The Messiah

I find it interesting that the religious leaders of that time were certain that John the Baptist was sent from God. Yet, they refused to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. 

Why is this interesting to me?

Because John told them he was not the Messiah, then he told them who was. And they refused to believe him. 

This is still happening today. People refuse to believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Anyone who does not believe is in for an eternity of separation from the Father. 

Seek Christ now. He wants a relationship with you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 1:22-23

22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

Today’s Readings:

John 1:1-28; Proverbs 14:13-14

The Scriptures

Do you want to walk right with God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit? Read your Bible. But don’t simply read it out of obligation. Seek to understand better this man Jesus Christ who gave His life so you could have a right relationship with the Father. 

Here are some things to ponder. In this section of Luke, Jesus talks about the prophecy of Himself starting with Moses and working through all that was written about Him. The people of His day had access to the scriptures. We also see Paul sharing with people in this same manner. Additionally, before Stephen was stoned to death he also shared with the people the prophecies of Christ. 

If you want to walk right with Christ, you must get to know Him by reading your Bible daily. Every book of the Bible, including Esther, points to Jesus Christ. By reading it, you grow in knowledge and faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 24:25-27

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 24:13-53; Proverbs 14:11-12

*Bonus Question: Why did I say, “including Esther?”

Too Little Too Late

As I read this passage, the saying, “Too little too late” came to mind. The good news is, that saying does not work here. Yes, the people realized after the fact what they had done. But they were not too late. 

It is likely that many of those same people who mocked Jesus, then felt remorse were among the thousands who became believers on the day of Pentecost. Thus making it not too late for them to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. 

That’s a lesson we can learn. It’s never too late on this side of the grave to accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. 

Have you repented? If so, it will be evident in the life of obedience you are living. But do not wait. No day or moment is promised. There is not an option to choose Christ after your life has reached expiration. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 23:47-49

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee,stood at a distance, watching these things.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 23:44-24:12; Proverbs 14:9-10

“Crucify Him”

Earlier in the week, the people were shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” And at the end of the week, many of those same people were shouting, “Crucify Him.”

How did that happen? What could turn their hearts and minds so quickly?

Unfortunately, there are many things that can lead to such a change of heart, but they all begin with listening to the wrong voice. Someone put the thought in the minds of the people. They did not come to that decision on their own. 

This leads us to the question, who are you allowing to influence your decisions. Your inner circle is crucial to your thought life. 

Read Psalm 1 to learn how to walk well with the Lord. Central in that Psalm is the company you keep. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 23:20-21

20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 23:13-43; Proverbs 14:7-8

Mock Now Gnash Later

As I read this passage, I was reminded of the way people today disregard Jesus. They are convinced that He is a fictional character in a book full of fairy tails. That mindset will be their tragedy. 

Jesus is real. His place in history is secure. No reputable historian disputes that Jesus lived. So the question becomes, is He the Son of God, the Messiah prophesied about in the Old Testament. 

The religious leaders in Jesus day were convinced that He was not the Messiah. Many people today have the mind of the Pharisees. Unfortunately, like the Pharisees, these people are wrong. They have staked their eternity on a lie. 

Consider this, if Christians are wrong about eternal life, nothing happens. They die and that’s it. However, if non-believers are wrong…

Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 22:63-65

63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?”65 And they said many other insulting things to him.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 22:54-23:12; Proverbs 14:5-6

No Lack With Jesus

This passage is a call to action for Christians. When He sent out the disciples and the 72, He sent them without purse, bag, sandals, or any normal necessity. He knew that they would be cared for wherever they went. 

He asks them did they lack anything. They responded that they lacked nothing. 

Look around our world, do people lack anything? If you’re being honest, you know the answer is yes. What are we doing about it? Make it personal. Ask the question, “what am I doing about it.”

If you have plenty, that’s not all for your pleasure. Some of that is for the needy. The needy may not walk up and knock on your door. You are going to have to make a conscience effort to seek the needy then help them. 

This is what our ministry is doing. If you want to help the needy, but don’t know where to go, join us. We know where to go. We would love for you to be a part of what God is guiding us to do. 

Reach out in a private message. Let’s GO! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 22:35

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 22:35-53; Proverbs 14:3-4

The Father Knows

Jesus’ words to Peter in this passage seem to come out of nowhere. But because God is all knowing He warned Peter, through Jesus, of Peter’s pending denial of knowing Jesus. 

Although Peter was “certain” he was ready to be imprisoned or die for Jesus, we will learn in the coming days that Peter did deny knowing Jesus three times, as predicted by Jesus. 

Have you ever let Jesus down by doing what you know He told you not to do? Or, like Peter, have you promised Jesus that you were going to be faithful to Him in a difficult time, only to bail out at the moment of truth?

If so, there’s good news. You’re in good company. The God of Grace and mercy is prepared to show both to you in your repentance. 

