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.