working on the Sabbath, breaking the law - sure to shut down this upstart of a teacher. (Luke 6: 6-26)

This is it! Jesus just said to the withered hand man, "Get up and come forward!"  But wait...

He turns to the lions and asks, "It is lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?"

Huh? That is not in the script! What can they say to that? Evidently nothing. They watch in silence as Jesus looks around at them all, commands "Stretch out your hand", and then restores the man's hand to usefulness. 

Wow! What a show. The lions are skulking back to their den looking outraged. They'll probably just plan another opportunity to trap Him. 

But this Teacher. He is wonderful!

One Big Party

Does it ever strike you that life with Jesus is one big party?  It did the religious scholars in Luke 5:27-6:5. 

They were reminding Jesus that John's disciples were well known for keeping fasts and saying prayers. And we remember that the Pharisees had even been reprimanded by Jesus for their showy fasts, long attention-getting prayers and obvious contributions. (Matthew 6:16-17 & Mark 12:40-41)  But as the scholars said to Jesus, "Your (disciples) eat and drink". 

So Jesus compared life with Him to being at a wedding party. When the bridegroom is present - you celebrate. 

Of course Jesus hasn't come again for us to totally experience His presence, but His Spirit is in us. And He can do a mighty good job of communicating with us. Therefore we do have reason to celebrate (with the joy of the Lord), even though others may not understand or approve. 

Come on in and join the party!

This is Life

My, Jesus is getting popular! (Luke 5:12-26)  He surely doesn't need any media or advertising campaign: "But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses."

And you can imagine that these folks are often desperately seeking help. It is not a quiet orderly, stand in line, gathering that thronged Him. For many, like the leper He touched and healed, Jesus is their only hope. So since it often is a life and death matter, their pursuit of Him is aggressive and relentless. There are times when Jesus and His helpers do not have a chance to eat (Mark 3:20) much less sleep. 

But right in the middle of Luke 5 is a verse that speaks volumes: "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray."  It's here we discover the real life for our Lord. And He probably has to be more creative, more inconvenienced, and more determined to carve out that time with the Father than we can imagine.

The same kind of rendezvous is life to us. It's good news that Jesus does whatever it takes to often be alone with Abba Father. Let's do the same.

Who Are You?

Peter had seen Jesus do wondrous things - exercising authority over demons and even the instant total healing of his mother-in-law. But when Jesus provided beyond belief, Peter believed. (Luke 4:39-5:11)

It happened one morning as Peter was wearily cleaning the nets after a long fruitless night of fishing. Jesus said, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."  Peter, the professional fisherman, respected Jesus enough to do it but was totally surprised when they enclosed such a quantity of fish that their nets began to break. They signaled for their partners to come, and both boats were filled so that they began to sink.

You'd think Peter would be in a panic trying to save everything. But He is falling down at Jesus' feet saying: "Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!" 

This startling miraculous provision in the midst of their routine daily life had put everything in perspective. The truth was blazingly clear. They were in the presence of the Lord of Lords. When they got to the shore, "they left everything and followed Him".

Lord give us grace to go out in the deep with You and see Your wonders. Reveal to us who You are!

With Authority and Power

Can you believe the dramatic ways people responded to Jesus? (Luke 4:16-31) The home town folks are first impressed with their boy's return and that such "gracious words were falling from His lips". Was He really good old Joseph's son? But as soon as Jesus predicted that they wouldn't really welcome Him (because they didn't believe in His authority and power as the Son of God), they tried to throw Him off the town cliff.

On the other hand, those in Capernaum were amazed at His teaching with authority. He could do wonderful works there because "amazement came upon them all" as He commanded evil to leave. His power and authority was recognized since He was not just one of "our boys". 

Lord help us to continue being amazed at You. Protect us from the "contempt of the familiar". May we remember the authority and power You really do have.

If

Wow!  Did Jesus have a trial after His baptism!  As He was then "full of the Holy Spirit" (Luke 4:1-15) , he began a 40 plus day fast while wandering in the desert and being tempted by the devil, himself.  And two of those three big temptations began with: "If You are the Son of God ..."

