John 12:9 A large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was in Bethany. They didn't come only to see Jesus. They came to see Lazarus. Was Lazarus really raised from the dead? The chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death because on account of him, many of the Jews were going away and believing.
I have wrestled with what is success in the eyes of the Christian world? Is it about advancing the Gospel? What stirs deeply in my heart? Is it about getting killed for the sake of the Gospel? Unbelievable! God gives Lazarus life and the priests want to take his life away. So what does success look like in my life and yours? Is it about being held in high esteem? What do you say to yourself when there is a price put on your head? You would think that Lazarus would be honored and esteemed for his faith and courage. No, Lazarus became a target. Not quite the response they were expecting.
Monday, May 30, 2011
John 11:44 "And Death Obeyed" (May 30)
John 11:44 - Jesus didn't roll away the stone---he asked for a man to do it and participate in what he was about to do. Lazarus, who had died 4 days ago, came out. His hands and feet were bound with linen strips. His face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Again, he asks for man's help in this miracle. Am I willing to move into people's lives to unbind those things that we cannot do for ourselves?
The Jews followed the customs of the Egyptians wrapping their dead up in folds and folds of linen cloth. The arms and hands were bound close to the sides of the body; and the entire body was wound from head to foot, then the ends of the cloth were sewn shut. Only a napkin would be secured to the face making it possible for Lazarus to see. However, it was literally impossible for any man to break out of the linen shroud, much less if he was a man who was sick unto death. Man would have to help Lazarus.
With a Loud Voice, Jesus called Lazarus to come out of the grave. And death obeyed. One day, with a Loud Voice, we all will be called out of our graves. God will "speak again with the voice of an archangel to all who are in their graves, and they shall come forth and live (1Th 4:16)." Until that day, may we further the Gospel and loose those things that are impossible for our famiy and friends to find freedom.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
John 11:4 "The Master Is Calling For You" (May 29)
John 11:4 Jesus sees the whole picture. The illness of Lazarus of Bethany was not fatal. But, Lazarus was allowed to suffer a death, only to be raised again. We put parameters on what we believe is a good outcome. Not so with God.
I love how the sisters had to remind Jesus that Lazarus was the one whom Jesus loved! And it is recorded forever that Jesus loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus! And when He heard Lazarus was ill and needed Him, He did NOT come right away---He stayed two days longer than He had expected to stay right where He was.
Actually, Lazarus had been in the grave for four days when Jesus arrived. For four days, He let Mary and Martha suffer the death of their brother. Life isn't what we make it to be sometimes, is it?
Jesus came...The Master is calling for you. Do you know in your heart this day, this circumstance that your Master is calling for you!
I love how the sisters had to remind Jesus that Lazarus was the one whom Jesus loved! And it is recorded forever that Jesus loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus! And when He heard Lazarus was ill and needed Him, He did NOT come right away---He stayed two days longer than He had expected to stay right where He was.
Actually, Lazarus had been in the grave for four days when Jesus arrived. For four days, He let Mary and Martha suffer the death of their brother. Life isn't what we make it to be sometimes, is it?
Jesus came...The Master is calling for you. Do you know in your heart this day, this circumstance that your Master is calling for you!
Friday, May 27, 2011
John 10:29 "Unsnatchable" (May 28)
John 10:29 "No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand." It's a verse God gave me years ago when I lived in dreaded fear of being harmed. Safe in His Hand, whatever that means. Not free from harm and hurt, just free to be His. And that will never change!
John 10:9 "I Am the Door" (May 27)
John 10:3 The sheep hear His Voice. He calls His own sheep by name. He leads us out of whatever mess we are in. No matter how we've distanced ourselves from people or from Him.
John 10:9 I am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, He will go in and out and find life.
The Door is always open.
Every day. Every way.
Every circumstance. Every chance.
What do I hear as I enter the Door?
John 10:9 I am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, He will go in and out and find life.
The Door is always open.
Every day. Every way.
Every circumstance. Every chance.
What do I hear as I enter the Door?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
John 9 "God Whispers to Worshipers" (May 26)
John 9:25 I weep as I read this verse: "One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." I may not be wise in some people's eyes but this I know: I was blind and now I see. And I know it! No one can ever take that from me. He opened my eyes just like He did for the blind man. John 9:30 ~ "This is an amazing thing." God whispers to worshipers. Worshipers hear God! ~ John 9:31. I know. I am one! He listens to me~
John 9:32 Have you ever heard in the whole world of anyone opening the eyes of a man born blind? Ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a lonely little girl looking for love and safety and validation? Yes, I have. God has opened the eyes of my heart in ways I could have never ever imagined.
John 9:32 Have you ever heard in the whole world of anyone opening the eyes of a man born blind? Ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a lonely little girl looking for love and safety and validation? Yes, I have. God has opened the eyes of my heart in ways I could have never ever imagined.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
John 9:5 "LIGHT of the World" (May 25)
The final verdict of the Jews was IN. Jesus was OUT. And if you believed in Him, you were in jeopardy in that circle. Parents of a blind boy, given sight by the Light of the World, wouldn't even own up to the fact that it was the power of God. Now, if someone gave sight to your boy who was born blind, wouldn't you be forever grateful and wanting to associate with that person. The parents distanced themselves from Jesus. Do I do that? Do I distance myself from the Light of my World?
Not so for the blind man who felt the power of mud transform into magnificent sight. The seeing man stood before the Pharisees whose voices he had heard all of his life. He saw them for the first time and stood up for the Man Who turned on the lights for him. The blind man turned seeing man could not contain what had happened to his eyes and his heart. He didn't fear man.
The power of Jesus gave sight to those with no light while that Same Power blinded those with sight, whose light was darkness for they refused the Light of the World. Thus the effect of His power was to blind those who saw, who were full of their own wisdom, whose light was really darkness; and to give sight to those who were born blind. John 9:5 ~ "As long as I am in the world, I am The Light of the World."
Not so for the blind man who felt the power of mud transform into magnificent sight. The seeing man stood before the Pharisees whose voices he had heard all of his life. He saw them for the first time and stood up for the Man Who turned on the lights for him. The blind man turned seeing man could not contain what had happened to his eyes and his heart. He didn't fear man.
