The Challenge -- Day 133

Today's scripture: John 1:19-51
[If you don't have a Bible within reach, click the reference above to read online.]

Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them,

"What are you seeking?"

John 1:38 ESV

As a follower of Jesus, What are you seeking?

Hear Jesus ask you this same question. How would you answer Him?

Some of us are seeking peace and security through 401Ks and IRAs.

Some through the perfect relationship or accomplishment.

What are you seeking?

Those following Jesus answered by saying: Rabbi, where are you staying?

These followers wanted to be with Jesus. They wanted to know where He was staying. They called Him Rabbi, which means Teacher, they wanted to be taught by Him.

What are you seeking?

Jesus said, Come and you will see.

Remember, Jesus reveals God to us as the Word made flesh. Today, I see God as the one who invites those who are seeking Him to come and see.

He is a God waiting and willing to show us His wonders and teach us His ways, all we have to do is seek them.

Consider if He has shown you anything recently. Has He blessed you with revelation of His Word? Or revealed the root issue of a particular struggle in your life?

If you feel like He's been keeping you in the dark, perhaps you're seeking in the wrong places. Because when we seek Him, desire to live our lives in Him, He will invite you: Come and see.

Father God, You know what my heart is truly seeking,

You know where I'm distracted by the things of this world.

Today, I choose to seek You and Your way. 

Show me the way...

The Challenge -- Day 132

Today's Scripture: John 1:1-28
[Click the above reference to read online at BibleGateway.com]

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...

John 1:14 ESV

Jesus is God's Word made flesh. He came as Light and Truth to reveal God's grace and love, His authority and power.

In Him we see God.

What does Jesus reveal to you about Father God?

As we travel through John, the last leg of the 170 day challenge, let's consider, really look at Jesus, the Word made flesh.

Look at Him with fresh eyes. Ask: What do I learn about God from Him? His actions? His Words? His life? His relationships?

Consider how we -- Believers, followers of Jesus -- are to reveal Him to the world where we live: our home, our workplace, our church, our community.

How are you making His Word flesh?

Do you see Him fleshed out in others?

The Word became flesh to reveal God's light of love and healing to a dark ailing world.

That is our call, too, as we follow Him.

Father God, reveal Yourself to me through Your Word.

Translate Your Word to my heart and life.

Enable me to make Your Word flesh where I live.

"... In the same way, let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16 ESV

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 131

Today's Scripture: Luke 24:36-53
(Click on the link to read the verses for today.)

And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy;
and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

It's Sunday and I'm full of joy... great joy even. You see we have reason to celebrate. This is our final reading for Luke. In fact, we are only 39 days from reading through all four Gospels. I can honestly say I've never read through them consecutively like this.

This reading idea formed during a Grow Team meeting as we considered how we might also celebrate the 170th birthday of our church. I can say that The Challenge was Holy Spirit inspired. I know it because in my most disciplined self I could not have written so many devotionals. I know it because on my own I rarely complete what I start.

So let us shout some praise:

...for His word and the freedom to read it...

...for His inspiration...

...for His faithfulness to complete the good works He begins in us...

...for the church and body of Christ...

...for the transformation happening in our lives and the lives of others...

You might be thinking... uhhh, Stacy, we are not done yet. I know, my favorite Gospel still awaits. And I'm passing the devotional writing for this one to my friend Carol. So let's keep going. I cannot wait to see what the Gospel of John has in store for us.

You bless us with peace, Lord, may we bless You with worship and praise.

Continue to make the way for us to complete the journey we have begun.

Amen.

The Challenge -- Day 130

Today's Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

They were returning home. After all Jesus was dead, what else could they do. And then a stranger shows up that is not a stranger at all. Only they didn't recognize him.

...not by His physical appearance...
...or the way he explained the scriptures to them...
...not when He entered their home...
...or sat down at their table...

Recognition came with the breaking of the bread. There are times I don't recognize him either. No "Aha" moments when a stranger walks my way. Some days I read the Bible and pray but feel nothing. I wonder how many times I've missed Him in my home... at my table.