Have you wondered about that?  How did Jesus really know as He was growing up that He was that One person, totally different from the rest of humanity? One way could have been all the prophecies about the Messiah that were being fulfilled in His life. Or just choosing to believe His parents. And He did just have that confirming voice from His Father as He was being baptized. But the big factor was probably the solid relationship that He had developed with the Father.

Sounds like some of our story too. Oh, the value of that solid relationship - listening to and communicating with our Heavenly Father. Then when the enemy taunts: "If you are a child of God ..." , it doesn't unsettle us. We know we are that child because we have heard from our Father. We can come away from those taunts and trials "in the power of the Holy Spirit" like our Big Brother did. 

Life in the Spirit

John must have been amazed when he found out that people were wondering if he was longed for Messiah (Luke 3:15-38). He explained to them that the One who was coming was mightier  than he. In fact he was not even fit to take off the Christ's shoes like a lowly slave might do.

John went on to remind them that the baptism he was accomplishing was with water, but the expected One would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. That seems to be the key difference.

Jesus repeated this difference in John's water baptism and His promised Holy Spirit before His ascension (Acts 1:5). Then Peter remembered, when teaching Cornelius' family, how Jesus "used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 11:16)

A baptism is a thorough drenching. Lord, fill us with Your Spirit, especially in areas we have held back from You. We want life in the Spirit.

Being at Home

Mary and Joseph did not understand (Luke 2:41-3:14). They had thought that Jesus was with the caravan traveling back to Nazareth. However He turned up missing the first night. So after searching all over, they had to make the trek back and search Jerusalem. After three days they found Him - in the temple.

And Jesus was having a great time listening to and questioning the teachers - amazing all who heard this 12 year old. But his parents were quite upset after all the anxious searching. But their reprimand seemed to puzzle Jesus:  "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 

Hmm...   "In My Father's house."   It's quite clear that Jesus knew His true identity and was quite comfortable and at home in the temple - thinking and talking about truth from His Father.  

It's the same for us. The more we get to know our Heavenly Father and enjoy being in His presence, the more it will seem like home. Then our "real home-going" will be a satisfied "Ahhh, Yes".

Lord help us to be more at home with You than anywhere else!

On the Lookout

Simeon was "on the lookout". In Luke 2:22-40, righteous and devoted to God Simeon is described as "waiting for the consolation of Israel".  And the Holy Spirit had let him know that he would not die before he saw this long awaited Messiah.

So as he entered by the Spirit into the temple this day and saw some parents bringing in a  baby boy, he knew that here was the One. Can you imagine the unparalleled joy he had holding the answer to his prayers and the answer for all peoples? He thanked God and spoke that this Jesus would be a " light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." God's answer was now out in the open for everyone to see!

Simeon's story is a wonderful reminder to live in expectancy of seeing God's answers and will accomplished. As we stay "on the lookout" we will surely see more of our Lord's goodness, even today.

God's Birth Announcement

Don't you love it! This well-known passage (Luke 2:1-21)  just seems to shine with the Father's excitement to share His good news. And it is some humble shepherds that get the message.

Really, has there ever been a birth announcement so glorious? These drowsy shepherds were probably just hoping the night would hurry on, when all of a sudden an angel with blazing glory all around appears.

The angel tries to explain through their shock that it's good news of great joy that's happened in the city today. A Savior for them and all people has been born. And they'll know Him when they see a baby wrapped in cloths in a manger.  Hmm...

Then suddenly, as an exclamation mark on the announcement, they see a multitude - sized choir of praise angels. Whew!  And the song is one that just had to be sung: 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,

 and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Notice, that all this happens because God's favor is on us. That is good news! Let's be like to the shepherds and hurry into His presence and then tell others.

Words of Faith

In Luke 1:57-80  it is time for the new miracle baby to be circumcised and receive his name. So all of Elizabeth's relatives and neighbors come to rejoice with her because of the Lord's great mercy. Now they are going to call this baby Zacharias after his father. But Elizabeth says, "No indeed; but he shall be called John."