The power of Jesus gave sight to those with no light while that Same Power blinded those with sight, whose light was darkness for they refused the Light of the World. Thus the effect of His power was to blind those who saw, who were full of their own wisdom, whose light was really darkness; and to give sight to those who were born blind. John 9:5 ~ "As long as I am in the world, I am The Light of the World."
John 8:32 "Bumping Up Against My Sin" (March 24)
John 8:32 Abide in my word and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
"The condition of a sinner is that of a captive or a slave to sin. He is one who serves and obeys the dictates of an evil heart and the promptings of an evil nature." Do I obey what dictates my heart? What prompts me? Can I ever get rid of the evil? I will always bump up against your sin, bump up against the sins of those closest to me. You'll bump up against mine, unexpected. So, what do I do with that?
Because of Christ's work on the Cross, I can be set free. Either I am a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. So, what does it look like for me to abide in the Word?
It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ.
It is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ.
It is not even thy faith in Christ, though that be the instrument;
It is Christ's blood and merit. --Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"The condition of a sinner is that of a captive or a slave to sin. He is one who serves and obeys the dictates of an evil heart and the promptings of an evil nature." Do I obey what dictates my heart? What prompts me? Can I ever get rid of the evil? I will always bump up against your sin, bump up against the sins of those closest to me. You'll bump up against mine, unexpected. So, what do I do with that?
Because of Christ's work on the Cross, I can be set free. Either I am a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. So, what does it look like for me to abide in the Word?
It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ.
It is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ.
It is not even thy faith in Christ, though that be the instrument;
It is Christ's blood and merit. --Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Monday, May 23, 2011
John 8:7 "A Silent Savior ~ Sin No More" (May 23)
John 8:3 The scribes and Pharisees interrupt his teaching, dragging into his midst a woman caught in adultery. That means she is married. So, where is the guilty man? Wonder if he is in this crowd?
The law of Moses says stone those who are unmarried. What will Jesus say? A silent Savior, writes in the dust of the ground. He writes where it will soon be erased by the shuffle of their feet. No permanent marker here. A totally absent partner. No actual witness just hearsay.
A throng of learners sitting in the Temple now surrounded by a small circle of Pharisees and this nameless woman. Jesus stands and says in John 8:7 - "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And, again, he writes on the erasable ground. And what happens next is so beautiful. Beginning with the older Pharisees and scribes, they leave one-by-one. Wonder why the older ones are moved by their conscience before the younger ones? Wonder how many of them had been unfaithful to their wives?
All gone. He asks: "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus ends this story: Neither do I; sin no more.
So touched that he wrote on the ground where it is erased forever. He remembers our sins no more. As far as the east is from the west. He doesn't hold anything against me. I do. I'm so hard on myself. Repent. When was the last time I repented today? Sin no more. My Silent Savior sees all.
The law of Moses says stone those who are unmarried. What will Jesus say? A silent Savior, writes in the dust of the ground. He writes where it will soon be erased by the shuffle of their feet. No permanent marker here. A totally absent partner. No actual witness just hearsay.
A throng of learners sitting in the Temple now surrounded by a small circle of Pharisees and this nameless woman. Jesus stands and says in John 8:7 - "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And, again, he writes on the erasable ground. And what happens next is so beautiful. Beginning with the older Pharisees and scribes, they leave one-by-one. Wonder why the older ones are moved by their conscience before the younger ones? Wonder how many of them had been unfaithful to their wives?
All gone. He asks: "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus ends this story: Neither do I; sin no more.
So touched that he wrote on the ground where it is erased forever. He remembers our sins no more. As far as the east is from the west. He doesn't hold anything against me. I do. I'm so hard on myself. Repent. When was the last time I repented today? Sin no more. My Silent Savior sees all.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
John 7:37 "Come to Me and Believe" (May 22)
John 7:37-38 "Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone THIRSTS, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"
Picture this: He stands up and cries out. No calm teaching here. Passionate. The Last Day of the Feast of the Tabernacles where they would pour out water from the Pool of Siloam as libation---while Jesus is crying out COME TO ME and BELIEVE the Scriptures. I'll give you living Water. I'll give you the Holy Spirit.
God's Words are not idle words, they are our very life, Deut 32:46-47. Reading the Word of God is no formula for growth but it is TRANSFORMING if we believe these words. I'm not the same person I was last month! I'm shaking my head! He is the LIVING WORD.
Picture this: He stands up and cries out. No calm teaching here. Passionate. The Last Day of the Feast of the Tabernacles where they would pour out water from the Pool of Siloam as libation---while Jesus is crying out COME TO ME and BELIEVE the Scriptures. I'll give you living Water. I'll give you the Holy Spirit.
God's Words are not idle words, they are our very life, Deut 32:46-47. Reading the Word of God is no formula for growth but it is TRANSFORMING if we believe these words. I'm not the same person I was last month! I'm shaking my head! He is the LIVING WORD.
John 7 "My Teaching Is Not Mine" (May 21)
The people He created for Himself were thinking about killing Him. What a betrayal!
John 7:16 - "My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me." You'll know whether the teaching is from God or not. Many teachers have spoken out since the day He spoke these words. They have taught the Will of God. And because of that, we know! We know Him, His Words. Not on my own authority, but on the Authority of the Author of our faith.
John 7:16 - "My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me." You'll know whether the teaching is from God or not. Many teachers have spoken out since the day He spoke these words. They have taught the Will of God. And because of that, we know! We know Him, His Words. Not on my own authority, but on the Authority of the Author of our faith.
Friday, May 20, 2011
John 6:63 "I Have Spoken These Words To You" (May 20)
John 6:63 - "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." They are spiritual words about what the Power of God can do in our lives. It is the message about what God has already said...and will we believe Him? His Words revive us and give us life if we believe. His Power. His Grace. Deut 32:46-47 says that His Words are not idle words, they are our very life. He spoke John 6:63 over 2,000 years ago and He was speaking to you and to me...the words that He has already spoken. Revives our spirit. Transforms our lives.