The question is, are you ready to repent? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 22:31-34

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you,Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 22:14-34; Proverbs 14:1-2

The Details

I love this passage because it reminds me that God is detailed. When He tasks His people, He’s detailed. 

Take time to read about Noah and the ark. Or when He told Moses how to build the Ark of the Covenant. Or any other number of things God said to do. When He gives us a task there’s a specificity attached that lets us know it’s from Him. 

In this passage, Jesus describes the man who will meet Peter and John and the room in which they will prepare for the Passover meal. 

God is detailed so we won’t make mistakes. He doesn’t give options when options will lead you astray. 

When God tasks you, confirm it’s Him by asking for the details. He will give you what you need. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 22:7-13

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 21:29-22:13; Proverbs 13:24-25

Your Top Five Friends

“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” That’s what came to mind when I read this proverb. It’s wrong to think our friends do not have great influence on our lives. Many of our mannerisms, thoughts, and decisions are shaped by the people we surround ourselves with. 

As a teacher, I experience this quite a bit. My students imitate the things I say. It seems like no big deal, but the truth is, God has placed me in this role as a teacher to show students, parents, my peers, and others an example of how to seek to live for Christ. 

I have made more than my share of mistakes. But God is faithful. He teaches me where I went wrong, then guides me in His ways. 

When you’re selecting your top five friends, make sure God is the guide for all of them. He will ensure your paths are straight. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 13:20

20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 21:1-28; Proverbs 13:20-23

Considered Worthy

When I read this passage today my thoughts went to Hebrews 11:38b. Both passages mention “worthy.” The passage in Luke focuses on the after life and the passage in Hebrews focuses on this life. 

Ultimately, there are few who will be considered worthy for a place in the Kingdom. This is not because God does not want them. Peter writes in his second letter (epistle) that God is long suffering not wanting anyone to perish. Those who are ultimately unworthy for a place in God’s kingdom only have themselves to blame. 

This is why we must be discipleship focused. We are the ones God has placed in the lives of the people in our sphere of influence. We are His plan to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations. 

Yes, you will struggle. Yes, you will have weary days. Yes, you will come to a place where you are likely to say, “is it worth this.”

So what!! Jesus paid the price so you could be considered worthy of a place with God for eternity. Your life is His now. Use it for His purpose. Share the gospel every chance you get. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 20:35-36

35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 20:27-47; Proverbs 13:17-19

Arrogance Always Loses

Recently I watched a tennis player fight from a 6-1; 4-1 deficit. In the tennis world, that’s a seemingly insurmountable lead, yet, for this player, it was not. 

How did he comeback? Patient determination. He believed that if he kept playing, kept fighting, and remained focused, he could prevail. And he did. His willingness to remain humble and optimistic enabled him to do what 99% of the people believed could not be done. 

As I view the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law, I see an arrogant group of people who were not willing to humble themselves before the Messiah. They were convinced that they were right and Jesus was wrong. They learned the hard way that arrogance always losses. It may not be right away, but in time, those who are prideful and arrogant will face the music. The writer of James said, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Which one are you? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 20:17-19

17 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

19 The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 20:1-26; Proverbs 13:15-16

God Prepares The Way

This passage is one that we should meditate on. Jesus tells His disciples to say a certain thing if they are questioned. They were questioned. They said that certain thing. They accomplished their task. 

God always prepares the way for us to do what He has told us to do. Paul writes in Philippians that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. The all things he’s talking about are the tasks God has given. 

When we are connected to God through a relationship with Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit there is no thing we will be unable to do if it is a task given by God. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 19:31-34

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.”


Today’s Readings:

Luke 19:28-48; Proverbs 13:12-14

STOP Playing “Church”

This parable and the one similar in Matthew 25:14-30 are reminders that we can’t play with God! If God gives you something to do, not doing it comes with a consequence. 

Somewhere along the way, Christians, especially in the U.S., began to think of God like a grandparent or a genie. They believe they can live how they want and proclaim to be a Christian. They say things like “God knows my heart,” and think they’re in a right relationship with God. 

That’s a huge mistake!

Notice the consequence for those who do not do what the masters asked of them. 

Don’t push past passages like this assuming it does not apply to you. If you’re not in obedience to what God wants, you’re going to be like one of these men. Don’t wait until it’s too late, obey God now. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 19:20-23

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?’”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 19:1-27; Proverbs 13:11

Proximity Is Not Faith

This passage baffles me. The people walking with Jesus had seen Jesus perform miracles many times. Yet, when the blind man is crying out to Jesus, they rebuke him and tell him not to bother Jesus. 

“Not to bother WHO?”

Of course you should “bother” Jesus when you’re in need, and even when you’re not for that matter. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. 

Here’s my question. How could all those people have proximity to Jesus yet have no faith? Instead of rebuking the blind man, they should have been helping the blind man get Jesus’ attention. 

