Ready and Willing

Luke 19: ²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰ ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” say, “The Lord needs it.”’

³² Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’

³⁴ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’

³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

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“Can I borrow your van” was the question. “No, it is leased” was my answer, trying to avoid more expensive mileage. “Can I borrow your van” was the question from another person. “No, it needs brakes and tires” was my answer. Both were true at that time.

• There were times when I held back.
• There were times when I put something to the side for myself.
• There were times when I could have given but was afraid to.

The owners of the donkey may have been preserving it for something special or they may have thought the donkey wasn’t ready. But when JESUS requested the donkey through HIS disciples, they let it go, not knowing when or if they would get it back.

• GOD wants me to be generous.
• GOD wants me to let stuff go.
• GOD wants me to see that people are more special than my stuff.

It never will be a convenient time for someone to borrow something or need something. In fact, the needs seem to come when I have the least amount to give. BUT GOD seems to enjoy stretching me in this area. Maybe it is because I am holding onto things a little too tight in the first place.

GOD wants me to be generous with everything. While it is a long journey to truly being generous, I can start small and work my way up. GOD is generous to me.

• Are you holding onto stuff that someone else can use?
• Is GOD calling you to give to someone who needs your last dollar?
• Will you allow GOD to use your possessions today to grow HIS kingdom?

Other Side of the Story

Luke 19: ²⁰ ‘Then another servant came and said, “Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. ²¹ I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.”

²² ‘His master replied, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? ²³ Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?”

²⁴ ‘Then he said to those standing by, “Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.”

²⁵ ‘“Sir,” they said, “he already has ten!”

²⁶ ‘He replied, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. ²⁷ But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them – bring them here and kill them in front of me.”’

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Waking up startled, I realized I had slept away the precious hours I was supposed to be studying. I did not understand the material in the first place so the warning of failure, given by the professor, was turning into a reality. There were only a few hours to learn a semester of material.

• There have been times when I did not heed the warnings.
• There have been times when I have been warned but stayed on the wrong road.
• There have been times when I did not adjust my direction soon enough and I crashed.

JESUS continues HIS parable about the king who gave out responsibility while he was away. This time JESUS spoke of a person who did not believe in the purpose given to him. This person did nothing with the money in which he was entrusted. Instead, he wrapped it in a piece of cloth and blamed the king with a misconceived thought.

• GOD wants me to understand “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• GOD wants me to know “Do not fear humans, but fear the ONE who can send you to hell.”
• GOD wants me to be wise enough to recognize HE is watching me every day.

Free will comes with consequences I do not understand. If I were not free to choose GOD then I would simply be an automaton on a symbolic railroad track to destiny that I could not choose. That does not show love.

GOD decided to create me with a choice. I can choose HIM and HIS ways or I can live a purposeless life, thinking I am in control. This parable represents rewards and consequence. I choose to follow GOD who has all the power I need. HE is my refuge.

• Have you given up on GOD?
• Where will you turn to?
• Will you turn back to GOD and allow HIM to do amazing things through you?

Doing the Best Anyway

Luke 19: ¹¹ While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. ¹² He said: ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. ¹³ So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back.”

¹⁴ ‘But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, “We don’t want this man to be our king.”

¹⁵ ‘He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

¹⁶ ‘The first one came and said, “Sir, your mina has earned ten more.”

¹⁷ ‘“Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.”

¹⁸ ‘The second came and said, “Sir, your mina has earned five more.”

¹⁹ ‘His master answered, “You take charge of five cities.”

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After seeing belligerent outbursts, many people moved away from this particular person. I felt stuck as those who recognized the behavior early, moved on quickly and I felt I had nowhere to go. Each day I had to pray “LORD give me the strength to work for this person.” After a long while, the person called me in their office. “You’ve been promoted, now get outta here” they said gruffly.

• There have been times when I wondered if the person in control was worth serving.
• There have been times when I questioned the person in control versus focusing in on what I was supposed to be doing.
• There have been times when I endured the person in control and it paid off.

