03/30/17 - Luke 21

March 30, 2017 – Luke 21

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and judgment day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.  Luke 21:34

There are many ways to mess up our relationship with God, but only one way to keep it – effort. 

Dianna and I had the TV on recently, and an episode of a show we don’t normally watch was dealing with the death of a friend.  In this episode, one family member consoled the other by saying their lost friend was in heaven.  She was immediately asked why she believed that, and the consoler said their friend was a good person.  In her judgment, doing good things in this life is reason to believe you will receive eternal life in the next.

That’s the common philosophy in every funeral home.   Every loved one who dies is going to heaven, because of their list.  Everyone has their list… the self-governed set of actions or comparisons that make us good enough to earn eternal life.  No matter what regular behavior they exhibited in life, their past list qualifies them for heaven.  It seems logical at the time in our grief, but is totally wrong in reality.  You don’t get to heaven based on your list, because the list isn’t ever good enough.  Unless we are perfect without any sin or flaw, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God.  I didn’t say that… Jesus did!  The only way that someone who has sinned can receive eternal life is not in our list, but in our beliefs.  We MUST BELIEVE fully in the one who can forgive our sins --- Jesus.

Jesus cautions everyone to be very careful when it comes to our behaviors, because they expose our true beliefs.  If we TRULY believed Jesus is Lord, we would behave that way.  Poor behavior indicates we have stop believing something. So when sinful behaviors like intoxication, fornication, immorality, (YES, EVEN WORRY) gets into our lives, it exposes the fact we have a belief issue.  Without a correction, we’ll face judgment like every other sinner.

Just goes to show us --- we can ALL screw up our eternity pretty quickly.  All we have to do is quit believing and stop behaving.  It’s simple: No effort leads to no relationship.  Constant effort leads to deeper relationship.

Praise God that He loves us too much to let us do that.  He is kind enough to give us mercy, gracious enough to provide us time, loving enough to set up consequences.  God wants us to avoid the deadly trap of sin, and stay out of the eternal pain of judgment.  He gives us His FULL EFFORT every day.  Doesn’t He deserve our full effort in return?

Don’t bank on your list – count on your belief and give Jesus your effort.  Stay away from the enticing sin behaviors that will crush your relationship with God.  You give Jesus your effort, and He will guard you from judgment.

03/29/17 - Luke 20

March 29, 2017 – Luke 20

Jesus said to them, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Luke 20:25

Life is a loan from God that we pay back thru service and worship.

Home ownership is a common dream for most Americans.  Having something that you can modify & enjoy without having to gain permission gives us the appearance of freedom and control.  But do you really own it?

·         The bulk of homes in America are not (yet) owned by those who live in them.  Generally, they are owned by financial institutions who have fronted the money, until we pay off the debt.

·         Even with paying off a home loan, we seldom own the house.  Taxes and fees are paid annually to our government for the ‘right’ to use the land we live on. 

·         Although we own the house, we don’t always get to do whatever we want with it.  Property and association requirements often restrict that freedom for the sake of our neighbors.  (So really, the neighbors have control of what we can do!)

Ownership may be misleading.  Loanership may be more accurate.

Our life works the same way.  We often think we own our lives, but the truth is that they are on loan to us.  We don’t have a say in when our life begins, and have only minimal say in how long it lasts.  What happens in our life is not completely controlled by us, and depends most on all of the circumstances and events that happen around us.  We don’t really control our income, and only have a little more control on our expenses (especially if you’re married or have kids)!  We don’t own our lives, they are on loan.  That’s not how we think, but it’s our reality.

So when Jesus was approached and challenged about paying taxes, His perspective was much different than most humans.  Instead of thinking ownership, Jesus operated from a mentality of loanership. When we realize our life is on loan, then we handle it as stewards instead of as owners.  So when money is paid for taxes, we see that as giving back to the government what they gave us – money.  And when we serve God’s Kingdom, we see that as giving back to God what He gave us – life.

Trying to be owners, we’ll fight to keep control of every asset we can.  But by seeing life as a loan, we’ll manage every moment the best we can.  Which are you spending your energy on?  Are you expending time to keep hold of money, or spending money to leverage your time?

God is the ultimate owner of all of it.  He owns our time and our money.  He decides what we should receive and when it’s time to collect.  If God is the owner, then we must manage the loan. 

Live a life of loanership.  Use your time and your resources to pay back your loan through service & worship.  Honor the one who gave you the short time you have, and don’t try to hold on to what you can never keep.  Discover the true freedom and happiness that comes with living a life on loan.  You might just enjoy the resources & the time a whole lot more!

03/28/17 - Luke 19

March 28, 2017 – Luke 19

But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them-bring them here and kill them in front of me.  Luke 19:27

Jesus is the eternal ruler for those who make Him king on earth.

The game of Monopoly is one many families have played.  If you have, you know that one of the prized possessions is a “Get out of Jail Free” card.  With it, you can circle the board acquiring property, roll doubles, and draw risky cards with no fear of consequence.  By having it, you can continue to play the game as you see fit.

Jesus is often portrayed as a “Get out of Jail Free” card for life, but we forget how hard his teachings are.

