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.