What a surprise! They all reply that there is no one in all her family with that name. They make an appeal to Dad. He gets a tablet and writes,"His name is John."  And...  You can bet the astonished neighbors are not prepared for what happens next. 

You see the last thing Zacharias had said some nine months earlier had been a full of doubt and unbelief question to the angel Gabriel, himself. So Gabriel had pronounced that Zacharias would be unable to speak until the predicted son appeared.  But now, even in the face of disapproval from family and friends, he had written words of faith.  "And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God." 

Words of faith are sweet music to our Father and have power beyond what we can imagine. Let's use them to honor Him today.

Mary's Song

I so hope today you are reading Mary's beautiful song - usually called the Magnificat. (Luke 1:39-56)  It is the seed bed of some of the most gorgeous praise music that we sing.

Mary's excitement in this song is surely contagious. When she sings "my spirit rejoices in God my Savior", it means leaps for joy. It reminds us of Hannah's song of gratefulness in I Samuel 2. Both of them are birthed out of their dreams of being a mother and their humble thanks for God's provision. Their thoughts center more on God than "me". (Mary's features God in eight out of ten verses).

Also Mary's just glows with her love of scripture. There are 20 Old Testament references in the 10 verses.

Reading this song you have to agree that " Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" And these are words that I love to take personally. I encourage you to do that too.

Nothing is Impossible With God

Even though Mary and her friends probably hoped to be the longed for Messiah's mother, Gabriel's interruption in her life must have been amazing: "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, and be called 'Son of the Highest'." (The Message) (Luke 1:18-38)

It's a wonder that she only asked a practical question about how this is going to work, and then said, "O.K."  But really God had been working all her life and even in her lineage to prepare her for this day. She didn't even argue about being called a "favored one" or about him saying, "The Lord is with you". She was one of God's "chosen people" and had personally decided to be a "bondslave of the Lord".

But then in answer to Mary's question, the angel played two trump cards. He explained that the Holy Spirit would be the One to conceive this child in her and that "the impossible" had already been done in her family. Elizabeth was now six months along in that surprise, long awaited pregnancy.  Gabriel summed it all up with "for nothing will be impossible with God".

That evidently settled all questions for Mary. And it will for us. Nothing is impossible with God!

Thank you, Father.

God Doesn't Forget

The book of Luke opens with the account of Zacharias.  He had won the drawing and was burning incense and praying in the temple as all the congregation waited outside. And how they had been waiting!

Zacharias and Elizabeth had been waiting for far too long to have much hope of a child. But they were still faithful and Zacharias was praying. And in Luke1:1-17 God answers. He had not forgotten them but had prepared an extra special gift of a son who would be "great in the sight of the Lord", filled with the Holy spirit from birth, and turn many in Israel back to the Lord.   No, God had not forgotten them but said they would have "joy and gladness" (leaping and dancing joy).

Also, the people outside had been waiting. It had been a long 400 years since the last prophecy of the Messiah - the last word of a Savior coming. Malachi had ended with a prediction of the forerunner of Christ " who would turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children" (Malachi 4:6). And now, in this very time and place, the new baby named John is announced as that man. The one who would prepare the way for the Savior ( the most extra special gift possible). 

No, God had not forgotten Zacharias and Elizabeth, the people of Israel, or you and I. That extra special answer and gift is being prepared. 

Thank you Father for Your faithfulness.

"Too Good to Be True" Love

The women were watching. They were looking on from a distance when He breathed His last. They watched to see where His body was laid. And as soon as they could, they came to serve one more time - to anoint  His familiar form (Mark 15:42-16:8).

They came worried about how to roll that monument stone away. So it was a shock when they saw it moved and a bright young man sitting in the tomb. Maybe it is not surprising they did not really hear his words - the best news of their entire life: "He has risen".

All they knew was He was gone so they ran: "Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."

Sometimes news really does seem "too good to be true". So when it does prove true, we know it is from God.

Thank you Lord for Your "too good to be true" love.

Removing the Veil

It must be sentimentalism, but I love the idea of a radiant bride coming down the aisle with that thin veil barely holding in her beauty. And then the tender moment comes when the veil is lifted by her groom, and he fully sees her lovely face. Ah....