In this parable about the Kingdom, Jesus talks about a new king who calls his citizens to account for the investment made in them.  Some served the king, others avoided him, and some rejected him.  At the end of the story, the King finally arrives, honoring those who fulfilled his wishes, but casting out the ones who rejected him.  This story offended many of the rulers, because they knew it was condemning them for not following Jesus.

These are hard words – because it speaks to the lack of obedience and service MANY practice today.  People treat God’s grace as a license to live selfishly, thinking that salvation doesn’t require change in lifestyle.  Some don’t believe, and fight against Jesus instead of embracing him.  And by all appearances, none of them seem to be held accountable, and many follow their footsteps.  But Jesus is warning us of the upcoming judgment – when all of us will be called to account for how we spend our lives.  Those who gave God their best will be rewarded.  Those who gave God little will be reduced.  Those who rejected God will be condemned.  (This is a solemn warning.)

Every person decides who is their king while living on earth.  It is not a decision that can be delayed until eternity.  You must choose now.  So who do you choose today?  Are you living like Jesus is king?  Or are you counting on a “get out of jail free card”? 

Grace is an amazing gift – but it is not cheap.  You don’t just “Get out of Jail”, and continue to live life for yourself.  You change kings by accepting grace.  Life is not about circling the board acquiring property, it’s now about serving the King and fulfilling His commands in loving obedience.  If you’re fortunate enough to have God’s Grace, don’t waste it or reject it.  Use it to live a life of purpose & passion. 

Because if you don’t make Jesus King now … He won’t be your king later.

03/27/17 - Luke 18

March 27, 2017 – Luke 18

Jesus said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:22

Be careful, the desires of this life are very capable of distracting us from living for Jesus.

As the ministry of Jesus progressed, so did the commitment level.  The disciples may have been initially attracted to Jesus because of His miracles and resourcefulness, but His spirit of Total Pursuit called them deeper into discipleship than anyone had seen before. 

One day, a younger disciple approached Jesus looking for a senior leadership role in the new Kingdom Jesus was setting up.  He had a pedigree worthy of an interview, and Jesus gave him opportunity to meet.  The young legal eagle asked a few questions, but got right to the point.  He wanted to see if the resume was completed for entrance into the new Kingdom, and justify himself over others with less credentials. 

Jesus actually didn’t condemn the young leader.  Instead, he loved the man enough to challenge him deeper in trust and commitment to God.  Jesus touched the one area in this man’s life that was holding him back from a greater life – his possessions.  We’ve seen this often in the last few weeks, and it continues to come up.  Money and possessions are not evil, but the distraction can steal our hearts away from God.  Out of love, Jesus told the rich young ruler that the only way to gain access to God’s Kingdom was to be released from man’s, and for this guy, possessions and wealth had control of his heart.  So to be free, be generous with his possessions, and leave them behind to come follow Jesus.

The prescription of Total Pursuit seems like a very high cost in this life, until we compare it to the cost of eternity.  In light of eternity, possessions are just trinkets.  But it seems like trinkets are more attractive when we stop pursuing Jesus.  The only way to fix it is drop the trinkets and put our focus on the Lord.

Jesus had much to teach, but the lesson was the same – God deserves our Total Pursuit.  Let go of anything that is slowing us down, and pursue Him with all we have.  That doesn’t mean dropping the responsibilities God has given us – we still must work, care for our families, be good spouses to our mates, and live in the culture we have been assigned.  But nothing should stop our total pursuit of Jesus.

Be careful about ANYTHING that is distracting you from Jesus.  And don’t put yourself into a situation where the world’s distractions become a difficult choice later.  Start with Jesus and Stay with Jesus. You can’t follow Jesus and follow the world – so choose and keep following.

03/24/17 - Luke 17

March 24, 2017 – Luke 17

Remember Lot's wife!  Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. Luke 17:32-33

Pursuing earthly comforts robs us of eternal blessings.

The story of Lot & his family is one that often gets ignored or forgotten.  Lot was a relative of Abraham, who loyally followed him to a land they had neither seen nor knew about.  They moved around and built up their families and farms, until the size of their flocks became a conflict.  Then Abraham offered Lot a choice of where to live, and Lot chose the rich valleys of Sodom & Gomorrah over the hill country.  It seemed like a wise choice, until they discovered the sinful nature of people in the valley, and the level of corruption they enjoyed.  Soon Lot & his family are caught in the middle of it, and when God shows up to bring down his punishment, they have to escape with their lives.  No wealth, no comforts, no cattle, nothing. At the end of the story, Lot’s wife turned back to look at their losses, and ended up becoming a pillar of salt.  Not a pleasant ending to what many would say had been a successful life.

Jesus wanted people to remember that story.  It is a clear warning of what pursuing worldly successes will lead to.  The world may be impressed, and we may grow wealth, but in the end we will leave it all behind, and our attachment to it will kill us.  Trying to keep our lives will be the attachment that kills life.

