TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS

Posted on December 16, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Like the Fiddler on the Roof, I love tradition but it doesn’t carry the same punch it used to. Maybe it’s because we want to make new traditions that fit our lifestyle and some of the old ways are nothing more than old-fashioned.

Did you know that the practice of having a Christmas tree was first started in the 16th century? The beautiful fir trees that lined the forests of Germany looked like God had sprinkled glitter all over them. The people often hung apples on them as a reminder of the Tree of Life. They also added lit candles to depict the Light of the World.

I have memories of going to the woods to cut down a tree. We’d bundle the kids up so they could barely move. We trudged through deep snow and since my husband has an eye for perfection, we had to find just the right tree. He then would take out his axe and begin chopping. This is where the fun began. The kids loved the idea of cutting down a tree each year, but the tradition died after a while. Like many traditions, they simply don’t fit our lifestyle anymore.  What should’ve been a fun event, often turned extremely cold.  The thought of hot chocolate soon replaced that annual event.

I also remember making fresh egg nog for my family during the holidays. It was made from fresh, raw eggs – cream, sugar and nutmeg. Occasionally the adults would add a bit of brandy to spice it up. That doesn’t happen now, because of the danger of salmonella poisoning.  I’m really surprised I’ve lived so long.

Traditions come and go, but the message of the season should never be clouded by a change in our lifestyle. Jesus came to us at Christmas. He was born of a virgin – conceived by God Himself – became our brother. That isn’t tradition. It’s a fact and one that will never change.

As we come to the end of the advent season, let’s take time to look at some of the old-fashioned traditions, but not forget the One that never goes out of style – JESUS!

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LUKE 16 THE REALITY OF HEAVEN & HELL

Posted on December 16, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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It seems that society has not only lost sight of sin in our every day lives, but also the fact there will be consequences for our actions when we pass from life to death.  Many believe that the philosophy of Christianity is to scare us into believing in Jesus, which is far from the truth.  Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament – the long awaited Savior and Prince of Peace.  He loves us and wants the best for s.

In this Chapter of Luke, Jesus talks about the reality of sin, hell and salvation.  The first parable deals with a dishonest manager who connives to save his job.  Jesus tells us that,

“No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”        Luke 16:13

The Pharisees, who have been keeping a close eye on Jesus, began to ridicule Him.  Jesus rebuked them because they truly were of the wealthy class of society.  They loved money and were making a lot of it through their false teachings.  Still the Pharisees pressed on.  They were determined to find something to hold against Jesus.  In their eyes, Jesus was the false teacher and must be done away with.

Jesus continued to chastise them by saying that God knew what was in the heart and they would be judged accordingly.  He also stated that He had come to fulfill the law, but that the law still remains.  We are still responsible to God, even though the ultimate price has been paid.

The last section of this chapter is the story of the Rich Man and Poor Lazarus.  This vivid analogy was one that stuck tightly to my mind as a child.  It gave such a clear picture of what heaven and hell would be like.  Hell being the constant state of  torment with no relief and heaven as the paradise God intended for His earthly creation.  Who would want to spend eternity in hell?  Maybe that’s why it took me so long to realize God’s love for us.  It’s so simple really.  God wants us to join Him in the place He originally created for us – a place where there is no more sadness, hatred, anger, competition, chaos – only eternal peace.  The devil wants us to join only in his misery, from where there is no escape.

When the two men in the story die, their roles are reversed and Jesus talks about the giant chasm between heaven and hell.  The rich man in the story calls on God for intervention from those he left behind, but Jesus tells the man, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’

Our time of grace – our opportunity to reach heaven is real.  It occurred when Christ died on the cross and rose again to life.  The simplicity of the gospel is that our sins are already forgiven.  We still need to follow God’s law in life, but the ransom has been paid.  All we need to do is accept that with believing hearts.  Nothing we accomplish on earth will earn us a spot.  It’s all about JESUS.

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LUKE 15 – AMAZING GRACE

Posted on December 16, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come,
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.

John Newton

As I read Chapter Fifteen of Luke yesterday, I couldn’t help but think of this wonderful old hymn written by John Newton, a former slave trader.  Each of the three parables referred to here, explain exactly what grace is all about.

The first example is about the good shepherd, who when one of his sheep strayed, left the entire flock behind to rescue the one that was lost.  This seems almost irresponsible of the shepherd, yet he places such value on each individual sheep, he desires to keep them all together and will risk everything to make that happen.