JESUS states the behavior of people through a parable regarding the prophecy of the kingdom of GOD. Since they had a misconception of what would take place, JESUS spoke first about how they hated the ruler and how he was made king. Then JESUS spoke about faithful servants who could care less about who their boss or circumstance was, they would do their job well anyway.

• GOD wants me to be faithful as I can to HIM.
• GOD wants me to be strong enough to keep HIS commands even when it is not comfortable for me.
• GOD wants me to be HIS servant even when things are not going my way.

Rewarding the faithful is what GOD does best. But sometimes it seems like the rewards take a long time to arrive at my doorstep. GOD wants me to continue on with the journey in spite of the circumstances. HE guides me in my faith.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like blaming GOD?
• Will you serve GOD anyway through your difficult circumstance?

Change for a Dollar

Luke 19: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ² A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. ³ He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

⁷ All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’

⁸ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’

⁹ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’

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Crying did not help the lost money return. As I sat there disappointed, I realized my day was over before it began. I had lost the money I was supposed to use to keep myself amused the entire day. After the incident, I hated to lose anything. I promised myself I would never be “poor.”

• There were times when I despised being poor.
• There were times when I dreamt of being rich.
• There were times when I dove into the pursuit of wealth at all costs.

Zacchaeus had swindled his way to the top. Not only was he a tax collector, he was the head of those who stole from others. He had a desire to see JESUS and was determined enough to climb a tree to get a better view. JESUS knew who he was and invited HIMSELF over Zacchaeus’s house. Zacchaeus changed and wanted to give than receive.

• GOD wants me to change from being money driven.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as being GOD rather than being led by how much or how little cash I have.
• GOD wants me to think about HIM more than I think about my bank account.

Whether it’s worry or pride, there is a problematic view of money that GOD despises. I’m not saying humans don’t have needs, I am saying that money can drive people to lie, swindle or even preach more about money than they do about JESUS. I, at one time, thought about lying one my resume just to get a better paying job.

GOD wants me to be brave enough to be who HE wants me to be and follow HIM. HE knows my financial status and desires that HE be my provider. GOD has given me an abundance that I can never thank HIM enough. HE gave me HIS SON and I am eternally grateful.

• Are you focused strictly on money?
• How many conversations about money or wealthy people do you have?
• Will you change your desires to follow GOD where HE has you today?

Purposeful Healing

Luke 18: ³⁵ As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. ³⁶ When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. ³⁷ They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’

³⁸ He called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’

³⁹ Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’

⁴⁰ Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, ⁴¹ ‘What do you want me to do for you?’

‘Lord, I want to see,’ he replied.

⁴² Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.’⁴³ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

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“LORD, if YOU would get me out of this mess, then I will serve YOU” was my immature “if-then” statement. My heart was not really on serving GOD, rather I wanted HIM to clear up my mess so I could go back to getting what “I” wanted.

• There were times when I really wanted something, so I prayed.
• There were times when the end of my prayer was to get something.
• There were times when I could care less about GOD until I needed something.

The blind beggar of Jericho cried out to JESUS, seizing his opportunity. No one could stop his pursuit of having JESUS heal him. He knew in his heart that JESUS was the only one who could heal him so he had nothing to lose and disturbed everyone’s day until he got JESUS’s attention.

When JESUS healed the beggar, he used that same loud voice to praise GOD. The beggar had a new purpose in life, to bring many to GOD.

• GOD wants me to want things from HIM so I can serve HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to desire more and more from HIM so HIS purpose will be served.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM loudly when I receive things from HIM.

With nothing to offer GOD, I pray to HIM daily. I mean usually I’m giving HIM my garbage in exchange for a blessing. GOD deserves more from me. HE deserves me shouting with excitement that HE saved me! GOD is Great!

• Are you asking GOD for something?
• Are you bargaining with GOD with no intention of serving HIM?
• Will you stop trying to manipulate GOD and start serving HIM today whether HE answers your prayer or not?
• Will you praise HIM for all the times HE has brought you through the storms of life today?