So it is with amazement that we can see the same kind of thing happening in the middle of the grievous passage where our Lord is nailed up, mocked unmercifully, and left to die (Mark 15:21-41). But here it is - the moment when the veil is lifted. In fact it is permanently removed, torn from top to bottom, as if God got a hold of it and said, "Enough".

This beautifully ornate veil had been in the worship place for untold years, always dividing the people from the Most Holy Place where God was present. A chosen priest would go in once a year to sprinkle blood and atone for sins. 

But now our High Priest, Jesus, had shed His own blood, and the veil between us and God is rent and removed. We are free to enter His presence. One day we will see His face!

God Wins

It's still going on in Mark 15:1-20. Jesus is making absolutely no attempt to defend Himself. He remains the Isaiah 53 "Lamb who before His shearers is silent".

And now the whole Roman company comes out to dress the bloody scourged Man in a purple robe and spike laced crown in order to mock ("Hail, King of the Jews"). They bow, kneel, spit and beat. You can almost see the devil dancing around this sickening scene.  The Good News?

Satan, as is his way, can't stop with this evil charade but goes too far: " Then they led him out to crucify him."  And in so doing, he fits right into God's magnificent unimaginable plan. 

Next week we will read the details - the end of this story. But God wins! And that victory is for you and me. 

Thank you, Lord.

Power of the Name

The witnesses are tripping over each other with condemning contradictions (Mark 14:53-72). Finally the Chief Priest has enough and stands up to do the questioning. But Jesus remains the Lamb prophesied in Isaiah 53 - silent before His accusers. Until the Chief asks, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" Then Jesus says two words that seal His death.

Those two words are the first name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. It is the Name that is the essence of holiness to the Jews. When Jesus says "I Am" and then adds the description of His coming on the clouds, the Chief erupts. While tearing his clothes and yelling "Blasphemy" , he calls for the death sentence. The spitting, slapping, mocking, and beating commence.

The Name of Jesus is an atom bomb of power that can move mountains to put in motion God's will. That's one reason we are warned in Exodus 20:7 not to casually use God's name in vain. As we get to know the Christ behind the Name, we value it more and more. 

Rejoice in getting to know Him today.

The Son's Prayer

It's all laid out in the raw.  Gethsemane is where Jesus is at the crossroads, and we hear the Son's prayer (Mark 14:32-52).  "Abba, Father," He said, "everything is possible for You. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will."

Oh, it almost hurts your ears to hear this intimacy. It's the only recorded time Jesus says"Abba, Father'. And His Pappa or Daddy has to say "No" in unthinkable love to His precious deeply grieved Son.

The unthinkable love - the "No" to Jesus - is so you and I can hear "Yes". ("For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God."  II Corinthians 1:20).

Lord, may we rejoice today in Your "Yes" and be forever grateful for the price that was paid. We love You.

The Gift

It is the last meal together for these twelve and Jesus - these friends who had laughed and lived and learned together on an adventure that would rock the world. And Jesus had a present for them. (Mark14:10-31)

" While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body'."  So we hear the thanks and see the bread breaking but this time - this time we catch our breath. What did He say? "Take it; this is my body."

And next He took a cup and gave thanks and gave it to them all and they drank. '"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' he said to them."    What?    I'm thinking all of heaven must jumped to their feet as they hear their Lord announcing the fulfillment of the Jeremiah 31:33-34.

So here we have it. The gift that will be physically played out in the next few hours. The gift that will make all the difference to every person in history. ("Then Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.'" John 6:53)

How can we ever say thank you for this gift?  What can we do but reverently give ourselves whole-heartedly to Him?

On the Alert

It's coming! We are reminded in Mark 13:24-14:9 that the wonderful day is coming when Jesus comes in great power and glory to gather His bride. But, of course we've all heard that before - for years. So I agree it is a little hard to keep anticipating and on the alert. But He is reminding up today (three times in three verses) - stay on the alert.

 In verse 32 there is this fascinating detail: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."  Don't you love it how Jesus is waiting on the Father to give the word to come get us. Yes!

