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Luke: Hard Lessons to Consider

Read: Luke 12:49-13:9

Spanning the artificial chapter boundaries, this morning we consider three hard lessons. Jesus loves people, no doubt, but He is not about to hold back when teaching subjects that are challenging. One of the key lessons I take here is this: grow up, learn to read yourself, you have enough information to make a decision so decide. Even though we waver, Christ will be patient, but not forever.

Division Instead of Peace

Jesus is fully aware that His presence will force people to make a choice that will divide families. This is clearly seen in predominantly Muslim countries where those who become Christ followers are severely rejected by their Muslim families. The warning then is true today:

Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Luke 12:51

The sad reality is that we’ve watered down what it means to be a Christian in this country that the decision to follow Christ is shrugged off, no big deal. Statistics show us that Christians look like non-Christians across many categories.

Our home group studied unChristian a few years ago. While the content is a decade old, I doubt much has significantly changed. Consider this excerpt:

…most of the lifestyle activities of born-again Christians were statistically equivalent to those of non–born-agains. When asked to identify their activities over the last thirty days, born-again believers were just as likely to bet or gamble, to visit a pornographic website, to take something that did not belong to them, to consult a medium or psychic, to physically fight or abuse someone, to have consumed enough alcohol to be considered legally drunk, to have used an illegal, nonprescription drug, to have said something to someone that was not true, to have gotten back at someone for something he or she did, and to have said mean things behind another person’s back. No difference.*

I bolded “No difference” above to make the point that this should not be the case. We should look vastly different. Agree?

Interpreting the Times

How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? Luke 12:56-57

In the midst of the Information Age, we have a preponderance of evidence to support the call to Christ. How is it this can be missed? We will be held accountable. Our salvation secured is not a badge of honor. If we value salvation, we simply must be better witnesses to the lost. It’s not a popular position, not politically correct, but we must fit in and stand out at the same time. Trust that the Spirit will make this possible. Ask for vision. Have faith when challenged.

Repent or Perish

It’s interesting to hear Jesus speak about current events during His time on Earth. Here the people refer to bloodshed by Pilate and Jesus adds a reference to 18 who died in a disaster in Siloam. Both tragic events are used as examples of why we should decide now, not wait. Twice in the same short story Jesus exhorts:

But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Luke 13:3,5

Our loving Savior, the Great and Mighty is ever patient and kind. I’m grateful to know He gives us second and third chances:

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” Luke 3:8-9

Lord, help us to remember that the sand does eventually slip through the hourglass, that there is a point when our chances run out. May we be the voice in this present age, in this hour of darkness, that speaks to those who would otherwise perish. To God be the Glory. Amen.

 

*Kinnaman, David. unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity…and Why It Matters (p. 47). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. See the article “American Lifestyles Mix Compassion and Self-Oriented Behavior” (February 5, 2007) at www.barna.org.

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Luke: Consistent, Faithful Service

Read: Luke 12:35-48

A beatitude, a warning, and a parable. Three sections carefully designed to emphasize the call to consistent, faithful service. Beware! The narrative comes with warnings of judgment and dire consequences for disobedience. The warning is clear and the parable is often used to convict those in vocational service within the church, but don’t miss the incredible reward that Jesus provides to in the beatitude.

Beatitude: Luke 12:35-38

Once again, Jesus uses the imagery of a wedding banquet which lasted some five to seven days. In other words, you don’t know when the master is going to return. For those who are prepared in spite of the extended absence, Jesus tells of a wonderful reward:

Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. Luke 12:37

What a joy it is for the Lord of lords to find us so prepared when He returns that He serves us! This is crazy talk, right? The blessing here, the beatitude, is simply this: Blessed is the one who is always prepared to greet the Lord.

Warning: Luke 12:39-40

The story prompts us to be prepared, so Jesus wants to ensure we’re clear that this is more than just a good thing, this is a requirement that comes with a warning.