Still there is one place that my eyes are opened and I recognize Him without fail. When I kneel at the altar to receive His body... His blood... something clicks. It's as if I have new vision... a new way to see what I didn't recognize before.

Only one more week until we join together at His table to celebrate Holy Communion. I'm looking forward to it!

Lord, prepare my heart to see You in the breaking of the bread.

Prepare me to receive Your grace, Your mercy, Your peace

and freely share it with others whom You love.

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks,

he broke it and gave it to them, saying,

"This is my body, which is given for you. 

Do this in remembrance of me."

Luke 22:19 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 129

Today's Scripture: Luke 23:44 - 24:12
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

I always found it interesting that the angel had to remind the women of Jesus' teaching. He discussed it openly with them, but then again, he taught them a lot of things. When the angel reminded them, they remembered.

It is the same for us as we continue to read and study all Jesus is teaching us through His word. The Bible has hundreds of pages with so much to absorb. For years, I have practiced the spiritual discipline of memorizing scripture. If you asked me to spout them to you now, I couldn't.

But here's the amazing part to me. When I need it, the Holy Spirit reminds me just like the angels did for the women at the tomb.

Want to give scripture memorization a try? Here are some tips that have helped me:

1. Choose a passage and break it into smaller segments.
2. Write the verses on two or three index cards and put them in places you will see them each day: laundry room, mirror, car.
3. Say it out loud... go ahead... it feels weird but it works.
4. Yes... they have an app for memorizing scripture. Check out Scripture Typer.

Lord, bless me with a hunger for Your Word.

Enable me to memorize Your Word.

Remind me of the Word I need at any given moment,

so I can remember.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11 NIV84

The Challenge -- Day 128

Today's Scripture: Luke 23:26-43
(Click on the link to read the verses for today.)

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Like the one hanging beside Jesus on the cross, we've all made the statement in some way. We were created to desire His kingdom. I've heard it described as an empty God-shaped spot in us. I've tried to fill that spot with other stuff. I've watched others do the same.

The problem is when you finally get what you think might fill the emptiness... it doesn't. It is not supposed to. The void can only be filled by the One who created it.

We were made to desire His kingdom. We can be assured Jesus will never forget. The answer Jesus gives to us is the same he gave some 2000 years ago. "Today you will be with me in Paradise."

Jesus, set my heart and life on You.

The Challenge -- Day 127

Today's Scripture: Luke 23:1-25
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Again, they mistreat Jesus for no reason. Again, they find no evidence of guilt. Again, Jesus gives no answer. There is no making sense of this scene. There's a lot of non-sense in our world...

...the suffering of children doesn't make sense...
...or friends getting sick...
...doesn't make sense when storms rage and tear...
...or floods drown out the living...

No sense at all, in my opinion. So what do we do when we just can't make sense out of all the senseless? Jesus had it right. Sometimes no answer will ever make sense or help others understand. Sometimes it is best to remain quiet in the face of a crowd of hard hearts. It doesn't really fit our nature. We like to debate and argue. We want others to see it our way, but sometimes... it's sense-less to argue.

Is there something you wish someone would see your way? Is it hard for you to let it go? Maybe now is the time to ask God for help... help you to embrace the quiet of no answer at all.

Father God, bless me with the wisdom to know

when to give no answer to the senseless.

Bless me with the strength to keep silence, when necessary.

Bless me with the faith to see You at work in the middle

of all the non-sense around me.

The Challenge -- Day 126

Today's Scripture: Luke 22:54-71
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

At first glance Jesus seems quite weak. His friends have scattered and no one is left to support him. Men are challenging him to prophesy. Others are heaping insult upon insult. The council is determined to do away with Him. From an earthly perspective, it seems what Jesus has claimed might not be the truth.

But, if you take a look further is it possible that Jesus has more strength and power in this moment than the greatest earthly hero? He could have gotten angry. He could have shoved His power in the face of those insults. He had the power to take down the counsel. He could have... but... He didn't. I think Jesus' choice to stay under the persecution reveals to us His true strength.

