Good Morning “Prophecy Observers”.  Today we are in Luke 21

Luke 21 begins with a reminder that we should offer all we have back to God.  It’s all His.  He blesses us with all we have and know.  We are simply stewards and should not love our stuff so tightly we are unwilling to let go of it - for His glory.

Luke records Jesus’ prophetic warning regarding the destruction of Jerusalem.  Matthew records a few more specifics in Matt. 24.  Wait… is this simply prophecy regarding Jerusalem, or prophecy regarding the “end end”?  Answer… YES.  

Spurgeon said it like this,
“We must regard the siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple as being a kind of rehearsal of what is yet to be.”

Jesus prophecy came true, just 40 years later Jerusalem, and the temple were completely wiped out by Rome.  The destruction was so complete that today it’s difficult to determine the exact location of the former temple.  

What do we get from all this prophecy?  What’s the application for us?  I like to grab a couple things from this:

1.  Jesus knows what He’s talking about.  What He says has either already happened or soon will!  BELIEVE it!  He’s proven Himself, and Scripture has been proven to be accurate over and over and over.  In fact, no part has EVER successfully been refuted!  That’s a teaching worth BELIEVING!  Furthermore you can see the Word of God unfolding all around you if you care to look.

2.  Heed it, and act accordingly.  Remember if you BELIEVE it your life should reflect it!  It’s not just to be known but to be lived.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Those who “Get It””. Today - Luke 20.

It’s all Jesus.  It always has been - all about Jesus.  The story of Jesus, and redemption through His blood shed on the cross is woven all through Scripture.

The religious leaders are fired up.  Jesus is exposing their darkened hearts a preaching the Gospel of Grace.  They scheme and plot, in an attempt to back Him into a corner with His teaching.  Funny think about Truth - there is no worthy argument against it!  It stands alone!   Truth always wins… eventually!  

This chapter is packed with reminders that it’s all about Jesus.  “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’ ?” Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ His own rejected Him.  Thus Grace is for the Gentile (us) also (Romans 11:11; Romans 1:16).

“He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬.  We spend most of our time worried about the things of “This World”.  Why?  We KNOW there is only emptiness offered in them.  What is it we are supposed to give to God?  EVERYTHING.  Our very lives.  Daily.  Romans 12:1, Matthew 16:24-25, Galatians 2:20.  

Daily we die to ourselves - it’s not about us, it’s about Him!  He in us willing and acting according to His good purpose.  

Make yourself available today.  Dig in.  Get to know Him.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Faithful”.  Today we are in Luke 19.  

In this chapter Luke includes the Parable of Ten Minas as told by Jesus.  The parable describes a future King who has to go away to a far off land.  He leaves 10 servants each in charge of a sum of money and instructs them to put their money to work.  When he returns he finds some who increased the money he had given them and one in particular that protected it and kept it safe, but did not increase it.  With this one He is furious.  

What on earth is Jesus talking about here?  This is simply a parable describing His expectation of us.  Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  He puts us where He wants us and equips us with talents, and spiritual gifts to accomplish the work He prepared for us.  1 Cor. 12

So simply put, He saves us by Grace with Good work prepared for us to do and gives us all we need to do it (Ephesians 2:8-10). He simply expects us to use it specifically for the furtherance of His Kingdom.  How blessed will we be in heaven (Matthew 16:27; Colossians 3:23-24). What have we done with what He has blessed us with?  That’s the question.

Salvation is a free gift to be sure… but His mercy and Grace does come with expectation.  Expectation that we’ll grow up and be productive for Him.  It all starts with the growing up part.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Humble Repenters.”  Today we are in Luke 18.

Where’s your heart?  Jesus presents that question through today’s stories.  

2 men, both offering prayers.  One very thankful he’s not like the rest of the horrible people he sees around him.  It’s good to be thankful right?  By this man’s prayer, it’s obvious he believes he’s different than the dirty rotten sinners.  That’s an ok thing to be thankful for… don’t you agree?  Sure!  If it were true.  

However, sin is sin… and we’re all guilty.  “We’ve all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23  His Glory - Perfection!  That’s the bar.  That’s the mark to hit if we are going to do it on our own.   Anything short of perfection places us all in the same position.  In need of forgiveness, and a Savior.