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:40

Peter asks for clarification in verse 41. It’s humorous how Jesus answers his rather innocent, Peter-esque question — well, He doesn’t. Instead, Jesus tells a story. The NIV Application Commentary explains: “his main principle is the kind of service we give, not sorting out who is responsible to give it…all have a call to serve others in the body…to be a member of his community is to have responsibility in it; this is especially true of the leadership.”*

Parable of Accountability: Luke 12:42-48

Whether you read this as pointing directly to the church, your workplace, or your home, the lesson is all about personal accountability. For those who abuse their position of authority, who see an opportunity to exploit others while the master is away for an extended time, the punishment is extreme:

He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. Luke 12:46

Those who know better will be severely disciplined. Such hyperbole is meant to get our attention. Please notice that it is the master that judges, not the people who were mistreated. This is an important distinction to me.

The section ends with a verse that my parents poured into me in, not only in words, it’s how they lived their lives:

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

The way mom and dad put it:

To whom much is given, much is required.Mom and Dad

Why are we given gifts, both spiritual and physical? Why would the Lord shower us with blessings, both talents and abilities? I’m sure He wants to demonstrate His unfailing love, no doubt, but I’m also sure that He wants us to show the same love to our neighbors, to the least, the lost, and the lonely. Most of the time this probably looks like consistent, faithful service–nothing special.

I hope we are consistently prepared for the Lord’s return. I pray that we will lean on each other when we are not, that we would spur each other on with the best of intentions. Above all, that we would do these things in love for the world to see how beautiful You are and join in the banquet with us.

*Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 51211-51213). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Taking A Break

One of the hazards of any profession is the inability to take significant breaks. This is especially true in ministry. Many churches offer an extended sabbatical for staff after serving seven years–an absolutely wonderful concept! This notion comes from the Old Testament concept of a sabbatical year, but that’s a whole different story for another day. In my particular case, I’m not currently on staff for any one church. Instead, I served several organizations over that past seven years in support of ministry across different domains, and I’m tired.

Based on introspective self-analysis, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m on the verge of ministry burnout. In an effort to avoid tainting the local fellowship of believers, I’ve imposed a break for myself for the month of March. I actually wanted to do this in February, but there were too many events going on and too many gears already in motion to make that happen.

I get tired of hearing what should be done, reading posters and signs that affirm appropriate action, but witnessing the sainthood of believers arrive on Sunday morning as consumers of whatever message they are fed.

Everyone is a minister.

Everyone has a calling.

Everyone is a disciple.

Everyone should be making disciples.

A Christ follower is eligible to baptize a new believer and share communion with a group gathered to celebrate the gospel in a coffee shop or, heaven forbid, a local bar.

Few have a calling to vocational ministry, but some do. If that’s you, do it with everything you’ve got, but understand that those we serve have a better opportunity to reach the lost — it’s our job to train and equip the saints, not merely preach rhetoric!

Let’s join together and change the slogan, This Sunday could be That Sunday for someone to, This Day could be That Day. God made seven days in a week. Each day is an opportunity to be the day for those who are far from Christ.

Here’s the thing: I’m not advocating the destruction of any local church organization. More than anything, I want the local church to be healthy, to be effective, to be the voice of God to a dying world. I’m just becoming more and more convinced that the come-and-see model will not work by itself. We need to be more about go-and-do and have faith that God will fill the pews with those that want to learn more about why we do what we do. And by go-and-do, I mean everyone–staff and non-staff. Lead by example. Please.

If you’ve been inflicted with my rants in the past, you’ve no doubt heard me say that Sunday morning should be a fantastic celebration, a highlight of the week for the warriors out doing battle for Christ. It should be a place where outsiders want to know what the heck is going on in that building. The love of Christ should be so prevalent that people of all ages and origins would be kicking the doors down to get in on the action.

I want Sunday to be that day.

I want to leave the celebration gathering feeling pumped up and preached up so I can tackle my little piece of this dying world with an enthusiasm that’s contagious. I want to be encouraged and challenged. I want to turn to the guy who’s never darkened the steps of a church and tell him this is why we get together on Sunday!