Is there something you feel you are called to stay under for a time. Is God calling you to remain calm or quiet in the face of insults? In Christ, you have the strength.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.---Philippians 4: 13

Lord Jesus, bless me with Your strength.

The Challenge -- Day 125

Today's Scripture: Luke 22:31-53
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Peter told Jesus he was ready to go prison and to death for Him. It was a bold claim that didn't immediately come to pass. A few hours after he made the claim, a rooster crowed, and Peter realized he had done exactly what he said he wouldn't. Peter thought this chapter of his life was over. Can you imagine the guilt Peter experienced over doing the very thing he claimed he would never do? I'm so glad Peter's story isn't finished with the sound of that rooster.

Is there some chapter in your story that didn't end well? Are you feeling guilty in some way? The good news is our story is not finished yet. Later in the scriptures, we read of times when Peter actually did spend time in prison. Peter did eventually live up to his original claim. What hope does that give you for your story today?

Father God, I'm so grateful for Your forgiveness through Jesus.

So humbled by Your willingness and desire to redeem what is lost.

Thank You, for taking the things I've done, that I said I would never do,

and using them for good and Your purpose.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,

for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 ESV

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 124

Today's Scripture: Luke 22:1-30
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

There's lots of talk about meals in these verses. Jesus eating a Passover meal with the disciples. Is the server or the one who sits at the table greater? Jesus promising us we will eat and drink at his table one day.

I was reminded last night how the members of the early church regularly broke bread together. Having a meal with others is a sacred time for us. There is something holy about sitting around a table and sharing our lives as well as food.

Today's Sabbath challenge:
Invite one or a few to supper tonight. Maybe you can host them in your home... around your table. The menu doesn't have to be elaborate. Or if you don't feel like cooking, maybe you could go to a local restaurant or pick up food from one of your favorite places.

Cooking a five course dinner or having a perfectly clean home is not the point. Building relationship with others is. Those around the table probably won't remember what they ate in a few days, but they will remember the love, joy, and fellowship shared around your table.

Lord, may every meal I partake of include You as the Bread of Life.

The Challenge -- Day 123

Today's Scripture: Luke 21:20-38
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." We've been reading for 123 days now. Investing time into something Jesus says will not pass away. I am reminded today of how important it is for us to be a people of the Word.

Let's praise God for His Word and the work it is doing in our lives!

I praise You, Father God, for the truth that You do speak to me.

I praise You for Jesus, the Word made flesh, who causes me to see Your love.

I praise You for providing a physical text for us to delve into

and for the Holy Spirit's counsel and guidance as I read Your Word.

Fill me with a hunger for Your Word and the discipline to carve 

out time to be in it each day.

And all the people would get up early in the morning

to listen to him in the temple.

Luke 21:38

The Challenge -- Day 122

Today's Scripture: Luke 21:1-19
(Click on the link for today's scripture.)

"By your endurance you will gain your souls." Webster's defines endurance as the ability to withstand something difficult for a long period of time.

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, 
consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith
produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect,
so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. 
James 1:1-4

Take a look at what happens when we let endurance fully effect us. We become mature... complete... lacking in nothing. This dear friends brings hope. Hope in all those circumstances we feel are pointless or even unnecessary. James encourages us to face even the tough stuff with joy. 

Today, when you face a challenge, find yourself enduring, consider it all joy.

Jesus, You say persecution and trials offer us opportunity to testify about You.

Change my perspective on how I view challenging circumstances of any kind.

Fill me with joy at the prospect of offering testimony of who You are,

even if the one I'm testifying to is myself.

The Challenge -- Day 121

Today's Scripture: Luke 20:27-47
(No bible handy? Just click on the link for today's verses.)

"For He is God of the living, not of the dead..."

Are you spending time on dead things? Maybe it is time to let those go. What is alive and vibrant in your life today? Pause and think on those things.

Lord, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life,

reveal the dead-end issues I dwell on that are eating up my life.

Lead me in the path of life.

There is a way that seems right to a man,

but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 14:12 NIV84

The Challenge -- Day 120

Today's Scripture: Luke 20:1-26
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Authority was the issue in these verses. Who gave you authority? Whose authority should we come under? Do we have to pay taxes if we believe in God?