On the other hand, Abraham was willing to let Lot have the choicest of land, and take on a harder area to live.  While Abraham made mistakes, he constantly wanted to follow God’s plan for his life.  Worldly comforts were available to Abraham, but not something he required.  And when Lot was in trouble, Abraham was willing to help.  Thousands of years later, much of the world knows of Abraham, and his legacy reaches far and wide.  By letting go of his life, Abraham found a life worth living.

Jesus spoke often about this Total Pursuit principle, and it’s the calling of this devotional year.  Don’t look back on what you had, and don’t hold on to what you own.  Let God lead your life and stay in total pursuit of His will, and you will end up discovering your life. 

Remember Lot’s Wife!  Whoever tries to hold onto this life will just lose it.  But whoever lets go of this life to pursue the next will find both.

03/23/17 - Luke 16

March 23, 2017 – Luke 16

Jesus said to them, "You justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight." Luke 16:15

The best way to measure our true heart for God’s Kingdom is our money---make His Kingdom our first priority.

Have you ever had a bad toothache?  Ever had a tooth that was so sensitive to the touch you didn’t want anyone to touch it?  Or maybe not a tooth --- but a splinter, or a painful injury, or another problem?  Every parent has had to deal with a child who has a painful injury that needs attention, but doesn’t want anyone to touch it (leaving the source of the pain in place).

Some subjects are like bad toothaches – they need to be addressed, but are too personal to talk about.

Money is that subject in our culture.  We’re glad to talk about what everyone else is doing or not doing with their money, but feel the pain anytime someone wants to talk about what we’re doing with our money.  In a culture that values privacy, talking about money can become a personal attack, and raise blood pressure unlike anything else.  These days, we can discuss hot topics like sexuality or politics, as long as we don’t expect to dictate God’s expectations about our money. 

Why is our personal spending so sensitive?  Simple answer --- it is the best indicator of our heart condition.  Addressing our use of money is a direct hit on our vulnerabilities.  That’s why we’re so quick to justify ourselves when anyone challenges us about it, or just leave the conversation and avoid the topic.

Jesus doesn’t have a personal vendetta against our riches.  He is more interested in our values.  What Jesus wants is for our hearts to value what the Father values.  And money is not that high on God’s value list.  The amount of money is only an issue when the value we place on it becomes a problem.  Men value money because it provides them control, opportunity, and enjoyment.  Jesus isn’t against those things, but it bothers Jesus when those things are more important than Him.  When was the last time you heard a person celebrate that they were getting a raise and could give more to God’s Kingdom?  Or when did you think about ways to spend less on yourself so that you can spend more on reaching lost people?  And when I get paid, is the first check or bill pay a donation to my church? 

These days, money has become a major problem in our life, but it’s really not because of the bills in our wallet, it’s really the exposure of the desires in our heart.  Take an honest look into our budget and make sure Jesus is the first value.  Celebrate what we GET TO DO in supporting God’s Kingdom financially.  Relook at the excuses and justifications coming out of our mouth, and compare them to the promises of Scripture. 

Don’t be sensitive about money – be strong and courageous with it.  God has got your back!

03/22/17 - Luke 15

March 22, 2017 – Luke 15

I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.  Luke 15:10

God celebrates when we pursue Him by preferring obedience.

Sin is the pursuit of self by preferring shortcuts.  Even though we know or have been taught, the choice to sin is believing the shortcut will work, or be worth the cost, or can be done without consequence.  Every sin is a choice to pursue self.  That’s what makes sin an idolatry.  In a sense, we are worshipping a different God – we are worshipping ourselves.

Holiness is the exact opposite.  It’s the choice to pursue God by preferring obedience.  Instead of shortcutting the system, we follow the system.  Sometimes that includes overcoming our doubts, struggling with desire, or even failing in execution.  But in the end, we choose to pursue God.  Holiness sees God as more important than Self.  It chooses to promote obedience over shortcuts.  It gives authority to God’s ways over our own ways. 

That’s why God celebrates when we pursue Him thru obedience.  And that’s why the story of the prodigal is both shocking and liberating.  We find in God that He REALLY DOES love us in spite of our sin.  We discover a relationship with God that is built on our pursuit over our perfection.  It’s a picture of God recognizing our true repentance as a choice instead of a historical record.

Our first step to pursuing Jesus will ALWAYS be a choice to obey.  Whatever the roadblock, we will always discover the first step of repentance is choice, and the second is obedience.  The road to God is marked with thousands of two-steps:  Choice/obey, Choice/obey.  You can’t navigate the road back to God taking any other path.  But the good news is that God is ready to receive us back as soon as we take the first pair of steps!  He doesn’t wait a year or decade to see if we can prove ourselves first.  God is ready to party with us when we start back on the first choice & obedience.

When you face any temptation or sin habit, consider what’s happening in heaven at that moment.  Every choice that pursues God is a moment to celebrate.  Every obedience is drawing you a step further away from a sin problem.  Listen in your heart for the party that happens every time we execute that 2-step plan.  God celebrates!  And the angels have a party!

Don’t keep dancing the same self-centered waltz.  Start practicing a new 2-Step dance move.  You’ll start a party, and God will be in the center of it!

03/21/17 - Luke 14

March 21, 2017 – Luke 14

Although the poor cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.  Luke 14:14

Blessing is not about what we get in this life, but what we become for the next.