Just Make it Plain

Luke 18: ³¹ Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. ³² He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; ³³ they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.’

³⁴ The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

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Confused, I went to see a tutor for the Differential Equations class.  I sat there willing to understand, but when the person spoke it was still beyond my grasp at the time.

• There have been many things spoken to me plainly that I did not understand.
• There have been many things said to me that went over my head.
• There have been many lessons taught to me that I could not grasp until I experienced it.

JESUS tried to speak as plainly as HE could when HE spoke to HIS disciples. HE told them HE would be blamed, murdered and would rise from the dead. No one had ever made claims like these, especially rising from the dead. They had seen JESUS in action and HE seemed invincible. How was all this to take place?

• GOD says to me “MY ways are not your ways, MY thought are not your thoughts.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who has great plans for you.”
• GOD says to me “Life will have trouble for you, but no one can pluck you out of MY hand.”

It all makes sense now that JESUS has risen, just as HE said. But now the baffling statement of HIS return still lingers. I, like HIS disciples, just don’t understand exactly what is going to happen. Even though JESUS clearly states “I will return and rule with an iron fist and then destroy this cursed earth to provide a new heaven for MY believers to live eternally” I still don’t know what will happen.

All I can do is believe that someday, I will be with my GOD and HE will wipe away all my tears. HE will judge me for my sins and point to JESUS and ask me “Did you believe that HE took your blame?” and my answer will be “YES, Thank YOU LORD!” HE is my forgiver.

• Are you confused about GOD?
• Do you wrestle with HIS ways?
• Will you continue to seek HIM, asking HIM to provide you with clarity to HIS wonderful plan for you?
• Will you diminish your skepticism and start living your purpose today?

Leaving Home

Luke 18: ²¹ ‘All these I have kept since I was a boy,’ he said.

²² When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’

²³ When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. ²⁴ Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’

²⁶ Those who heard this asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’

²⁷ Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’

²⁸ Peter said to him, ‘We have left all we had to follow you!’

²⁹ ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus said to them, ‘no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God ³⁰ will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’

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Arriving on campus gave me no clues that I would not be returning home. I could now stay out as long as I wanted and do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I was free! The first night I began my party life and became “known” on campus.

• I remember living life with no purpose.
• I recall fulfilling the few lusts that I had.
• I reminisce on my life when I was simply wandering and living only for me.

JESUS saw the rich man’s heart and says to him “sell everything” for HE knew the rich man had a lust for money. Those around HIM heard this and may have known they too had this same lust, only they were poor. “Who then can be saved?” they asked.

• GOD says to me “It is impossible to save yourself, BUT what is impossible with man is possible with GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Leave your life and accept MY life that has purpose.”
• GOD says to me “Do not worry about what you will eat or the clothes you will wear, for I will take care of you.”

After yet another party I still felt empty. I wondered if there was more to life. GOD guided me to be by myself with HIM and I slowly let go of my friends and family to begin following HIM. Later in life GOD gave them back to me with abundance. HE is my purpose.

• What are you holding onto?
• Is money, job, or a relationship holding you back from truly following GOD?
• Will you stop chasing what you think is your purpose and allow GOD to give you purpose in your life today?

Driven Achievement

Luke 18: ¹⁸ A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’

¹⁹ ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good – except God alone. ²⁰ You know the commandments: “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.”’

²¹ ‘All these I have kept since I was a boy,’ he said.

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“How do I become successful?” I asked a mentor, thinking he would impart some great words of wisdom. “Be early to every meeting” were the only words given to me. “What? This is a lesson on punctuality!?” I skeptically tried the suggestion and I found out he was right.

• There were times when I wanted to succeed.
• There were times when I wanted to get ahead.
• There were times when I desired to climb to the top.

JESUS is met by a rich man who may have been driven by achievements. The rich man used flattering words to put people at ease and called JESUS “good.” JESUS quickly sees through the flattery and says “Good is reserved only for GOD.” This confuses the achievement driven person.

