It is never too late to turn to God. (Luke 23:39-43)

Luke 23:39-43

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

³⁹ One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
⁴⁰ But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? ⁴¹ We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
⁴³ And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”




 
As this man was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness, and Christ accepted Him. This shows that our deeds don't save us - our faith in Christ does. It is never too late to turn to God. Even in His misery, Jesus had mercy on this criminal who decided to believe in Him. Our lives would be much more useful and fulfilling if we turn to God early, but even those who repent at the very last moment will be with God in paradise.

 
 
Joe



















 

Empty Gestures (Luke 22:47)

Luke 22:47

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

⁴⁷ But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss.




 
A kiss was and still is the traditional greeting among men in certain parts of the world. In this case, it was also the agreed-upon signal to point out Jesus . It is ironic that a gesture of greeting would be the means of betrayal. It was a hollow gesture because of Judas' treachery. Have any of your religious practices become empty gestures? We still betray Christ when our acts of service or giving are insincere or carried out merely for show.




 
Joe











 

Do you give out of your wealth? (Luke 21:1-4)

Luke 21:1-4

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

The Widow’s Offering

21 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. ² Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
³ “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. ⁴ For they have given out of their wealth, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”



 
The widow gave all she had to live on, in contrast to the way most of us handle our money. When we consider giving a certain percentage of our income a great accomplishment, we resemble those who gave "out of their wealth." Here, Jesus was admiring generous and sacrificial giving. As believers, we should consider increasing our giving - whether of money, time or talents - to a point beyond convenience.



 
Joe













 

Faith the size of a mustard seed. (Luke 17:6)

Luke 17:6

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁶ The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you!




A mustard seed is small, but it is alive and growing. Like a tiny seed, a small amount of genuine faith in God will take root and grow. Almost invisible at first, it will begin to spread, first under the ground and then visibly. Although each change will be gradual and imperceptible, soon this faith will have produced major results that will uproot and destroy competing loyalties. We don't need more faith; a tiny seed of faith is enough, if it is alive and growing.



Joe














 

Parable of the Lost Coin

Luke 15:8-10

New Living Translation (NLT)
 

Parable of the Lost Coin

 

 

⁸ “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ ¹⁰ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”


 
Palestinian women received ten silver coins as a wedding gift. Besides their monetary value, these coins held sentimental value like that of a wedding ring, and to lose one would be extremely distressing. Just as a woman would rejoice at finding her lost coin or ring, so the angels would rejoice over a repentant sinner. Each individual is precious to God. He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of His children is found and brought into the kingdom. Perhaps we would have more joy in our churches if we shared Jesus' love and concern for the lost.


 
Joe



















 

The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-6)

Luke 15:3-6

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

³ So Jesus told them this story: ⁴ “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. ⁶ When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’



 
It may seem foolish for the shepherd to leave 99 sheep to go search for just one. But the shepherd knew that the 99 would be safe in the sheepfold, whereas the lost sheep was in danger. Because each sheep was of high value, the shepherd knew that it was worthwhile to search diligently for the lost one. God's love for each individual is so great that He seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is "found." Jesus associated with sinners because He wanted to bring the lost sheep - people considered beyond hope - the gospel of God's kingdom. Before you were a believer, God sought you; and His love is still seeking those who are yet lost.



Joe

















 

So you think you're going to heaven? (Luke 13:26-27)

Luke 13:26-27

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²⁶ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ ²⁷ And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’



The kingdom of God will not necessarily be populated with the people we expect to find there. Some perfectly respectable religious leaders claiming allegiance to Jesus will not be there because secretly they were morally corrupt.



Joe







 

Seek the Kingdom of God. (Luke 12:31)

Luke 12:31

New International Version (NIV)


 

³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.




Seeking the kingdom of God means making Jesus the Lord and King of your life. He must control every area - your work, play, relationships. Is the kingdom only one of many concerns, or is it central to all you do? Are you holding back any areas of your life from God's control? As Lord and Creator, He wants to help provide what you need as well as guide how you use what He provides.


 
 
Joe


















 

Have you ever disowned Jesus? (Luke 12:8-9)

Luke 12:8-9

New International Version (NIV)


 

⁸ “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. ⁹ But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.




We disown Jesus when we 1.) hope no one will think we are Christians, 2.) decide not to speak up for what is right, 3.) are silent about our relationship with God, 4.) blend into society, 5.) accept our culture's non-Christian values.

By contrast, we acknowledge Him when we 1.) live moral, upright, Christ-honoring lives, 2.) look for opportunities to share our faith with others, 3.) help others in need, 4.) take a stand for justice, 5.) love others, 6.) acknowledge our loyalty to Christ, 7.) use our lives and resources to carry out His desires rather than ours.



 
Joe




















 

Do not put a limit on how much you can help. (Luke 11:42)

Luke 11:42

New International Version (NIV)




 

⁴² “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.