After marrying my wife, I thought it would be romantic to bring her a rose every Friday on the way home from work.  I’m not sure where I stole the idea from, but my thinking at the time was to express my love to her and gain her affection and appreciation.  She appreciated it … just at a depreciating level each week, to the point I began wondering whether this was worth the time & effort.  Finally, after a business trip, I didn’t bring a rose one Friday… and then another… and the habit changed to NOT bringing a rose each week.  I forgot all about it, until she mentioned it to a friend some months later, and how she appreciated that weekly expression.  Little did I know, her appreciation didn’t always show in affection!!

There seems to be a time limit to receiving rewards for our works.  Students tend to expect their study to produce high test scores.  Workers expect their efforts to be rewarded with raises.  Spouses want their service & sacrifice to produce relational connection.  And most of us pray wanting God to answer our prayers on our time scales.  Not only do we expect rewards, we expect them in an immediate timeframe.  McDonalds must have figured it out when they built their drive-thrus to pay at one window and receive the order at the next.  We like the idea of instant turnaround on our investments.

The Bible shows God being okay with works creating rewards.  There is a correlation between obedience and blessing – and the Lord’s promises seem to show the connection.  Jesus was consistent in teaching: “Ask & you shall receive”.  And Paul covered the same thing for negative works, saying: “the wages of sin is death.”  God is okay with works creating rewards … He just runs a different timetable.  Instead of works being rewarded in the temporary of now, God delays them for when we can REALLY use them, preparing the rewards for our permanent life in heaven. 

That doesn’t imply our works can get us into heaven.  We already know from Jesus that our works don’t earn us access to eternity.  Without forgiveness of our sin, there are NO works worthy of a gate pass to eternity.  Accepting Jesus and making Him Lord is the only way to receive that gate pass. 

So why do works at all?  Because even though there are some temporary blessings, doing good things on earth is really NOT about what we RECEIVE in this life.  Doing good is really about what we BECOME in this life.  Studying is not just for good grades, but for growing skills.  Work isn’t just for increasing salaries, but for increasing productivity.  Praying is not so much getting from God what we want, but letting God change us into what He wants.  God’s blessings are far greater in growing who we ARE, so that the next life we can handle what we will HAVE.  Character is the greatest result of good works.

Our Father appreciates our efforts, He just delays the affection for a better time.  Maybe I need to recognize that BEFORE dropping the ball next time on the opportunity to serve a need.  The rewards will be there… just let God choose the timing.  He appreciates it more than we know!

03/20/17 - Luke 13

March 20, 2017 – Luke 13

"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many will try to enter and will not be able to.”  Luke 13:24

Many think they are good enough to walk into heaven, but only those who have a relationship with Jesus will enter the door.

Highway 401 in Ontario Canada is considered by many to be the widest road in the world.  With as many as 22 lanes available to move traffic through daily, it can handle thousands of cars in an hour and provided the largest volume of people access to the city.

But I’ve come to believe it’s still not the widest road.  The longer I live, the more I believe that the widest road runs out of every funeral home and cemetery.  It’s the road that leads to eternity, and everyone believes their loved one is on it.  Apparently, everyone is going to heaven, because every funeral I’ve attended, the person was good enough or religious enough or connected enough to be on the road. 

Now before you take offense, I’m not being judgmental about anyone.  The truth is that we often DON’T know the hearts of men, and it’s not our responsibility to decide who is going to heaven and who isn’t.  My guess is that we will be surprised by who was saved when we get there (assuming WE get there). 

The truth is that most people WANT TO THINK they are going to heaven.  And when loved ones die, we instantly WANT TO BELIEVE they were saved.  By the hope invested in our souls from our Creator, we certainly desire eternity for everyone we love.  And for some that will be true.

But that’s why Jesus’ words are both frightening and convicting.  He warns us that the road to heaven is much narrower than we want to believe.  It’s not a 22-lane freeway, it’s a one-lane path.  You don’t make it to heaven driving in a car built on your performance or works, you get there walking along a path following a Savior.  Good feelings won’t fuel our trip, the gas that we need is a relationship. 

Jesus said: “Many will say to me on that day: Lord, did we not drive out demons, and perform good works… but I will tell them plainly: I never knew you.”  Clearly, Jesus wants to know us and be known by us.  He wants to see the fruit of a relationship in our lives.  Not works - but worth.  Living for Jesus will result in works, but it’s not the works that put us on the road.  Our desire to be with Jesus and follow Him is the only lane that gets us to heaven.

Listen to the caution from Jesus.  Only Jesus gets us to heaven (not any other religion).  Only a relationship with Jesus opens the door (not our resume).  Start walking the one-lane path with Him today.  Don’t get left in the cold.

03/17/17 - Luke 12

March 187 2017 – Luke 12

People will say: "You have plenty laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."  But God said: "You fool!" Luke 12:19

Fools live for the temporary, the wise live for eternity.

I really wish this story was not in the Bible.   I’ve often thought about blacking it out with a marker!

