Division...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 41:37-57 / NT - Luke 12:49-13:9

"Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather  division." - Luke 12:51

It's been almost three weeks since Resurrection Sunday. This was a day of great celebration and rejoicing throughout the Christian community. A vast multitude gathered to lift up their voices in praise and worship of the risen Savior. Yet, while churches across the land were filled with believers, there were also a larger number who were unmoved. 

Every year on Resurrection Sunday, some have an empty tomb and a full life, and others have a full tomb and empty life. The empty tomb is THE watershed of history. Those who have received the risen Christ are transformed by his light and those who reject him are still trembling in the darkness. The empty tomb has given undaunted faith to the believer and unending fear to the unbeliever. There can be no greater division.

When you see the golden morning sun, lit up with great splendor, are you ready for a beautiful day? Then, as you see the Son of God, risen from the dead in all his glory, embrace Him as the Lord of life and rejoice. Many will take the low road of rejection to their sorrowful loss, but you my friend, choose the high road of faith and celebrate the One who brought division through an empty tomb!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 42:1-16 / NT - Luke 13:10-35

Rest in Him...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 41:15-36 / NT - Luke 12:22-48

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!" - Luke 12:25-28

Over the years I have been put to sleep during various surgical procedures. Prior to the procedure I had thoughts about the process as well as the outcome. Will everything go alright? Will they discover anything serious? The next day I realized that all my concern amounted to nothing and was of no help to physician. I probably should have been put to sleep long before the surgery so I wouldn't worry. Just as the surgeon can do his best when we rest in his hands, the Lord does his best when we rest in him.

Occasionally Jesus shows us the silliness of our ways. How silly to worry about anything. Worry has never added or subtracted from the events of life. God is in control and he cares for his own with great precision and compassion. As the psalmist reminds us in Psalm 147:11, "the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love". God's "unfailing love" is his spiritual anesthesia for us in the midst of life's surgeries. When you know his love you will rest in him.

Lay your heart on the pillow of God's love today and let him do what he does best. When the anxiety rises within, remember how much more the Lord cares for you than the lilies and rest in him.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 41:37-57 / NT - Luke 12:49-13:9

"Stuff" or people?

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 41:1-14 / NT - Luke 12:1-21

"Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" - Luke 12:15

The time eventually came for our family to sell the home my in-laws lived in for a good many years. This was a major down sizing and we ended up renting a dumpster to achieve the goal. At first we thought the rental unit would be too large, but by the time we were done it was overflowing. The truth is; abundance of possessions isn't always a good thing.

Whether we are greedy or just hoarders, having too much of a good thing is just that; too much. This mindset can rob you of satisfaction and the pleasure of eternal values. Jesus gave a clear warning ... "Watch out! Be on your guard" Your life consists of far more important treasures than the "stuff" you accumulate.

Paul gave us considerable food for thought in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy."  It's not about abundance of possessions my friend, it's all about people. How many people are you accumulating for Jesus?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 41:15-36 / NT - Luke 12:22-48

Light...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 40 / NT - Luke 11:33-54

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.” - Luke 11:33-36

One year we traveled north for the holidays, through a heavy snow storm. Since our trip was made at night, every now and then we had to stop to clean the snow and ice off the headlights. Within a few miles the lights were once again reduced to a very dim condition. We had power and we had bulbs but we had little light.

In the same way, when we travel through the storms of life we need good eyes. We need eyes that provide the body with light so we can shine in the darkness and not be filled with darkness. The light of Jesus brings us all the light we could ever need. The more we learn from the Lord the more light shines within. But, while we can have the availability of light, if we don't focus our eyes on Jesus, we have little light.

Simply put, the more time you spend with Jesus, the more light you will have. Do you want to shine for the Lord today? Remember that you can only shine with the light that he gives. It's what you choose to read and watch that really makes your eyes good. If you take in too much "snow" your eyes and life will be dim. But if you take in the Word and things that are worthy, your eyes will be good. Your whole life will shine in the darkness for Jesus, because you have great light.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 41:1-14 / NT - Luke 12:1-21

The Obvious...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 39 / NT - Luke 11:14-32

"As the crowds increased, Jesus said, 'This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.'" - Luke 11:29 

The most recent record of membership in the "Flat Earth Society" is 421. These people believe that the earth is a flat disk centered at the North Pole and is bounded along it's southern edge by a wall of ice, with the sun, moon, planets, and stars only a few hundred miles above the surface of the earth. This only goes to prove that there will always be people who refuse to believe the obvious.

When our Lord spoke to the multitudes they were filled with unbelief and sought more miraculous signs. He knew that no matter how many signs would be given, unbelief would prevail. In God's divine design, only one distinct sign would be given... the resurrection. And yet, in a later account that Jesus speaks of in Luke 16:31 we read, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead". There will always be people who refuse to believe the obvious.

Two weeks ago we celebrated Resurrection Sunday.  The world simply recognized the day as a holiday known as Easter. They gave it no real credibility other than a time to give children Easter baskets with candy and goodies. Meanwhile, many people are still looking for that special miracle from God. But, the tomb is empty, He is Risen! What more does God need to do for anyone to believe? Why will you not believe the obvious? 

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 40 / NT - Luke 11:33-54

One thing is Necessary...

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 38 / NT - Luke 10:38-11:13

"But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:41-42

Every season has the potential to overwhelm a person with stress. We've moved through Easter already, only to face Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, graduations and weddings. Every occasion will bring family and friends together from miles around for food, fun and fellowship. As the calendar rapidly fills up, there just doesn't seem to be enough hours and days to get it all done. If we're not very careful, we will become "anxious and troubled about many things."

When the above words of counsel were given, do you think that Jesus was suggesting that food was not necessary? Or was He encouraging Martha to slow down and follow the example of Mary? Being sure that we have quality time to sit at the feet of Jesus makes every day so much easier. When we put the Lord first, everything else falls in place in just the right way.

"One thing is necessary"! In simple words my friend, let's keep the main thing, the main thing. Martin Luther put it this way, "If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day." Life must go on... but it always goes best when we start with Jesus.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 39 / NT - Luke 11:14-32

What's your 10-20?

Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 37:12-36 / NT - Luke 10:13-37

"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - Luke 10:20

A good many years ago my wife and I owned CB radios. They were popular for just about everybody on the road before there were cell phones. These archaic forms of communication served us in many ways. We would chat with each other when our schedules took us in different directions and we would share traffic information that would make our traveling easier. But, the most important information was our location.  This was given in answer to the CB slang "what's your 10-20?"

When the seventy-two evangelists returned from a successful outreach campaign they were overjoyed with the results. Miracles and spiritual victories were abundantly reported. The power of God thrilled their hearts and they couldn't say enough about His great provision. But the Lord redirected them to the most important of all works of God. He called them to rejoice in their names being written in heaven. The overshadowing question for every person should be this; when you leave this earth, what will be your 10-20?

You might have already noticed that our Scripture of reference today is a 10:20 passage. I would have you take this to heart my friend. There will never be any spiritual accomplishment or personal gain on this earth that will compare to whether your name is written in heaven or not. At the end of life's journey, the only important question that will remain is ... "What's your 10-20?"

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Genesis 38 / NT - Luke 10:38-11:13