The second parable is about  the woman who has ten coins and loses one.  She will clean every corner of the house, look under everything and search diligently until the lost coin is found.  She even calls on her friends and neighbors to help her.  When the coin is found there is rejoicing, as there will be in heaven when one sinner repents.

The third story is regarding the wayward child, who is tired of waiting for his inheritance.  His father gives it to him in advance and the young man goes and indulges in wild living until the money is gone.  When he realizes he’s hit bottom, he returns to his father and asks for forgiveness.  The father welcomes him with open arms, as the good son gets angry over this special treatment of his brother.  The lessons are many in this one.  We see two brothers.  One has followed all the rules while the other is impetuous and foolish.  The father loves both of his sons equally, exactly the way God loves us. When one left the nest and made a mess of his life, the father took him back, because of his repentant heart.  The other son is jealous, but his father reminds him that has always had his love.

The grace that is shown in each of these parables is exactly the way our God treats us.  Grace is defined as undeserved kindness.  None of us deserves God’s amazing grace, but He gives it willingly, because of his unconditional love for us.

Today, think about that.  The lost, when found, should be so ecstatic for His open arms.  We should rejoice that God loves us so much that He gave His life for us.  Because of that grace, we can look forward to heaven.

 

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WHAT LIES AHEAD?

Posted on December 16, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

We don’t know what each day will bring. Our future is unknown.
To God’s own Son our praises sing. He’s made our lives His own.
He’s taken on our sins. He took them to the cross.
He died for us and rose again, He found what we had lost.
We have no fear of death. We know life never ends.
His home is ours if we believe. Our souls He there will tend.

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LUKE 14 – JESUS LOVES EVERYONE

Posted on December 14, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jesus was on a great mission. He spent months and even years preparing for His death and for our resurrection.  He associated with all kinds of people, including the ruler of the Pharisees who invites Jesus to his house for dinner. The Pharisees were watching Jesus to find something they could use against Him.

A many with dropsy comes to be healed and Jesus asks the others if it is right to heal on the Sabbath, but no one answers.  He continues to heal the man.  He does it  and is immediately chastised by the leaders of the church.  Jesus obeys all the laws of Moses, but He tells His accusers that they certainly wouldn’t leave a son or an ox to die if it had fallen into a well and it was the Sabbath.  They spoke no further on this.

He continues to tell His parables, which are rich in examples on how to live.  The parable of the wedding feast, shows that we should not take a place of honor at the banquet, but enter in humility.  In other words, it is good to place yourself lower than others.  That is such a common thread in Jesus’ teachings.  If we love our neighbor as ourselves and put ourselves lower than them, just imagine what a beautiful world this would be.  Unfortunately, this isn’t something that’s done today.  We’ve fallen very short of the Golden Rule.

He goes on with another parable of the Great Banquet Feast, where many are invited, but they instead make excuses for not coming, so the host tells his servants to call on the poor, the sick and needy, the lame, weak and helpless. Even then there is still room.  There is a place for everyone in God’s house.  We shouldn’t be making excuses for not showing up.

In the final verses, Jesus talks about the cost of being a disciple.  We are expected to give up all our worldly goods, leave our family, spouse and children, as well as taking up our own cross and following Him.  That’s not an easy job description. Following Christ requires sacrifice.  Are you ready to give up everything for Him?

What I’m getting from this study of Luke, is really how much Jesus loves all of humanity.  He dines with prostitutes, tax collectors, shepherds, fisherman, common folk, the rich, the sick and ailing, those possessed with evil spirits.  He discriminates against no one.  His time with us on this planet is filled with three years of training for us to digest.  There is still time for an eternal home in heaven.  Jesus made sure of that when He died on the cross.  When He rose from death, He sealed our certainty of paradise.  Come and meet this Jesus.  He’s told about in the Bible, which was inspired into the pens and hands of everyday men who used God’s words.  He will change your life!

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LUKE 13 – PASS IT ON

Posted on December 13, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 13

Down through the ages the world has been filled with stories. Sitting around an open fire, roasting marshmallows and enjoying some fresh, country air, seems to be as good a place as any to start one. My husband happens to be a great story teller. His stories appeal to all ages, mainly because they have an element truth to them, but he has managed to embellish them over the years, so that they have actually become much like his art. They’vs been mingled and mottled with colorful phrases and with every telling I discover something new. I’m not sure if he does that for my benefit, or his, or for the benefit of his audience.

