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

Comments on goodnews2women.blogspot.com

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).