My dream for life was to marry well, raise a family, work a successful career, and retire from work early enough to enjoy playing golf and sitting along the beach in a sun-drenched state.  It not only seemed like a valid dream, it seemed appropriate and acceptable.  Like a roadside ‘vista point’, I was ready to set my sights on that view as I entered adulthood.

But then Jesus has to spoil that dream by telling this story about the rich foolish man.  Understanding it for the first time around the age of 22 really shook me up.  In fact, I STILL struggle with reading it, and try to find ‘loopholes’ that will allow me to justify being godly AND pursuing a retirement lifestyle. 

But God’s label for that dream stings me every time:  “You Fool!” 

While my soul knows it’s foolish, my heart still wants to argue.   I know in my soul:

-          It’s foolish to think I should have riches while millions go without food and water daily.

-          It’s foolish to put my focus on financial independence over spiritual purpose.

-          It’s foolish to think that Jesus paid for my sins on a cross so I could buy for a beach house.

-          It’s foolish to believe that worldly pleasure is what I was created for.

-          It’s foolish … extremely foolish … to settle for the temporary, instead of living for the eternal.

Jesus told the story of the rich fool, who squandered his life working for retirement instead of serving the Lord.  What the man got for his trouble was an empty life and a lost eternity (all for a few beers and periodic trips to our favorite destination).  From the vista point of eternity, that’s really foolish. 

But we live in a culture and a world that values the retirement plan.  Our vista point can only view the small valley of this existence, and it looks pretty limited.  So we see many take the foolish route, and think it’s the only way to go.  How disappointing to waste what God could have done with us. 

I don’t mean to rain on your calling or suggest that people with wealth are far from God.  Wealth isn’t really the issue here.  Jesus uses the story to challenge the “retirement mentality”.  We weren’t made to retire FROM life, but to reproduce IN life.  While I may not be gainfully employed all my life, I am to be productive for as long as He gives me life.  To be otherwise is simply foolish.

Every time my heart tries to press for ‘retirement living’,   those words: “You Fool”, echo from out of my soul.  Maybe that’s a good thing.  While I don’t want to always hear them, I’d rather be warned about foolishness than become a fool.  

So I guess I’d better keep that story from Jesus in my Bible after all.

03/16/17 - Luke 11

March 16, 2017 – Luke 11

Jesus said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall." Luke 11:17

Wrong attitudes kill more marriages (families/organizations) than wrong actions -- don't beat up, build up.

Growing up on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, our exit off of the freeway was undeveloped land for many years.  With the exception of a few gas stations, it was mostly farm country, until a developer with an eye for the future bought up one of the corner areas just off the exit and started building a huge hotel.  The building continued to take shape, and many realized this would be an excellent business deal when completed, because it was the first major hotel for people heading into the city, in a location that was bound to become a huge commercial area.  All of those dreams died when the investor and his wife filed for divorce, putting the hotel and its potential income in the dead center of the suit.  The half-completed building sat vacant for many years, an eyesore of damage and graffiti, while the divorce continued in the courts.  Eventually, while the rest of the area started building up, this old property faded in prominence, and was sold to a developer who demolished the building, making room for a couple of restaurant pads.  All of the potential for success was destroyed … not by poor business planning or financial failure, but by internal division. 

Unfortunately, most dreams die for the same reason.  While the leaders of a business or family or project are imperfect people making imperfect choices, it often isn’t their mistakes that kill the dreams.  Usually the dream dies to infighting, resistance, negativism and dissention.  Attitudes kill dreams more than actions, leaving half-completed projects, broken dreams, and damaged lives.  The world is filled with people who look like half-constructed buildings, fading away from the potential they could have been.  And sadly, WE PARTICIPATE IN THAT!  Our criticisms, complaints, and challenges are often given as an attempt to “make it better”, when all they do is slow the building progress down. 

Jesus made it clear to His critics that NO KINGDOM can succeed with negative attitudes.  Criticism may get us heard, but it doesn’t get us moving.  Building people up is far more successful than beating them up!  The Trinity NEVER resists the work of their partners, and we must NEVER resist the work of God around our lives.  

When you see or hear people criticizing God, criticizing His Church, or challenging His Ways, realize they are not helping the Kingdom by their criticism.  Those attitudes are not helpful for the Kingdom, it is actually a spirit of enmity and rebellion.  Don’t let those attitudes invade your life!  It can kill your dreams, damage your vision, destroy your relationships and leave behind half-built lives.  Display the attitude of cooperation and support for Will of God, for the vision of your organization, for your spouse and family, and for your church.  Division will kill what you’re building, but cooperation helps it get completed.

03/15/17 - Luke 10

March 15, 2017 – Luke 10

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." Luke 10:41

Focusing on many worries distracts us from the One Thing that brings focus to our lives – God Himself.

I have never really liked this story about Mary & Martha.  It seems to me Martha gets the short end of the stick, and she is the one working hard.  While Mary is honored for just hanging around and doing nothing.  After being raised to respect the value of work, and believing that work generates reward, I just didn’t understand why Jesus would celebrate the ‘lazy’ instead of the diligent.

