Luke 15 - Day 414 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Luke 15:1-7 Observation: To address the Pharisee's complaints about Jesus fraternizing with sinners, he tells them a story about a sheep that gets lost. Application: Have you ever watched a flock of sheep graze? Personally, I do not think that it is very interesting and in fact, watching sheep graze is quite boring. With their head down searching for something to eat, the sheep seem to be wandering aimlessly from one patch of grass to the next, just to satisfy their hunger. And that's how they get lost. When there's no more grass to eat, the sheep look up and all of a sudden, they're thinking to themselves, "Hey, where did everyone else go?" That's why a good shepherd is actively tending his/her flock to ensure that sheep don't wander. Occasionally when a sheep get's lost, a shepherd goes after them to bring them back to the flock. The reason why Jesus used this story is because everyone understood what he was talking about. Notice that the sheep didn't plan to run away or get lost. They just wandered away one patch of grass at a time, until they looked up and realized that everyone else was lost (joke). The principle can be applied to our children or anyone else we know who "wanders" through life just trying to fit in and connect so that's why it's important to go after them and bring them back to the safety of the flock. Prayer: Lord, give me eyes to see those who have wandered away from You. Luke 14 - Day 413 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Luke 14:7-14 Observation: When Jesus was invited to a prominent Pharisee's home to eat, he noticed how the guests sat in the place of honor. Application: Animals have a natural hierarchy that distinguishes the more dominant members within the group. Sadly human beings also have this "pecking order" that separates us from one another. God came to reverse the criteria of who is first and who will be last. Prayer: Lord, please help me to die to my need of wanting to be recognized for... Luke 13 - Day 412 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Luke 13:18-21 Observation: Jesus addresses the insensitivity of the religious leaders, then shares two parables about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Application: What do mustard seeds and yeast have to do with the Kingdom of Heaven? Jesus used things that people were familiar with to describe what the Kingdom of Heaven was like. Yes, eschatology, soteriology, and theophanies are important but the words we use to talk about God and His Kingdom shouldn't prevent people from wanting to know more. God is good. He is kind and loves us. Prayer: Lord, thank You for keeping it simple. Luke 12 - Day 411 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Luke 12:1-3 Observation: As thousands gather around Jesus, he uses the opportunity to teach them about integrity. Application: What would the world be like if everyone knew and acted as if everything we thought, said and did would be revealed to the world? Whoa. Would I act or think differently? Prayer: Lord, help me to represent You with integrity. Luke 11 - Day 410 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Luke 11:9-13 Observation: Jesus' apprentices ask him to teach them how to pray. Luke's version of the Lord's prayer is a little different than Matthew's but is essentially the same. However, Luke's version encourages us to be persistent and expect the best. Application: Children naturally understand the importance of being persistent. What do they have to lose? They keep asking over and over again until we break down and give in to their request. Although God doesn't "give in", to our constant begging, He is a good Father and knows what's best for us and will give us the Holy Spirit to comfort and encourage us through whatever it is we need. Prayer: Lord, thank You for hearing our prayers. |
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January 2024
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