Jesus was the ultimate story teller.  His use of parables is sprinkled through the Gospels.  Each one has a practical application, much like our sermons of today.  Still can you imagine what it was like, sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing His majestic voice, using the most excellent words and images to portray His examples of common every day events with a heavenly meaning?  The people got the meaning, because He was talking on their level about things that they knew about.

Jesus story telling skills stirred their imaginations, got them to think outside the structural box and to learn about His kingdom. Parables have been an effective way of communicating for centuries and like the fables of ancient days, they come with some kind of valuable life lessons and a moral.

In Luke 13 we read some of these important stories.  Each came as a result of news that came to Him about Pilate’s recent massacre of Galileans.  The people asked Jesus if these martyrs were worse sinners because of the suffering they endured.  Jesus takes this time to talk about repentance.  He warned those questioners and in effect us, that unless we repent of our sins, we will perish because of them.

The parables assisted in making His point. In the story of the barren fig tree, we see the patience of the gardener as he asks the owner of the vineyard for time to care for the tree and give it the necessary nourishment to be fruitful.  God’s patience is immeasurable.  He doesn’t give up on us and waits for us to come to Him with repentant hearts.

In response to what the kingdom of heaven is, Jesus referred to a miniscule mustard seed that when planted in good soil it grows into a giant tree for birds to nest in.  The leaven is also used as an example as one measure will multiply the size.  This is heaven.  A place of extreme bounty.

The parables may not apply to our occupations today, but they are certainly applicable to our lives.  We can glean something new each time we read and study them.  God is pretty amazing that way. His Word is full of wonderful tales of men, women and children who overcame difficult obstacles. These ordinary folks were led to do extraordinary things, but unlike the elaborate epics we contrive, they were changed by the love of God in their lives.

He can change the world if he wants to . He did, when He sent His Son to suffer for our iniquities. The Bible is directly from the mouth of God. He inspired the words into the pens of men and they are the best stories ever, because they are truth.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on December 13, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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LUKE 12 – WATCH FOR THE SIGNS

Posted on December 12, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ CHAPTER 12

As we come to the half way point of our Advent devotional through the book of Luke, Jesus has many warnings for His followers.  He is eager to teach the truth of our salvation, to show how the church has become corrupt and prepare us for the end times. He starts by talking about the hypocrisy  being taught by the Pharisees. He tells them to avoid false teaching, which is another of Satan’s tools to lure us into hell.

Jesus wants all to know that His Father will take care of all our needs.  His eye is on the sparrow and He certainly values each and every one of us.  He promises to love us more than the ravens who have no storehouse as well as the lilies of the fields.

He warns that anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.  He wants us to be ready for the last days and our final judgment.  We do not need fear when we place our trust in God.

Like today, when our country seems to be in the throes of controversy, division and hatred, we need to return to God.  The corruption that is slowly being uncovered, will be laid bare soon and all those who are responsible will be held accountable.  Nothing is hidden from God.

We can interpret the weather in some ways.  Of  course only God can control it, but if we look at the sky and see heavy clouds, we know a storm is coming.  Yet, as Jesus says, we are not capable of interpreting the present times.  The signs are all there today.  He wants us to be prepared for heaven.  He’s concerned about our physical needs, but more so about our spiritual welfare.

The war against evil is real and we must remain ready.  We should dress for battle and keep the lamps burning, so that when the Master comes again, we can greet Him as our brother.

The key ingredients to this chapter are to be prepared, look for the signs, do not be afraid or anxious about anything and trust in God for everything.  God’s love for His people is immeasurable.  He has provided for all of us, even when things look their darkest.  He guides us through this veil of tears with a strong hand and mighty vision.  We are surrounded by His protection both day and night.

His concern and love for us is clearly stated in Luke 12.

 

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KEEP ON KEEPING ON

Posted on December 12, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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“I’m not confused, I’m just well mixed.” Robert Frost

As I go through this “wonderful” stage of my life, there are times when I feel like I’m losing it. One of my greatest fears is that I will do just that at some point. So far my health is pretty good, but there are days when I forget things, do really dumb things and generally feel like I’m getting one step closer to the funny farm.

I believe that confusion can create solutions and that most of our problems can be solved in one way or another. Necessity is the mother of invention, as they say. I wonder who they are, don’t you? I do believe that statement though. Everything that man has invented was because of a need.