But a little deeper look at the story gives a bit more insight.  This story isn’t about work, it’s about focus.  Jesus wasn’t honoring lazy people.  In fact, the Bible clearly says that laziness makes a person poor, considers laziness foolish, and says if a man won’t work he shouldn’t eat!   Jesus is not condemning Martha’s work ethic either.  She is honored by her work and loved by Jesus for it.  Her effort for Jesus is a primary reason she is in the stories about Him in the first place.

No, this isn’t about work.  This is about focus.  Mary’s focus was on Jesus.  Martha’s focus was on the meal.  Mary saw Jesus as the reason for the party.  Martha thought that the party would be ruined if the meal wasn’t done right.  Mary focused on the Lord, Martha focused on the work.  Mary worshipped, Martha worked.

I hate to say it, but too often we find ourselves thinking more like Martha than like Mary.  It’s not about whether you have a strong work ethic, driving personality, or leadership responsibilities.  Jesus is interested in our worship more than our work.  Yet too often, we worry about making our families happy, getting the kids on the right sports team, making enough money, keeping the job, and accomplishing the busy schedule … and are willing to sacrifice Sunday worship, time in devotions, or even the chance to serve Him.  We can say we’re doing it for God, but our focus isn’t on God, it’s on something else.

When life gets our focus, we find ourselves running in circles, and struggling to make any progress.  But when we focus on Jesus, He will take care of our progress and keep us moving forward in life.

Take stock on your life & schedule – is it looking more like Martha or more like Mary?  Put aside your busy activities and put more focus on Jesus.  That may be hard at first, and cost some initial pain, but you will discover a greater peace and much better results.  You might even find that the meal still gets done, and the worries aren’t as prominent.

Just go back to your First Focus.

03/14/17 - Luke 9

March 14, 2017 – Luke 9

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Luke 9:25

Our daily choice: whether to become what we want or become what God wants.

Years ago, soda bottles (and other beverages), were sealed with a bottle cap.  It was an effective way to seal the bottle, and kept the contents secure until it was opened.  Opening the cap required a bottle opener, either attached to the soda machine or in your kitchen utensil drawer.  However, there were times people had bottles but no opener, so creative ways had to be developed.  J  I saw people use counter edges, pliers, knives … all kinds of devices to open the bottle and get to the drink.  Probably the worst option (and one I am also guilty of using), was teeth.  Many times, people would pry open the cap using the side of their mouth!  (Is it any wonder why people would have teeth chipped or cuts in their mouth?  Not the brightest choice!)  Teeth were made for chewing through millions of items, but I’m sure God didn’t design them for bottle caps!!!

A logical person would realize that misusing teeth for the wrong purpose can both ruin them for life and actually prevent us from reaching our intended goal.  It’s not the wise thing to do!  But every day, we see people trying to force their life into a design that is driven by man’s immediate desires, instead of fulfilling the intended purpose God designed our life for.   Some try to be actors, musicians, athletes, executives, preachers, you name it --- not because they were designed that way, but because they want the perceived satisfactions from those activities.  Just like wanting the soda led to misusing teeth, wanting life’s desires can misuse the soul.

Our creator developed the body as a short term house for our SOUL, not the other way around.   If we were using our body for that intended purpose, we would NOT be spending it on short term satisfactions (sins).  Instead, we would use the Body to support the SOUL – becoming what God had designed in the first place.

Jesus challenged our thinking in that one statement:  What good is it to sell off your eternal soul to satisfy your short-term body?  Stop doing that!  Quit looking at the soda, start protecting your teeth.  Quit pursuing sensuality, start seeking purpose.  Quit living for ourselves, start living for God.

Every act of sin and righteousness gets down to one basic daily decision:  Who am I trying to become?  By becoming what God designed me to be, I will find righteousness, peace & joy.  By trying to become what I want (or what the world says is valuable), I end up with a broken life and a condemned soul.  BE CAREFUL with that choice!  We make it every day.

Don’t break off your one set of teeth for a single drink of carbonated water!

03/13/17 - Luke 8

March 13, 2017 – Luke 8

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. Luke 8:14

Belonging to a community of faith fights off the weeds of sin & distraction.

Why is it that weeds and thorns can grow in my yard when drought conditions are killing the grass? 

Some with much more expertise than I tell me that’s because weeds are able to live off the moisture in the air, while grass and flowers tend to live off of the moisture in the ground.  I haven’t confirmed the theory, but it sounds a lot like what Jesus was talking about when He described the story of the four seeds.  The third type was seed among thorns … where the distractions of life ended up choking the life out of the seed.  Somehow the weeds sucked away the moisture, not allowing the seed to grow and mature.

My yard tends to be like that parable.  When the grass is thick and watered, then weeds can’t take root and the lawn stays healthy.  But when bare spots start forming, weeds show up and start taking over the grass, sucking away the moisture and separating the lawn.  It starts with one dandelion or patch of clover, and soon the whole yard is like a ‘natural foliage’ median along the freeway.

What we don’t realize is that humans are also like my grass.  When we are gathered together in a faith community, being watered by the Truth of God’s Word, it tends to fight off the weeds and give us thick healthy lawns in life.  But when we break away, pursue distractions, separate ourselves from the rest of the lawn, then bare spots form, weeds start taking over, and soon we find ourselves fighting off all of the world’s dandelions and clover trying to get back to healthy living. 

