LUKE 20 – THE PLOT THICKENS

Posted on December 20, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 20

After a triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus continues to preach to the crowds, but there’s a faction that wants to put a stop to what they consider heresy.  They’ve had enough of this rabble rouser and are determined to end it.  They go along with the crowds and add their questions, raising confusion, but Jesus uses His story telling skills to prove His authority.

In the Parable of the wicked tenants, He foretells His own death.  The owner of the land is God the Father.  The tenants are those He has rented His land to.  They are called to account at the time of harvest to give Him some of the fruits of the vineyards.  He sends three of His servants to collect on their contract and each of them is beaten and sent away empty handed.  Finally, the owner sends His own Son. The Son referred to here is Jesus.  The tenants plot to kill the Son so they can gain the inheritance.

When Jesus says that the owner will then come and destroy the evil doers and the Pharisees are outraged.  Jesus replies with the words of scripture Psalm 118:22 “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”  He follows that verse with His words, “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

As we continue through Luke 20, you can see the undercurrent of indiscretion as the priests and scribes try with all their might to find something wrong in Jesus’ teaching.  They asked Him if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.  He shows them a coin with Caesar’s image and tells them to render unto Caesar what belongs to him and to God the things that are His.  His accusers marvel at His words and become silent.

The Sadducees come at Jesus again with a question about the resurrection and those who have married more than once in this life.  He replies by telling them that the world to come will be unlike the world we live in.  There will be no marriage. We will be sons and daughters of God and accountable only to Him.  The leaders were stunned by His response and said no more.

Jesus talks about who He is by telling them that He is both God & man. Christ as God was David’s Lord, but Christ as man was David’s son. In the presence of the crowd He speaks to His disciples about His accusers.  He already knows what they’re up to and He wants His followers to know that will be judged by God for their actions.  He tells them to be wary of them.

Jesus is coming closer to the end of His life.  His mission is about to be fulfilled.  As God, He knew what the future held, yet He remained confident that His sacrifice was necessary.  As a man, He must’ve felt overwhelmed by the questions, the accusations, the lies.  His words silenced His accusers for the time being, but that would soon change.

 

 

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WHO IS THE ANGEL OF THE LORD?

Posted on December 19, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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If you’ve ever read, “The Best Christmas Pageant, Ever!” by Barbara Robinson, you’ll remember how the nativity was portrayed by the five Herdman children – the worst kids in town. The only reason they came to Sunday School was for the snacks.

I’ve directed this as a play and found it to be a story which portrays beautifully the best Christmas pagent ever.  As with any casting process, the part of Mary is the most important to the girls along with angels.  No one wants to be sheep.  The boys are stuck with being wise guys, shepherds or the step father of Jesus, Joseph.

Gladys, the youngest of the Herdmans, wanted to play the part of the Angel of the Lord, because she figured it was the best part. After all – out of nowhere – there she was in the middle of everything – Shazam! Kind of like a super hero with magical powers.
It makes me wonder who was the Angel of the Lord anyway? How do you refer to this angel? Do you simply call her “Angel of the Lord.” Do you greet her by saying, “How’s it going, Angel of the Lord?”

As this story unfolds we see a little family who has been deserted by their father and their mother works two jobs to keep them alive. They are well known by the welfare department as well as the police and fire departments. This tight knit group of hooligans is bound together tightly and the Christmas story is new to them, but it kind of fits their lifestyle.

Jesus was born in a difficult time – in poverty – in a time in history filled with sin and corruption. His little family was cast aside by relatives, who thought Mary and Joseph had betrayed their premarital vows of chastity. They had no money, no one to turn to and yet they faithfully carried out the work God.

The tough little rabble rousers want to know all the details about the Christmas story and of course wanted to be the main characters.  They even came to the manger carrying gifts – a ham given to them by a kind family was deposited in the manger with great care and honor.  They understood what it was all about.  Their childlike faith is what we should strive for as we enter this Christmas time.

Angels don’t speak to us today like they did before the Bible was actually written.  I believe they are among us though.  If you ever run into one, you may not realize who they are until after the fact.  If they were to speak to us as the Angel of the Lord spoke to the shepherds, we’d sit up and take notice. Still I wonder what it would be like to talk to the Angel of the Lord.

Someday, I’ll get the chance.