God has blessed us with intricate brains that allow us to work things out. We may never move mountains, but we can re-distribute a pile of dirt. We might not achieve great monetary success in life, but we have many opportunities to succeed. The world will never be at complete peace, but we can do something personally to create peace in someone’s mind or bring the comfort of God’s promises to those whose minds are at unrest.

Confusion will spawn imagination – imagination thrives on creativity. I’m a creative person and I’m also married to one. It usually takes my mind a while to catch up to his entrepreneurial ideas, but I have learned to trust his thinking, even when I don’t get it. He’s almost always ten steps when we’re walking. However, together we can do amazingly cool things.

When we become overwhelmed by confusion, we need to turn that befuddlement over to the One who created the earth, the universe and ahead of me – even all that’s in it. He can make sense out of chaos. He has all the answers. He will set us on the right course.
Right now it may seem that I’m losing it. I might still put the recycling in the trash bin instead of the one reserved for recycling. I might get into the wrong parked car and start talking to a complete stranger. I might accidentally mistake Mr. Clean for mouthwash, but at least I didn’t actually use it.

As time goes by, so do memories. We also have so much information stored in our brains, it sometimes crashes. We need to be rebooted or kicked in the butt at times, but we also need to remember that aging isn’t the end of things. It’s simply bringing us one step closer to eternal life.

When the storm is over, I know that God’s hand was in it. He protected me through it all and someday I’ll realize that all of this had a purpose for the final outcome. God knows what He’s doing!

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LUKE 10 – MORE WORKERS NEEDED

Posted on December 10, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

 

This chapter of Luke is broken into three sections.  The first is a continuation of what happened in Luke 9, where Jesus sent His twelve disciples out as missionaries to spread the good news of salvation.  As the crowds are growing and Jesus sees that the fields are ready for harvesting, he sends out 72 more men in advance of His coming. Six times the number of the original 12 is showing us that there is indeed a need and that need continues even today.  If ever there was a time in history for the world to hear some good news, this is it.

The second section refers to the Good Samaritan and his unlikely tending of a wounded man.  The Jews and Samaritans were enemies, so this made no sense to the people. They were to avoid the Samaritans at all costs.  However, the Good Samaritan in this story is none other than Jesus Himself.  Before He attends the injured man, several had noticed the writhing body in the street, but didn’t respond.  We hear stories like this every day, don’t we?  People are often afraid to get involved for fear of being sued.  At that time, the prejudice and bias got in the way.  Whatever the cause, we shouldn’t hesitate to help others no matter who they are.

In this story, the man was on his way to Jericho when he was accosted by robbers who beat him, stole his belongings and left him for dead.  A priest was the first to walk by.  Instead of administrating any help, he went to the other side of the street and walked on.  This happened again when a Levite (member of the legal class) passed by on the other side as well.  A Samaritan came and saw the suffering man and immediately came to his aid.  He bandaged his wounds, put healing oil on them, place him on his own donkey and took him to an inn to recover. He even paid the innkeeper to keep watch over him.  He didn’t think twice about who the man was, he simply showed compassion for a fellow human being.

Through this parable, Jesus told the people that we should consider all men our neighbors and be merciful to them.  Not something we see in action much today.

The final section is devoted to the story of the sisters of Lazarus, Jesus’ friend.  These two women, Mary and Martha were also followers of Jesus.  Mary couldn’t wait to hear His words.  She welcomed Him and sat at His feet clinging to every word He uttered, as her sister Martha made preparations for a meal and making sure everything was just right for the Messiah.

I sometimes think Martha gets the raw end of the deal, because she was being mindful of taking care of Jesus.  Her love was expressed in a different way.  How many of us are like Martha – wanting everything to be just right, but the one thing needful is what He has to offer us.  I don’t believe Jesus was putting Martha down for her actions, just reminding her of what was really important.

Again we see missionary work in action along with a couple stories from Jesus about how to relate with each other and care for one another.  Don’t you just love the stories?

 

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DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW

Posted on December 10, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Every time we get a snowfall here in Lake Woebegone, we realize two things – why we do we live here and why don’t we move to a warmer climate?  The snow blankets all the debris from the last storm, covering it with diamond shards and glorious brilliance.  Along with the beauty of snow, comes the snow plows which scoop it off the roads and make more mounds of dirty snow. Not to mention the temperature plunging well below zero.

