03.31.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 10:23 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 9:23-27 Theme: Dying is only worthwhile when it is for the Christ, the Son of God. Key verses: “Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and fillow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” (v. 23-24) What God said to me: Dwayne, you are dangerously close to the edge. Why would you see how close you can get without falling off? Where’s the wisdom in that? Don’t flirt with temptation. Don’t cater to your fleshly desires. Don’t give the devil even the slightest opportunity. Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The saying of Jesus in this passage is found in every gospel and refered to more than anything else Jesus said. Luke, better than any of the other gospel writers, emphasized how a follower of mine must take up his cross every day. Dwayne, I have kept you from falling all these years. I am proud of how you have often guarded our relationship and you have denied yourself many comforts and personal desires. However, you know how you have still not lived up to the daily part of this mandate from your Savior. There have been many days when you’ve walked away from your commitment and acted as though you didn’t love my Son at all. You pushed him aside and placed yourself on the throne of your heart. This cannot be, and must not continue. As I elevate your ministry and influence more and more (in fact, exponentially), nothing you are perceived as in public will matter compared to what you do in private. Your daily walk with me and denial of yourself is of utmost importance. You must lose your life. You are not your own. You are bought with a price — the precious blood of my one and only begotten Son, Jesus. See you to it… What I said to God: Lord (Can I truly call You that this morning?), You have been my dwelling place all my days. From everlasting to everlasting, You are God. I know my life is fleeting and like a vapor. There’s a cross for everyone, and there’s a cross for me. I choose to take up that cross today and follow You emphatically. I reckon myself to be dead. I offer the instruments of my body for righteousness and not for evil. I completely yeild my being to You, O God, my God. Thank You for forgiving my sins and selfish acts, my lust and my pride. They will not rule me — not today. Help me make this choice just as strongly tomorrow.
Permalink
03.27.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 11:33 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 9:18-22 Theme: Jesus explicitly said he would rise again, yet his disciples missed it. Key verses: “‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’” (v. 20) “And he said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected…and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.’” What God said to me: Dwayne, I know you sit there in amazement wondering how the disciples apparently forgot all about what Jesus said. How could they be so depressed and hopeless after his crucifixion and so utterly surprized at his resurrection? He had clearly and repeated told them he would come back to life, and he even told them it would be on the third day. My son, do not be so quick to judge them for their lack of faith and unattentativeness. Rather, put yourself in their shoes. No one had ever done something like Jesus was speaking of. No one had come back to life on his own. Granted, they had seen Jesus raise others from dead. But this was different. They couldn’t fathom or in any relate to what he was telling them. Jesus knew this well. But he told them anyway because he knew that after the resurrection all those predictions he had seeded in them would blossom into exravagant faith and confirmation of his diety. At times I have done the same with you. How often have you read something in my Word or has some godly person told you something about yourself and your future that you in no way comprehended, much less believed? Then, how many times have you looked back later to finally realize and comprehend what I was trying to comminicate to you all along? The disciples were still a bit confused at this point in their journey with Jesus. They (Peter) knew he was the Christ. Yet, they did not understand what all that really entailed. Dwayne, you know I am all-knowing, all-powerful, only God and that my Son is Lord of all. But you cannot possibly understand what encompasses regarding this world and your life. Just read and study my Word carefully. Believe what I say to you whether it makes good sense to you or not. Trust me to do exceedingly abundantly in and through you in the future — all for my glory. Discover just how full of (foretold) surprizes I really am! What I said to God: Lord, I am not sure I fully grasp what You’ve said to me today. And I’m sure I don’t know all the implications and reasons. I will listen closely and read veraciously. I will search for Your wisdom as for hidden treasure. However, if I’m understanding this correctly, I may not always realize or interpret it to be treasure or even appreciate what You are showing me until much later down the road. That’s a great reason to take good notes every time I sense You speaking! Praise You, Lord, for letting us in on what You’re doing and will do! Thank You that You said we are blessed if we read Revelation — not if we comprehend it!