The other man praying was a Tax Collector.  Tax Collectors were the worst - often extorting way more than the required tax to pad their own pockets!  He was clearly a dirty rotten sinner.  “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God requires humility.  A humble heart is like softened clay - you can work with it (Isaiah 64:8).  Hard clay is unworkable.  You can’t do anything with it.  Which are you?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Good Ambassadors”. Check out Luke 17.  

Someone is always watching.  These days, especially with social media, our lives are on display for all to see.  What are we showing others by the way we live and the things we are about?  What do others feel permitted to do because they see us (Christian’s ) doing it?  Are we an encouragement for others to press into Jesus or do we lead them further away?  Do our lives contradict, divide, Gods people or unite?  It’s really something we should be conscious of.  Jesus takes our witness seriously even if we don’t.  

“Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are considered His children (John 1:12).  True children of God will spend eternity with Him.  Amen!  We like that part!  As children of God we should look and act like it!  He should be reflected in us!  In fact that’s the expectation (2 Corinthians 5:11-20). We don’t like that part quite as much.  

As children of God we are called to shine in this dark world to be a beacon of light - an ambassador of Jesus as though He were making His plea through us.

How are we doing?  How are you doing?  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Changed.”  Today we are in Luke 16

The Word of God taught by the Spirit of God ought to guide us, leads us, shape us, change us (Romans 12:2).  If we TRULY believe It, why wouldn’t It? So, does our life reflect Scripture?  

It’s easy to “fake” it in many areas, but when it comes to ALL God has blessed us with, well… that’s often another story.  “Look Pastor, I’m all in, but when it comes to my money… back off”.  

Except it’s not our money.  In this chapter Jesus hits many of us where it hurts.  How we view “our money”, and frankly all the gifts He’s given - tells the story of our heart.  

There are some that would have us believe that the way we look at, value, steward our money and all that He’s given - is no reflection on our faith. FALSE! In fact it may be one of the most accurate definers.  Jesus has much to say regarding the way we handle our money, our generosity and stewardship.  In fact faithfulness with what we have been blessed with seems to be tied to further continued blessing (Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬-‭13‬).  

We are His chosen method with which to bless others.  When we are stingy with His blessing we miss out on opportunity to be a part of His work in that way.  We also miss out on the “complete joy” that comes from being united in Him - in all that He’s doing (John 15:5-11).  He freely gives so we can give it back (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). Nothing should ever be put before Him!  

He owns it all!  The cattle on 1000 hills - all His (Psalm 50:10-12).  He’s the source of it ALL, the provider of all things!  He provides the gifts, talents, skills and even the ability to earn wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18; James 1:17; Acts 17:25; 1 Corinthians 4:7).

Don’t miss it!  He gives and He takes away (Job 1:21)!  Honor Him with it all!  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Once Lost, but now Found!” Today we are in Luke 15.  

Jesus shares multiple parables to show the value He puts on a single lost person.  We may look at someone who has totally spun out, off the tracks, wrong road… and shrug our shoulders.  Not my circus, not my monkeys.  But get a load of the words of Jesus here!  

Leave the 99 to go find the one lost sheep.  Sweep the entire house looking for one lost coin.  The Father stands eagerly awaiting the return of his son - the prodigal.  

The one who wanted his inheritance so that he might spend it on pleasure is now beat down, broken, and
humbled.  However he’s returned - to his father who has been waiting, longing, looking off into the distance for his return.  

Upon his return there is a great celebration!  This is the heart of our God, and aren’t we thankful.  If you’re the lost one, there is great news.  He’s longing for you to turn back to Him!  

He’s our example - our model.  We’ve got work to do.  Would you go looking for the lost sheep?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Those Who’ve Made God #1”.  Today we are in Luke 14.

Towards the end of Chapter 13 Jesus talked about how narrow the door to Heaven is.  There is One Way to Heaven - Jesus. Maybe you’re left kind of wondering how you can be assured a ticket to Heaven.  We are really easily deceived; and there will be those that think they’re secure but find out they’re not (Matthew 7:21-23).  How can I be sure which one I am?  