Webster's defines authority this way:

:the power to give orders or make decisions : the power or right to direct or control someone or something 

: the confident quality of someone who knows a lot about something or who is respected or obeyed by other people

I've experienced positive authority figures in my life and negative ones as well. I've had issues coming under authority at times. And goodness, who wouldn't want to decrease the amount they pay in taxes. The bigger issue is giving God the things that are God's. Unlike human authority, God will never demand His children to give Him what belongs to Him. He will never collect in any way that which leaves us broke or broken. Instead He gives us opportunities to offer back the blessings He bestows on us.

Have you made your offering today? I'm not just talking about money. What about time... energy... talents?

Lord, one day we will all be held accountable to You as the Ultimate Authority, 

bless me with the understanding of what that means now. 

Loosen my grip on the things of this world: money, time, energy. 

Help me to remember it is not mine, but simply a loan from You. 

Free me to live wholeheartedly under Your authority for the rest of my days. 

Everything I have and am is Yours.

"...Freely you have received, freely give. ..." ---Jesus

Matthew 10:8 NASB95

The Challenge -- Day 119

Today's Scripture: Luke19:28-48
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

It was a happy day. Palm branches waving... people shouting praise. The Pharisees wanted it to stop. Even tried to quiet the joyful group by asking Jesus to shut them up.

...if these were silent, the rocks would cry out.

I don't know about you but I don't want the rocks to take over what I'm called to do. Look what we might miss by refusing to praise.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.--Psalm 100:4

In January I was blessed to go to Italy. We walked the streets of Rome on our last days there and experienced the Vatican first hand. We passed through security and walked into the place where the Pope leads worship and I was stunned. There in the front (though still far off) was the altar. I couldn't help but begin to praise Him.

Each step of praise brought me closer to the altar. (I wish the picture could do it justice. I'm not sure any could.) This was the day the words of Psalm 100 came to life. Thanksgiving is the key to enter his gates, but praise brings us right into His courts... the Holy of Holies... His presence.

What in all the world is trying to silence your praise today? I say praise Him anyway!

Fill my mouth with praise today, Lord.

Open my eyes to Your glory that fills the earth.

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory!"

Isiah 6:3 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 118

Today's Scripture: Luke 19:11-27
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Each slave had the same master. He seemed to agree that he was harsh... reaping where he did not sow. Each slave had the same opportunity. Now go with me for a minute as I stretch this a little. I believe each slave had to deal with fear. Who wouldn't be scared of this kind of master? Even though the first two probably had some fear they took courage. The third slave allowed fear to reign in his life. Fear drove him to wrap the pound up and do nothing... nothing... nothing.

Fear has this paralyzing way about it. Seeps into your bones and takes root and can freeze us in our tracks. It keeps us trapped in a nothing world... being nothing... doing nothing. God's word says time and time again, "Do not be afraid."

What are you afraid of in your life? What would happen if you let go of the fear and chose courage this day?

Lord, reveal the areas in my life where I'm paralyzed by fear,

but am deceiving myself with excuses. You have prepared and 

empowered me to serve You through Your Holy Spirit.

Bless me with the courage and faith to serve You boldly

at home, in church, at work, and through relationships.

I want to increase what You've given me for Your glory.

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 117

Today's Scripture: Luke 18:31-19:10
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Neither the beggar nor Zacchaeus could see Jesus. Each were determined to get his attention.

Is there something in your life that keeps you from seeing Jesus? Are you blind in some way or maybe too short-sighted in another?

The beggar shouted.
Zacchaeus climbed a tree.
Is there some action you might take in order to see Jesus better?

Both got Jesus' attention. Both were healed of their blindness. Both were transformed that day by spending time with Jesus. What would it look like for you to go the extra mile today to spend time with Jesus? Is there something holding you back from asking Jesus to come to your home for supper? His healing and transforming power awaits our invitation. Why not throw caution to the wind and invite Him in today?

Jesus, open my eyes to the places I'm not seeing You in my life.

I long to see You clearly.

