Saturday, December 14, 2019

December 14

We see in today’s society, a multitude of people willing to give up everything for the cause of Satan. Many celebrities, news channels, and businesses, stand-up for their cause even if they lose followers, popularity, or money. Their dedication to Satan is commendable, and they are putting us to shame. Their loyalty to their cause is more important to them than their own comfort. The funny thing is that they don’t even know they are doing his bidding!

Did you know that this is the kind of loyalty Jesus expects from us? We must be willing to leave everything behind for him, even our own families! Sadly, we don’t; we hide in the background hoping no one will notice that we follow Jesus, because we don’t want them to hate us, or to stop doing business with us because of him. If you’re not willing to give up everything for him, you cannot be his disciple. It’s a heavy weight, but we must be willing the bear it.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26-27

Friday, December 13, 2019

December 13

When my kids were young, we had a hot tub that had hundreds of air holes that would bubble up to make it relaxing. One day, someone got the bright idea to squeeze a little dish soap in it while it was bubbling. It seemed like and insignificant amount, but before I knew it, the hot tub was bubbling up to over six feet high! It eventually filled the pool that was connected to it. It was a beautiful sight, and the kids had a blast frolicking in the suds. 

The message of Jesus has spread, and continues to go throughout the world, growing quietly, without those who are against it being able to stop its progression, just like the drops of dish soap in the hot tub. Jesus makes a couple of comparisons in the book of Luke; one being like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a tree, and one like yeast in dough. The kingdom of God cannot be stopped, no matter how hard the enemy tries! His kingdom will not be overcome by the powers of darkness, and will live long into eternity. That is the community you are a part of!

He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.” Luke 13:18-21

Thursday, December 12, 2019

December 12

Sometimes I am floored by what the Word of God says. Jesus did not come to bring peace on earth! He came to bring fire, and division! What he means by fire, is the gospel message, which brings condemnation to those who do not believe. As Americans, we think we are the center of the world, and it’s true that much revolves around our government, however, we are not the center, and we are not the only country feeling the stress of division. I have friends from all over the world who post that their country is also divided between good and evil, believers and non-believers. After it says that he came to bring fire, it says you will know by the signs of the times, like predicting the weather. The time of division is now! Are you prepared, or are you waiting until later to get right with God? If you’re not prepared, you will suffer fire and torment. I’m sorry to be so blunt this morning, but the master of the house is coming, and those who know this to be true, and continue to live a sinners life, will be beaten, and suffer. This is not an uplifting message, but the Bible is truth, and not all messages are warm and fuzzy. Read Luke 12:35-56 for context.

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. Luke 12:49-51

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

December 11

You know you’ve stepped in it when you thought you could get away with being critical of Jesus. Imagine being the Pharisee that invited him into his home. The Pharisee was astonished that he didn’t wash before the meal. It tickles me to think that he thought he could disrespect him, and not expect the witty truth as a comeback. Our brilliant Savior called them dirty dishes; clean on the outside, but full of greed and wickedness on the inside. He didn’t stop at that, he continued to point out their faults, calling them unmarked graves that people walk over without knowing. Then the lawyers also felt insulted by what he was saying; and he blasted them too! 

We all want to think of Jesus as being timid, and easy going, but that is far from the truth. He had no problem defending himself. He stood up for what was right and gave us a good example to follow. He didn’t care if it was “politically correct;” he spoke his mind and shut them down! Our King is not passive! He is a warrior, bold, and strong!

Know this, those who are coming against us, now that it’s open season on Christians, will have their day in court, standing before Jesus. I wouldn’t want to be them.

And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? Luke 11:39-40

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

December 10

One thing that I truly enjoy is the holidays! I like having guests in my home, to delight them with food, and beautiful surroundings. I’ve been a guest in homes where the host worked the whole time preparing food, rather than enjoying their guest. Upon seeing this, I said that I would always be prepared ahead of my guests scheduled visit so I could spend time socializing rather than working.

Poor Martha was working her heart out preparing to serve Jesus and his disciples, but she became overwhelmed and needed some help. Mary adored Jesus, and wanted nothing more than to sit at his feet, and hear his stories. Martha wanted Mary’s assistance, and out of frustration, asked Jesus to command her to help.

I’ve prayed that prayer, “Jesus, I need help!” His answer is always, ‘don’t be overwhelmed with this task, it’s not that important. I am what’s important!’ Don’t waste your holiday by fretting the small things, it’s not about what we can do, it’s about Jesus, and who he is. Make sure you put the emphasis on Jesus, and glorify him by keeping this season about him. It’s okay if you are a Martha, but plan your time wisely so you can do as Mary does and sit at Jesus’s feet.

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Monday, December 9, 2019

December 9

Many years ago, I was warned in a dream about a demonic presence. In the dream, I saw a huge black bird, large enough to cover me, hovering over me. I wrote it down, but wondered what it meant. A day or so later, I had a disgruntled woman come into my home, who was very tall, wearing black clothing, and had dark black hair, hover over me, yelling. It’s amazing to me that people get mad at you, when they are the ones in the wrong. Because of my relationship with Jesus, I had no fear of her, even though she could have harmed me. I bring this up, because in my earlier years, I never realized that demons existed, it wasn’t brought up in church. I feel like it’s a disservice to Christ followers, to leave those portions of scripture out of your preaching. No one likes to think about it, but people need to know this stuff, and that there is a very real enemy out there that we need to protect ourselves from. The lesson in this: sometimes dreams come true, and are given to you as a warning so you can pray; and demons are real, but you shouldn’t fear them, only that their actions can be destructive.

And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, Luke 9:1

Sunday, December 8, 2019

December 8

You’ve heard the verse, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Many of us go after the treasures of this world; which we need, in order to live here, but there is much greater value in the things of the kingdom. As I was reading the next chapter in Luke, the verse that caught my attention was where Jesus explained who is able to understand the parables. Not everyone who reads the Bible, or the parables have understanding. This is why people who read it for literature, are confounded and confused; they do not have the Holy Spirit to give them guidance. Even with the Holy Spirit, some things are not open to you, but in time you will understand. This is why you must place importance on seeking the things of the kingdom; the more time you spend, the more understanding he will give you. 

I wish everyone could see the world the way I see it; it all points to God, our Master and creator of the universe. It tells the story of who he is; living parables visible for all to see, but few see it. I want you to see it! 

Here are the steps to take:
1. Take a day to fast, and feast only on God’s word. When you choose him over food, he will begin to open your eyes.
2. Spend some time in nature, and ask him to show you something meaningful. Take a chair and sit in the woods, or ask him to tell you where to go. 
3. Don’t talk, listen. 
The more you do this, the more you will receive insight into the things of God.

"he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’"  Luke 8:10