Permalink
03.25.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 7:40 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 9:12-17 Theme: Jesus challenged his disciples to meet overwhelming needs. Key verses: “…the Twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the crowds away so they can…find food…because we are in a remote place here.’ He replied, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They answered, ‘We only have five loaves of bread and two fish — unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.’ (About five thousand men were there.) (v. 12-14) “Taking the five loaves…he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied…” (v. 16-17) What God said to me: Dwayne, there is a profound truth that is often overlooked in this story. Jesus knew he was going to perform that miracle. He knew it before he asked them what there was to eat. Yet, he challenged them to do the providing of the food. Why did he do that? Was it in my Son’s nature to speak vain and thoughtless words? Did he ever poke fun at or belittle his disciples? Why would he infer that they could give those 10,000+ people something to eat if in fact they could not? Why would he test them like that? Could it be that Jesus wanted to teach them a huge lesson here? Could it be that they could in fact have taken Jesus up on his challenge? They could have picked up those loaves and fishes and blessed them, broke them and starting handing them out themselves. Would Jesus have allowed them to look like fools at that moment? Would not he have honored their faith and still multiplied the food the same? Why would Jesus say they could give them something to eat if they couldn’t? Remember that Jesus had just sent out those same Twelve on their own. He gave them authority and power to preach and meet physical needs. When they returned this opportunity immediately afforded them to continue in their newly discovered power. Sure, Jesus got those multitudes feed and again preached to them and healed them. Certainly he showed his diety and sovereignty. I do not give you enough information about this story in my Word for you to conclude beyond doubt that my Son did not mean to feed them himself. However, it stands to reason that they missed a great opportunity to be used of me to meet the overwhelming needs head on and successfully. You can and must as well… What I said to God: Amazing, Lord. What an incredible insight this morning. And what a convicting and challenging word to my spirit and mind. Those disciples heard Jesus say they could give the mulitude something to eat. In the same way, I hear You say I can give to those who need physical help — no matter how huge the task may be. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When I hear You whisper into my heart, “Give them something to eat,” may I in faith, nothing wavering say, “Yes, Lord.” Greater works than what You did You said we can do because we have Your Holy Spirit living and working in us. The power of the resurrection dwells in us! Help me not to do anything for vain glory, but rather, may I have Your mercy shown through me and Your power magnified through me — all for Your glory today.
Permalink
03.22.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 8:51 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 9:10-11 Theme: Jesus constantly ministered on two levels. Key verses: “Then he took them and withdrew by themselves to a town…but the crowds…followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.” (v. 10-11) What God said to me: Notice first that Jesus was interrupted by the crowds. He had withdrawn to be with his disciples. The crowd was not invited to their gathering. Yet, Jesus welcomed them. He was always on ready to meet whatever needs people had. He exemplified what he had sent his disciples out to do. He taught them about my Kingdom and spiritual things. And he also healed their physical bodies if they were sick. Dwayne, be sure to always be ready to help people and witness to them about me and the hope I can give. But remember, people who are hurting physically may not listen to you until you have tried to meet their physical need — whether it is hunger, pain, or sickness. Do what you can in my power, then be faithful to share my Good News with them. What I said to God: Thank You, Lord, for reminding me this morning that we must seek to minister to a person’s whole being, both physical and spiritual. Thank You also for never being two busy or preoccupied with your select group that You didn’t take time for the rest of us. I was one of the “rest of us,” and You took time to notice and help me. May I strive to always follow Your awesome example. Thank You for life and health and peace and joy. Thank You for my family and my home. Praise You that You counted me faithful, placing me into a ministry that is impacting lives and meeting needs.
Permalink
03.20.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 9:29 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 9:1-6 Theme: Jesus sent out the disciples to accomplish exactly two things. Key verses: “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to preach the kingdom of God and the heal the sick. He told them: ‘Take nothing for the journey…’” (v. 1-3) “So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.” (v. 6) What God said to me: Dwayne, this is the overaching theme and emphasis of the book of Luke. In fact it was the overarching theme of Jesus’ ministry on earth: 1. To heal the sick, ie., to minister to people’s physical needs. 2. To preach the gospel, ie., to seek and to save that which was lost. On this third missionary journey, Jesus sent out the disciples to do exactly what they had observed him do for the past 2 years. They too were supposed to meet people’s physical and spiritual needs. Dwayne, that is still what I am sending my disciples out to do. You are to help people in every way possible. “Give them your cloak,” as James put it, if need be. Offer them a cup of cold water. Look for ways to really minister to people’s immediate needs. Then they will be more open to listening to your talk with them about their souls. Some will not need the physical help as much. But all will need the spiritual help. Use any means available to gain their trust and their attention. Remember that I gave my disciples exactly what they needed to do exactly what I had instructed them: power and authority to heal. You too have been given the power and authority to meet the needs of those whose path I cross with yours. As for the spiritual darkness in them, they already know they have a need. It’s up to you, my disciples, to help them recognize what that need is and Who can fill it. What I said to God: Thank You, heavenly Father, for reminding me today of my two top priorities and callings on this earth. Help me look for ways today to meet people’s needs, both physically and spiritually. Grant me the heart and burden to go out of my way to show them the Way.