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LUKE 19 – RIDING TO JERUSALEM

Posted on December 19, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 19

As Luke continues His narrative on the life, death and resurrection of Christ, He’s given us a look at the many eye witnesses along the way.  There were many that truly believed He was the promised Messiah.  The Pharisees and Sadducees looked at Him as an imposter and tried everything in the book to trip Him up.  There were the disciples who were still trying to make sense of it and those who were along for a free ride.  The fact is, great crowds were coming to see and hear Him.

One of those eye witnesses was a fellow named Zacchaeus a very rich man, who made his wealth by skimming off the top of the taxes he collected.  He wasn’t a very popular man,  nor ethical.  However, there was something about  Jesus he simply couldn’t ignore.  He began to walk along with the crowds and heard the words, but couldn’t get a good look at the man.  I know how he must’ve felt, because I’ve been short all my life.  I know what it’s like to go to a parade and or a show and not be able to see the spectacle, because of the obstacles in front of me.

Zacchaeus climbed a tree and sat in the branches to see Jesus.  His words were amazing, but his actual appearance must’ve been even more so to Zacchaeus. When Jesus reached the spot, He told the man to come down from the tree, because He needed to eat at his house that day.

Of course the wagging tongues of Jesus’ enemies accused Him of associating with sinners.  We have all sinned, in our thinking, our doing and because sin has been passed down through our DNA like a never ending deformity.

Zacchaeus vowed to pay back all the money he stole from the people fourfold.  He  promised to give half of his worldly goods to the poor.  Jesus acknowledge Zacchaeus’ faith and his lineage.  He told the crowd that His mission was to seek and save the lost- which in effect means every one of us.

Jesus continues to press on to Jerusalem.  When He reaches Bethpage and Bethany, He sends two of His disciples on ahead. He tells them to find a colt which has never been ridden.  They are to untie the colt and bring it to Him.  He notes that if anyone asks why they’re taking the colt, they should respond by saying, “The Lord has need of it.”   From there on, people laid their cloaks in front of Him – symbolic of the entrance of a king.

Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem and those who do not believe He is the true Messiah.

In the final verses of Chapter 19, Jesus becomes incensed with the state of the temple – how the many merchants were prospering by selling sacrifices, and the church leaders also taking a cut.  The rage He exhibited showed His humanity.  The words He spoke were directly from God. “My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.”

Jesus continued to preach His message of salvation in the temple.  The authorities tried to find something to use against Him, but the people were hanging on His every word.

 

 

 

 

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LIFE IS JUST A BREATH

Posted on December 18, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

 

My life on this planet is merely a breath,

There isn’t enough time it seems,

No work that I do here will help me face death,

The love of the Christ child redeems.

 His sweet little hands reach up from the manger

To touch the face of His mother,

One day those hands will be subject to danger.

Giving His life for another.

 

We thank you, dear Jesus, for loving us so,

We praise you for what you have done,

You redeemed our salvation and we can go,

To heaven the home you have won.

 

 

 

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LUKE 18 – PRAYER, FAITH & DISCIPLESHIP

Posted on December 18, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 18

Earlier in the book of Luke, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray by giving the words of His own prayer.  In Luke 18 He talks about the sincerity of our prayers when He gives the example of the Pharisee and Publican.  The Publican comes humbly before His God and lays out his thanksgiving, praise and petitions, relying on the blood of God’s mercy.  The Pharisee takes credit for his own good deeds and sets himself above the Publican because of it.

Prayers come out of suffering or need, but we can’t approach God by bragging about what we’ve done to deserve an answer.  Our salvation is not based on our merit, for if it was, we’d all be doomed to an eternity in hell. Therefore we call on Jesus and His atoning sacrifice which covers us with salvation.

He uses an example of the faith of little children.  We should believe as they do, without question.  A childlike faith has no strings attached.  It is completely dependent on God.  That trust in the Word of God as truth will not fail us.

As Jesus continues His ministry, He has more parables for the people.  The unjust judge, the rich young ruler and the story of the Pharisee and Publican.  He heals a blind man as they near Jericho.  He speaks about true discipleship and being willing to give up everything to follow Jesus.  His reference to the rich man is too much for the man.  His wealth has become more important to him.

Luke 18:24-25   “Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

The crowds are growing.  Jesus knows His time on earth is coming to a close.  He speaks again of His coming suffering and death, that these things must happen for the purpose of fulfilling God’s plan for our redemption.  He would die so we could live forever in paradise along with Him.  He spoke the truth as He told them he would be turned over to the Gentiles, flogged, spat upon, treated shamefully and killed.  He also spoke of His resurrection, but the disciples didn’t understand a word of it.  Their minds were clouded and they couldn’t grasp it at all.