Jesus takes opportunity here to lay it out for the Disciples as well as the Pharisees.  “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Remember the cross symbolizes death.  He’s suggesting we must die to ourselves daily.  It’s all Him.  We were bought and paid for at The Cross.  It’s therefore reasonable that we give ourselves fully to Him (Romans 12:1), Loving Him and Loving others like ourselves (Matthew 22:37-38).  Notice we are to love others “like” ourselves.  He doesn’t command us to love ourselves… It’s understood we already do.  

“Self Love” is among the latest movements in our culture.  Problem is… theres nothing in Scripture that jives with that concept.  Loving one’s self is assumed - “Love your neighbor as yourself”.  “No one ever hated his own body…” (Ephesians 5:29).  Love comes from God because He is Love (1 John 4:7-8).  “Self Love” is simply man’s latest attempt to manufacture something for himself - that truly only comes from God.  Press into Jesus and His love overflows through us providing enough Love for Him, for us, and anyone else (1 John 4:7-11, 19).  But, loving ourselves, or anyone else for that matter CANNOT come without Jesus!  That’s it!  He IS Love!  Apart from Him there is no REAL love.  

You must HATE your family, your own life even… that’s a pretty harsh word.  It sounds harsh because we have a tendency to prioritize our relationships incorrectly.  Jesus explains the concept further in Matthew 10:34-39.

There it is!  He must truly be your #1.  Those aren’t just words - they must be reflected in actions!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Narrow Door Enterers”. Today we dig into Luke 13.

Jesus continues to spread The Word!  Repent and turn to God for the Kingdom of God is near.  Using parables He explains the incredible spreading of the Gospel.  The Good News spread fast.  Jesus was on the scene and about to go to the Cross, suffer, and die in our place.  Our sin requires a payment (Romans 6:23).  It’s a payment that could never be satisfied by us -  even if for eternity.  Jesus blood shed on The Cross is the only sufficient payment.  Receiving His payment for our sins, acknowledging and receiving Him as Lord, and repenting of our sin is the only way into heaven… period (John 14:6; Acts 3:19).

It begins with humbly admitting we need saving.  We CAN’T do it on our own.  We can’t earn it (Ephesians 2:1-9).  Heaven isn’t universal.  Wanting to go there simply isn’t enough.  Knowledge of Jesus isn’t BELIEF.  True BELIEF results in action.  Our good works can’t save us, but they can demonstrate we’re saved (Luke 6:43; Matthew 7:18).  If we TRULY BELIEVE we should look like it!  

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’” Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We cannot be “good enough”! “Better than the next guy” doesn’t cut it.  Even obeying, going through the motions alone gets us nothing if our heart isn’t in the right place.  It’s about a real relationship (Matthew 7:21-23).  Following rules was what the Pharisees were all about.  Jesus was reminding those around Him that following Him was the only way through the gate.  He was and is broken hearted over those that don’t “get it”.  

Know Him!  The gate is narrow, but not impossible to get through!  Everything is possible through Jesus (Philippians 4:13).  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “God Fearer’s”. Today we are in Luke 12.

What are you most afraid of?  The Bible tells us fear not.  In some form or other we are told not to fear more than 200 times.  Literally we’re not supposed to fear anything… well except one thing.  Proverbs tells us that Fear of The Lord is the beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).  We know wisdom is knowledge applied.  If we don’t apply what we learn to our lives it’s just information bouncing around in our minds - useless to us.  We never grow up in our faith.  We never mature.  No fear - No maturity.  Perhaps that’s why at times we as “the church” seem stagnant, immature, even ineffective at times.

Some 278 times we’re told to fear God.  In each case, the word used in the original language (Yihrah in OT, Phobos in NT) speaks to trembling, pants wetting, fall like a dead man fear.  That seems weird… to actually be afraid of God.  Yes He is full of Grace and Mercy… but He is also perfect Justice - and we sin.  Did you ever get in trouble as a kid and mom said, “Wait until your dad gets home?”  It’s kind of like that.  Because of our sin there is Hell to pay… literally!  However He loves us enough to offer us forgiveness, redemption and reconciliation through Jesus’ blood shed on the Cross.  Simply open your heart and receive Him.