 
It is easy to rationalize not helping others because we have already given to the church, but a person who follows Jesus should share with needy neighbors. While tithing is important to the life of the church, our compassion must not stop there. Where we can help, we should help.



 
Joe




























 

How clean is your inside? (Luke 11:39-41)

Luke 11:39-41

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

³⁹ Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! ⁴⁰ Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? ⁴¹ So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.



 
The Pharisees loved to think of themselves as "clean," but their stinginess toward God and the poor proved that they were not as clean as they thought. How do you use the resources God has entrusted to you? Are you generous in meeting the needs around you? Your generosity reveals much about the purity of your heart.




 
Joe




















 

He is Risen ! (Luke 24:1-12)

Luke 24:1-12

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

The Resurrection

24 But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. ² They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. ³ So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.
⁵ The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? ⁶ He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, ⁷ that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
⁸ Then they remembered that he had said this. ⁹ So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. ¹⁰ It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. ¹¹ But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. ¹² However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.



 
People who hear about the Resurrection for the first time may need time before they can comprehend this amazing story. Like the disciples, they may pass through four stages of belief. 1.) At first, they may think it is a fairy tale, impossible to believe. 2.) Like Peter, they may check out the facts but still be puzzled about what happened. 3.) Only when they encounter Jesus personally will they be able to accept the fact of the Resurrection. 4.) Then, as they commit themselves to Jesus and devote their lives to serving Him, they will begin fully to understand the reality of His presence with them.



 
Joe
(Happy Easter)




















 

Are you too busy doing things for Jesus? (Luke 10:38-42)

Luke 10:38-42

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

³⁸ As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. ³⁹ Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
⁴¹ But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! ⁴² There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”




 
Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. On this occasion they were both serving Him. But Mary thought Martha's style of serving was inferior to hers. She didn't realize that in her desire to serve, she was actually neglecting her guest. Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that you're not spending anytime with Him? Don't let your service become self-serving.




 
Joe




















 

Good Friday (Mark 15:37-38)

Mark 15:37-38

 
 
New Living Translation (NLT)


 

³⁷ Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. ³⁸ And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.



 
A heavy curtain hung in front of the temple room called the Most Holy Place, a place reserved by God for Himself. Symbolically, the curtain separated the holy God from sinful people. The room was entered only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, by the high priest as he made a sacrifice to gain forgiveness for the sins of all the people. When Jesus died, the curtain was torn in two, showing that His death for our sins opened up the way for us to approach our Holy God. And it was torn from top to bottom showing that God had opened the way.



 
Joe

















 

No Unemployment ? (Luke 10:2)

Luke 10:2

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

² These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.


 
In Christian service, there is no unemployment. God has enough work for everyone. Don't just sit back and watch others work - look for ways to help with the harvest.



 
Joe

















 

Ever have a "Mountaintop" experience? (Luke 9:28-33)

Luke 9:28-33

New Living Translation (NLT)
 
 

The Transfiguration

 

 

²⁸ About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. ²⁹ And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. ³⁰ Suddenly, two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. ³¹ They were glorious to see. And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.
³² Peter and the others had fallen asleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him. ³³ As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, “Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”


 
 
Peter, James, and John experienced a wonderful moment on the mountain, and they didn't want to leave. Sometimes we too have such an inspiring experience that we want to stay where we are - away from the reality and problems of our daily lives. Knowing that struggles await us in the valley encourages us to linger on the mountaintop. Yet staying on the top of a mountain prohibits our ministering to others. Instead of becoming spiritual giants, we would soon become dwarfed by our self-centeredness. We need times of retreat and renewal, but only so we can return to minister to the world. Our faith must make sense off the mountain as well as on it.




 
Joe




















 

"Listen to Him !" (Luke 9:35)

Luke 9:35

New International Version (NIV)

 

³⁵ A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”




God clearly identified Jesus as His Son before saying that Peter and the others were to listen to Jesus and not to their own ideas and desires. The ability to follow Jesus comes from confidence about who He is. If we believe He is God's Son, then we surely will want to do what He says.





Joe

 

Take up your cross. (Luke 9:23-26)

Luke 9:23-26

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²³ Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. ²⁴ If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. ²⁵ And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? ²⁶ If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.





People are willing to pay a high price for something they value. Is it any surprise that Jesus would demand this much commitment from His followers? There are at least three conditions that must be met by people who want to follow Jesus. We must be willing to deny self, to take up our crosses, and to follow Him. Anything else is superficial lip service.




 
Joe




















 

Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:8-11)

Matthew 21:8-11

New Living Translation (NLT)




 

⁸ Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David!
    Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Praise God in highest heaven!”

¹⁰ The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.
¹¹ And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”





 
This verse is one of the few places when the Gospels record that Jesus' glory is recognized on earth. Jesus boldly declared Himself King, and the crowd gladly joined Him. But these same people would bow to political pressure and desert Him in just a few days. Today we celebrate this event on Palm Sunday. That day should remind us to guard against superficial acclaim for Christ.