Sabbath Challenge:

Place an extra chair at the table during a meal. Set a place for Jesus. Invite Him to a meal or maybe just to sit down for coffee or tea. 

Sometimes, setting up a physical reminder of a spiritual truth helps make it reality. The physical reminder of His presence may help you or your family recognize His presence at your table.

The Challenge -- Day 116

Today's Scripture: Luke 18:9-30
(Don't have a bible close at hand? Click on the link to read the verses.)

The Pharisee, the rich young ruler, and Peter had one thing in common. They had a list to justify righteousness.

...I fast twice a week.
...I give a tenth of my income.
...I've never murdered or committed adultery.
...I've kept the Sabbath and have no idols.
...I honor my parents.
...I have kept the commandments since I was young.
...Look, I left my home to follow you Jesus.

Jesus wants more than a checklist of good things we do. Doing good things without considering our own hearts just leads to pride. Jesus says be like a child or the tax collector... Neither were considered esteemed in their day. Both wanted to be near Jesus. Consider your own heart. Are you making a list or crying out for mercy?

Father God, You don't look at my deeds or works,

You look at my heart, my motive, my desire for You.

Continue to work in me until my whole heart pleases You.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind

and with all your strength.

Mark 12:30

The Challenge -- Day 115

Today's Scripture: Luke 17:20-18:8
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

The widow's continued asking reminds me of my household some days. "Mom, where are my shoes? Mom, can I have some money? Mom, what's for supper? Mom. Mom! MOM!" Most days I can answer with a smile. Other days my annoyance gets in the way. If I'm not careful my answers are more snappy than I mean for them to be.

This parable makes it clear God does not answer the way I do. He is never annoyed by His children's questions. He doesn't snap or get impatient. He will never put us off by saying, "In a MINUTE!" He is just, patient, always on time. I cry out to Him day and night, and He answers. This gives me reason for praise!

Prayer Challenge: The Widow's Prayer

Is there something in your life you've been waiting for so long that you've come to the point of discouragement? Is there a desire, a longing you've quit praying for? Do you believe God just doesn't hear?

Today, revive that request. As painful as it may be, stir up the desire afresh and bring it to God in prayer today. Ask Him to fuel your hope. Bring it again based on His promise to hear and act: And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? --Luke 18:7

Exercise your faith. Pray persistently like the widow. Pray both day and night. Day after day. Night after night.

"...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Luke 18:8 NRSV

The Challenge -- Day 114

Today's Scripture: Luke 17:1-19
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Ten lepers... ten healings ...only one returns. One hundred percent were healed of their ailment... only ten percent gave credit where credit was due. The percentage is probably about the same today. Many come to Jesus for healing. Those who come will be healed in some way. Many will turn quickly and do what Jesus asked them to do. But when it comes to gratitude... praise... falling at his feet to give thanks, many become few.

If I could stand on one soap box and preach, it would be this gratitude issue. So many of us enjoying and reaping blessing after blessing coming straight down from the Father. So few of us returning thanks. A lack of gratitude causes dis-ease in us. We find ourselves complaining and discontent in the place we are in at the moment.

Today, be one of the few. Write down five things you are thankful for this very moment. Make this day a day of gratitude.

Father God, help me to receive everything You bring into my life with thanks.

I do not want to suffer the dis-ease of ingratitude.

The Challenge -- Day 113

Today's Scripture: Luke 16
(Just click on the link if you do not have your bible handy.)

"You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others..." It is so easy to get caught in the justification game. Making excuses or coming up with reasons why we act the way we do. I have asked the question many times, "Why did you do that?" The real answer is usually far from our lips.

Wesley understood grace in three ways. One of them he called justifying grace. This is the grace that saves us. It is the point when we say Yes to God. This is the grace that restores our relationship with God and we are made "right" in and through Jesus.

Today, let's lay down our need to justify ourselves. Let's let go of the need to always be right... always have a reason for acting the way we do.

Lord, You alone are the source of my justification by grace alone.

There is no right in me apart from You. Keep this truth before me

as I go through my day. Teach me to walk humbly in Your grace.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus...