The only seed that produces healthy lawns and healthy lives is one grown in good soil --- the soil without weeds.  We need to be together in the church body.  We need the prophetic and instructive lessons of the Word of God.  We need the constant care of our Creator. 

These days, we hear the culture talking about not needing the church ‘community’.  Some support the idea of living faith out alone or only in a small group.  Others speak of the failures of the church and the doubt of community.  Beware of the weeds!   Thinking we can have healthier lives by standing as a single strand of grass is a sure-fire way to invite weeds to live around you.  We ALL need the Church to succeed.  We ALL need the body of Christ around us, and the Word of Christ to nourish us.   Don’t condemn the rest of the grass in the lawn just because of a few pesky weeds.  Embrace the good soil, and grow together to fight off those pesky dandelions & clover patches. You’ll be glad you did.

Because nobody says at the end of their life they regretted worshipping and serving God too much, but many speak of regretting decisions that took them away from God too often. 

We need each other in the community of God to fight off the weeds.

03/10/17 - Luke 7

March 10, 2017 – Luke 7

I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. Luke 7:47

The main sign of receiving forgiveness is the outpouring of love for others.

Some stories in the Bible are far more powerful than the written word reads.  One of those stories is about the sinful woman anointing the feet of Jesus with her tears. 

Here is this woman, known by the whole community for her sinful life, likely considered a harlot (or worse), and shunned by both men and women for her poor behavior.  Either through revelation or contact, she comes to know of the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers, and discerns that her life can only be repaired by repenting before Him.  Out of love & repentance, she courageously and boldly enters the home of prominent people, facing the score and ridicule while she quietly humbles herself before Jesus.  Instead of being concerned about what the ‘church’ says or thinks, she worships at Jesus feet.  She cries tears of repentance.  She serves her Lord by washing his dirty feet and anointing him with costly oil, laying her heart and resources on the line publicly.  And to both her surprise and her hope – Jesus offers her forgiveness.  Shocking the crowd and setting free her heart, this woman came in feeling condemned and left feeling saved. 

But the story doesn’t end there.  Never one for missing a teachable moment, Jesus advises the onlookers about their own forgiveness issues.  Maybe they had fulfilled their sacrificial offerings and religious confessions, but had they been forgiven?  And more to the point, had they truly forgiven themselves?  Or were they still in a mode of proving themselves, or devaluing others, holding onto their guilt as a motivation for religious activity – and producing sinful superiority instead of full forgiveness?

So Jesus gave them the measure of forgiveness – love for others!  When we have been fully forgiven, it shows in genuine grace & love for others.  Judgment leaves when forgiveness reigns.  After all, we have no grounds to judge others when we realize the level of forgiveness we were given.

Sometimes we need a reminder of the level of forgiveness we have received.  How great is the love the Father has been showered on us!   Discovering your forgiveness motivates sharing that grace with others.  If we don’t sense that love in our life, maybe we have a forgiveness issue to get settled.

And some have never come clean with God on their sin.  Afraid to be publicly ridiculed or judged, they avoid ‘church’ and stay a distance away from Jesus.  Instead of repenting and serving the Savior, they wallow in their guilt and regret.  Better to boldly and humbly come before Jesus, fully surrendered to His will, and discover the life-altering forgiveness available than to sit outside wishing for freedom.

If love for people comes out of freedom from sin, then run to Jesus and be freed.  Let the sign of your complete forgiveness be the outpouring of your love for others.

03/09/17 - Luke 6

March 9, 2017 – Luke 6

For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

God's general measure principle --- the spirit you give will decide the spirit given back.

I want the best ‘bang for my buck’ that I can get.    When it comes to purchases, I want the best value.  When it comes to incidentals, I’ll look for the sale.  When it comes to phone apps, I check the ‘free’ category.   That’s not to imply I won’t spend money – but want to maximize the value I get.

Jesus taught his disciples something similar, but it had nothing to do with value and cost.  It had to do with spirit.  When it comes to giving, Jesus didn’t say the value would be returned, but the spirit would be received.  When it comes to service, the spirit you give in serving will be the spirit given back.  When it comes to love, the spirit of your loving expressions will be the spirit you’re loved.  It’s not about cost & results --- it’s about spirit.

Consider the person who is a giver, but does so out of a spirit of manipulation.  Instead of responding with gratitude and care, people will respond with resistance or caution.  A spirit of manipulation will result in manipulation.  When people give of themselves to that person, it will also come in the form of manipulation.

Or consider the person who serves with an attitude of superiority.  Their commanding personality may get the job done, but at the cost of lost team capacity and enjoyment.  Those willing to serve such a person will likely either develop some resentment or use it for coarse joking – both reactions of superiority.  The spirit that goes out will become the spirit that is returned.

But then consider a person who gives of themselves freely, with no obligation, purely out of love.  While some may take advantage of that kindness, many people will be motivated and excited to give of themselves to a gracious person like that. 