And John 6:66---"Many turned back and no longer walked with Him." Too much! Wonder what they wanted more than spirit and life?
Jesus said to The Twelve: "Do you want to go away as well?"
Simon Peter answered him in John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
And we have believed and have come to know
that you are the Holy One of God.
This makes me cry.
We know like these fishermen who lived 2,000 years ago that
He is the Holy One! Oh! His Words are spirit and life!
And John 6:66---"Many turned back and no longer walked with Him." Too much! Wonder what they wanted more than spirit and life?
Jesus said to The Twelve: "Do you want to go away as well?"
Simon Peter answered him in John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
And we have believed and have come to know
that you are the Holy One of God.
This makes me cry.
We know like these fishermen who lived 2,000 years ago that
He is the Holy One! Oh! His Words are spirit and life!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
John 6:28 "Labor for Life" (May 19)
The crowds came after Jesus. Jesus knew their hearts just like He knows ours. Last weekend, I sat with a friend who has "no clue" how they come across in life. Do I tell her? Will she listen to me? So sarcastic, so arrogant, so unkind and she really has "no idea." I think I used to be like that---I hope that it's more true about myself that I no longer am clueless but I do realize I am also a sinner who still has unrecognized sinful places that I go to. John 6:26 says - You are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Why do I want Him? Is it because He has satisfied me and I am comfortable with this? What about the signs and wonders? Are they there? Labor. Labor only for the food that endures to eternal life. Is Life coming out of me? Or is it sarcasm, arrogance, and unkindness that people see? What stirs way down deep in your heart?
John 6:28 - "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" And I love Jesus' answer: This is the work of God---that you believe in Him Whom He has sent. Yes, it is the work of God!
The plumbline of Scripture reveals behavior and motives. How do I really come across? What is all this sarcasm really about? I wonder why we are so unkind to our husbands, our children, our friends, even our dogs? Am I satisfied laboring for the food that sustains me now or endures to eternal life? What's really going on inside of me? Am I willing to be disrupted and disturbed by the signs Jesus sends? They were convinced by the Power of signs and wonders and the Power of the Spirit of God. What convinces me to labor for eternal life this day?
Why do I want Him? Is it because He has satisfied me and I am comfortable with this? What about the signs and wonders? Are they there? Labor. Labor only for the food that endures to eternal life. Is Life coming out of me? Or is it sarcasm, arrogance, and unkindness that people see? What stirs way down deep in your heart?
John 6:28 - "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" And I love Jesus' answer: This is the work of God---that you believe in Him Whom He has sent. Yes, it is the work of God!
The plumbline of Scripture reveals behavior and motives. How do I really come across? What is all this sarcasm really about? I wonder why we are so unkind to our husbands, our children, our friends, even our dogs? Am I satisfied laboring for the food that sustains me now or endures to eternal life? What's really going on inside of me? Am I willing to be disrupted and disturbed by the signs Jesus sends? They were convinced by the Power of signs and wonders and the Power of the Spirit of God. What convinces me to labor for eternal life this day?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
John 6:5 "No Delays with God's Provision" (May 18)
John 6:5 - Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?"
Philip knows where to buy bread in his hometown and he knows that they could come up with 200 denarii but it wouldn't buy enough bread. 200 Denarri!!!! One denarii is a day's wage. 200!!!! That's six months of daily wages. What disciple had that kind of wealth? In today's economy, at minimum wage, six months of working every single day would net almost $12,000. And that still wouldn't be enough to feed them a full meal.
And where could Philip find that much barley bread and fish in Bethsaida? The town was emptied----they were all there. There were 15,000, maybe 20,000 hungry people sitting there. It would take 15,000 pounds of bread and fish to feed that many. And how long would that take to serve 20,000 people? Have you ever tried to serve 500 people at a reception real fast? 20,000!!!!
This is a major miracle before their eyes. Not only does Christ have the power to deliver the food instantaneously (each disciple taking one second to feed the 20,000----you can make it through no more than 3,000 per hour and probably collapse right there staring at another 17,000 hungry people), but there are 12 baskets left over. No delays with God's Hand, God's Power.
You know, some of those 20,000 people are poverty-stricken and don't eat that well. Yet, they weren't grabbing for more. They were satisfied. This is a parable of Abundance.
Do I know His Power to supply all of my needs and so much more? Am I trusting Him for more? He is stirring up faith in our hearts. He will fulfill every desire we have to do what's right. Those desires aren't coming from the enemy of your soul. May you press into and lean hard on the Christ, this day, our Abundant Provider and His Infinite Resources for whatever need you hold in your heart!
Whatever you face this day, there are 5 barley loaves and 2 fish waiting. At the lowest point of my life, a friend said to me when I cried out to him for help: "Five Loaves & Two Fish." Somehow, at that moment, I knew a little bit more than the moment before, that God was going to show up in my despair. And He did...with so much more than I could have ever imagined!
Philip knows where to buy bread in his hometown and he knows that they could come up with 200 denarii but it wouldn't buy enough bread. 200 Denarri!!!! One denarii is a day's wage. 200!!!! That's six months of daily wages. What disciple had that kind of wealth? In today's economy, at minimum wage, six months of working every single day would net almost $12,000. And that still wouldn't be enough to feed them a full meal.
And where could Philip find that much barley bread and fish in Bethsaida? The town was emptied----they were all there. There were 15,000, maybe 20,000 hungry people sitting there. It would take 15,000 pounds of bread and fish to feed that many. And how long would that take to serve 20,000 people? Have you ever tried to serve 500 people at a reception real fast? 20,000!!!!
This is a major miracle before their eyes. Not only does Christ have the power to deliver the food instantaneously (each disciple taking one second to feed the 20,000----you can make it through no more than 3,000 per hour and probably collapse right there staring at another 17,000 hungry people), but there are 12 baskets left over. No delays with God's Hand, God's Power.
You know, some of those 20,000 people are poverty-stricken and don't eat that well. Yet, they weren't grabbing for more. They were satisfied. This is a parable of Abundance.