Romans 3;23-24 KJV

The Challenge -- Day 112

Today's Scripture: Luke 15:11-32
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Consider the people in this parable... the youngest son, oldest son, the father. Which one do you find yourself most like?

Are you the father trying to make the best decision to parent your child? Have they run away from home and you are in a time of waiting? Maybe you are rejoicing as you look up the road and find a glimpse of them?

Could it be you are more like the youngest son? Wanting what you want when you want it. Have you spent things you wish you had back? Have you found yourself amidst the pig slop and want to go home?

The oldest son was obedient from the beginning... always paying his dues on time. Maybe you are most like him. Do you feel overlooked, taken advantage of in some way? Have you become bitter or indignant towards the ones who seem to receive no punishment?

I have identified with each person in some way at some point in my life. I've been a waiting parent, a reckless younger brother, and a bitter older one too. There is good news in this story for each one: a parent doesn't have to wait forever... you can return home... and your inheritance, the one you didn't squander because of your obedience, is still there. But the best news is the truth revealed through the parable. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us and longs for relationship with us.

Father God, I love that You are waiting for me to return.

I love that You are willing to receive me when I finally understand my need.

Open my heart to every waiting parent, lost child, and self-righteous individual.

May I love them as You do, receive them as You do, with joy and celebration

when they find their way to You.

The Challenge -- Day 111

Today's Scripture: Luke 14:25-15:10
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

The Greek word for repentance means "to turn" as in to turn from evil and towards good. Sometimes we get confession and repentance confused. Admitting our sin is the first step in repentance, but it is not the only step. Turning from the sin towards God is the true meaning of repentance.

Do you have a sin in your life that keeps coming up? You find yourself confessing the same thing over and over. What is something you can do to turn from the sin today.

Lord, every sin I commit increases Your pain on the cross.

Fill my heart with the reality of Your love for me ---

the love that held You to the cross.

Grow me to love You as much as You love me,

then I will sacrifice my wants for You

and turn from my sin.

Sabbath Challenge -- Day 110

Today's Scripture: Luke 14:1-24
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

I have this friend who often parks in the far back of the parking lot where she works. The first time I saw her car there even though there were plenty of spots closer to the door, I grinned to myself. I asked her later, but I already knew. Even parking your car can be a spiritual discipline when it is done with Jesus' teaching in mind.

Jesus told a wedding parable and reminded those around them to take the lowest seat at the banquet table. This is so counter to our nature. We want to be first in line, head of the class, and sit on thrones. I will drive in circles looking for a parking spot just to be close to the door. If we are not careful, we often find ourselves refusing the lowest seat when the time comes.

It is Sunday and we have a little more time so take a moment to look up the definition of humble.

Does this describe you? Who you are?

Have you ever taken the last place on purpose... because this very intentional act is a practice of humility? Well, if not, today is the day. According to your physical ability take the parking spot furthest from the door today, sit in the least desirable seat, be last in line.

Father God, open my eyes to my place in Your Kingdom.

Jesus, who is the greatest, took the lowest place.

 He took my place on the cross... Keep this truth close to my heart,

ever on my thoughts. Let this truth transform me.

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them,

"If anyone would be first, he must be last of all

and servant of all." ---Jesus

Mark 9:35 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 109

Today's Scripture: Luke 13:18-35
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

"What is the kingdom of God like? 

...a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden..."

That's it! That's all you need. There are days that's all I've got: ...faith like a grain of a mustard seed... 

Hebrews says, "Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see." The times I'm not sure at all are the times I remember this seed. Just look at it. Doesn't seem big enough to grow a weed much less an entire tree. And here's the beauty of it... no matter how hard we try or work we can't make a seed grow. Only God makes things grow.

There is freedom in this thought... ONLY God makes things grow. Today is a day to scatter seed. No worries about what or how it will grow. That job belongs to God! Amen and Amen!

Lord God, remind me to scatter seeds in all sorts of places...

to freely cast Your love, compassion, mercy, grace to all!

You alone have the responsibility of making Your Kingdom grow,

I want to do my part in scattering seed, kneading in Your Word

into my family, church, work --- every community in which I live.