I’m taking a break to understand how to become salt and light again. Recently I posted a reference to John’s revelation and compared John 3:16 to Revelation 3:16. I’m no longer satisfied with being luke warm.

I’m taking a break to figure out how to be a true disciple, to sit and listen, to hear His voice.

I’m taking a break, praying for peace and understanding, for a new song that rises from deep within.

I’m taking a break. Please pray for me as I’m praying for you.

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Luke: Do Not Worry

Read: Luke 12:22-34

The narrative today begins with the words “then” and “therefore” as a reminder that it’s important to remember this is a continuing story related to the previous lesson on greed. The next section of this chapter continues the lesson, but it seems prudent to post in smaller bites as long as we keep the bigger picture in mind. I hope you agree.

Do not worry. Do not be afraid. Have faith.

End of lesson, yes? Not quite. As I read the words of Jesus, I realize I have those phrases out of order, in fact, backwards. It should be:

Have faith. Do not be afraid. Do not worry.

The emphasis is on faith. Jesus, the masterful teacher, provides tangible examples to draw us into the story to help us learn this truth. Consider the ravens, birds of the air; look at the wild flowers, here one day and gone the next. All concrete thoughts that transcend time. We can nod our heads in agreement with our brothers and sisters from 2,000+ years ago. The NLV picked up on the footnote in the NIV translation:

Which of you can make yourself a little taller by worrying? Luke 12:25

I can’t make myself taller by worrying, nor can I add a single hour to my life. This isn’t a license to do nothing. It’s a strong reminder to stop focusing on myself, to stop being so self-centered.

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:29-31

This morning, in particular, I found the phrase, “for the pagan world” was most interesting. Jesus, God incarnate, sees the world with eyes that are far different than our own. He created the birds and the fields, the wonders of the heavens and the depths of the oceans. All nature obeys His voice. (The song, So Will I is now playing in my head.) Then we consider humankind. There are those who choose to love the Lord and there are pagans who refuse. We have a choice to make. We can join the pagans and chase after the things of this world, to set our hearts on transient, earthly goals, or we can seek the kingdom of God first and have faith that God will provide.

I’ve experienced this blessing over and over again. From outrageous tax refunds to checks showing up from places I never expected. Somehow, for some strange reason, God continues to fill whatever needs I have for daily bread, clothing, and shelter.

While I’m reminded of these blessings, I’m also challenged to do something as a result.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

“Little flock.” Now I’ve been put in my place! Please hear this human, the Father has given you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, that which will not wear out, will not wither, will not die.

Do not worry.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

Remember that verse. It’s easy: Luke 1-2-3-4. 🙂

Lord, increase my faith this morning, this day, this month, this year. Right now and from now on, I trust that you will provide. Teach me to give away all I can and have faith that you are there to take care of my simple earthly needs.

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Luke: Rich and Foolish

Read: Luke 12:13-21

The parable of the rich fool was setup by someone in the crowd that wanted Jesus to get in the middle of a sibling battle over inheritance. It’s interesting that Luke captured the moment that prompted the parable. Here we have Jesus preaching and teaching on matters of eternal importance and someone in the crowd sees an opportunity to get their portion of earthly inheritance. Wow!

How many times have I had a chance to learn, to grow, the mature, and yet my mind was focused completely in the wrong direction?

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15

The silver lining in being a family that moved a lot was the release of possessions as we packed up and moved frequently. Hoarding stuff is just not in my DNA, but I still have to clean house from time to time. This prompt, the precursor to the parable, reminds me of an important truth: life is not about stuff you collect; it’s about a legacy you leave.

To hammer home the lesson, Jesus paints a picture story for the crowd of a rich man with an exceptionally good season. The money just flows in.

Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ Luke 12:19

We like to immediately judge the guy above because we know that Jesus is setting up the story for a reason, but humor me for a minute. Who doesn’t want to hit the pause button? What if you won the lottery? Pick some huge amount of money. What would you do? Would you take it easy and have the time of your life? I’m sure I would for at least a month or two (or three).