So I'm thinking today is the time to be about His business and to get ready. Forget that culture-lazy "I'll get around to that phone call or visit or pray about that later". Who knows if there will be any time later?

What do You want today Lord? I want to be ready for You. 

Being Prepared

Peter, James, John, and Andrew are worried. Jesus had warned earlier that every stone in their beloved sacred temple would be torn down! Jesus always speaks the truth. So when? How will they know it's coming (to be prepared)?

But actually Jesus does not focus on that question but a vastly more important topic (Mark 13:3-23). He begins and ends this section on the "end times" with a warning about people that would mislead many as things get rough:  "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."

Since we are a part of the elect, we would do well to "take heed" as our Master says. Because this deception is evidently the real disaster to be prepared for. 

So how do we prepare? Continuing to get to know our Lord and falling in love with Him is the answer. That way any impostor would clearly be seen as a cheap fake. 

"Indeed, I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord.."  Philippians 3:8

God's Math

Ever notice that God uses a different math system? He is really heavy on multiplication - remember those loaves and fishes and the laws of harvest.

It's interesting that Jesus is sitting and watching people put money into the treasury in Mark 12:28-13:2. He had just been talking about the scribes doing thing for "appearance's sake". Evidently these guys were at it also because you could tell that they were rich and putting in large sums. 

But what impresses Him is the poor widow who puts in one penny. He is excited enough to call all His disciples together for an important lesson. Jesus' math said that this widow put more in the treasury than all the contributors. They gave out of what they had left over. She gave out of her need - what she had to live on. 

One penny x  love and pure motivation = monumental gift

That's God's kind of math.  Lord, give us grace to have Your values. 

The Master Teacher

The Pharisees sure thought they had Jesus this time. They come and spit out flattering words about His truthfulness and then throw Him a loaded question: "Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn't we?" (Mark 12:13-27)

Hmm... They want Him to declare whether He sides with the Romans (Yes, pay up) or the Jews (No, don't support this godless terribly oppressive government). But Jesus is a master teacher and uses a coin with Caesar's picture to illustrate the higher principle of authority: "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." He, in essence, hands the question back to them to figure out - for homework. 

The wisdom of the Master Teacher leaves the Pharisees speechless and us delighted. 

Father, make us again like children who are eager to learn from our Teacher. You have the words of Life.

From the Roots Up

The disciples noticed that the fig tree that Jesus had cursed had withered from the roots up (Mark 11:20-12:12). It sure sounds like how God often answers our prayers and deals with our problems. He works on the secret things to the obvious or from the underlying causes to what what can be seen.

Jesus also used that fig tree to teach about faith. Faith that can move mountains. "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them."

Did you notice the cautions about doubt? The next statement from Jesus repeats the need for belief when we pray for things. But it says that we are to "believe that we have received them". That sounds like somebody thanking God that He has already answered - maybe working from the roots up.  

Thanks you Lord for hearing us and doing your wonder-full work whether it is in secret or obvious. We love you.

Desperate Faith

They were leaving Jericho when Bartimaeus started in.  It was Jesus, His disciples and a large crowd that were passing the cloaked blind beggar when he heard that Name mentioned (Mark 10:35-52). And my, did he start yelling!  "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" A bunch of them tried to shut him up, but he only screamed louder: "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

What a scene! The whole caravan had to stop as Jesus called the intruder to Him. When Jesus asked what he wanted, Bartimaeus instantly said, "Rabbi, I want to see." So see he did, after Jesus told him that his faith had made him well. 

But this faith - I think you'd have to call it desperate. Bartimaeus would cause a ruckus, stop a caravan, or whatever it took. He wanted to see!

Lord give us more faith - even the desperate kind. Let us see You. 

The Real Deal

When all our world is filled with sugar coated, sale-pretty, by-me deals, Jesus is the real deal. His authentic truth is all over Mark 10:17-34.

The rich man who couldn't give up his many possessions had wandered off, and Peter pipes up with, "We have left everything to follow you!" Jesus replies with this wonderful promise for him and us of a  "hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life".  Wait a minute! What's that "along with persecutions" doing right there in the middle of the wonderful promise?  Well, it is called the truth. And someone who tells the truth can be trusted, depended upon, honored, loved, and praised.