• GOD says to me “I AM GOD alone.”
• GOD says to me “Your righteousness is like soiled diapers.”
• GOD says to me “Humble yourself. The first will be last and the last shall be first.”

GOD is a relationship, not an achievement. HE wants me to want to do the things HE says, not muscle through a set of rules that are sometime quite impossible to keep. GOD knows I need HIM and HE has given me grace beyond measure.

HE also knows that if I base our relationship on how “good” I think I am, I will set HIM up for failure. I can never be good enough to demand GOD to bow down to my desires. HE simply wants to know me and have me seek HIM as my GOD. I am glad I do not have to achieve HIM. HE is always with me.

• Do you look at GOD like HE wants you to “achieve” HIM?
• Are you exhausted thinking HE doesn’t love you because of some sin you recently did?
• Can you stop thinking of GOD negatively and simply have a loving relationship with HIM?

Admiration

Luke 18: ¹⁵ People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’

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When I finally found a good leader, I believed almost every word they said. I would schedule as much time as I could just to sit and listen to their words. Whatever they told me, I would do. I trusted that person implicitly.

• Many people have earned my trust.
• Many people have lowered my skepticism.
• Many people have said things that I instantly believe in.

JESUS stopped HIS disciples from forbidding children to approach HIM. I wonder if they thought JESUS was to politically important to deal with childish matters. HE summoned the children over and told the disciples to believe as a child believes.

• GOD wants me to mature to the point where I implicitly believe in HIM.
• GOD wants me to grow to the point where I have instant faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to increase my value of HIS words in my heart versus constantly proving HIM to be wrong by thinking HE is not meeting “my” expectations.

Admiring GOD in all that HE does is a lifelong journey. It means I have to drop my skepticism, doubt and know it all thinking. I should believe in the promises HE says instead of wavering. But sometimes I stammer. I am glad GOD said “MY grace is sufficient” for I truly need HIS grace. I do believe in HIM today, implicitly.

• Are you skeptical of GOD because HE has not answered your prayer at the exact moment and the exact way?
• Are you losing your trust in GOD?
• Can you return to your childlike belief and admire GOD again?

Good At It

Luke 18: ⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰ ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

¹³ ‘But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

¹⁴ ‘I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

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Slapping the winning card onto my forehead in exuberance for all to see was my goal, but alas I did not know how to play the card game. I studied the rules. I played and played until I was good at it, missing many classes along the way. Now, I too could slap the winning card onto my forehead in a shout of victory! I was very good at that game, if I must say.

• There were times when I wanted to feel that I was “good at something.”
• There were times when I wanted to be better at something than other people.
• There were times when I wanted to be superior at something so other people would look at me as if I were special.

JESUS spoke to the crowd about church leaders who thought they were “good at this god thing.” HE spoke about how proud they were to follow the rules and compare themselves to others.

BUT HE also contrasted this example with a person whom everyone hated because of his thieving profession. The tax collector did not see himself as worthy, but asked for mercy from GOD. The tax collector was the one who JESUS said was the humble one.

• GOD wants me to know I can never be “good” enough to meet HIS standards.
• GOD wants me to tell people about my sins rather than trying to put on a front that I am perfect.
• GOD wants me to show people that sinners like me can be saved without having to “pay” or “do” their way into heaven.

The “Good News about CHRIST” is not really good news if every human can’t achieve it. I mean if JESUS’s gift of salvation is based on how good I follow the rules, then I am in trouble. JESUS points out that I need HIM as my savior. I sin daily and walk away from HIM daily, BUT GOD is my forgiver. I will never be “good at” following HIM. That’s why I love GOD.

• Do you think you can reach perfection by dropping off a few sins?
• Do you look down on other people or complain about how they are running their lives?
• Will you stop comparing yourself to other people and look at JESUS’s perfection as your salvation?
• Will you ask for HIS mercy on your mountain of sins today?

Prayers Are Heard

Luke 18: Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ² He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.”

⁴ ‘For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, “Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!”’