Review Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭

Often when I touch on this subject someone will respond with 1 John 4:18… but Pastor Jason “Perfect love drives out fear.”  Yes… don’t forget the rest of the verse, “… because fear has to do with punishment.” Punishment comes from disobedience and disobedience from lack of real love… ours not His!  Now review John 14:15,21.  We can’t pick and choose just the parts of Scripture we like.  We must know, apply and live it all.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning Light Shine-ers!  Today were in Luke 11

Jesus begins by telling us how to pray.  In reality He’s showing us 5 aspects of prayer.  Confession, Adoration, Praise, Petition or Supplication, and Intercession.  Our prayers should include them all.  We get a bit more detail in Matthew 6:9-13.  

What do those words mean?  Maybe you remember my praying hands explanation.  When we put our hands together to pray - the thumb points back at us reminding us to confess our sins as we begin to pray.  The index finger points heavenward - we love and adore Him. The middle finger is the longest of all and reminds us He is Lord over ALL.  We ought praise Him for ALL He is and does.  The ring finger reminds us of those we love, who are close to us… so we petition Him with our needs.  The pinky is the smallest, it reminds us to pray for the “least of these”, others in need - that’s intercession.  Look back over the first of this chapter as well as Matthew 6:9-13 to see that Jesus points out each aspect.

He fills us with the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).  His light shines through us when we are in step with Him through His Word (2 Corinthians 3:7-9; Matthew 5:16).  As we use the gifts and talents He’s given us for His Glory, His light is elevated for all to see (Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭33‬-‭36‬)!

See to it that you don’t let darkness dim your light!  Use those gifts and talents to shine for Jesus!  Don’t let sin hinder your shine.  There is a world of darkness out there - light it up!  They need to see Jesus - let them see the Jesus in you!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Lambs Among Wolves”. Today we are in Luke 10.

 “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬  So… who is my neighbor?  The question was asked of Jesus.  

“In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.” Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A Priest and a Levite both passed by and did nothing.  “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’”  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭33‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Samaritans and Jews didn’t associate.  Samaritans were considered less than - so it’s even more of a statement that Jesus chose a Samaritan to make His point to the “expert in the law”.  Once again Jesus smashes cultural norms, and shows He’s concerned with the heart!  

Who’s your neighbor?  Even and especially, those you wouldn’t choose!  Isn’t he the one you can help… but don’t want to?  

Jesus told him to go and do likewise. What’s the application for us? Go and do likewise.  Dig in, there is much more in this chapter.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Self Deniers”.  Today we are in Luke 9

“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The process Jesus is speaking of here requires saying no to your flesh - your desires.  The shiny things of this world ultimately leave us wanting and empty. It’s why we move from one thing to the next.  What do the wealthy want more anything else?  More money.   What about a national champion?  Another championship.  When is it ever enough?

Answer -  NEVER!  That’s why we live in a world full of addiction.  Drugs, alcohol, sex, adrenaline, money, achievement, food, shopping - think of just about any way we can indulge ourselves and likely you can associate it with addiction.  That’s because nothing in this world can provide lasting satisfaction.  The satisfaction this world provides is short lived - then we need more.  Jesus is simply saying if we want to follow Him we have to put all our fleshly desires aside. He needs to be the Person, The Thing we desire, seek, and long for most!

He takes it even further.  An instrument of death, the cross was so much more than the romanticized piece of jewelry we wear today.  He’s using it here to symbolize the death to self and self gratification that He’s talking about.  Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Paul in Romans reminds us, that because Jesus gave His life for our salvation it makes sense we give Him ours everyday. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬‭‭. The KJV says this is your REASONABLE act of worship.  It’s reasonable to think that in light of Jesus giving us eternity in heaven we give Him our lives while we’re here.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Shining Lights”! Today we’re in Luke 8.

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God created you with incredible talents and gave you spiritual gifts at the time of salvation - for His purpose and Glory.  Not only does He give us every breath we take, and every beat of our heart; He also gives us the desire to seek “good things”.  No one seeks God or righteousness - He puts that in us (Romans 3:10-17).  He even determined where we will live and who our parents would be etc (Acts 17:26).  What does all that mean?   It means we fit into an amazing plan. He has good works which He prepared in advance for to do (Ephesians 3:10).  

The gifts and talents He blessed us with are designed for His glory, and benefit of the Kingdom.  In this passage He speaks of the light we have been given, through Jesus.  The Holy Spirit living in us makes us look different - or at least it should.  We quench the Spirits fire when we turn from the things of God and soak up the things the world offers (1 Thessalonians 5:19).  Gods design… let the light of Jesus shine through us, and use those gifts and talents as a platform to elevate His light. Gifts and talents are our lamp stand!   Consider your gifts and talents and how God would have you use them to further the kingdom!

