02.28.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 10:13 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 7:11-35 Theme: No matter what God does, some will still reject his wisdom and way. Key verses: “The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.” (v. 15) “‘John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come…?’ At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard…’” (v. 20-22) “‘I tell you, among those born of women there is no greater than John…’ (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees…rejected God’s purpose for themselves…) “‘John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton…’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.’” (v. 28-35) What God said to me: Dwayne, people today are no different than they were 2000 years ago. They have a rebellious heart that refuses to be satisfied and content with my way. I sent rough and rugged John, but they rejected him. I sent my son, Jesus, who came among them as one of their own, yet they refused him. You must never allow yourself to take their rejection and their deriding personally. Such actions are not because of you, but rather, because of them and their own dark, lost souls. They are sinners in need of a Savior. John allowed himself to become discouraged as he sat in prison wondering if he had prepared the way for the right one. He needed to be reminded and assured that his work was not in vain, that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. You too will be faced with that same temptation. As people you desparately try to reach turn away from you and ridicule you, you must remember they rejected me first and ultimately. Just stay faithful to live and preach my wisdom. The world in general won’t accept you, no matter what you do. However, those whom I have chosen to be my children will recognize the truth and follow me. What I said to God: Father, I mostly sit here in my little building working away. I do not venture out much to meet and get to know lost and unchurched people. Yet, I know that is my most important purpose for being on this earth. I do not think I am in much danger of being rejected, sitting where I am now. Please give me a portion of Your burden, Your love for the lost. Help me do as Jesus and seek them out so that they may be saved. Who today can I share my faith with? Please put someone in my path. Whether they accept or reject is not up to me. Like John the Baptist and like my Lord, I must stay faithful to what You have called me–and every believer–to do. Please undergird my resolve.
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02.27.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 10:03 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 7:1-10 Theme: The centurion’s faith was unbecoming and unmatched. Key verses: “…a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him…” (v. 2-3) “…the centurion sent friends to say to him: ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof…But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (v. 6-7) “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” What God said to me: Son, you need to focus on this today. There is a powerful lesson I am trying to show you, but your mind is so scattered and distracted. You are thinking about your ministry needs and plans, but I am your ministry. I am your minister. I am your source of any ministry to come for you. Die to yourself and your supposed need to check off your to-do lists. I am your to-do list! Today I want you to see the importance of faith that is pure and powerful. The kind of faith this centurion had is highly unusual. This man was not a Jew, not an official God-follower. He was not forced to memorize the Law and observe the Passover while he was growing up. Yet, he had more faith than anyone in Israel. This kind of faith does not come but by prayer and fasting. This man had invested voluntary time in my Word and on his knees. He had gotten to know me by making time with me. Clearly he had built up his most holy faith. And that faith paid off. His servant was healed, just as he knew Jesus could do it. One more thing I want you to notice: This centurion’s faith made him extremely humble and grateful. Although he was a powerful leader among the Romans, he did not see himself as worthy of having Jesus in his home. Faith, true, Biblical faith, leads to a life of humility and wisdom. How’s your faith, Dwayne? Are you building it up every day by investing time with me? What I said to God: Holy Lord, I know You are the almighty God, the One, true Master and Creator. I acknowledge my desparate need for You today. I humble myself before Your almighty hand of grace and provision and direction. Praise You for growing my faith and making me more like You.
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02.26.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 9:47 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 6:39-49 Theme: God wants our doing lined up with our saying flowing from our being. Key verses: “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (v. 40) “You hypocrite, first take the plank our of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (v. 42b) “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (v. 45) “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (v. 46) What God said to me: Dwayne, welcome back to journaling. I am glad you made the commitment to have your QT before you check your email each day. That practice needs to continue beyond your short-term goal of Easter. I must be your first priority. My Word must dwell in you richly. I have so much more for you to do. But the enemy desires to sift you like wheat. Be on your guard now more than ever before in your life. Keep your priorities of QT, family and physical/mental sharpness in careful tow. Behold, I come quickly. Regarding today’s passage, Dwayne, the one thing I want you to take away from today’s time with me is the clear reminder and stern warning that you must constantly put in good things. What are you taking in to your mind through your eyes and ears that feeds your soul? What books are you reading? How much time do you invest in my Word on a daily basis? How often do you seek for wisdom in my Word as for hidden treasures? I know you enjoy vegging out on the couch and watching movies. I am generally ok with that. I want you to rest and re-create. However, in those times, particularly, it is easy for you to let your guard down and see images that war against your soul. Dwayne, I want to use you to write more books and inspire more people, but what will flow out onto your pages are the very things you are putting into your mind’s pages each and every day. It is a discipline you must embrace and viciously pursue. What I said to God: Holy and faithful El-Shaddai, my Jehovah-jireh, I am desperate for You today and every day. Thank You for speaking so loudly and simply to me this morning. I too miss those days when I don’t journal, making ample time for You to illuminate my mind and soul and cleanse my heart. Praise You from the highest high and the lowest low. My soul does magnify the Lord. I am Your servant today and always. Help me guard my eyes, my ears, my thoughts, my mouth, and my heart. May my feet take only ways that are firm. Show me what You want me to read and concentrate my mind on today. Please also guard the minds of my children and wife today. I love You, my precious Lord and Friend!
