Looking Through...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 30:1-17 / NT - Luke 6:27-49

"How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye." - Luke 6:42 

Occasionally I notice that my computer screen is distorted and marked with various specks. After putting up with the annoyance for a while I take time to clean the beast. I use the best cleaner and make certain that I leave no scratches or marks behind. Then I kick back to resume my work only finding the distortion and marks still present. In a fit of desperation, I remove my glasses, wipe my forehead and glance back at a crystal clear screen. What? Where did the marks go? Hmm... the problem wasn't what I was looking at, but what I was looking through.

The Lord gives us such insightful counsel when He directs us to "take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly". Before we can ever assist others in their spiritual needs, wisdom tells us to clean up our own life. The amazing truth is that when we clean our glasses (or life) we see things much differently. Not only are we able to help others better, but we see them in a less critical light.  It's not always what we are looking at, but what we are looking through.

Consider what Paul wrote in Galatians 6:1 my friend, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." Yes, we should always be available to assist others in their spiritual walk. But let us be sure to be personally "spiritual" and watchful ourselves. Because, it not only matters what we are looking at, but what we are looking through.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 30:18-33 / NT - Luke 7:1-17

"Prayer-paration"...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 29 / NT - Luke 6:6-26

"In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God." - Luke 6:12

This summer a large number of baseball teams will play toward the ultimate goal of becoming the 2026 World Champions. In many ways, these teams have been getting ready since last fall. But more specifically there has been a major concentration all spring to be set for the season. Let's face it, decisive plans require demanding preparation.

Jesus was about to select twelve men as His apostles. These men would come from almost every walk of life and intentionally include a traitor. They would sit under His teaching for the next three years and carry the Gospel into the world after His ascension. This moment was far more important than any baseball game. This decisive plan required demanding preparation.

My friend, do you see prayer as the best way to get ready for decisions in life? If so, how much effort do you give to such a pursuit? Jesus saw the need to pray all night before this historic moment, so how about you? Remember, decisive plans require demanding "prayer-paration".

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 30:1-17 / NT - Luke 6:27-49

Assumed Righteousness...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 28 / NT - Luke 5:27-6:5

^"And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” - Luke 5:30-32

I have performed a vast number of funerals for people who would not visit their doctor when sick. Somehow such people believed that if they went to the doctor, clinic or hospital something would be discovered that would kill them. So, by avoiding medical care their assumed health killed them.

Spiritual illness is even more dangerous if ignored. In many ways the sinful heart is like high blood pressure... it's a silent killer. As long as we believe we are righteous and deserving of heaven, we are in serious danger. When we  acknowledge our sin sickness by coming to the Great Physician in repentance, we will be saved. But, when we avoid spiritual care, our assumed righteousness will kill us.

Be honest with yourself and the Lord my friend. We are all sin-sick rebels, separated from a Holy God and bound for eternal condemnation in hell. (Romans 3:23) None of us are righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10) We need the saving, healing touch of the Great Physician to give us new life. Remember, avoiding His spiritual care by assuming you're righteousness will ultimately kill you!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 29 / NT - Luke 6:6-26

Jesus Knows Better!

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 13-14 / NT - Luke 5:1-26

"When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." - Luke 5:4-6

Some years ago there was a young man in our church that couldn't seem to hold a job for long. Shortly after beginning a new job, he would tell his boss ways to improve his business. For some unknown reason, his employers didn't appreciate his ideas very much. We rarely take advice from those who are inexperienced in our field of expertise. We certainly know better...

The day Jesus told Peter how to fish was one of those moments for the experienced fisherman. How could Jesus know anything about fishing since he had been a carpenter and now a teacher? Peter agreed, out of respect, but with a slightly disagreeable attitude. To his surprise and wonder, the catch was overwhelming. Jesus certainly knew better!

How many times has the Lord prodded you to do something other than what you planned? How often have you resisted, believing that you knew better? Were there moments when you tried and failed too many times, and you were completely void of any faith? Make a note for yourself... Jesus always knows what will work and what he asks of you is always right. Jesus certainly knows better!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 28 / NT - Luke 5:27-6:5

What's Your Plan?

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 11-12 / NT - Luke 4:31-44

"And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them." - Luke 4:38-39

People desire good health for a number of reasons. They yearn for renewed strength to travel, play sports or make more money. There is also the undying hunger for "eternal youth" without any real goal. Some people make every effort to prolong the "looks" of youthfulness even when age has taken its debilitating toll. But, what good is health without a plan to use it well.

Peter's mother-in-law didn't hesitate to put her healing to good use for others. When the Lord touched her and lifted her up she immediately began to serve. Her renewed strength was a blessing and she knew just how to show her gratitude. She served the Lord and those who joined Him in ministry. She had new-found health and had a plan to use it well.

Well my friend, are you praying for healing and new strength for the days ahead? Should the Lord bless you, what will you do with what He gives? Give it some thought; when you finally have a new lease on life with health and vigor, what's your plan?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 13-14 / NT - Luke 5:1-26

The Whole Story ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 10 / NT - Luke 4:14-30

"And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth... When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath." - Luke 4:22, 28

I grew up in the New York metropolitan area and have been a New York Yankee fan since the days of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. This is not very unique since there are more Yankee fans than anyone could number. There is one characteristic about New York fans that proves to be a tough nut to swallow; when the team wins they're loved and when they lose it's the wrath of Khan!

From the very beginning of His ministry the Lord experienced a similar contrast. When His words were gracious, the crowds loved it and when He spoke convicting truth they were filled with wrath. Such people are still with us today; those who are happy to feel good about themselves but never guilty before God.

When you speak to others about Christ my friend, never hesitate to give the bad news and good news. While many people only want to hear comforting words, without the whole truth hearts will never experience conviction. And without conviction there won't be repentance toward God and faith in Jesus. The Lord always told the whole story and so should we.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 11-12 / NT - Luke 4:31-44

Dealing with Fire ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 8-9 / NT - Luke 3:23-4:13

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry." - Luke 4:1-2

While in college I worked at a foundry that manufactured fire hydrants. The plant had three huge furnaces that melted down metal to be recast. Tons of steel would come into the yard by train and eventually be dropped into the fire. The furnaces would roar with heat as the purged molten steel would be poured into carefully prepared molds. The end product can be found on street corners throughout the country, prepared by fire to deal with fire.

Jesus was led into the fire of trials intentionally by the Holy Spirit. The trials were part of a process, preparing the Son of God for Gethsemane and finally the Cross. The desert experience of Satan's temptations did not come as a sudden surprise. These moments were planned by God to achieve his purpose and ultimate glory. Jesus was prepared by fire to deal with fire.

From day to day you and I are led by the Holy Spirit into the fire of trials. We are led by Divine design to prepare us for greater and more demanding moments ahead. Don't run from them; face them with the Word of God and the power of Christ, and be... prepared by fire to deal with fire.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Hosea 10 / NT - Luke 4:14-30