Luke 3:1-20 - How to Show Your Faith

In these verses, we get a glimpse of John’s ministry and message. His life was foretold by Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 40:3-5). John ministry was to tell people to prepare their hearts to received the good news of God’s forgiveness through the life and sacrifice of Jesus. As John preached on the coming of the Messiah and the coming judgement upon people for their sinful and selfish behavior, people asked what could they do to escape judgement. In addressing this question, John goes right to the root of the problem. The religious leaders believed and taught that the descendants of Abraham were exempt from God’s judgement of sin through the covenant God made with Abraham. John declares this is not the case (verse 8). Even today, people use this as an excuse to continue with their selfish, sinful lifestyle. When confronted with the reality of their need to turn from their sin and be forgiven through belief in Jesus, they say things like, “I’m a Christian” or “I am basically a good person.” The interesting aspect of Abraham is that he is not an Israelite. Abraham is the father of Israel. However, he is also the father of many nations. God’s covenant of blessing and redemption was for Abraham and all of his descendants not just the nation of Israel and their descendants.

There is a tremendous amount of theology packed into these verses. However, the core of John’s message was that in order to prepare your heart to receive the blessing and redemption of the Abrahamic Covenant, you first need to turn away from your sin and selfishness and turn your life over to God (verse 8). Furthermore, you are to prove you have truly done this by the way you live. You are to not only think of yourself, but give to those in need. You are not to take what does not belong to you (verses 11-14). And, you are to be honest in all your dealings. The proof of your faith is in the actions you take to be a blessing to others (James 2:14-17). When I take an inventory of my life each day, how does it stack up with John’s message? Am I enriching the lives of others or am I so caught up with my own life, I am blind to the needs of others and willing to subtract from their lives in order to protect my own?

Stephen Covey in his book, “The Third Alternative,” says that most people think in two alternatives: Either I win and you lose, or you win and I lose. He calls this a “scarcity mentality.” His says there is a third alternative where both win and calls this an “abundance mentality.” This third alternative is exactly what John declares is the proof of true repentance and the lifestyle God’s true descendants are to live. Jesus declared, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

When I take an inventory of my life each day, how does it stack up with John’s message? Am I enriching the lives of others or am I so caught up with my own life, I am blind to the needs of others and willing to subtract from their lives in order to protect my own? Do I live my life moment to moment with a scarcity or an abundance mentality? Do I hear the words of John the Baptist (verse 7) echo in my head or do I hear the words of Jesus (Matthew 25:21)?

12/27/2012 - Making Sense of It All - Luke 2:41-52

12/27/2012 - Making Sense of It All - Luke 2:41-52

My Thoughts: It seems odd to me that Joseph and Mary did not account for Jesus’ whereabouts before leaving Jerusalem to return to Nazareth after the Passover Festival. I believe it is relative to the story of Jesus because Luke included this fact. I have heard different explanations for this but still it causes me to ponder. From all accounts, Joseph and Mary had 7 children including Jesus. I had a Catholic family across the street with 7 girls! Their house was always hectic but fun to spend time at and a good influence in my life. There is the possibility Jesus was with some of His relatives or family friends. Growing up, my family would take Summer vacations with another family or two. During the vacation, it was not uncommon for me to stay with another family for a couple of days. Later, I understood why the parents would take turns watching all of us kids. I could conceive the fact that Jesus was thought to be with a relative family and both sets of parents assumed he was with the other. This type of sharing of families is rare in our American, modern culture. Less and less do you see cohesive, extended family care. 


This lack of care and nurture by extended family is a detriment to our society. More and more, a family is isolated and alone in caring for their children. Single parenthood is at an all time high. Neighborhoods have become unsafe because no one extends the watch and protection of our children beyond the walls of our own homes. Therefore, child predators move into neighborhoods full of children and wait to pounce. Generation to generation we perpetuate this lack of sharing and teamwork among families and our children grow up more and more isolated, insecure, socially inept, and independent of others. The recent mass shooting of innocent adults and children is a testament to this fact.

The solution to this societal catastrophe can be found in the community of faith, our local churches. I believe more and more, young parents are looking for ways to counter this trend of family isolation. Many, because of job related transfers, have moved from their childhood cities, leaving relatives far away only to find they are alone and separated from the benefit of extended family care and influence. Is it any wonder we have children left alone during the day and parents completely overwhelmed with raising a family? This is where the community of faith could step in and share the load with each other. As members of the Body of Christ, it is a great commandment we have to love our neighbors and share the load with them. To allow the parents to have one or more days to be alone with each other and share the care of their children. To help single parents go to work knowing while they are at work, someone is there to watch over their children, whom they can trust. To have a community where their children can play and grow up in safety. Jesus died on the cross to tear down the divisive walls among us and build His church. Are we to let His sacrifice go in vain? This is a crucial time in our society for the family and one where the church is designed and meant to step in and help meet this extreme need.