Use it or lose it is the principle that follows.  Develop your gifts and talents for His glory not yours… or lose them.  “Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Where and how does God want to use you?  What are you naturally good at?  Consider all the ways He’s blessed you and how you might use that blessing.  Be careful not to simply put a God stamp on things you really,
just want to do for your glory.  He can’t be fooled.  Make sure your heart is right!  A right heart comes from a right relationship with Jesus.  Here’s a tip… you’re not routinely hearing the voice of God when you have no relationship with Him.  “My sheep know my voice.” John 10:27

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Faithfully Forgiven”.  Today we are in Luke 7.

In this chapter we see incredible faith from the unlikely, and the depths of the grace of Jesus.  

Consider the Centurion who although a powerful man - recognized his sinful state and did not consider himself worthy to have Jesus under his roof.  Yet, he had enough faith to believe Jesus could heal his son without even going to his house.

Jesus continues to demonstrate grace by raising a widows dead son.  

One of the Pharisees invites Jesus to dinner.  A sinful woman learns Jesus will be there (Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬).

Think about this woman and her faith for a minute.  She would have know that she would not be welcomed by the Pharisee.  In fact she would have been in danger of being cast out.  Nevertheless, she comes, seemingly without invitation because she hears Jesus is there. Unlike many others she is not looking for healing from anything physical, she simply wants Jesus and the forgiveness she absolutely believes He offers.

In His presence she can do nothing but fall on her face and weep.  Enough tears to wet, and wash His feet.  She even dries them with her hair, and can’t stop kissing them.  Now, they only wore straps / sandals in those times.   Roads were dusty and dirty.  There were animals and people everywhere.  Feet were NASTY… Im just saying.  If you had a dinner party it was customary for you to have a servant available to wash, dry and anoint the feet of your guests.  It was a way of honoring your guests and frankly was just good hospitality. The Pharisee did nothing hospitable in this way.

This woman, overcome by her sin falls on her face in the presence of Jesus.  She wants only His forgiveness.   Because of the depth and degree of her sin, she showed much love in return (Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭47‬).

I wonder, when we come to Jesus - do we only come asking for goodies?  Or do we come, falling on our face, simply wanting to receive the gift of forgiveness - and honored to be there?  Are we broken like this woman, or oblivious like the Pharisee… or somewhere in the middle?

I pray we recognize our sinfulness and the depth of His incredible grace and mercy. In the song I Can Only Imagine, Mercy Me sings about the moment we stand before Him -  “Will I dance for you Jesus or to my knees will I fall”?  I think we will all fall.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Diggers.” Today we are in Luke 6.

After a brief discussion with the religious leaders, setting them straight on The Lord of The Sabbath - Jesus does a little healing.  Then He gets to work instructing His newly called Disciples.

There is so much here for us to apply!  The two greatest commandments which sum up the whole law are: Love God with everything you got, and Love your neighbor as yourself.  (Paraphrased).  When we consider these we can be left wondering… yeah, but what’s that look like?  And… how do we possibly do that?  Jesus lays out much of the “what and how” clearly here.  What’s more He really sums up the “How is it possible” with His closing teaching.

THE WORD of GOD.  The one who reads His Word and puts It into practice builds a strong foundation, able to stand strong against all the stresses of the world.  Conversely, he who doesn’t put His Word into practice lacks a firm foundation and crumbles under life’s stresses (Luke 6:47-49).

We tend to get caught up in trying harder, “purposing” to “serve” God more.  Without the Holy Spirit working through us, our efforts are exhausting and hopeless!  We can’t skip over the relationship building with Jesus and simply “try harder” to do good things.  It’s not about that!  It’s literally a process of submitting ourselves to Him daily (Romans 12:1-2).  We press into Him through His Word taught by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us and changes us from the inside out (Philippians 1:6).  As we deepen our relationship with Him, falling more in love with Him through His Word - the serving and loving comes much more naturally!  Additionally; as we repent of our sin, the strength to stand against temptation is much more accessible; when we are dialed in with the God who provides it through His Spirit (James 4:7-8).  It’s not an instant microwave result.  It’s a process of daily pressing in!  Growth is a process!  Once we give our lives to Jesus, growth starts with submission, obedience and discipline to Him through His Word!  He will do the work, but we must daily choose to participate (Psalm 119:9-11; Joshua 1:8)

Are you in?  All in?  Dive in - press in today!  Get into The Word and get to know Him personally!