We are fortunate to have a son-in-law who shovels us out of the elements, but there are many in my age bracket who don’t have that luxury.  They can’t afford to pay someone to do it, so they try to accomplish the task themselves, resulting in aches and pains, possible pneumonia or heart attacks.  Still, those same folks wouldn’t give up the change of seasons for anything.

To me, the seasons represent a sort of changes we go through in a life cycle.  We’re born in the springtime of living, when all is fresh and new.  Life abounds and you see it everywhere.  Growth begins in ernest and sunlight warms, while rains provide life giving strength.

In Summer our hormones rage, we’re blossoming at full strength, feel invincible and thoughts turn to love and other things we shouldn’t be messing around with at that age, but it doesn’t hinder us.

In the autumn we are at the peak of our existence.  We have reached the pinnacle of our careers.  We have minor health issues.  We’ve raised a family, made sound investments, planned for the future, but there isn’t much time left.  Have we prepared our souls?

By the time winter arrives, almost all the life is sapped out of us.  We wither.  Our skin is no longer supple, we need more rest, we feel content in our aloneness, but in my opinion,that’s not the best way to leave this planet.  Though the whiteness covers our heads and our bodies have grown weary and wrinkled from years of toil, there is still life in us.  We should continue to live it until our dying day.

So getting back to my original questions:  Why do we live here?  I guess part of the reasoning is that this is where we were born.  Both of us being comprised mainly of German blood, the alps and snow come to mind.  Maybe we’re gluttons for punishment.  Maybe we enjoy the beauty of the change of seasons and all it has to offer.  Maybe we wouldn’t have anything else to talk about if it weren’t the weather.  Whatever the reason, we’re here for the duration, because I hope I don’t have to move until I claim my place in heaven.

 

 

 

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LUKE 9 – FIRST MISSIONARIES

Posted on December 9, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 9

Here is another chapter filled with many familiar segments of Jesus’ time on earth.  Because His following is growing, He gives more power to His Apostles, by allowing the ability to drive out demons and heal the sick. The fields were ripe and this commission to His band of men would allow them to further the harvesting of souls.

Jesus told them to take nothing with them.  They should take no provisions, but rely on God to provide for them. They were to stay in the first house they were welcomed into.  If they were not welcomed, they should leave and “shake the dust from their feet.”  This was in effect saying, don’t have anything further to do with them.  His men took on the task and went about spreading the Gospel of Jesus.

When they returned to Jesus, they gave a full report of what had happened on that missionary journey.  They needed nothing but the Word of God to spread the good news – not an extra robe or sandals, no food or drink, only their faith in what Jesus was teaching and the desire to share that news with others.

At this point we hear about the amazing feeding of the five thousand men.  This didn’t include the women and children that were with them.  They had five loaves of bread and two fish with which to feed this massive crowd – and they did.  They even had leftovers.

Once when they were alone, Jesus asked His disciples who people thought He was.  Of course He knew the answer, but He wanted to know what the men thought. Some thought He was Elijah while others thought He was John, the Baptist.  He then pointed the question directly to His men and Peter replied, “God’s Messiah.”  Jesus told them to tell no one yet.  There was still work to be done before He would be revealed to all.  At that point He predicted His coming trial, suffering and death.  He told them that they would have to take up their own crosses in order to follow Him.

Next we read about the Transfiguration of Christ.  Peter, James and John accompanied Jesus into the mountain to pray.  As Jesus prayed, he was physically transformed. His face and garments became as bright lightening.  Suddenly He was in the company of Elijah and Moses.  They spoke about Jesus’ coming death.  A cloud descended on all three and from the cloud came a voice declaring, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”  After this incident, Jesus again predicted His death.

I wonder if the apostles understood.  It seems as if they didn’t really get it until it was all over with, but Jesus was gently preparing them for the cost of following Him. As He continued His mission, he took time to ask people to follow Him.  However, there were no strings to be attached to that request.  They were required to leave everything behind if they were to truly follow.  This is what our missionaries are asked to do when they go to areas of the world they are unfamiliar with.  They must first learn to put their complete faith in God’s provision and His enduring love.

Are you ready to leave all behind to follow Jesus?  He didn’t think twice about giving up His throne in glory to dwell with us – to live off the land – to have no place to rest His head – to suffer and die for us. He did those things because of His great love for us.  The least we can do is follow Him unconditionally.

 

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REMEMBERING A DAY LATE

Posted on December 8, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Remembering Pearl Harbor Day is like being reminded of 9/11 and another attack on American soil.  My mother’s birthday is December 8 and she remembered the day well.  She was a young woman of 20 and pregnant.