Permalink
03.19.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 9:28 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 8:40-56 Theme: Stopping for the woman with the issue of blood ultimately allowed Jesus to bring someone back from the dead. Key verses: “…a man named Jairus…came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there, who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years…She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. ‘Who touched me,’ Jesus asked.” (v. 41-45) “While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus…’Your daughter is dead.’”(v. 49) “When he arrived at the house of Jairus…he took her by the hand and said, ‘My child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up.” (v. 51-55) What God said to me: Dwayne, my son, don’t miss what I want to show you today. Learn some lessons from Jesus here: First, Jesus was responsive to the cry for help from a desperate dad. This was an unscheduled, impromptu task that needed Jesus’ immediate attention — and got it. It would be difficult to press through the crowds, yet Jesus never allowed inconveniences deter him from ministering to those with faith in him. Second, Jesus was sensitive to the supernatural even in the midst of chaotic crowds. He knew power had gone out from him and that someone had specifically received healing from him. He wasn’t so tunnel-visioned on his destination that he missed the powerful moments along the journey to his goal! Third, Jesus never got in a hurry. That little girl was on her deathbed. Her father had made that clear to Jesus. Jesus could have kept pushing through that crowd, never acknowledging the woman’s touch to his cloak. But Jesus always operated from my perspective that time is in his Father’s hand and the events of each day are dictated and orchestrated by me. So, why get in a frantic hurry? And fourth: Jesus used this tragic death to give me greater glory and bring even greater, more convincing healing to that little girl. He raised her from the dead showing that nothing is impossible with me. Trust me, try me, prove me. That is your commission, Dwayne — every day, every hour. Apply these awesome lessons to your life today. What I said to God: Holy and most worthy Lord, I see how you were responsive, sensitive, patient and trusting, and confident in your Father’s purpose in every circumstance. I lack in all those areas too often. Please forgive me. Praise You out loud for Your amazing grace and mercy and power. Please make me more like You. I really do want to show these characteristics of yours today
Permalink
03.12.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 11:13 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 8:22-25 Theme: Jesus could be sleeping one moment then commanding nature the next. Key verses: “As they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jerpardy.” (v. 23) “Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm.” (v. 24b) “And they were afraid and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (v. 25b) What God said to me: Dwayne, there is so much about me you do not know. You know me better than some, yet you hardly know me at all. My ways are past finding out. The depth of my nature and character are beyond your comprehension. The disciples on that boat got a little taste of my extreme personality and power. My Son was 100% human. He needed rest. He, like you, got sleepy and enjoyed a good nap from time to time. Yet, in a moment of apparent crisis, my Son could just as naturally display his 100% diety. He simply told those waves and winds to stop and be calm and they did. Dwayne, I control the winds and the waves and all of nature. I created it all. Little effort is required on my part, or on my Son’s. We merely speak it and it is. The disciples saw my majesty and were afraid — rightfully so. They should have marveled. My Son is marvelous. All he does is marvelous. I even enjoyed watching him sleep and rest on that boat. That didn’t seem so unusual or amazing to his disciples though. In fact acting human was the last thing they wanted him do at that tumultuous moment. Dwayne, learn to marvel at all my ways — not just the sensational, bigger-than-life ones. Don’t just sit in wonder over my ability to heal and save and create. Be equally amazed that I would be willing to come down to your earth, take on your nature and humble myself as a man. Marvel at my ability to be human just so you and the people of your world could be forgiven. Someone like you in form and flesh, yet completely unlike you in holiness, took on your sin so he could take your place on a cross of death. Marvel at that, Dwayne. What I said to God: My Lord and my God, my Kinsmen-redeemer, my Substitute, I fall prostrate before You today. Forgive me when I only want to see Your God-sized power and miracles, and look right past the greatest miracle of all. You came down to me. You took on my sin and the sin of the whole world. You became human. Now I am become new and can live forever with You. You took on a body like mine, so I could one day have a new body. I stand amazed in Your holy, infinitely loving presence. Thank You for speaking to me this morning. Thank You for saving my human soul, Sovereign Lord.
Permalink
03.07.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 8:55 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 8:16-21 Theme: Jesus’ truth was to be universally spread, though it would completely illude some. Key verses: “‘There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known…’” (v. 17) “‘Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.’” (v. 18) “Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside…’ He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’” (v. 20-21) What God said to me: Dwayne, you had better be extremely careful, lest my truth also illude you. There is no way to hide my Word; it cannot be concealed from those desiring to know it. Your job is to hold up my truth like a light for all to see. However, do not become conceited or comfortable with your position as light-holder. You have not arrived at all there is to be known in my Word. There is much light I still want to show you. Many think they know the truth, then close their eyes to the Truth they need to see. Their minds become clouded and their understanding darkened. The disciples’ assignment was to proclaim what they had heard and seen in me. Often my truth surprized and disarmed them — like when Jesus’ said all those who hear and do his word are his mother and brothers. Dwayne, the truth will set you free, but first it may make you very uncomfortable and shake you to the core. Never stop shining my Truth, and never stop seeking the Truth-giver. What I said to God: Precious Counselor and Lord of All, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. We cannot know or come to the Father except through You, Jesus. Help me seek Your wisdom and direction and understanding like hidden treasure. Illuminate my mind and heart to your Truth. Then may my light and life shine so brightly that others can’t help but see and embrace Your Truth as well. I don’t want to speak — and You don’t want to hear — heady words from a haughty heart. I am truly desperate to know and proclaim the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth — so help me, holy God.