Dear, Lord, give me the faith of a child to accept the wonderful truth of your mission here on earth.  You overcame death and rose again so we could be washed clean of our sins.  Help me to share that wonderful news with others and give them the same peace and joy we receive during this Advent time.  Come again quickly, Jesus.  AMEN!

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PLEASE, DON’T STEAL MY JOY!

Posted on December 18, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Every mother who sees her first born child experiences a myriad of emotions.  For most of us the word “joy” comes to mind.  She counts fingers and toes, holds the baby close to her breast and experiences the ecstasy of this new life.

It was that way for Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Though she’d spent this latter part of her pregnancy, traveling over rough terrain on the back of a donkey, her discomfort disappeared at the sight of her newborn child.  Her husband, Joseph, must’ve had such mixed feelings at the time, but the fulfillment of the angel’s words resonated in his mind as this tiny baby made His appearance.

Their travels were prompted by a census ordered by Caesar August.   At the time, the world as they knew it, was under the control of Rome.  The timing of all of this was part of God’s plan of salvation.  There was unrest among the people.  Not much different than the world today, they were looking for someone to rescue them.

Today we face troubling times as well.  We sit at the dawn of a sad day in history as an American president faces a vote for impeachment.  Everything about this is enough to bring a person to his knees, begging for it to be over.  It comes at the most blessed of seasons, when we celebrate the birth of the King of Kings.  My heart is so sad, that this has taken the spotlight in our country.  People are angry.  They are divided.  They are frustrated, unsure, undecided and have lost the joy usually associated with this time of year.

“I know that my Redeemer lives,” said Job after suffering loss after loss.  We likewise must rekindle that precious thought into our minds.  Jesus came to the world as a little baby.  He was subject to all kinds of peril in those early months and throughout His existence, yet as He lay quietly in a manger full of hay, peace and joy entered the world.  His birth is our promise of eternal life.  No one can take that from us.

Tongues will wag today.  Truth will be challenged.  Many have already made up their minds and many have been coerced into the popular way of thinking.  Yet, “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27.

Dear, Holy, God, I ask that you watch over the events of today and give the government, which you’ve established, the wisdom to do what is right.  Whatever happens, remind me always that you are in control of all things and you know what is best for us.  In the name of your dear Son, Jesus, I pray.  Amen!

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LUKE 17 – FORGIVENESS, FAITH, COMPASSION & END TIMES

Posted on December 17, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 17

Isn’t it wonderful to be forgiven by God? All of our sins have been paid for by the sacrifice made on the cross. Our redemption was made evident when Christ overcame death and gave us the promise of eternity with Him. The gift of forgiveness gives us complete freedom.

How different we feel when we must forgive another human being. Our minds are filled with anger, feelings of being abused or insulted and not wanting anything to do with the one who has wronged us..

In Luke 17 Jesus tells us that temptations surely will come our way, but we must take care not to be the one causing someone else to be tempted. He says,

“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

I have never enjoyed confrontation. Whenever I’ve been involved in it, I feel horrible. If someone has wronged me, I find it difficult to forgive. I think that is the human nature in us. However, if we don’t find it in our hearts to forgive another person, we’re not only putting them in a bad place, but the wounds will fester and surely end the friendship or relationship. Remembering the freedom we feel knowing God has forgiven us should be the impetus to forgive others.

The disciples asked Jesus how they could increase their faith. Jesus answered by using the example of the mustard seed. This minute seed will grow into a huge tree some day, just as a small amount of faith will continue to mature. That little bit of faith will, in time, become strong enough to move mountains.

Jesus also talks about humility when he refers to the unworthy servant. A servant is required to do certain things, because it is his job. As humble servants of our Holy God, we also are required to live a certain way, follow the commandments and do His work, because we now serve Him.

In the parable of the ten lepers, only one returns to thank Jesus for healing him. This man is a Samaritan – an enemy of the Jews – yet he knew the compassion Jesus showed him. We don’t know what happened to the other nine, but this one took the time to give thanks for his healing.

In the final verses of the chapter, Jesus talks about His own suffering and death, the kingdom of God, and signs of the last days. We all need to prepare for those final days. He compared the time to that of Noah. I guess we haven’t yet reached that time of deprivation and falling from grace, but it is coming soon. Be ready!

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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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