The Unexpected ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 54-55  / NT - Luke 21:29-22:13

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” - Luke 21:34-36

I always had fun with my Dad. He was one of those guys that would let life so preoccupy him that he walked around in his own world. How could I pass up the opportunities to jump out of his closet or from behind a bush in the garden and scare the daylights out of him? Thankfully, he would just laugh it off and drift back into his world of thought. Dad was always unprepared for the unexpected.

The Lord will come for his Church and then after a time of world-wide judgment he will return to set up his kingdom. Both occasions will occur unexpectedly for most. When people become preoccupied with the pleasures and anxieties of life, they tend to drift into their own little world. Thoughts of the Lord's coming slip away and they're unprepared for the unexpected.

In truth, the Lord's return is expected. The time of his coming is unknown, therefore unexpected. Are you living in light of his return? Or have you allowed the pursuits of this life to lead you into your own little world? Even a believer can drift and be embarrassed when the Lord returns. "Be always on the watch" and pray for the daily strength to be prepared for the unexpected.

 Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 56:1-57:13 / NT - Luke 22:14-30

The Joy of Giving ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 52-53  / NT - Luke 21:1-28

"And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." - Luke 21:3-4

In the competitive world of politics every candidate is put under the magnifying glass. Whenever an election year rolls around the public suddenly becomes concerned with integrity, morality and charitable generosity. One area of interest is the pattern of church donations made by such wealthy personalities. When their abundance is carefully considered, the size of their gifts often seem to fade.

Jesus gives us a clear lesson on sincere, selfless, spiritual stewardship. The gift is only as significant as the the heart that gives. It's not how much we share as how much we sacrifice. Giving should never be about appeasing our conscience, it should always be about loving the Lord. 

The IRS received an anonymous check some years ago with a note that read: "Enclosed is ten dollars of back taxes I failed to pay; if I still can't sleep, I'll send you the rest". Do you give to the Lord so you can sleep at night my friend? Try giving because you love Him with a heart of gratitude. Yes, your giving will go up till it hurts, but your joy will be even greater and God's blessings will be overwhelming... read Malachi 3:10 

 Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 54-55 / NT - Luke 21:29-22:13

All are Alive ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 51  / NT - Luke 20:27-47

"But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” - Luke 20:37-38

While speaking at a funeral service for a deceased deacon, the preacher wanted to emphasize the departure of the soul from the body. He said, "Only the shell remains, but the nut is gone". He meant one thing, but said something else as well. Life after death is a timeless truth found throughout the Bible. It is stated overtly by Jesus and subtly by Moses, but either way, to God... all are alive.

There will be a resurrection and Jesus spoke of this coming event regularly. Some have said that this doctrine is strictly found in the New Testament. But what we find in this passage is a clear reference by Jesus to the Old Testament belief in this truth. Moses meant one thing, but he said something else as well. We believe in the God of the living, and to him... all are alive.

There are two thoughts to consider today. Every soul will exist eternally. The question is; will you live eternally in heaven with Jesus, or will you live eternally in hell alone? The choice is yours to make, but only in this life. The second thought concerns your loved one who knew the Lord and has stepped into eternity ahead of you. You may be assured and comforted in the words of Paul in Philippians 1:23, "I desire to depart and be with Christ". Yes, they are with the Lord, because to him... all are alive.

 Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 52-53 / NT - Luke 21:1-28

Christian Citizenship 101....

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 50  / NT - Luke 20:9-26

"He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” - Luke 20:25

Throughout history battles have been waged between religious communities and governments. America was founded by those who sought freedom to worship without state intervention. In our own day countries in the Middle East are torn apart because of religious differences with national leadership. Does the Bible have an answer for this timeless dilemma?

The answer to the above concern is a definitive yes. Jesus gave us a wise and irrefutable word of counsel in the above passage. While Caesar was a tyrant and madman, Jesus called for taxes to paid and respect given. The state was to be acknowledged with responsible citizenship. Yet, at the same time God was receive faithful worship and service from His people.

In your frustration with the government, are you still a responsible citizen my friend? Along with the above words, give careful thought to Romans 13:1-2, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." Honor God by being a good citizen and faithful believer.

 Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 51 / NT - Luke 20:27-47

He Wept...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 49  / NT - Luke 19:28-20:8

^"And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it," - Luke 19:41

There isn't a day that goes by, when a tear-jerking video shows up on Facebook. You might see a soldier returning home, surprising a child in some family reunion. Or you might see the amazing rehabilitation of a badly injured young person. And then there are those sad moments when a loyal dog is laying beside the grave it's master. While stories of surprise, courage or grief may bring tears, will we weep over the unseen?

Jesus approached the city of Jerusalem and wept. What was it that He saw? He saw the lost souls of people. He saw the blind and selfish hearts that rejected God's grace. He saw the coming judgment with all the pain and anguish. Jesus saw the unseen opportunity for peace slip away from His people and He wept.

How consumed are you with the work of Christ and the souls of people my friend? Do you see their lost condition, blind hearts and impending judgment? Do you see the promise of peace slipping away as they reject the Savior? Do your eyes see the unseen plight of a harassed and helpless crowd (Matthew 9:36)? Never become so ministry conditioned that you no longer weep over the souls of people.

 Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 50 / NT - Luke 20:9-26

Entry Level ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Psalm 135 / NT - Luke 19:11-27

"And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’" - Luke 19:17

We hear the phrase "entry level" time and again in the workplace. These are positions that usually test the metal of a new employee. If they prove to be dependable and productive in a lesser position greater opportunities will be offered them down the line. The simple truth is; you have to start somewhere, and it certainly is not at the top.

Just as lifetime careers begin with "entry level" jobs, so does the Kingdom work of King Jesus. He entrusts us with "very little" and steps back to observe. The Lord looks for those who have servant hearts and serve faithfully. To such dependable Kingdom workers will be greater responsibility. In the face of eternity, this life is an "entry level" job.

How is it going in your "little" task for the Lord my friend? Is He finding you to be a faithful servant, staying the course whatever the cost? Remember; as a child of God you are just preparing for eternity and the job you are fulfilling today will determine the responsibility for tomorrow. Don't be discouraged in your "entry level" roll. Be true to your calling and greater opportunities will come your way.

 Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 49 / NT - Luke 19:28-20:8

Too Late?

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Psalm 46, 80 / NT - Luke 19:1-10

"And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way." - Luke 19:3-4

Have you ever seen people peeking through holes in a barrier fence? They may be watching a bulldozer as it tears down a building. Then there are others who are watching a ball game instead of buying tickets for a seat. But, no matter what, they are determined to catch the sight before it was too late. 

Zacchaeus was one zealous seeker. He was short and overwhelmed by the large crowd. Yet, he knew that Jesus was passing his way and he didn't want to miss Him. Seeing the Lord was more important than anything.  He was determined to catch the sight before it was too late. 

How much do you want to see Jesus in the morning? In a way, special moments with the Lord pass by early each day. Are you willing to climb out of bed and seek a close view of Lord in the pages of His Word? Will you be determined to catch the sight before it is too late? 

 Readings: OT Year 3 - Psalm 135 / NT - Luke 19:11-27