She and my dad were excited, yet wondered how they would support a family on such meager earnings. Only two years prior to her 18th birthday, she and my dad were married. Now they, along with an unsuspecting nation, would wake to news that shook our country to the core.

The United States had resisted entering World War II, but the events of that day, meant we could no longer be uninvolved. Japan sent waves and waves of planes across the Islands of Hawaii, bombed the American ships in Pearl Harbor and Kamikaze pilots plunged into the sea, destroying themselves along with unsuspecting sailors.

Because information couldn’t be transmitted with speed – no CNN – no internet – difficult communication on all levels; it took a while before all the details were sorted out and the news reached President Roosevelt. Our nation was devastated. Our navy crushed. 2,403 dead and 1,176 wounded. Our resolve was to “Remember Pearl Harbor” as involvement in this war was inevitable.

The following day, my mother turned 20. I would come into the world 6 months later.  My dad would not serve in the war because of a physical disability. They continued their lives as planned, but this interruption in their journey would forever live in their hearts and minds.

Unprepared – unsuspecting – thinking we’re beyond something like this ever happening again, our country was attacked almost 60 years later by a group of terrorists.  Being unprepared leaves us wide open for vulnerability. We can never be ready enough. The same is true on a spiritual level.

This is the season of repentance – a time to lay all our sins on the table and turn them over to the Savior. As we remember Pearl Harbor, let it be a constant reminder of the importance of being ready.  We must be watchful, diligent and prepared in all areas of our lives – especially when it comes to eternity. Our souls are at stake.

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LUKE 8 – BE SOWERS OF SEEDS

Posted on December 8, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 8

In the very first verse of this chapter we read that Jesus and His followers traveled from one town to another spreading the good news. Jesus, the true Evangelist was showing through example how we should share His amazing news with others.

For one thing, He didn’t limit himself to the Jewish nation.  He was speaking to people of all kinds.  He didn’t discriminate against anyone.  His words were understandable and He approached the people not with difficult theology, but on their level.

Those who came to hear Jesus were just like you and me.  They were common folks – farmers, tradesmen, tax collectors, prostitutes.  The rich and educated also came to hear and be saved.  The beauty of Jesus’ parables is that they were every day situations that the people understood and could glean truth from.

As he spoke, His words spoke to the heart.  He didn’t condemn, but welcomed all, preaching a new message that gave hope and a future to all who heard it.  Throughout this chapter we hear about continued healing and raising from the dead, along with the message of forgiveness of sins.  Luke, being a physician, was undoubtedly in awe of Jesus’ amazing power to heal the sick and revive the dead to life.

Miracles went beyond healing, when Jesus calmed a storm.  The waters were turbulent.  They churned and poured into the boat.  The disciples became fearful for their lives and approached Jesus.  He asked them where their faith was.  Did they not know that He had control over all things, including the weather and storms of life?  Even though they had traveled with him for these many months, they lacked the faith to trust His power.  We have the benefit of God’s Word and still we doubt at times.  Jesus wants us to depend on Him in all situations.

I once heard that God inspired His Word into the souls of men and it was written in language that all could understand.  How great is that?  Everyone has access to the same words that Jesus spoke to the crowds. It’s all recorded for our benefit and available for our use in telling others about Him.

In the last few verses of this chapter we hear about a man who was demon possessed.  He had been that way for a long time, yet Jesus was able to call out the demons and return the man to normal. Demon possession seems to have been a common malady in those days.  I wonder if it was akin to our modern day mental illness?  When Jesus released the demons, He was also showing His power over Satan and His eventual overpowering of him.

There are so many tidbits in scripture that can apply to our daily lives. Maybe not as spectacular as the ones that occurred in Jesus’ ministry, but they serve as lessons on how to deal with our own earthly problems, by always having faith in God and His amazing love for us.  Let us always be thinking about spreading this wonderful news – sowing the seeds of salvation.

 

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LUKE 7 – HE CAME FOR ALL PEOPLE

Posted on December 7, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

centurion-and-jesus

READ LUKE 7

The first few verses of this chapter deal with another of Jesus’ miraculous healings. It was done from a distance, because the one being healed had representation from his employer.  The centurion was apparently was a good man who cared about those who worked for him.  He’d heard about Jesus and His healings.  When the servant grew ill, the Centurion contacted important leaders of the church to approach Jesus on his behalf.  Since he was not a Jew and not circumcised, he felt unworthy to approach Jesus himself.