Love you all! Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Filled with Joy”.  Today we are in Luke 5.

All in for Jesus!  This chapter highlights those with the faith to go ALL IN!  

Consider Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Check out this man’s friends!  What about their faith?  It was real enough and strong enough to put their brother on a mat, carry him to where Jesus was, then somehow get him up on the roof and lower him down.  We all should purpose to surround ourselves with friends like this!  “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”‭‭ John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ Is that a description of your closest friends… is that the kind of friend you are?  If our relationship with Jesus is the #1 most important thing, then friends that do anything other than push us closer to Him - really aren’t friends.  

When Jesus sees this man, and their faith, He chooses to forgive his sins rather than heal him.  There is an unspoken statement here we need to pay attention to.  The friends loaded their friend up so he could be physically healed - they were concerned with the physical.  Jesus - first forgives the man’s sin!  If only we were as concerned about our spiritual relationship with Jesus as we are our physical needs and comfort!  

Jesus paid the price for all sin - period!  He promises to be ENOUGH - period!  Through Him we can daily live and experience all of the “Fruit of the Spirit” -  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Think about it - we chase after so much the world offers in an effort to get these things.  Ironically there is NO way to truly experience them in a lasting way - when we push Him away.  He is the source!  No Jesus - No peace.  Know Jesus - Know Peace!  No Jesus - No Joy… etc etc.  Get it?

Dig in!  Love you all!

Good Morning “Faithful People Lovers.”  Today we look at Luke 4.

As I study Luke 4, it strikes me Jesus was BUSY!  Everywhere He went, while facing opposition, He continued to love on everyone He came across!  Life it’s self can be exhausting at times - then throw into the mix ministering to the hurting and lost.  How did Jesus do it?  How did He keep going and going and going and going?

Towards the end of the chapter, I believe Luke gives us the answer.
“At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place…”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why did He routinely retreat to a solitary place to be alone?  He wasn’t alone at all!  In fact He was spending time with the Father!  Over and over we see Him do this throughout the Gospels!  How did He keep going?  He pressed into the Father and drew on strength from the Holy Spirit!  As He responds to Satans temptations, after literally nearly starving to death for 40 days - He responds only with the Word of God!  It came out of Him in those moments because that’s what was in Him!  It’s where He found His strength!  

Press in to Him through the Word!  Bulk up, those spiritual muscles you got!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Cleansed”.  Today we are in Luke 3.

“Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’ ””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Check it out - big change was and is coming.

John the Baptist was preaching a Gospel of Repentance - the same message Jesus and then the Disciples would later proclaim.  It’s the same message we proclaim today.  “Repent and be Baptized for the Kingdom of God is near.”  We must first be baptized by the Holy Spirit.  “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬. That’s the cleansing process that takes place when we receive Jesus payment on the cross.  We choose to be Baptized (according to His commandment) with Water as a demonstration of what has already taken place inside.  Our first act of obedience - a public proclamation that we belong to Jesus.

There is another big piece in  salvation though… the repenting, or turning away from sin part.  Speaking about the coming judgment the crowd responded - “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What was the point - the point IS it’s time for a new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). “John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning Growers in Wisdom and Stature.  Today we are in Luke 2

Hebrews 4:15  says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”

We know clearly that when God the Son took on flesh and came down to Earth He “veiled” some of His Godly attributes.  For instance He was not everywhere present, nor did He appear all knowing.  For instance when He was here on earth only the Father knew when He would return (Matthew 24:36).  He had to be fully human and go through what we go through to be able to emphasize with us.  He gets it!  

Towards the end of Luke 2 we get a glimpse of 12 year old Jesus.  Some interesting things to note:

- He had to learn to think of His parent’s feelings (Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭43‬‬‬). Now we know He never sinned, so this was not willful disobedience- He simply didn’t think to ask if He could stay.  They looked for Him for 3 days before finding Him in the temple.  Could you imagine?  As a  parent losing a child is horrifying enough… imagine being entrusted with the Savior of the World and you lose Him.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭52‬ ‭NIV‬‬

- He had to grow up - He wasn’t born mature.  Growing up isn’t easy.  Imagine always being the one that truly IS perfect!  Can you say “mom and dad’s favorite”.