But I leave the growth up to You and will not become discouraged

if I do not see any fruit from my work. I will wait on You!

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,

being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

James 5:7 ESV

The Challenge -- Day 108

Today's Scripture: Luke 13:1-17

But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath,

kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done;

come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day."

Luke 13:14 NRSV

The leader was indignant. Webster's defines the word as "feeling or showing anger over something unjust or wrong: very angry." The leader thought it OK to water his donkey on the Sabbath, but not to heal a human being. Rules for keeping the Sabbath were miles long. You can do this on the Sabbath, but you can't do this. This is considered work... this is not. Rules pile up on rules and slowly the most absurd thing happens: a donkey becomes more valuable than a child of God.

Is there something you value more than a person? Some cause or passion which drives you to choose the rule over the person? How do you think Jesus might respond to the rule?

Show me, Lord, where I have minimized people

and let a rule or cause become more important.

Bless me with a heart like Yours---

one filled with compassion, mercy, and grace.

The Challenge -- Day 107

Today's Scripture: Luke 12:35-59
(Click on the link to read these verses.)

Just this morning my husband sent me an e-mail about end times. He asked me, "What do you think?" Many wonder if we are living in the end times. The disciples wondered too. Those Jesus taught asked questions about it often: "When is your kingdom coming?" "How will we know the time?"

These are two thousand year old questions. Jesus said even He did not know the hour or day, only Father God knows. Jesus tells us in this portion of Luke to be ready. That's it... just be ready. Be dressed for action. Have your lamp lit. Be ready.

Drawing closer to Jesus is the only way to be ready. The truth is He's here today in this moment... right now. What can you do today to draw closer to Him?

Father God, show me the areas in my life where I am not ready for Jesus's return.

Prepare my heart to receive correction and respond with obedience.

Fill my spirit with the urgency of Your coming Kingdom.

Fuel my desire to draw closer to You.

I so want to be ready...

The Challenge -- Day 106

Today's Scripture: Luke 12:22-34
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

I wonder how many times we've heard these verses? How many times a friend has said, "Don't worry." We know it is a sin. We know we shouldn't do it. We know... but, we just can't help ourselves. Jesus' description of the disciples fits me, "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."

On a scale from 1 to 10 where do you fall on the worry scale? Have you ever considered worry is either about the past or the future. It removes us from the present... the now... which is the only time and place we connect with God. Each time you worry today write it down. At the end of the day take your worry list to the Father then... throw it away.

Lord, when I worry it is a sign of unbelief in my heart.

I don't believe You will use difficult circumstances and

broken relationships for my good. When I worry about

the future I don't believe You are good or sovereign ---

in control of all things. I believe... help my unbelief...

The Challenge -- Day 105

Today's Scripture: Luke12:1-21
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how  you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say;  for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.”

I've spent so much time defending myself. I've spent hours rolling a response to something over and over again in my head. This is a trust issue. Jesus said Holy Spirit would teach us what to say. The hard part are these four words, "at that very hour." No before... no preparation needed. Just trust the Spirit to give you words when you need them.

Do you trust God enough to provide a defense at the time you need it? What does this kind of trust look like for you today?

Father God, replace the rise of defensive emotions with Your peace.

Holy Spirit, bless me with words of wisdom when I feel attacked.

Jesus, remind me I'm fully accepted in You.

The Challenge -- Day 104

Today's Scripture: Luke 11:24-54
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Jesus is clearly not too happy with the religious leaders. His words like arrows hitting a bullseye when it comes to their hearts. Basically they were all about making it hard to get to God. Rule after rule to obey kept people out. It was like lighting a lamp, placing it in a closet and shutting the door. A mile long list of rules kept them from drawing close to the light.

I would like to think that I'm different. Some days I am. Others... not so much. I have my own list of rules. Reasons why some are welcome to the light... others aren't. Let's call it what it is... judgment.

Do you have the same tendency I do to judge others? Pay attention to your thoughts about others today. What are they revealing to you?

Lord, replace my list of rules with love.

Love for You and love for others.