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02.09.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 10:31 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 6:37-38 Theme: What we do for others will determine what gets done to us. Key verses: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged…Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (v. 37-38) What God said to me: Son, make it a solemn and holy habit in your life to give freely and often to others. Guard your thoughts and words against pre-judging others. Carefully consider: “Do I talk about people or belittle them or think I’m better in some way than they?” Furthermore, look around to those I have put in your path. Who can you bless through giving them your time or money or help? Never be stingy what you wish not to be withheld from you. This teaching may seem designed to appeal to your carnal ways–as though Jesus was giving you selfish motivation to give to others, thereby receiving reward for yourself. But that is not the essence of this passage. Rather, Jesus was simply laying out the facts. One thing leads to the other. Your motivation–as emphasized so many other times by Jesus–is to do all for my glory and not for your personal gain. You should love others, expecting no love in return. If fact, look back up to what Jesus had just said in this sermon on the plain to hear him teach that very principle. Yet, when you do give freely and abundantly, just know that I will never allow you to go without. You will never outgive me. What I said to God: Lord, is this my answer to whether I should go to Botswana? Have I been selfishly trying to hold on to my advance check and other monies? Should my family and I let go of all our plans and hopes to be debt-free this year? Will You be more honored if we instead use what we have to bless the people of Botswana? I know being debt-free is Your will too though. Am I being selfish and presumptious to expect You to return our funds so we can still meet our own financial goals? If I am understanding this passage correctly, that is exactly what I can expect. Hallelujah! Thank You, my Father, for always providing for us and doing exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think! I love You. Help me show my love for You by freely giving to others today.Â
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02.06.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 11:52 pm by Administrator
Text: Luke 6:27-36 Theme: Love is not optional based on our biases. Key verses: “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…If someone strikes you on one check, turn to him the other also.” (v. 27-29a) “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (v. 31) “If you love those who love you…if you do good to those who are good to you…If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?” (v. 32-34) “But love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (v. 35-36) What God said to me: Dwayne, you are weary today from your travels and efforts in my name. I have given you this moment as a gift to rest and be recharged in my presence. Be sure to wait on me today and maintain this attitude of hopeful rest in my promises. As you go, look for ways to show my love to those you meet. Don’t lend today to only those from whom you know you will be repaid. Think of all the times I have “loaned” you my mercy–all the while knowing you would not return my love with grateful obedience. In a day when so much emphasis is placed on investing your time and resources, do not assume that my ultimate plan for you is to see tangible returns in this lifetime. Often, frankly, you will not. Many to whom you show kindness and help will quickly forget your actions for them. Others will disappoint you or even turn and stab you in your back after they have benefited from your acts of love toward them. I know this seems unimaginable. Why would anyone not carry an debt of gratitude and appreciation for undeserved mercy and assistance? My son, I have been equally startled and amazed for thousands of years now. Yet, I continue to show mercy and love on any and all–whether they return my love or not. You must always do the same… What I said to God: Thank You, precious and holy One. Praise You this morning for meeting with me, for loving on me, for showing me great and wonderful grace. May I never turn away those whom You lead me to help. May I never base my decisions to help them on how they may in turn help me. That’s not how Your mercy works. You have never treated me as my sins deserve. You have never withheld your love from me, even when I scorned it and didn’t appreciate it. You are El-Elyon and You are Jehovah God. I honor You as both and yeild my self to You today.
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