Do I know His Power to supply all of my needs and so much more? Am I trusting Him for more? He is stirring up faith in our hearts. He will fulfill every desire we have to do what's right. Those desires aren't coming from the enemy of your soul. May you press into and lean hard on the Christ, this day, our Abundant Provider and His Infinite Resources for whatever need you hold in your heart!
Whatever you face this day, there are 5 barley loaves and 2 fish waiting. At the lowest point of my life, a friend said to me when I cried out to him for help: "Five Loaves & Two Fish." Somehow, at that moment, I knew a little bit more than the moment before, that God was going to show up in my despair. And He did...with so much more than I could have ever imagined!
Monday, May 16, 2011
John 5:39 "Searching Scriptures Diligently" (May 17)
What a telling verse!
John 5: 39-42 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,yet you refuse to come to Me that you may have life...you do not have the love of God in you."
Why do I search the Scriptures diligently? Life is in Christ. Am I diligently searching for Him? Or am I a stranger to His Power, His Touch? Am I more interested in finding answers, solving my problems, than coming to the One Who is Truth and living with things undone, unanswered, unfinished, unknown?
John 5: 39-42 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,
Sunday, May 15, 2011
John 5:6 "Do You Want to Be Healed?" (May 16)
John 5:6 "Do you want to be healed?" Always, so curious to me why Jesus asks this question when he knew the man had been lying there for 38 years waiting to be healed at this Pool of Mercy.
At different seasons, an angel would come and stir the water. First one in was healed. Never happened to him. Wonder how many people he saw healed in 38 years? Did he ever think God was playing a game of cat-and-mouse with him. The lame man had tens of thousands of days to think. Another version says, "Do you want to be whole?" Yes. Yes. Yes. This invalid didn't even know who Jesus was when He posed the question. The Omniscient Jesus saw his heart and knew he wanted more. Healed in the Name of Jesus.
And so, what's the first thing the lame-no-more man does? Wondering what this 50 or 60-year-old man felt. No rehab hospital for this older gentleman. I love it! He goes to the Temple to thank God. And, there he finds Jesus who tells him Who He is and says, "Go and sin no more."
Is my first response to turn to God in thanks for all that He does and when He does show up? And am I willing to wait 38 years and not lose hope, an invalid, by the side of a healing pool, waiting on God to act in my behalf? Am I waiting on God or waiting on man to act?
Isaiah 64:4 "God acts in behalf of those Who Wait for Him."
At different seasons, an angel would come and stir the water. First one in was healed. Never happened to him. Wonder how many people he saw healed in 38 years? Did he ever think God was playing a game of cat-and-mouse with him. The lame man had tens of thousands of days to think. Another version says, "Do you want to be whole?" Yes. Yes. Yes. This invalid didn't even know who Jesus was when He posed the question. The Omniscient Jesus saw his heart and knew he wanted more. Healed in the Name of Jesus.
And so, what's the first thing the lame-no-more man does? Wondering what this 50 or 60-year-old man felt. No rehab hospital for this older gentleman. I love it! He goes to the Temple to thank God. And, there he finds Jesus who tells him Who He is and says, "Go and sin no more."
Is my first response to turn to God in thanks for all that He does and when He does show up? And am I willing to wait 38 years and not lose hope, an invalid, by the side of a healing pool, waiting on God to act in my behalf? Am I waiting on God or waiting on man to act?
Isaiah 64:4 "God acts in behalf of those Who Wait for Him."
John 4:48 "Will I Believe Only If There's A Miracle" (May 15)
I stood in Capernaum at Peter's house where Jesus stayed. I thought about this Royal Official walking, frenetic, jogging, hopeful, running urgently 20 miles to Cana to plead with Jesus to come with him back to Capernaum to heal his feverish son. Jesus said "No," He would not come to Capernaum! Jesus didn't answer the official like he had hoped. But this official hung on and he asked again: "Sir, Come down, before my child dies." No one in this era had witnessed anyone being raised from the dead, yet. The official thought his only hope was Jesus' presence.
Jesus' reply sounds like a rebuke to me: "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe." John 4:48. John just wrote about those kinds of people in 2:24 that many people believed in his name because they saw the miraculous signs he was doing. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, because he knew. There's a faith that comes from seeing signs. There's a deeper surer faith that comes from believing God's Words. The Samaritan woman at the well, the Royal Official both believed God's Word. Good question to ask myself: Must I see signs that change my world or will I still believe, even with what my eyes see? Oh LORD, move our faith forward a notch as we read and live this day.
I remember looking at my own son lying lifeless in the hospital bed last October, wondering what could have attacked such a strong strapping boy so suddenly not knowing if he would recover. Sitting in an ICU waiting room to see my husband for the first time since he had fainted at the wheel and crashed his car and the fenetic thoughts of losing him. Checking myself, alone, into ICU in another city in order for the doctors to take the baby that was alive inside of me or I would die shortly. What do we do in those crisis moments? I am reminded today of King Asa who intentionally followed God (I Kings 15:14) except when the crises arose. Do we go to our Good God for help? I Kings 16:7,9,12. Or do we go to the experts---man, doctors, lawyers, the professionals.
Praising God for growing our faith as we come to know Him and His Word better every day, not just looking for signs and wonders but looking for the Eyes and Voice of our Savior.
Jesus' reply sounds like a rebuke to me: "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe." John 4:48. John just wrote about those kinds of people in 2:24 that many people believed in his name because they saw the miraculous signs he was doing. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, because he knew. There's a faith that comes from seeing signs. There's a deeper surer faith that comes from believing God's Words. The Samaritan woman at the well, the Royal Official both believed God's Word. Good question to ask myself: Must I see signs that change my world or will I still believe, even with what my eyes see? Oh LORD, move our faith forward a notch as we read and live this day.
I remember looking at my own son lying lifeless in the hospital bed last October, wondering what could have attacked such a strong strapping boy so suddenly not knowing if he would recover. Sitting in an ICU waiting room to see my husband for the first time since he had fainted at the wheel and crashed his car and the fenetic thoughts of losing him. Checking myself, alone, into ICU in another city in order for the doctors to take the baby that was alive inside of me or I would die shortly. What do we do in those crisis moments? I am reminded today of King Asa who intentionally followed God (I Kings 15:14) except when the crises arose. Do we go to our Good God for help? I Kings 16:7,9,12. Or do we go to the experts---man, doctors, lawyers, the professionals.