The NIV translation provides an important element – it’s the ground that yielded an abundant harvest. Sure, he worked the ground, planted at the right time, weeded, nurtured, etc., but the abundance was the result of good soil, of an earthly origin. His focus was in the wrong direction.

The man in the story gets excited, tears down the small storage units, and builds a huge system that will let him live out the rest of his days in luxury. No longer concerned with the world or anyone else, let the party begin!

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21

Pay special attention to the bookends on the quote above: “But God said…toward God” There is no doubt where our focus needs to be, and it has little to do with us or anything on Earth.

I do pray for abundance, for seasons of incredible yield, but not for jet-setting and wild living. My prayer is to be generous with that which is given at all times, whether a lot or a little. All this stuff is just temporary. Lord, help me to be a good steward of all the amazing things You continue to give me.

Lord, keep us far from greed, from storing up earthly possessions when the richness of heaven is at our fingertips. Help us to be rich toward You!

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Luke: What Defines You?

Read: Luke 12:1-12

Thousands of people began to gather as Jesus’ preaching continues to attract the masses. His first concern for His disciples is to warn them about the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, hypocrisy–all will be revealed. But this seems trivial compared to this statement:

But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:5

Jesus is adamant, God is Holy and just. He is the ultimate authority. This is not so popular in today’s society, but it’s just as true today as it was when He was speaking to the crowds.

This is great news for followers of Jesus and a horrible revelation for those who refuse to listen to this message. To drive the point even further, Jesus teaches that we can talk bad about Him, but shutting down the Holy Spirit has eternal, extreme consequences:

And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Luke 12:10

Those who refuse to accept Christ time after time after time are guilty of this ultimate sin and the just judge will pronounce the sentence when all is revealed.

Tough words on Friday, yes? I’m in no way feeling righteous, not even close! If anything, I’m convicted more today than ever before and I’m praying that I will be stirred to action.

From the NIV Application Commentary this morning, one of the authors recalled his college days in Young Life when they often asked this question:

If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be evidence to convict you?

I wonder what would happen if we put that in the bulletin on Sunday? I’m not trying to encourage a legalistic, checklist-based faith, but would my actions today convince anyone that I’m guilty of being a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ?

If it’s true that nothing will be hidden (Luke 12:3), the preponderance of evidence should easily convince the most unbiased jury that I am guilty! In the trial process, the evidence sought by the accuser would not focus on what I did not do, think, or say, rather, they would focus on things I did. Now I’m feeling a bit concerned, even defensive. Thankfully, Jesus already knows this is going to be our response and gives us this affirmation:

Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

The ultimate defense attorney for those who follow Christ and who come under scrutiny as a result: The Holy Spirit. He will tell us what to say, and when, and how.

Go out and be the testimony of Christ with confidence. You are aligned with the Creator and commissioned to spread the gospel with His backing. May your trial be an open and shut case! And may Jesus be known more as a result.

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Luke: Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders

Read: Luke 11:37-54

Invited to dinner with the Pharisees, Jesus is quick to point out their deficiencies as a group. The way Luke records this is fascinating. He sits down, doesn’t wash ceremoniously to get their attention, then proceeds to tell them they are fools!

Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Luke 11:39-40

Two chapters ago, before the Transfiguration, Jesus was telling His disciples, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law…” (Luke 9:22), the very people who invited Him to dinner — now He’s openly criticizing them!

Before digging into the “woes” that follow, I find it quite interesting that these guys don’t storm out of the room. It seems to me that they’re so confident in their position that they stand their ground to teach Jesus a lesson or two. Their proud posture will ultimately be their downfall. Something I need to be reminded of when I take a stance for or against the church. Jesus is the truth, not Dave, not the scribes, not the Pharisees.