Permalink
03.06.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 9:28 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 8:4-15 Theme: Among those in the crowd were people of all four categories of Jesus’ parable. Key verses: “While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up…’” (v. 4-5) “‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’” (v. 8b) “‘This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved…’” (v. 11-12) “‘But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by preserving produce a crop.’” (v. 15) What God said to me: Dwayne, wake up. Listen and hunger after my words today. All around you — in your neighborhood, in your city, at the grocery store, in your church services — are people who fit into one of four categories. Jesus wanted to be sure his disciples didn’t miss the meaning of this parable. And the Holy Spirit wants to be certain you don’t miss it either. First of all, notice that people must first choose to hear. They may not understand, but they must at least hear. Now, of those who hear, four groups exist. Each group is progressively smaller in size. 1. There are those who merely hear but do not believe to salvation. The devil steals the seed before it ever takes root. 2. There are those who do hear and believe. However, they never mature past that moment of salvation. Thus, they are taken down by the cares of this world. 3. This group are those who believe and are saved, but they don’t keep careful watch over the thought-garden of their minds. Weeds of luring temptations eventually choke out their passion and growth and they wither. 4. The final group is unfortunately also the smallest. Of particular note here is my apparent contradiction to other references in my Word. The heart is “deceitfully wicked. Who can know it?” Yet, here Jesus is saying individuals in Group 4 have “noble and good hearts.” How can this be? Simply this: a heart changed and made new by my power and love is a pure heart. If protected and nurtured, it can remain a noble and good heart which prospers and grows in love and devotion to me. How do you know if you have a “noble and good heart”? 4 criteria: You hear and believe my word. You hold fast to my word. You preserve my word or hide it in your heart. Your life produces a visible crop of spiritual fruit. What I said to God: Lord and Savior, praise You for today. Thank You for meeting with me as you always do so faithfully. I think I understand better now what this passage means. All but the first group are saved. It is not necessarily that the other 3 groups lose their salvation along the way. To do so would contradict many other passages in Your Word. What You are refering to here is effectiveness and santification while on this earth. Your plan and goal for Your children is that they grow and prosper in their faith and knowledge of You, that they show forth their praise to others around them. I pray for my family and those in our church and the many who worship leaders and believers who will read our materials. May they (we) never stop growing and keeping our eyes on the prize that awaits us. We must go deep in You and in Your Word. Anything short of that won’t keep us in Group number 4.
Permalink
03.05.08
Posted in Thoughts on Luke at 10:16 am by Administrator
Text: Luke 8:1-3 Theme: Jesus and the disciples had the company and support of others as they traveled. Key verses: “Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases…” (v. 1-2) “…These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (v. 3) What God said to me: Dwayne, there are a couple important principles for you to grasp today. The first one is that doing my will is often inconvenient and challenging. Jesus had not a place to lay his head — ie. a place he could call home. He and those who followed him often had to sleep in undesirable places and eat undesirable foods. They were not catered to and pampered. And they certainly could not hold up in one location and expect everyone to come find them. Jesus went out and sought those who needed help — no matter what the cost to him personally. Need I have to point out the application here for you, my servant and follower? Secondly, Jesus didn’t rely on his miracle-making abilities to provide their needs. He willingly choose the ‘ole fashioned way to get financial and provisional support — through the help of others. The women who traveled with them took from their own pockets to help feed and clothe Jesus and the twelve disciples. But notice how these very women were among those Jesus had used his miracle powers to heal. He had met their needs; thus, they were determined to help meet his. Lest you miss this vital principle, I will lay it out clearly for you: I have not empowered you for you. I have placed in you the power of my risen Son so you can help others. Of course, I will meet your needs. You can and should pray and ask me too. And the Phil. 4:13 truth applies to you and your family just as much as does to those you meet. However, be careful that you don’t misunderstand or misapply my power through you. You have been given spiritual gifts and spiritual blessings so you can pour them out on those who need my healing touch. I will always provide your needs as long as you provide for others. What I said to God: Lord, thank You for speaking so clearly to me this morning. Wow. I never cease to be amazed at Your wisdom and the insights in Your Word. I have read this passage many times, but I’ve never seen these truths until today. Please keep growing and changing me. May Your Word be a two-edged sword to cut to the very heart of me and show me my faults and deepest needs. I pray that my wife and boys as well. May we use whatever gifts we have received to serve others for Your glory. I have no doubt then that You will always provide for us — even if it is the “‘ole fashioned way”!
Permalink
« Previous entries