Praising God for growing our faith as we come to know Him and His Word better every day, not just looking for signs and wonders but looking for the Eyes and Voice of our Savior.
"Don't look for experts to coach you how to make life work before you follow elders who will lead you into My Presence." 66 Love Letters
Saturday, May 14, 2011
John 4:20 "32,000 Feet in the Air" (May 14)
Jews and Samarians did not get along. For a Jew to speak with a Samaritan woman was, well, unheard of. Yet, Jesus lingered on unfriendly turf to offer her Living Water. Jesus speaks to the heart of the woman in John 3:18 - "You have had 5 husbands and the man you now have is not your husband."
The woman's response in John 3:19 is from 32,000 feet up in the air---as far away as an airplane flies. "Should we worship on this mountain or in Jerusalem?" Don't we do the same things today---change the subject. How should we worship? Wait! We were just talking about your heart and your missing 5 husbands. The woman wasn't willing to go there and admit her need for repentance, her failure in her relationships, her desperate need of a Messiah. She wasn't asking for help. She knew a Messiah was coming. Jesus tells her in verse 26, "I am He, the One you are speaking with." Knocked off her feet.
The words of the Messiah of her dreams were full of Power and Truth.
His Words were filled with Power for her --- she believed He truly was the coming Messiah.
His Words were filled with Truth --- what was true? 5 husbands. He knows everything about her, about us. No dark secrets. No misunderstanding. No going it alone. He is looking for honest humble hearts today just as He walked through Samaria to capture this one woman's heart. He's walking down your street. No living from 32,000 feet above, getting off the hard heart issues. Humble yourself before the Mighty Messiah who knows all things and still offers your thirsty heart Himself, Living Water.
Friday, May 13, 2011
John 3:30 "Loved Darkness Rather than Light" (May 13)
John 3:19 "Light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the Light because their works were evil." Lovers of darkness. Lovers of themselves. John 3:30 says: "He must increase but I must decrease." Oh Light of the World, expose our dark corners and shine your Searchlight where it has been oh-so-dark. What do we want more than the Light? Why do we not crawl out of our darkness on our belly, on our face? Why do I stay there. God, you're so good. Would you shine enough Light for us to take just the very next step to escape the trouble we are in.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
John 3:16 "Watching and Standing Fast" (May 12)
John 3:16 One of the Pharisees, Nicodemus, came to Jesus at night---this learned ruler didn't want to be seen in the daytime. He called Jesus by the name Rabbi meaning that Nicodemus credited Jesus as the Messiah. Wonder if Nicodemus was proud of himself for coming all this way over where Jesus was to learn from Him in the darkness? Wonder if he expected Jesus to pat him on the back for his good question? Nicodemus never knew that the answer that Jesus gave him would be recorded in history for 2,000 years. The answer is the heart of every sermon preached
Jesus answers this Ruler of many who has raised a question that needs spiritual vision to solve. Spiritual Eyes. No one can see the Kingdom of God unless you are born again. Born of Water and the Spirit. The wind blows as it wishes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes--- so is everyone born of the Spirit. Nicodemus is a teacher of Israel yet he doesn't understand these things. Jesus Christ, the Living Word, made flesh. For God so loved the world...He gave His Son...that we would not perish but have life. Nicodemus came in darkness---did he find the Light? But the real question that flows out of today's reading is this. Will I find the Light of His Love in my own corners of Darkness---those things only my God knows about. Will I let Him, today, shine His Light on my arrogance, my demandingness, my unkindness? Will I walk away from this day with a little more Light for my path? Help us all to really see, O Light of the World! Immeasurable Love!
Each victory over sin reveals another army of evil tendencies,
and I am never able to sheathe my sword, nor cease from prayer and watchfulness.
I cannot advance an inch without praying my way,
nor keep the inch I gain without watching and standing fast.
Grace alone can preserve and perfect me. Charles Spurgeon
Jesus answers this Ruler of many who has raised a question that needs spiritual vision to solve. Spiritual Eyes. No one can see the Kingdom of God unless you are born again. Born of Water and the Spirit. The wind blows as it wishes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes--- so is everyone born of the Spirit. Nicodemus is a teacher of Israel yet he doesn't understand these things. Jesus Christ, the Living Word, made flesh. For God so loved the world...He gave His Son...that we would not perish but have life. Nicodemus came in darkness---did he find the Light? But the real question that flows out of today's reading is this. Will I find the Light of His Love in my own corners of Darkness---those things only my God knows about. Will I let Him, today, shine His Light on my arrogance, my demandingness, my unkindness? Will I walk away from this day with a little more Light for my path? Help us all to really see, O Light of the World! Immeasurable Love!
Each victory over sin reveals another army of evil tendencies,
and I am never able to sheathe my sword, nor cease from prayer and watchfulness.
I cannot advance an inch without praying my way,
nor keep the inch I gain without watching and standing fast.
Grace alone can preserve and perfect me. Charles Spurgeon
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
John 2:24 "More Than Miracles" (May 11)
Jesus was invited to a wedding. And His Disciples were too.
Cana was a small town...everyone knew everyone. Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, is never mentioned in this passage or ever again. Mary is not even named in this story---wonder why. She came to Jesus to tell Him there was no wine left. Jesus' reply to Mary appears harsh when we read it: "Woman, what does this have to do with me?" But, the language in the Greek is respectful and gentle and kind and oh-so-honoring to His mother.
And they all "believed" when they saw the miracle of changing water to wine. Yes, "many believed in His Name when they saw the signs He was doing. But, Jesus, on His Part, did not entrust Himself to them because He knew all people...He knew what was in man." Oh my!
There's a widely read author with tens of thousands of followers who believes that Jesus will not condemn man to hell if they reject Him in this life. This gentleman believes that love will win out and many will have a second chance to be saved. So, what does he do with this verse? "Jesus, on His Part, did not entrust Himself to them because He knew... ." John 2:24.