Another general observation is that Jesus makes His position known openly, He doesn’t speak to the Pharisees one way in front of them and another to His disciples. The Pharisees (and others) are often seen whispering among themselves, plotting in secret, and acting deceptively. Jesus has nothing to do with such behavior and calls out these actions frequently. Important lessons to learn when having crucial conversations — integrity is of utmost importance.

We must NOT engage in religious hypocrisy. That sounds intuitively obvious, but when, not if, we only surround ourselves with people that agree with our own perspectives, we risk becoming hypocrites by association. For this reason, among many others, we must get out from behind the walls of the church building and befriend those who are far from Christ where our pious positions are not so revered and honored.

The Woes of Legalism

  • you neglect justice and the love of God
  • you love the most important seats…and respectful greetings in the marketplaces
  • you are like unmarked graves
  • you load people down with burdens
  • you build tombs for the prophets… from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah…this generation will be held responsible for it all
  • you have taken away the key to knowledge

Jesus didn’t just criticize randomly, He provides specific issues for them to consider, perhaps for us to consider. The words here are laced with pride, especially pride in their legalistic system with which few can pass tests and therefore enter the elitist community.

May we surround ourselves with people of integrity that question our motivation and decisions. Keep me far from “yes-men” that make me feel good about myself for the sake of feeling good. At the same time, I’m not suggesting that being obstinate is not a badge of honor. Let’s just simply be people of integrity.

Luke was inspired to provide these specific words for us to consider. Lord, I pray we would not neglect justice for the least of these, that we would love You above all else. I pray we lay down our prideful nature and selfish ambition to make You accessible to all people, especially those who have not properly heard the gospel. Help us to be keys to knowledge, not barriers!

 

Footnote of Interest from the NIVAC:

The Pharisees and scribes were not the majority on the ruling council of Judaism (the Sadducees were), but they did have great influence there. While the Sadducees basically followed the Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy), the Pharisees developed an extensive tradition of oral law, applying it to every area of life; this factor made them the strictest of the Jewish religious sects. Though small in number (estimated to be over 6,000 at this time), as a lay movement they represented one of the more powerful influences on Judaism. 2 The scribes were scholars who tried to determine what following the law meant. They were respected by most Jews.

Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 50699-50704). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Choices

Read: Luke 11:24-36

This section in Luke digs into some details that are challenging to discuss with those raised in a Christ-centered home; imagine what it’s like to talk to a non-believer about these things! An impure spirit is released and the house left empty, Jesus’ mother is honored, demands for a sign, and the parable of lamp of the body all require we make the right decision. Faith is challenged and stretched when we slow down and consider the passage this morning.

Perhaps this should be four separate posts, but then again, maybe Luke wanted to paint a broad stroke across the canvas with the word: Choices.

Empty House

The last time I cast out an impure spirit from someone, I made sure to remind them… Oh, wait. Start over with the thing about casting out impure spirits. I’d be happy to have that ability, then it seems easy to appreciate the need to fill the void.

And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. Luke 11:26

Jesus tells the story, but does not provide an answer, He simply casts a thought for our consideration. We’ve read several instances where demons are cast out (by Jesus and His disciples). The imagery here is of a clean house, a blank canvas, a glass in tact but empty. We have our first choice: fill the glass with the Spirit.

On a practical level, let’s say the impure spirit is television. Years ago we decided to save time and money by cutting out cable TV. The decision was easy, but what do we do with the time gained? Do we play games together, interact with each other or hide in our personal bubbles, lost in a game or book? It’s a choice.

If it’s an addiction, what do we do to replace the void? Whether drugs or some other vice, filling the void is as important, if not more important, than casting out that which causes us grief.

Privilege by Birthright

Talking about casting out impure spirits has the crowd confused so someone shouts:

Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you. Luke 11:27

Ahem, change the subject, turn the page, change the channel, let’s talk about something else, right?

Jesus is not showing any disrespect of Mary here, but He is reminding us that the subject at hand is serious, requires our response, and is not limited to those born of royalty. The gates of heaven are open to all. Choose well.