Thank you Lord that we can depend upon Your being real and trustworthy - even with our one life.

Got Salt?

We take salt for granted. But in Mark 9:42-10:16 we get a glimpse of how valuable it was to Jesus' followers and can be to us. Jesus told them, "Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

So what does this mean? I see a clue in Colossians 4:6. " Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."  Paul is encouraging his followers to be wise, courageous and to make the most of each opportunity with unbelievers. And we can only do that through God's grace that makes our words tasty. 

Lord make us salty so that others will find our words and actions appealing. Attract them to You, Father.

Embracing Christ

Good morning,

Can you imagine how embarrassed the disciples were when Jesus asked them,  "What were you arguing about on the road?"  They had actually been squabbling in Mark 9:30-41 about who was the greatest. And this is not the only time it happened. At least they were up front about it, not just playing mind games like we do.

So, we do well to remember Jesus' visual lesson to them on how a servant really is in first place. "He put a child in the middle of the room. Then, cradling the little one in his arms, he said, 'Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me—God who sent me.'"  (The Message)

God truly values and rewards servant-hood. Welcoming children gives an embrace that Christ so appreciates.

Blessings,

Ouida

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Jumpin' In

Oh, Peter did it again! And he got a holy hand-slap in Mark 9:2-29 for this one. Elijah and Moses had just shown as the closest friends are at their dazzling mountain retreat. Peter blurts out, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."

Hey, it's good hospitality. Only natural. But what we all need is supernatural. God overshadows them with, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"   Whoa!

Maybe it's wise to get priorities and even directions in order before jumping into a plan. 

Yes, Lord, remind up to listen to You before we jump in.

Jesus' Recipe

Want to know how to save your one life?  In Mark 8:22-9:1 Jesus says,  "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it."  In other words we need to let Jesus be in charge - even in suffering.

In fact we are called to embrace suffering (take up our cross) instead of running from it.  As we follow Jesus, He will show us how. 

Jesus goes on to say that self-help and getting everything we want is not help. But self sacrifice is the way to saving our one life. 

Losing all for Jesus is a recipe that cannot fail. Only He has the ingredients for our one good life.

Amnesia?

Those disciples had amnesia! Here they are again ( Mark 8:1-21) with a large crowd that is very hungry (three days on the road with no food). Jesus is feeling sorry about  the great need, and these disciples reply, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?" Hmm...  They seem to have totally forgotten what happened with the 5,000 plus hungry guys as they took up 12 baskets of leftovers.

Anyway, Jesus asks what they have available (seven loaves and a few small fish) and then blesses and gives these to be served to all. This time there is some 4,000 fed with 7 baskets of leftovers.

Soon after the disciples were in a boat realizing they had forgotten to bring bread as Jesus brings up the "leaven of the Pharisees". He replies, "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember?"

Hmm...    I think He's speaking to me. It's really me that has the amnesia.

Lord,  please forgive me for worrying about "bread' and whatever else I need today. Thank you for your rich provision so many times - for so many years.

He Has Done...

They got it right at the end of today's chapter (Mark 7:14-37). "They were utterly astonished, saying, 'He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.'"

But did you notice how Jesus did it? He took the guy aside and "put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva."  Hmm....  How is that for personal involvement!

Our Lord truly does all thing well, but how He does it may be way "out of our box". 

Father, help us to be open to Your unique ways of answering our prayers and doing things. May we see more and more how You do all things well.

Where's Our Hearts?

Good news can sometimes be unsettling.  In Mark 7:6:53-7:13 it was to the Pharisees. They had come to Jesus so burdened and blinded by rules (numerous washings and things to check off in order to be right). But as they came into the light called Christ, it was all exposed as "traditions of men". In fact, they had focused on the traditions and neglected the commandments of God, such as loving and honoring.

Jesus called them hypocrites and said Isaiah was right: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules."

But I find traditions comfortable. They make me feel secure. It is the way we have always done it. People don't get upset or offended. 

Then I hear the Lord saying, " Where is your heart?"  May we be women who honor God with our lips and especially with our heart.