Did they believe Jesus only because of the signs, the miracles like changing water into wine? These new disciples believed because of the signs. John 20:30 says: "Jesus did many signs in the presence of the disciples...these are written so that you may believe that He is the Christ and that by believing you may have Life in His Name. Signs and miracles point to the Christ...there is much more in walking in relationship with Him. We know the ending. What saves you is not enough to keep you growing. There's More. More than miracles.
Cana was a small town...everyone knew everyone. Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, is never mentioned in this passage or ever again. Mary is not even named in this story---wonder why. She came to Jesus to tell Him there was no wine left. Jesus' reply to Mary appears harsh when we read it: "Woman, what does this have to do with me?" But, the language in the Greek is respectful and gentle and kind and oh-so-honoring to His mother.
And they all "believed" when they saw the miracle of changing water to wine. Yes, "many believed in His Name when they saw the signs He was doing. But, Jesus, on His Part, did not entrust Himself to them because He knew all people...He knew what was in man." Oh my!
There's a widely read author with tens of thousands of followers who believes that Jesus will not condemn man to hell if they reject Him in this life. This gentleman believes that love will win out and many will have a second chance to be saved. So, what does he do with this verse? "Jesus, on His Part, did not entrust Himself to them because He knew... ." John 2:24.
Did they believe Jesus only because of the signs, the miracles like changing water into wine? These new disciples believed because of the signs. John 20:30 says: "Jesus did many signs in the presence of the disciples...these are written so that you may believe that He is the Christ and that by believing you may have Life in His Name. Signs and miracles point to the Christ...there is much more in walking in relationship with Him. We know the ending. What saves you is not enough to keep you growing. There's More. More than miracles.
John 1:47 "No Guile in Him" (May 10)
John1:47 "Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
Jesus welcomed Nathanael into His Presence with a huge compliment. Behold! An Israelite Indeed. Well-versed in the faith. No Deceit in you. Jesus didn't say Nathanael was without deceit. He read his beautiful heart that was governed by integrity and honesty and no compromise. Nathanael had sin in his soul but at that moment, he held no deceitful ways. Oh to be found so faithful!
I have missed in the gospels the fact that Jesus knew the hidden secrets of everyone's heart. No surprises. No unknowns. And the same goes today...He sees right into my heart. He knows my frame and all that has transpired this day, this life. I have been misunderstood recently and so want to defend myself. But, Jesus knows---He sees it all. Lay my deadly doings down.
Do I live like my Heavenly Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are eavesdropping on every conversation, every hidden thought of mine? Their ears are bent low.
Jesus welcomed Nathanael into His Presence with a huge compliment. Behold! An Israelite Indeed. Well-versed in the faith. No Deceit in you. Jesus didn't say Nathanael was without deceit. He read his beautiful heart that was governed by integrity and honesty and no compromise. Nathanael had sin in his soul but at that moment, he held no deceitful ways. Oh to be found so faithful!
I have missed in the gospels the fact that Jesus knew the hidden secrets of everyone's heart. No surprises. No unknowns. And the same goes today...He sees right into my heart. He knows my frame and all that has transpired this day, this life. I have been misunderstood recently and so want to defend myself. But, Jesus knows---He sees it all. Lay my deadly doings down.
Do I live like my Heavenly Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are eavesdropping on every conversation, every hidden thought of mine? Their ears are bent low.
Monday, May 9, 2011
John 1:16 "Grace Upon Grace" (May 9)
John 1:14 ~ The Word became flesh and dwelt among us...
John 1:16 ~ And from His fullness we have all received, Grace upon Grace.
Four words announce His Appearance.
Four words announce His Departure.
The Word became flesh in a very poor neighborhood. In fact, He wasn't even born inside of a home but in the outside of a stable.
Not a very conspicuous plot for the King of Kings.
His family faced shame and ridicule for an unwanted pregnancy.
From His Fulness, we have received Grace upon Grace upon Grace upon Grace.
Immense Grace.
Infinite Grace.
Inexhaustible Grace.
Indelible Grace marked on Those Hands and Feet.
May we face our own sinfulness in ways we have not as we walk through the Book of John.
May God's Immeasurable Grace be all over your sin.
His Work is complete. God shed His Grace on thee.
John 1:16 ~ And from His fullness we have all received, Grace upon Grace.
Four words announce His Appearance.
Four words announce His Departure.
The Word became flesh in a very poor neighborhood. In fact, He wasn't even born inside of a home but in the outside of a stable.
Not a very conspicuous plot for the King of Kings.
His family faced shame and ridicule for an unwanted pregnancy.
From His Fulness, we have received Grace upon Grace upon Grace upon Grace.
Immense Grace.
Infinite Grace.
Inexhaustible Grace.
Indelible Grace marked on Those Hands and Feet.
May we face our own sinfulness in ways we have not as we walk through the Book of John.
May God's Immeasurable Grace be all over your sin.
His Work is complete. God shed His Grace on thee.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Luke 24:39 "Jesus Wears His Wounds" (May 8)
Luke 24:39 "See My Hands and My Feet, that it is I Myself."
And a quote I heard this weekend: "He Still Wears My Flesh."
Thoughts taken from an old sermon of Charles Spurgeon
dated January 30, 1859:
When Jesus rose again from the dead, his hands and feet still wore the marks of His Passion. "He might have erased from his body everything which could be an indication of what he had suffered and endured before be descended into the tomb. But, no!" He wore His Wounds as infallible proof to the disciples and to us. The seal of sufferings on Him. Why? Could the disciples recognize the man who had just gone through death sweating drops of blood, falling in flagellation at the Pillar of the Praetorim, carrying out a crucifixion. His death "was sown in dishonor, and raised in glory: sown in weakness, raised in power."
Behold, the Resurrected Christ was still flesh! His wounds---His ornaments, his "royal jewels." "Trophies of His Love." He did not care for the pride and pomp of kings. His neighborhood where He was born was rather a poor one. His crown was filled with thorns. A royal diadem of thorns.
"Another reason why Jesus wears his wounds is, that when he intercedes he may employ them as powerful advocates. When he rises up to pray for his people, he needs not speak a word; he lifts his hands before his Father's face; he makes bare his side, and points to his feet. These are the orators with which he pleads with God—these wounds."