⁶ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’

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After months of trying, I finally gave up the search. I was destined to be stuck in the town I despised. “I guess I’d better start liking this town” I said to myself. I stopped applying for jobs, but my prayer life, while new, was still going. My prayer changed from “Get me out of this town” to “If it is YOUR will, then guide me.” Months later I moved.

• There have been many times when I felt like giving up.
• There have been many times when I had no resolution to my situation.
• There have been many times when I thought my world was collapsing while everyone else was doing well.

JESUS told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. HE explained how a persistent widow kept going to a godless person and got what she wanted. How much then would GOD, who cares for you, give you what you want?

• GOD says to me “Keep praying, for I hear you.”
• GOD says to me “Keep asking, and I will come into your heart.”
• GOD says to me “Keep trying, for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and give you hope.”

“Are we there yet” was my childish question on, what I thought was, a long drive. But as I matured and had to drive myself, the drive seemed shorter than I thought. The same goes with spiritual maturity. “Is my prayer answered yet?” is my immature question. BUT GOD knows the areas of my life that I need to grow.

HE wants me to have the faith that sustains all extended problems of life. HE wants me to have persistence in my prayer. When JESUS returns, I would like HIM to find me with faith rather than with blame. I will continue to pray and believe.

• Do you feel like giving up?
• Has life gotten very difficult?
• Will you stop, take a deep breath and continue to pray and believe in GOD to deliver you in HIS time and in HIS way?

Rescued

Luke 17: ³⁰ ‘It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. ³¹ On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. ³² Remember Lot’s wife! ³³ Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. ³⁴ I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.³⁵ Two women will be grinding corn together; one will be taken and the other left.’

³⁷ ‘Where, Lord?’ they asked.

He replied, ‘Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.’

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After the football game I dreaded the thought of navigating my way back home. I had to take extra buses and I just knew they would be crowed and hot. I noticed a few familiar people going towards a car.  “Can I get in?” I asked. “Nah… There’s not enough room” they replied disappointingly. I could clearly see room for me in their car.

• There have been times when I have been left out.
• There have been times when I was not part of the special group.
• There have been times when I wished I could be part of the “in” crowd.

JESUS tells HIS disciples about the harsh reality of what will take place when HE returns to gather HIS people. HE explains that one day, after HIS ascension to heaven, HE will return to collect only those who believe in HIM. Some people in the same household will be gathered with HIM and others will not.

• GOD says to me “Believe that MY SON has provided the only way back to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Focus on MY SON and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “JESUS is the only way, the only truth and the only life.”

JESUS’ bold message may turn people off and HE, unfortunately, knew it. HE knows some people will harden their hearts and call HIM a fairytale. Many will choose to go in their own direction, BUT GOD wants me to be part of HIS “in crowd.” HE wants me to open up my heart and believe that JESUS died specifically for me. I am welcomed into HIS family.

• Are you doubting GOD’s love for you?
• Do you feel left out?
• Can you believe GOD will welcome you into HIS family with open arms, no matter what sin you have committed?

Be Prepared

Luke 17: ²² Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. ²³ And they will say to you, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not go after them or follow them. ²⁴ For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. ²⁵ But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. ²⁶ And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: ²⁷ They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. ²⁸ Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; ²⁹ but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. ³⁰ Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

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Running to the gate in hopes of catching the plane ended up in true disappointment. I could literally see the plane being pushed away from the gate. A sinking feeling came over me. The fact that I missed my flight was not so permanent, but I was supposed to meet one of the higher ups who was trying to land a huge account. I had stayed up late preparing and overslept.

• I have missed buses because I was late.
• I have missed trains because I was late.
• I have missed planes because I was late.

JESUS warns the disciples about human history, except HIS examples were extreme. During the times of Noah, the people had turned from GOD. The people of Sodom did the same. In both accounts, JESUS mentions their destruction. The people stopped being prepared and fell asleep.

• GOD wants me to remain awake towards HIS love each and ever day.
• GOD wants me to look for JESUS’ return every day.
• GOD wants me to be prepared for HIS return by looking for HIS lost people each and every day.