Jesus went with them to the house of the centurion and was met by the great military man before stepping through the door.  The soldier demonstrated his faith in Jesus before He ever said a word.  His faith was the key factor in his servant’s healing.

Soon after this Jesus traveled to  Nain.  At the gate, a funeral procession was taking place.  A young man, the only son of his widowed mother, lay upon the bier.  They were taking him to be buried.  Jesus knew the woman’s situation.  He knew she would be alone and virtually helpless without her son.  He had compassion on her and told her not to cry.  He touched the bier and the son sat up and began to speak.  Jesus had raised the young man from death.  Word of this miracle spread like wildfire.  Surely this must be the promised Messiah they’d waited so long for.

Messengers from John the Baptist came to Jesus with a question from John. “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”  To which Jesus replied, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers  are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Jesus continues by giving John, the Baptist a wonderful testimony, stating that he was the one who made the way straight for the coming Savior.  His call to repentance would prepare the people for the Messiah – for Him.

The final section of this chapter is regarding the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet and anointed them with oil, mixed with her tears.  The Pharisees condemned the action, but Jesus  tells the parable of the money lender and how he dealt with two of his debtors. The point of the parable shows how much more gratitude the one with the greater debt would feel the joy of forgiveness.

The same is so true of us.  We are all sinners in God’s eyes.  Each sin carries the same weight.  The wages of sin is death, but by God’s grace and the beauty of His plan for salvation, we can rejoice in our forgiveness.

Let us go through the rest of this Advent season, with not only repentant hearts, but joy in the knowledge that our sins have been washed from our souls.  We are free from the bondage and chains of death, because Jesus took our place so we can inherit His kingdom after our final breath.

 

 

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LUKE SIX – BLESSED WORDS

Posted on December 6, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE SIX
This chapter is filled with so much meat. It begins by discussing the Pharisees insistence on not working on the Sabbath. Such things as eating some gathered corn from the field or healing the sick from their infirmity were considered labor by the elders of the church. Jesus quickly set them straight by stating that He was the Lord of the Sabbath. Those words must’ve stung deeply, as they were seen as a threat to the church itself.

By this time, Jesus had chosen all twelve of His disciples. They indeed were helpful to His ministry, as many of our own church elders can be of help to our officiating pastors. Jesus was a man and because of that He got tired and hungry. He needed time to pray, to rest and take nourishment just like we do. On the other hand, He is also God and could’ve easily provided for those needs, but it wasn’t part of His mission on earth.

We see in this chapter that Jesus prayed a lot. As our example, we can glean much from this. God is available to hear our prayers at a moment’s notice. We don’t always take advantage of that.

Jesus and his band of disciples covered a lot of territory. The crowds were growing. People came to be healed, out of curiosity and because the message was one they had longed to hear.

The Beatitudes are listed in this chapter. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh,” was one of them. These were akin to the proverbs of old, but they carried an entirely new meaning. He said things like, “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”  These words were foreign to them, but they certainly held their attention.

Jesus must’ve been an exemplary speaker. His voice would have to carry to great lengths to reach the many in His audience. Imagine the voice of God speaking directly to them and us. He was nothing extraordinary to look at, yet he commanded the crowds. When He told them not to judge others, but to forgive them as we will be forgiven. He told them to be good fruit and to build their lives on the foundation of God. By doing so they would not be shaken.

Jesus was bringing that foundation back to the people. He came to establish His kingdom in our hearts. Let us continually stay rooted in His Word so we continue to flourish and spread the Good News of salvation to all people.

We are definitely living in troubled times.  The church is being attacked on a daily basis.  The devil is using every tool in his toolbox to take advantage of us.  Don’t let Him in.

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BLUE CHRISTMAS

Posted on December 6, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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It’s that time of year again.  For almost two months we put ourselves through so much unnecessary stress.  We fret over Thanksgiving dinner and preparing the feast.  We make travel arrangements to accommodate a true family get together.  We struggle financially.  We often create impossible goals of perfection only to be disappointed or worse yet alone.

We rush into Christmas with a fervor that slowly beats us into the ground. We overstretch the budget or max out the credit cards in order to buy the perfect gift.  We hit the stores before the turkey has had a chance to digest.  Holiday decorations are put up and lights exhibit the perfect Currier & Ives example of the best thing since sliced bread.  On the outside we see beauty, but what lies behind the walls of those exemplary displays can often be the beginning of a very difficult season.