Impress on us the wounds...May we live never forgetting that He died ~ Isaiah 44:20. He lives to make intercession for you. He lifts His Hands this Mother's Day to our Father God on your behalf. Your Powerful Advocate still wears your flesh.
And a quote I heard this weekend: "He Still Wears My Flesh."
Thoughts taken from an old sermon of Charles Spurgeon
dated January 30, 1859:
When Jesus rose again from the dead, his hands and feet still wore the marks of His Passion. "He might have erased from his body everything which could be an indication of what he had suffered and endured before be descended into the tomb. But, no!" He wore His Wounds as infallible proof to the disciples and to us. The seal of sufferings on Him. Why? Could the disciples recognize the man who had just gone through death sweating drops of blood, falling in flagellation at the Pillar of the Praetorim, carrying out a crucifixion. His death "was sown in dishonor, and raised in glory: sown in weakness, raised in power."
Behold, the Resurrected Christ was still flesh! His wounds---His ornaments, his "royal jewels." "Trophies of His Love." He did not care for the pride and pomp of kings. His neighborhood where He was born was rather a poor one. His crown was filled with thorns. A royal diadem of thorns.
"Another reason why Jesus wears his wounds is, that when he intercedes he may employ them as powerful advocates. When he rises up to pray for his people, he needs not speak a word; he lifts his hands before his Father's face; he makes bare his side, and points to his feet. These are the orators with which he pleads with God—these wounds."
Impress on us the wounds...May we live never forgetting that He died ~ Isaiah 44:20. He lives to make intercession for you. He lifts His Hands this Mother's Day to our Father God on your behalf. Your Powerful Advocate still wears your flesh.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Luke 24:2 "Freedom is The Finished Work of Christ" (May 7)
Luke 24:2 The women found the stone rolled away from the tomb. "He is not here, but has risen." The stone was rolled away so the women could enter and see that He was gone. The stone rolled back didn't let Jesus out; the Christ let all of us in. His shroud was folded---a symbol of: It is Finished! It's what we bank our life on---the Resurrected Christ who died in our place for our sin. And, He will never be angry with me or you anymore. There was a collision. A moment of transforming Grace. God turned His back on his Son. And the purpose of that moment is to liberate me from my sin. He did it! Finished! Transforming Grace released. That's how I can live the Christian life. Not by works of righteousness but by a realignment of my heart. Oh, how we need the grace of the work of the Person of Jesus Christ! I heard someone say today: "Freedom from sin is not: I have overcome the struggle. Our freedom is the finished work of Christ." We don't have to do anything! But we want to do everything to follow Him!
"Restoration is not one moment, one week, one month, one year
God assigns to [believers] a race of repentance,
which they are to run throughout their lives." John Calvin
"Restoration is not one moment, one week, one month, one year
God assigns to [believers] a race of repentance,
which they are to run throughout their lives." John Calvin
Luke 23:33 "Remember Me When Not If" (May 6)
Luke 23:33 "At The Skull, there they crucified Him" ~ and with those few words, He was wounded for my sin, paid the full penalty, and it's over. No description of the suffering. No drama of the events. No details of the story.
One criminal mocked the Savior---"Save yourself and us!"
The other criminal repented and called Him Savior---"Remember me when---not IF---when You come into Your Kingdom." Amazing faith. And that criminal went to his home in Paradise on that very day but not the other. And all of the assembled crowds went home beating their breasts. What did they know?
One criminal mocked the Savior---"Save yourself and us!"
The other criminal repented and called Him Savior---"Remember me when---not IF---when You come into Your Kingdom." Amazing faith. And that criminal went to his home in Paradise on that very day but not the other. And all of the assembled crowds went home beating their breasts. What did they know?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Luke 23:1 "No Miracles for the King" (May 5)
Luke 23:1 "The Whole Company of them arose" - the whole company of followers accused Jesus of misleading the nation, stirring up all of Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem. What happened overnight? These are the same 2 million people welcoming Him into Jerusalem, watching Him raise Tabitha from the dead, stunned at seeing Lazarus alive again, witnesses of lepers healed fully, partakers of a meal that fed way over 10,000 that came from 5 fish and 2 loaves, and present as Jesus woke up the Centurion's dead daughter. Same people. Different hearts. Oh so different than before.
And here's Herod, greatly pleased that Pilate sent Jesus to him. A silent Jesus Christ. No more miracles for King Herod. Beggars and blind men and lepers and widows and the lame never had their requests turned down, did they? The poorest of the poor saw His Hand laid on them. The richest of the rich, nobility himself, couldn't even get Jesus to answer him. Nothing for the braggy king of Jerusalem.
So what do you walk away from today's reading with? Proverbs 29:25 ~ "The fear of man lays a snare but those who trust in the LORD are safe." Am I safe this day? Or do I entertain the thoughts of what appears to be safe but really isn't---the opinion of others---what our family wants, what our world wants. Who is standing up in the crowd?
And here's Herod, greatly pleased that Pilate sent Jesus to him. A silent Jesus Christ. No more miracles for King Herod. Beggars and blind men and lepers and widows and the lame never had their requests turned down, did they? The poorest of the poor saw His Hand laid on them. The richest of the rich, nobility himself, couldn't even get Jesus to answer him. Nothing for the braggy king of Jerusalem.
So what do you walk away from today's reading with? Proverbs 29:25 ~ "The fear of man lays a snare but those who trust in the LORD are safe." Am I safe this day? Or do I entertain the thoughts of what appears to be safe but really isn't---the opinion of others---what our family wants, what our world wants. Who is standing up in the crowd?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Luke 22:61 "The LORD Turns & Looks at You" (May 4)
The disciples were riddled with amibition and anger and angst just like you and me. I mean, Peter was so angry he even cut off the soldier's ear. Luke 22:50.
Then, three times, Peter denies even knowing Christ. Immediately, while Peter is still speaking, the rooster crows and "the LORD turns around and looks at Peter." Luke 22:61. There are looks and then there are looks. That look to Peter held so much grace. Jesus looked at the high priests and those officers who mocked Him but His Look had no impact on them. It did on Peter---Peter wept bitterly. Repentant tears. When Jesus turns His Eyes to us, do we turn back to Him? What about our tears? Are they tears from a turn? Repentant tears?