Falling asleep on GOD is easy to do. I mean when things are going well, I have a tendency to pray less and sometimes forget HE is even there. Even when I go through difficult times, I forget that GOD loves me with extreme love. GOD wants me to be prepared for bad times and good. HE wants me to understand that HIS everlasting love never fails.

• Have you fallen asleep on GOD?
• Do you want to force HIM to reveal HIMSELF to you the way “you” want?
• Will you wake up and get prepared by seeking people who need to hear the message of GOD today?

Something Inside

Luke 17: ²⁰ Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; ²¹ nor will they say,  ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

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Wanting to be mad, I grabbed onto every negative thought and held on tight. I was furious and just wanted to stew in my anger.  The more I thought about the situation, the more furious I got. Soon I was enraged. This was the beginning of a very bad day.

• There are many emotions that I run through in a given day.
• There are many feelings I experience at a given time.
• There are many thoughts that run through my head for which I have a choice.

JESUS says something extremely important to the Pharisees, who were looking for a human “king” or “leader” that would allow them to get their way. HE speaks about the very complicated issue of “what sends a person to hell?”

• GOD says to me “I have written MY laws on your heart.”
• GOD says to me “I have made you for MY purpose.”
• GOD says to me “I have placed MY SPIRIT in you and those who believe in MY SON as their savior.”

There is a war inside of me that I cannot see with my physical eyes. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life are forever causing me to think and act different than how GOD wants me to act. BUT GOD took care of all of my sin.

JESUS volunteered to become a human in order to physically be murdered by HIS own creation. By HIS own decree, all sinners would be separated from HIM for eternity. HE had to live a sinless life as a human, facing all temptations mankind could ever face.

JESUS died and rose back to life. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside of me even though my lusts and pride are still there to battle HIM. HE gave me a second chance by placing HIS entire kingdom in me. I can accept HIS kingdom or reject it. I choose to accept it.

• What war are you fighting?
• Do you think you are the ”captain of your ship?”
• Will you stop fighting GOD and allow what  is already inside of you to be focused on growing HIS kingdom today?

Looking for Thanks

Luke 17: ¹¹ Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

¹⁴ When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

¹⁵ One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

¹⁷ Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”¹⁹ Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

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Being angry at “that” person made it difficult to be thankful. I took the things offered to me but felt rage in my heart. I mean it was their fault so I have a right to be angry, right?

• Many times I had anger in my heart.
• Many times I had too many problems on my mind to be thankful.
• Many times I had an expectation that was not met.

JESUS cleansed ten lepers but only one returned to say “Thank YOU.” It was possible that the other nine were cast out of the church, according to the law,  and accepted mingling with the “foreigner” Samaritan. When JESUS sent them back to the church to be restored, they did not thank HIM.

• GOD wants me to be thankful for every little thing people do for me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for all that I have, even through difficult times.
• GOD wants me to be thankful because hatred and bitterness can fill my heart and blind me to HIS wonderful plan.

“Thank YOU” is what GOD is looking for, but in many instances I give HIM complaints about not having enough. While HE can handle my complaints and requests for more stuff, HE does want me to say “Thank YOU” every now and then. A heartfelt thanks is in order for GOD from me today. “THANK YOU LORD!”

• Are you busy complaining to GOD about the latest problem?
• Can you recall the last time you really said “Thank YOU” to GOD?
• Will you take a moment today and praise GOD by saying “Thank YOU?”

No Pat on the Back

Luke 17: ⁵ And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

⁶ So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. ⁷ And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? ⁸ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”

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Looking at the article that went around about someone, who gave a lot of money to a church, sparked an idea. I would do the same. When I gave the same sum I placed my hand to my ear but heard no accolades. “What about the service I did on this particular day?” I said to the LORD. I mean, shouldn’t I be better off for doing stuff for GOD?

• There were times when I thought doing stuff for GOD was a measure of my faith.
• There were times when I thought I could “move up” in the corporation of GOD.
• There were times when I thought I could get “closer” to GOD by working really hard at it.