- He grew in wisdom as well.  We assume He learned, like you and I.  He wasn’t astounding them in the temple at 4 years old, or 8… it wasn’t until He was 12 that He was able to blow their minds with His understanding.  Yet, at only 12 He was blowing their minds with understanding!  Let that be an encouragement to you (1 Timothy 4:2).

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There was purpose in Him taking on flesh.  Yes to ultimately be a sufficient sacrifice, to pay the price for all sin once and for all - but also to show us how to live.  He’s the ultimate example for us to follow!  Forget idolizing Hollywood, or Athletes, even wanting to be like this person or that… we all have those we look up to.  Ultimately, look to Jesus!  He’s your benchmark!  

Love You All!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Historians and Scholars”.  Today we are in Luke 1.

Luke wrote 2 books, Luke and Acts.  As a Doctor Luke purposed to gather all the information he could and record it.  Luke and Acts come together to tell us how God first went after Israel and then the Nations - with the Good News of Jesus.  Luke’s recordings read much like a detailed history lesson.  He addresses his writing to Theophilus who was likely a Roman official.  Luke wanted to make sure he understood THIS “Good News”!

Luke’s writings are the summary of letters, speeches, songs, travel records, eye witness accounts, trial transcripts and whatever else he could get his hands on.  

Times were different then.  Luke didn’t just ask Siri or Google for this information.  Imagine the amount of time it took for him to gather enough information to be able to record with this much detail.  Why?  Why would he do it?  He recognized the miracle of Jesus!  He knew the life saving value for all that will read what he recorded.  Remember, Luke was a doctor, a life saver - by trade.  He had an heart for people and understood the story of Jesus to be the power for salvation for all who believe (Romans 1:16).  He understood we are not just talking about this life, but eternity.  Luke was all in!  

Dig in and pay attention to the detail in Luke’s account - it’s worth it.  He includes things the others don’t!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “No Doubt-ers”. Today we are in Mark 16

The tomb is empty!  He is risen!  Do you believe that?

Apparently truly believing isn’t as easy as it sounds.  The disciples witnessed, and participated in many of the miracles Jesus performed.  They cast out demons with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Yet, all through the Gospels we see Jesus repeatedly rebuking the disciples because of their lack of Faith.

Here we read about the empty tomb!  Eyewitnesses bring back report that indeed Jesus did what was prophesied.  He did what He said He was going to do!  The problem is - they don’t believe.  It was prophesied in the Old Testament.  Good Jewish boys would have been taught the Scriptures, they knew Them, and said they “believed”.  

“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Jesus reiterated and clearly explained to them what must happen - several times, and they seemingly “believed”, yet when they received eye witness report that the tomb was empty, they didn’t believe it.

“When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.” Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is definitely a difference between “believing” in your head and “believing” in your heart!  It’s a big difference.  Head knowledge has little or no effect.  True belief results in action, submission to The Word of God taught by the Spirit of God and THAT yields real change (Romans 12:2).  Change that makes us look more like Jesus (Romans 8:29)!

Do you “believe”?  Or, do you BELIEVE?  There is a difference.  Peter having doubted in the past finally gets it - check out what He says here.  “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬

Your eternal life depends on it.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Love Receivers. Today we are in Mark 15.

The greatest act of love ever known. First a little background.  All of creation, including man, was meant to Glorify God Himself.  How do we do that?  When we who are surrounded by sin and temptation willingly choose Him and His ways, despite so many sinful possibilities - we bring Glory to God (Matthew 5:16).

We were designed to remain in constant fellowship with Jesus - to do life with Him (John 15). We need Him whether we realize it or not.  If you’ve ever tried to do life on your own, you know it’s empty.  When we choose to sin it breaks our fellowship with Him - Like stabbing a friend in the back.  We cannot have a relationship with Him without dealing with our sin.  “…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬. This death is not just physical, it’s spiritual.  Our default destination because of our sin is NOT heaven. Our sin has to be paid for.  