There's a statue of The Denial near the House of Caiphas in Jerusalem. The inscription on the stone reads: "Jesus was not my friend."
Then, three times, Peter denies even knowing Christ. Immediately, while Peter is still speaking, the rooster crows and "the LORD turns around and looks at Peter." Luke 22:61. There are looks and then there are looks. That look to Peter held so much grace. Jesus looked at the high priests and those officers who mocked Him but His Look had no impact on them. It did on Peter---Peter wept bitterly. Repentant tears. When Jesus turns His Eyes to us, do we turn back to Him? What about our tears? Are they tears from a turn? Repentant tears?
There's a statue of The Denial near the House of Caiphas in Jerusalem. The inscription on the stone reads: "Jesus was not my friend."
Monday, May 2, 2011
Luke 22:40 "Whisper A Little Prayer for Me" (May 3)
Luke 22:24 "Besetting Sin" (May 2)
Luke 22:11 ~ The Omniscient One sets up The Last Supper asking for a guest room. I so stress about not having things like a car. God provides when we have need, even this dinner need. Jesus wanted to be with His Disciples one last time before He gives His Life on a Cross in just a few hours.
Luke 22:21 ~ The hand of the one who will betray me is at this table. The Messiah gave Judas an opportunity right there to repent. Change your mind, Judas. You know how you "nail" your children when they are guilty and getting ready to do something wrong. But, no, Judas wouldn't budge. Wonder why? Did he think he needed the money that badly? Was he afraid to be associated with Jesus? What possessed him to betray his LORD? Scripture says the devil entered Judas, possessed him. How did Judas get to that place when he was following Christ? Even Christ couldn't influence Judas to change.
Luke 22:24 ~ So a dispute arises, but not out of concern from what Jesus just had just told them---that He must suffer and will be betrayed. Bible scholars say that Peter initiated the strife. The sons of Zebedee, James and John, joined in with their besetting sin of ambition. The disciples wanted to know who would be regarded as the greatest among them? Jesus taught them that for each of you, let the greatest become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves. Peter was the oldest disciple. Jesus encouraged him to become like the youngest disciples who didn't care about ambition. We all have besetting sins.
Luke 22:21 ~ The hand of the one who will betray me is at this table. The Messiah gave Judas an opportunity right there to repent. Change your mind, Judas. You know how you "nail" your children when they are guilty and getting ready to do something wrong. But, no, Judas wouldn't budge. Wonder why? Did he think he needed the money that badly? Was he afraid to be associated with Jesus? What possessed him to betray his LORD? Scripture says the devil entered Judas, possessed him. How did Judas get to that place when he was following Christ? Even Christ couldn't influence Judas to change.
Luke 22:24 ~ So a dispute arises, but not out of concern from what Jesus just had just told them---that He must suffer and will be betrayed. Bible scholars say that Peter initiated the strife. The sons of Zebedee, James and John, joined in with their besetting sin of ambition. The disciples wanted to know who would be regarded as the greatest among them? Jesus taught them that for each of you, let the greatest become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves. Peter was the oldest disciple. Jesus encouraged him to become like the youngest disciples who didn't care about ambition. We all have besetting sins.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Luke 21:38 "Our Goal is God Himself" (May 1)
Luke 21:24 - Josephus, a renowned historian, wrote that 1,100,000 fell by the sword. Turmoil. Distress. Horror. Fear. Unimaginable.
Jerusalem was in trouble. And Jerusalem, one day, there will be the roaring of the sea and the waves, people will faint with fear, for the foreboding of what is coming on the world. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. The Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and great glory. Straighten up. Raise up your heads because your Redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:33 ~ "Heaven and earth will pass away. But My Words will not pass away." What am I banking on?
Luke 21:34 ~ But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. Observe how the author placed heinous surfeiting and debauchery drunkenness with the cares of this life. For that day will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Stay awake at all times, praying you may have strength to escape what will take place, and that you will stand before the Son of Man ~ Luke 21:36.
Luke 21:38 ~ And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear Him. For the past twenty centuries people have debated and discussed and disagreed and denied and diluted the Gospel. Oh, the dissonance. Even, this day, there's a frontrunner with a gargantuan following who believes that God will not send people to hell if they do not respond to Him on earth. Universalism to me. The bottom line is this: Watch yourself. Stay awake at all times. Pray and long in that interior heart of yours for the One Who is about to Redeem you in the coming chapter. Raise your head for your Redemption draws nigh. He is coming back again for you but it is your choice. Go to Him early every day---that's not about the time but it's about where your heart goes from the moment you awake til the close of your eyes every night.
There is a goal. Our goal is God Himself...and that, my friend, is all we need to know. But God!
Jerusalem was in trouble. And Jerusalem, one day, there will be the roaring of the sea and the waves, people will faint with fear, for the foreboding of what is coming on the world. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. The Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and great glory. Straighten up. Raise up your heads because your Redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:33 ~ "Heaven and earth will pass away. But My Words will not pass away." What am I banking on?
Luke 21:34 ~ But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. Observe how the author placed heinous surfeiting and debauchery drunkenness with the cares of this life. For that day will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Stay awake at all times, praying you may have strength to escape what will take place, and that you will stand before the Son of Man ~ Luke 21:36.
Luke 21:38 ~ And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear Him. For the past twenty centuries people have debated and discussed and disagreed and denied and diluted the Gospel. Oh, the dissonance. Even, this day, there's a frontrunner with a gargantuan following who believes that God will not send people to hell if they do not respond to Him on earth. Universalism to me. The bottom line is this: Watch yourself. Stay awake at all times. Pray and long in that interior heart of yours for the One Who is about to Redeem you in the coming chapter. Raise your head for your Redemption draws nigh. He is coming back again for you but it is your choice. Go to Him early every day---that's not about the time but it's about where your heart goes from the moment you awake til the close of your eyes every night.
There is a goal. Our goal is God Himself...and that, my friend, is all we need to know. But God!
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