For those of us who rejoice in the true depth of the Christmas message, it’s often hard to understand how anyone could possibly be depressed during this time of the year. However, even those who know God’s promise to man was fulfilled on that first Christmas, are prone to sadness, melancholy and downright depression.

The slightest thing can trigger a memory of a lost loved one.  Hanging a special ornament on the tree can remind of us something that happened on past Christmases.  Opening a Christmas card from a friend you’ve not heard from in years can set off memories or sadness in an instant.  You may have lost your job.  You may have lost a loved one.  You might be alone for the holidays.  Your health may be in question.  Still, we’re almost expected to be joyful, just because it’s that time of the year

Depression like happiness cannot be turned on or off like those lights on the tree.  Our emotions act in the moment and we never know when they will hit us the wrong way.  Just knowing that we’re not alone in these feelings sometimes is helpful, but depression is a very real thing and should never be discounted.

Some of my most memorable Christmases occurred during the worst of times.  When you think about it, the whole Christmas story was steeped in trial and difficulties.  The events leading up to the birth of Jesus were anything but joyful.  A young virgin was impregnated by God, engaged to be married to her future husband.  They were poor, even though Joseph was a tradesman.  The had to travel over rough terrain to reach the little town of their lineage, with enemies at every turn.  They could find no place to rest and Mary was about to give birth.  Talk about depression.  Yet, the angels announced the birth to shepherds.  The sky lit up brighter than any Christmas lights.  The Son of God was born in a shabby birthing barn for calves.  God’s promise was being fulfilled.

Telling someone to cheer up at this time of year really doesn’t cut it.  Think about it.  This is the most emotional time of the year, yet God chose to come and live among us as our brother and take away all our cares, to heal our iniquities and to bring us to an eternal home in heaven.

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on December 6, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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REPLENISHED

Posted on December 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Root bound and parched, replenished only by the restorative power of water,
Each tendril pushing – burrowing into the coolness of life sustainment,
Lapping up the refreshing, renewing, thirst quenching provision of God,
Our dried up bones long for the refreshment that comes from the Spirit of God.
Only He can renew, restore and revive dead and thirsting souls,
Through His love we are nurtured, brought back to life and survive,
And even when our days on earth are ended,

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LUKE 5 – FOLLOW ME

Posted on December 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

Laborers   READ LUKE 5

Jesus was beginning to gather large crowds.  His message was one they’d been longing to hear for ages.  The promised Messiah was in their midst and they were eager to hear what He had to say.

It was the end of the work day for the fishermen of lake Gennesaret.  Jesus had been pressed by the crowds and saw a boat, which belonged to Simon and asked him to pull out from shore so He could speak to all the people. When He finished speaking, He requested that Simon take the boat out further and let down the fishing nets.

Simon had been fishing all day without success. He was tired, sweaty and parched by the sun, but he followed the Master’s instruction.  The nets became full to the point that some had broken through.   They had to call on others to help them bring in the abundance of fish.  This miracle frightened Simon, because he didn’t feel worthy to be blessed in such away, but his faith in the Master was what caused it to be.  Jesus assured  that this was just the beginning.  He said to all of them, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Thus the first disciples gave up everything and followed Jesus.

The group of vagabonds covered a lot of territory.  Jesus did many healings, including those with leprosy or diseases which had disabled them from birth.  The crowds continued to grow and even the leaders of the church were anxious to hear what this man had to say.  They became suspicious at the faith of the people and the words of the man.  How could this Jesus heal the body and mind? He also claimed to forgive sins.  This wasn’t acceptable.  No one can forgive sins except God.  It was probably then that the leaders began their plot to kill Jesus.

Levi, the tax collector, was the next disciple to be called.  Obviously tax collectors had a bad reputation in those times, because they often skimmed off the top and pocketed a great deal of those taxes.  A letter from the IRS, can cause us to go into panic mode. Imagine how these poor citizens felt being overtaxed by thieves.  Jesus’ mission was to bring the grace of God to all sinners – which means all of us.  We’ve all sinned and fallen short of His expectations.  We are equal in His eyes.  It’s by God’s grace that we have forgiveness.

Each of the disciples had their own gifts and talents and Jesus knew exactly how they could serve the work of His Father.  We’re called to be disciples of Christ.  Are you ready to answer that call?

 

 

 

 

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