 
Joe
















 

Do people bother you? (Luke 9:10-11)

Luke 9:10-11

New International Version (NIV)


 

¹⁰ When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, ¹¹ but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.



 
Jesus had tried to slip quietly away from the crowds, but they found out where He was going and followed Him. Instead of showing impatience at this interruption, Jesus welcomed the people and ministered to their needs. How do you see people who interrupt your schedule - as nuisances, or as the reason for your life and ministry.


 
Joe


















 

Your work for God is important ! (Luke 8:2-3)

Luke 8:2-3

New International Version (NIV)


 

² and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³ Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.


 
 
Here we catch a glimpse of a few of the people behind the scenes in Jesus' ministry. The ministry of those in the foreground is often supported by those whose work is less visible but just as essential. Offer your resources to God, whether or not you will be on the center stage.


 
Joe

















 

Is your foundation solid? (Luke 6:46-49)

 

 

 

Luke 6:46-49

 

 

New International Version (NIV)


⁴⁶ “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? ⁴⁷ As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. ⁴⁸ They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ⁴⁹ But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

 
 
Obeying God is like building a house on a strong solid foundation that stands firm when storms come. When life is calm, our foundations don't seem to matter. But when crises come, our foundations are tested. Be sure your life is built on the solid foundation of knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.



 
Joe












 

There's a plank in your eye ! (Luke 6:41)

Luke 6:41

New International Version (NIV)

 
 

⁴¹ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?



 
 
Jesus doesn't mean we should ignore wrongdoing, but we should not be so worried about others' sins that we overlook our own. We often rationalize our sins by pointing out the same mistakes in others. What kinds of specks in others' eyes are the easiest for you to criticize? Remember your own "planks" when you feel like criticizing, and you may find that you have less to say.



 
Joe

























 

Your faith affects others. (Luke 5:18-20)

Luke 5:18-20

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

¹⁸ Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, ¹⁹ but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. ²⁰ Seeing "their" faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”



 
It wasn't the paralytic's faith that impressed Jesus, but the faith of his friends. Jesus responded to their faith and healed the man. For better or worse, our faith affects others. We cannot make another person a Christian, but we can do much through our words, actions, and love to give him or her a chance to respond. Look for opportunities to bring your friends to the living Christ.




 
Joe











 

What an example of service ! (Luke 4:38-39)

Luke 4:38-39

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

³⁸ After leaving the synagogue that day, Jesus went to Simon’s home, where he found Simon’s mother-in-law very sick with a high fever. “Please heal her,” everyone begged. ³⁹ Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them.




 
Jesus healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law so completely that not only did the fever leave, but her strength was restored, and immediately she got up and took care of others' needs. What a beautiful attitude of service she showed! God gives us health so that we may serve others.





 
Joe


















 

Is your faith accepted by your family? (Luke 4:24)

Luke 4:24

New International Version (NIV)


 

²⁴ “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.




 
Even Jesus Himself was not accepted in His hometown, Many people have a similar attitude - an expert is anyone who carries a briefcase and comes from more than 200 miles away. Don't be surprised when your Christian life and faith are not easily understood or accepted by those who know you well.




 
Joe








 

Be on guard ! (Luke 4:13)

Luke 4:13

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

¹³ When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.



 
Christ's defeat of the devil in the desert was decisive but not final. Throughout His ministry, Jesus would confront Satan in many forms. Too often we see temptation as once and for all. In reality, we need to be constantly on guard against the devil's ongoing attacks. Where are you most susceptible to temptation right now? How are you preparing to withstand it?




 
Joe

















 

Keep your sword sharp. (Luke 4:1-13)

Luke 4:1-13

New International Version (NIV)

 

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
³ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
⁵ The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷ If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
⁸ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
⁹ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. ¹⁰ For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you carefully;¹¹ they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

¹² Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
¹³ When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.




 
Knowing and obeying God's Word is an effective weapon against temptation. the only offensive weapon provided in the Christian's "armor" (see Ephesians 6:17 below). Jesus used scripture to counter Satan's attacks, and you can too. But to use it effectively you must have faith in God's promises, because Satan also knows scripture and is adept at twisting it to suit his purpose. Obeying the scriptures is more important than simply having a verse to quote, so read them daily and apply them to your life. Then your "sword" will always be sharp.
 

Ephesians 6:17

New International Version (NIV)

 

¹⁷ ... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.



 
Joe 







 

Don't rely on someone else's faith. (Luke 3:8)

Luke 3:8

New Living Translation (NLT)




 

⁸ Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.




 
Many of John the Baptist's hearers were shocked when he said that being Abraham's descendants was not enough for God. The religious leaders relied more on their family lines than on their faith for their God. For them, religion was inherited. But a personal relationship with God is not handed down from parents to children. Everyone has to commit to it on their own. Don't rely on someone else's faith for your salvation. Put your own faith in Jesus, and then exercise it everyday.



 
Joe