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).