Jesus is right – the spirit of how we live will be the spirit of what we receive in life.  Don’t go looking for a friend, be a friend and you will find friends looking for you.  Don’t go looking for love, love people and you’ll be surrounded by people loving you.  Don’t grip tight on your money, give it generously and generous people will surround your life.  Spirit attracts spirit – so be the spirit you want to be surrounded with.

It’s a principle worth living!

03/08/17 - Luke 5

March 8, 2017 – Luke 5

Simon answered, "We've worked hard all night, but because you say so, I will let down the nets." Luke 5:5

We have tried our own ways, maybe it's time to obey Jesus' ways.

Considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, crab fishing involves long hours at rough seas, dealing with high-risk weather conditions and 24-hour work shifts.  Worse, all that work & risk can lead to no money if crabs aren’t found. But a good catch can earn thousands in short time.  That’s what makes fishing careers attractive in spite of conditions and risks.

So when Jesus tells Simon Peter to drop his nets into a warm lake at the wrong time of day, of course Peter would push back.  Not only that, but they had already been working all night and needed some sleep, with the hopes of making a better catch the next day.  Fishermen in that day were hard workers, known for their strong work ethic (as well as their strong smell! L) 

But then Simon Peter said something dramatically surprising.  Instead of dismissing Jesus and His instruction, Peter responded “because you say so, I’ll do it”.  Peter was willing to obey Jesus in spite of his doubts.  Instead of trusting his own instincts or ways, Peter chose to try our Jesus’ ways.  And what do you know… it worked!!!  Peter pulled in a catch that required multiple boats and more help.  They went from a paltry night of fishing to the catch of the century!  All because Peter was willing to try Jesus’ ways instead of sticking with his own.

So many times, we too work hard at our own ways and just need to obey Jesus:

-          Instead of spending years angry about a hurt or violation, forgive and turn it over to God.

-          Instead of defending our rights, walk the extra mile and be free of feeling violated.

-          Instead of measuring marriage by your happiness, make marriage about knowing & growing.

-          Instead of drowning sorrows in alcohol or drugs, let worship be your pain remover.

-          Stop working so hard to make this life successful, and invest in your eternal success.

Maybe we could learn from Peter’s example.  Maybe the challenges we face are related to a lack of obedience, creating more work than we need.  Maybe our extra effort is really a sign that Jesus has a better way.  Who knows, we may be a simple change away from seeing great results!  Or it’s just a matter of waiting on the timing of Jesus to see a better catch.

Whatever the case, don’t be a crab fisherman that spends days working hard on the boat and not seeing a catch.  Choose instead to try Jesus’ ways and see what the catch can be.

03/07/17 - Luke 4

March 7, 2017 – Luke 4

Satan said to Jesus, "I will give you all the world's authority and splendor; if you worship me." Luke 4:6-7

Satan offers us worldly pleasures to give us eternal separation from God---God offers us Himself to give us eternal pleasures.

If you sold your eternal life, what would the price tag be?

We don’t think about selling our eternal life.  We view life in eternity as our right and expectation, assuming we have either earned it, received it, or deserve it.   So to imagine selling our eternity away seems satanic or silly – eternal life isn’t for sale!   Or is it?

Satan certainly thought so.  He was willing to tempt Jesus in several ways to get him to sin, hoping that one act of sin would sell off eternity for all mankind.  It would be the ultimate defeat of not only humanity, but God Himself.  So satan offered a bid for our eternal life – just bow down for one small act of worship and you can have everything else.  ‘You can have everything you want in this life’, satan offers, ‘if you’ll sell me your eternity.’  An incredulous offer – but nevertheless one that created a deep temptation for Jesus.

Of course Jesus refused, and our eternity was bought and paid by Jesus continuing His journey to the cross.  Sadly, many are more willing to sell their eternity for much less of an offer. 

-          People sell their eternities for things like weekend trips, retirement plans, & high-paying jobs.

-          There’s many eternal lives sold for positions & power, or for the pursuit of happiness.

-          For others, the price tag is even as deceptive as pursuing family time or some extra sleep.

-          We see eternal lives sacrificed on the sports field or gymnasium.

-          And for many, the selling price is much less – simple pride or arrogance.

ANYTHING that can distract you from pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus and a family relationship with His Church Family is an idol being swapped for your eternity!

So really… let’s be honest… what’s your pricetag? 

Satan knows what price would work for you, and he is probably already offering it.  Be careful, he’s an excellent marketer and reads people well.  Your price-tag may be unique, but certainly won’t be hidden.  Watch out for ANYTHING stealing your eternity for something that is temporary.

We need to make the motto of our lives: “Not For Sale”.  Take off the price tag, close the store, and never negotiate away your eternity for something temporary.  When you make decisions about your schedule, carefully consider what time is first allocated to eternity versus the temporary.  Guard yourself & your family from Satan’s subtle attack on your worship and family devotional time.  Never choose worldly pleasures over eternal relationship.  Take a look at your life and watch out for weekend sales or special offers you may be running.  Eternity lasts MUCH LONGER than this temporary life.

Pursue your relationship with Jesus, and you’ll get rid of any ‘Sale Price’ for your soul.