Are you the miracle hindering police? Do you sit in the seat of judgment and “decide” who gets to experience Jesus through you? Be careful. You never want to have proximity with Jesus but have no faith. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 18:35-39

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!”

Today’s Reading:

Luke 18:18-43; Proverbs 13:9-10

Humbled or Exalted

There’s an expression that says, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” This works well with the parable Jesus tells in this passage. 

It’s easy to look at your accolades and accomplishments and think of yourself in a haughty manner. However, in God’s economy, that is a recipe that will get you humbled by God. You do not want that. 

The converse attitude of humility is put on full display by the tax collector in the parable. He did not consider himself worthy to “look up to heaven.” That’s the contrite heart God seeks from us. The Psalmist tells us that God will not despise a contrite heart. 

Therefore, let a humble attitude be the guide to your God ordained altitude. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 18:9-14

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.”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 18:1-17; Proverbs 13:7-8

Remember Lots Wife

There is so much in these three words Jesus spoke while He was teaching about the day of His return. To understand the significance of the statement you must know the story of Lot and what happened to his wife as they were leaving the city of Sodom. The story is found in Genesis 19.

A key to walking well with Christ is focusing on Him. It can be easy to get distracted by many things. We can long to be somewhere other than where we are. We can long to have something more than what we have. We must be careful lest we begin to worship at the alter of lack, longing for what we don’t or can’t have. Adam and Eve spent time at the alter of lack and look what happened. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 17:32

32 Remember Lot’s wife!

Today’s Readings:

Luke 17:11-37; Proverbs 13:5-6

Don’t Judge Me

Far too many times I’ve heard people say, “don’t judge me.” Regardless of what they had done, there stance was, “only God can judge me.” In theory that sounds wonderful. In practice, it’s a request to have a license to sin without consequence. 

Jesus is recorded in Matthew and here in Luke telling us to “call out sin” in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Are you a person who gets upset when a fellow believer points out a shortcoming in your life? How do you reconcile your attitude with Christ’s lesson for us to speak to our issues in love?

Walking in Christ is not always simple. We will be asked to speak the truth in love to our fellow believers and we will be required to receive the simple truth from our fellow believers. 

When someone exposes your sin to encourage repentance, be careful not to get your feelings hurt. They are helping you because God does not play about our sin, He deals with it emphatically. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 17:1-4

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.

“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 16:19-17-10; Proverbs 13:4

*TOUGH MESSAGE ALERT*

Divorce

Saturday, a close friend asked me and our church family about divorce. Yesterday, she and I continued the conversation. I told her it’s not an easy discussion. 

This morning, the last verse in Luke jumped off the page. It appears to answer my friend’s divorce and remarry question. Jesus seems to be clear in His message. 

There is a question we can ask. What prompted Jesus to make this statement in the midst of the two lessons He’s teaching? What is the state of Christians who divorce, then remarry? Does this apply to women? He is clear in saying anyone who divorces his wife.

This is a passage that non-believers like to use to come against the Church. Since the 50% divorce rate exists within the Church as well as outside the Church, their stance is that people in the Church who marry, divorce, then remarry should be put out of the Church. That should never be the case. 

God is a god of grace and mercy. Although divorce should never be the goal, God knows that it happens. His grace covers our sin. 

If you find yourself in this situation, seek God. Jesus said it; we can’t ignore it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 16:18

18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 16:1-18; Proverbs 13:2-3

Missing The Point

There was a social media trend recently in which people would post heartfelt photos of themselves doing something meaningful, then caption it by writing, “I almost forget that this is the whole point.” Reading this chapter of Luke, it’s like Jesus is telling the Pharisees, “You forgot, loving people is the whole point.”

One of the most well known parables is in this chapter of Luke. I have preached multiple sermons on the prodigal son. Jesus’ message in this parable is layered. He teaches so much in that one parable. Unfortunately, the Pharisees who were present, missed the point. 

Do you get it? Do you understand the significance of finding what is lost and rejoicing? 

Seek God today. Be mindful that when we are born, we are lost. The default is hell. You must make an intentional decision to accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin. No one will accidentally “trip and fall” into salvation. 

Love people more than you love your religious traditions. Look for people to serve daily. Reach out to me to learn how you can begin doing prayer walks with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 

On a real tip, if you’re not serving others in some sacrificial capacity, are you really following Christ? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 15:1

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 15; Proverbs 13:1

Give It All Up

The entire passage in the Luke reading today is full of images that point us to giving up our wants so we may follow Jesus well. From not taking the seat of honor to counting the cost of being His disciple, Jesus explains how important it is to give it all up to live right with Him. 

How are you doing with this? Be careful not to compare yourself with others. Giving up more than they are does not equal giving it all up. Jesus is our model, not other people. 

Spend time with the Lord. Ask Him to show you areas of your life that you are withholding from Him. Ask Him to give you the strength, courage, and faith to give it all up and put your trust in Him. He will! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 14:33

33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 14:7-35; Proverbs 12:27-28