We Need a Sign

YouTube would explode if Jesus had chosen 2018 to appear. We would watch miracle after miracle on endless loop. Highlight reels would proliferate the internet to show us the Son of God in action. Witnessing to people would be a simple matter of providing a link. No more tract-and-dash, just click-and-see!

Instead, we are required to build messy relationships, have faith, to choose to believe without seeing, to listen to those who have gone before and make a wise choice.

Light Within

“So let your light shine,” a phrase I remember from songs of my youth (now that was a long time ago!). Don’t hide your light, shine it for all the world to see. Absolutely important. Here’s the verse that jumped out at me this morning:

See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Luke 11:35

Think about that for a while. How can the light within you be darkness? I had to thumb through different translations to get to one that helped unpack this one. Try this:

Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. Luke 11:35

It’s all about choices.

Fill us with Your Spirit Jesus, help us make the best choices today, not just a good decision, but the best choice.

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Luke: A House Divided Cannot Stand

Read: Luke 11:14-23

We’re getting deeper and deeper into challenging concepts from Jesus that confused the original Jewish leadership while making modern theologians search for answers. In this case, Jesus is casting out a demon and fields objections by those in the crowd:

But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” Luke 11:15

The first argument provided by Jesus is straight-forward: why would Satan go about driving out his own demons? The logic is impossible to refute. I suspect there were lots of heads nodding in agreement as the “aha” moment sinks in.

But Jesus isn’t done yet. Since He has their attention He continues to explain that while it’s obviously not Satan, or Beelzebul, it must be from somewhere else. Here is both a challenge along with an answer. Verse 19 asks a penetrating question: “Whom do your followers drive out demons?” The direct implication puts them on the spot. Do they try to drive out demons? Crickets.

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Luke 11:20

The phrase, “kingdom of God has come upon you” is critical. The way I read this Jesus is telling the people gathered at that time this significant truth, which of course applies today just as well: here, right in front of your eyes, you are seeing God’s work.

You’ve seen it, now you must make a decision. Jesus makes it clear:

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Luke 11:23

Either in or out, there is no in between.

We are constantly confronted with the notion that there are lots of ways to God; many religions, but all the same God. Many have adopted this perspective, but Jesus is clear, there is only one way to the Father. It’s not about being a snob, it’s simply about understanding the truth.

Lord, we are with you! Help us to see how to gather with you today!

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Luke: Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

Read: Luke 11:1-13

The Twelve disciples have watched Jesus pray on many occasions. Finally, they stop and ask Him to teach them just as John taught his disciples. What a lesson on discipleship!

I love the fact that Luke captures the expanded lesson in the text here. It’s not so much a step-by-step guide as Matthew provided. Here are some words to follow along with a parable that explains why and how to pray. It seems simple, but the reminder is significant.

Begin with remembering what most Christians take for granted: we have a Father that is to be revered and worshipped. He alone is worthy of praise. Pray for daily bread, for forgiveness of sins, the great need to forgive others, and for wisdom to keep us from temptation. Pray and believe.

Shameless Audacity

I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. Luke 11:8

Would someone describe you as one with shameless audacity? In a recent conversation with a close friend, I had to confess feelings of complacency, I was neither happy or upset about a particular subject. This is a scary place to be as one who is a fully devoted follower of Christ. The great tempter smiles at complacency and cowers at the mention of audacity.

Do you have a friend who is shameless? Whose audacity drives you nuts? If so, I would say you have a true friend. Sure, there are times to sit around the camp fire and sing kumbaya, but I’m one who needs to be stirred to action much of the time. We all know John 3:16, but do you know Revelation 3:16? Same author, very different idea.

Audacious Love of Christ

We are beyond blessed to know that we live with the Holy Spirit inside of us, that our presence here on earth counts for something, in spite of our shortcomings.

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13

Oh, the reckless love of Christ! How beautifully wonderful it is to read these words. How important and significant it is to share this with all we meet, wherever we are, whatever we are doing.

Lord, thank you for teaching us to pray and for these incredible reminders. Don’t let us be lukewarm. Turn up the heat!

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