JESUS explains what it means to have faith. True faith can not only do the impossible with full belief, but it also means following GOD without needing to see what or how HE is doing things.

• GOD wants me to serve HIM with the attitude of “I am only doing what HE made me for.”
• GOD wants me to live my life with HIS purpose rather than expecting my service to promote me in HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to not think I can manipulate HIM into giving me more by being ”good.”

Faith is also knowing that GOD expects me to serve others just as HE, the Most High, serves me. When I doubt HIS love, I am not showing the faith HE deserves. HE simply wants me to believe in HIS plan, and tell people about HIS SON every moment I can. GOD increases my faith by giving me opportunities to explain HIS love daily.

• Do you want more faith?
• Do you think you deserve more from GOD?
• Will you seek the lost for GOD without expecting anything from HIM right now?
• When GOD does give you what you ask HIM for, will you believe it only came because of HIS love and not what you did?

The Cause or The Cure

Luke 17: Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! ² It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. ³ Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. ⁴ And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

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Bored and lonely, I decided to throw a party. I discussed this with my roommate and our plan was put into action. “Hmm, what do I need to make this successful?” I said to myself. “I know! Great music, booze and girls who would get drunk to… you know!” This was a good plan.

• There were times when I was the cause of the problem.
• There were times when I sought out to bring other people into my failure.
• There were times when I wanted to be viewed as the king of “my” kingdom.

JESUS warns HIS disciples about sin. “Don’t purposefully cause people to sin” was the first warning and the second was “Forgive people a lot more than you think you should.” HE understands that the pride if Satan caused mankind to fall. BUT GOD also knows the fall can be temporary.

• JESUS wants me to believe in HIS sinless life so I don’t have to be perfect.
• JESUS wants me to understand that at some point in my life, I should try to reduce my sins.
• JESUS wants me to forgive people because I too am a sinner who needs to be forgiven.

Forgiving people who are the cause of sin is probably harder than staying away from being the cause, for me. “Remember that time way back about twenty years ago” are the words that pop up in my mind that makes it hard to forgive “that” person. BUT GOD wants me to forgive even though I may never forget. I have caused many to sin, I am glad GOD has forgiven me and them.

• Are you causing other people to sin by your poisonous or lustful or complaint–filled words?
• Do you take sin lightly?
• Will you allow GOD to help reduce your sin a little each day by adding grace to your heart so HE can grow you for HIS purpose?

Needing Proof

Luke 16: ²⁴ “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ ²⁵ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

²⁷ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, ²⁸ for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ ²⁹ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ ³⁰ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ ³¹ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”

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Feeling a bit unassured, I asked around to see if one of the higher ups was telling the truth about promoting me. When word got back to the person about my inquiries, they said, “I’m sorry, you may not be a fit for this opportunity.”

• There were times when I did not trust what was told to me.
• There were times when I did not completely believe in what was handed to me.
• There were times when I was taught something, yet doubted what I was taught.

JESUS completes HIS recollection of the situation by telling the nameless rich man’s desire. The rich man begged for more comfort in eternity, remembering how comfortable he was on earth. Abraham, who showed his faith on earth, said “No, it’s too late.” Bargaining, the rich man begged specifically to send someone who would rise from the dead. “People won’t believe”, Abraham said.

• GOD wants me to believe in what the prophets wrote.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS plan of salvation for HIS creation.
• GOD wants me to believe in things that are far out of my reach, yet easy for HIM.

Creation, life after death, Heaven and hell, demons and angels, and miracles are things GOD tells me to believe in, yet there were many times when I doubted. I went for the next best thing which was proof. I needed proof that everything happened as it was told. So I dug into research and could only come to one conclusion, GOD IS. I now fully believe and beg HIS forgiveness for needing proof.

• Do you doubt GOD’s love for you?
• Are you blaming HIM for your life or are you grabbing onto HIS love for you?
• Can you accept JESUS as your savior today without requiring more proof?
• If you need love, will you seek what HE says about HIS love for you today?