Jesus was fully man and lived His life without sinning, despite being tempted in all the ways we are (Hebrews 4:16), and He was fully God; thus He was the perfect sacrifice - sufficient to pay for the sin of the entire world.  The price has been paid in full by Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).  The only way to get to heaven is by receiving the payment Jesus made on the cross for our sin (John 3:16).  He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.  It’s ONLY through Jesus that we have the hope of Heaven (John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬).

We can’t fix it our sin problem - only Jesus can (Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬).

So how does it work?  

We make a conscious decision to accept Jesus payment for our sin.  We ask forgiveness and turn away / repent from sin - demonstrating our decision is real with physical action (1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬; Acts 3:19)

True belief results in emotional, spiritual, and physical action.  Demonstrating real belief means we actually look like we believe.    You can acknowledge what God is doing in your heart with a simple prayer of response.  

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s not about fancy words, raising a hand, or walking an isle - those things all simply demonstrate what He is doing inside.  It’s not about getting all “cleaned up” first, He does the cleaning from the inside out (Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬). It’s acknowledging what He did on the Cross, and admitting you need Him to make you who He designed you to be.

Got that anxiousness in your gut - feeling like The Holy Spirit is tugging on your heart?  Don’t resist anymore - quit fighting Him.

Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe Jesus died on the Cross to pay for my sin.  Please forgive me of my sin, come into my life and be Lord of it.  As I turn from my sin please give me strength - make me into what you want me to be. - Amen

If that’s your heart - your debt is paid in full,
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If you have recently received Jesus please reach out - we’d love to help get you started as you walk with Jesus.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Communion Takers”.  Today we are in Mark 14.

With the Passover just 2 days away the Chief Priests are scheming to kill Jesus.  A woman anoints Jesus with a very expensive bottle of perfume. John mentions her as Mary - Martha’s sister.   She is in effect preparing Him for burial.  Her act of faith is met with much objection.  “Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus puts them in their place - and honors her.  She seems to understand who hJesus is and what is about to happen.  

Later Judas seals the deal to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. When Jesus and the Disciples gather for the Passover, Jesus shares the communion elements with them, and predicts Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial.  As we scorn Judas’ betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver… be careful.  Don’t we betray Him each time we sin… for free?

Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, asking His Father to take the cup of suffering from Him - but ultimately submitting to the Will of God.  John records His prayers for us as followers as well.  

When He's arrested His "faithful" followers all scatter. "Then everyone deserted him and fled. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭50‬-‭52‬ ‭NIV‬‬

They take Jesus, begin His mockery of a trial and Peter denies Jesus 3 times before morning.

When we talk about knowing Jesus and being committed to Him no matter what - where do we really stand?  Here we see some - totally get it, some kind of get it but waver in faith, and some not at all.  Imagine the craziness of these events!  If you walked with Jesus during this time how do you think you would have responded?  How about now?  Where would you stand?  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Watching for Jesus”. Today we dive into Mark 13.

Jesus is coming back! Soon!  

In this chapter Jesus gives the Disciples / us,  both short term and end times future prophecy regarding the temple and Rome, their persecution - really all things.  Interestingly, just 40 years later these temple prophesies were fulfilled.  Yet another prophetic proof of the trustworthiness of The Word of God.  

No matter what position you take regarding “end times” prophecy, we should  all agree on one thing from Mark 13 - be ready!  Make your salvation sure (Philippians 2:12) - then get to work.  Jesus has given clear instruction.  We are to be obediently following Him, loving and serving until He takes us home (Matthew 20:26-28; Roman’s 12:1).  We  ought not be consumed with the things of this world but with the things of God (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 7:31).  

Our call is simple, love God with everything we got!  Love others as ourselves which is ONLY possible through the overflowing love of Jesus in us (Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 4:19).  If we truly love them, we will not be able to stand by; knowing that because of sin our default destination is hell (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  God doesn’t need to send us there, it’s our default - brought about by sin.  Therefore; we should be eager to share the Good News of Jesus.  Then we take  it even further - making Disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).  That doesn’t mean we all need to be Pastors, but we SHOULD ALL be ministers of the Gospel.  We SHOULD ALL be building into others, sharing the reason for the Hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).  We are His chosen method to deliver the life saving news of Jesus (Acts 1:8).

Why fear, if we are living and doing the will of The Father?  Get to know Him through The Word.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!