11/21/2012 - Matthew 14

There is something inside of us that desires a miraculous life: To be great, do good, and leave our mark. Why is this? I believe it is hard wired in us from the moment we are conceived. God has a great plan for each of us. A plan to have a positive and good effect wherever we live and wherever we go. God is great and good. He has created us to reflect his greatness and goodness (Genesis 1:28). Yet, we follow in the footsteps of Adam and Eve and listen to the lure of our own greatness (Genesis 3:4-5). Instead of reflecting God’s goodness, we reflect our own self serving image bringing harm not good. What if we only reflected God’s goodness totally trusting in Him and only doing what He says is good and staying away from what He says is evil? What would be the result? Matthew 14:32

Application: Every area of my life. These verses impact my heart, soul, and mind.

Matthew 11:28 - Stressed Out?

Who can’t relate to being stressed out these days? Our email box is full, our phone keeps us constantly connected and alerted to incoming stimuli, our income is covering less and less, our desks are piled high with stuff to do, we have so many projects only partially completed and more being assigned to us everyday. We rush here and there trying to cram it all in and by the time the day is over, we are left with a ton of stuff to push over to the already crowded tomorrow. Partial Attention Syndrome (PAS) is ruining our lives and causing many stress related diseases. What comforting words from Jesus in this reality we live in day after day, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

When is the last time you turned off your phone, shut down your computer, turned off the news, and surrendered yourself to the care of Jesus? Sin in our lives is very stressful and harmful and yet, we commit a major sin each and every week. Exodus 20:8, “Remember to observe the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.”

Application: Every area of my life. This affects my heart, mind, and strength

11/5/2012 - Psalm 1

Verse 3

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

My Thoughts: This metaphor is a deep cry within me. It resonates in me. I am drawn to it and desire to emulate it into my life. Driving through the Texas countryside, you come across ribbons of lush vegetation and if you stop to examine them closely, you will see a stream running through the middle of them. Water is necessary for life to flourish. The psalmist in this psalm is saying God’s word is necessary for me to flourish spiritually. Some have taken this verse to mean monetary prosperity. However, I have known very wealthy individuals who do not consider God much less study His word day and night. I have also known very poor individuals who walk humbly before God and who are full of joy and peace not only to themselves but to all those around them. In fact, I have know wealthy people whose wealth is a very heavy burden to maintain and others whose lack of wealth free them to enjoy the little they have. Does this mean a wealthy person cannot flourish spiritually. In Mark’s account, Jesus encounters a wealthy young man who was unwilling to let go of his wealth to follow Jesus and who was sadden by this fact (Mark 10:21-22). The reason for his sadness was his many possessions. Jesus then turns to His disciples and tells them that it is very difficult for a wealthy person to enter into the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:23). Note: Jesus did not say impossible. In fact, He goes on to tell His disciples that with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27). Therefore, it is not the wealth or lack thereof which keeps us from a rich life spiritually. The key to a rich and fruitful spiritual life is found in verse 2: “But whose delight....” God’s word is a living word, a life sustaining word. When your delight is in reading and thinking about it day and night, you will prosper in your soul and your life will be lush and full of God’s joy, peace, and grace.

Application: My entire life. This verse impacts my heart and soul.

Psalm 1:2

But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

My Thoughts: Yesterday, a friend told me they had a very stressful day the day before. When it came time to go to sleep, they were so anxious, they could not sleep. They then, got up and began reading the Bible for the next hour. Afterwards, they went right to sleep, had one of the best nights of sleep in a long time, and woke up totally rested and refreshed. What is it about God’s word that is so comforting and why has it been one of the best selling books ever? I believe it is because its truths are timeless and alive with God’s Spirit (Hebrews 4:12). Finding joy in reading and studying God’s word is a treasure that far surpasses anything I have ever experienced. This is because its joy stays with me and sustains me each and every day.

Application: Life. This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

40 Days in the Word - Day 40: Ephesians 2:4-10

Verse 10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

My Thoughts: The Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). It also says that the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).

One of the most interesting passages, to me, about the human body, is in Proverbs: “Ears that hear and eyes that see--the LORD has made them both (Proverbs 20:12).” Man’s attempt to duplicate mechanically these two parts of the body fall way short of their technology. I love to watch shows concerning nature. When you see the ability of a cuttlefish to change not just their color but even the texture of their exterior, you are dumbfounded by their intelligence and creative ability.

As man, we have a tendency to focus on our creation before we ponder all of creation. To elevate ourselves to a place of superiority to the point of even misunderstanding a well publicized scripture, John 3:16. We interpret the word, “world” in this passage to exclusively mean us when the real meaning is inclusive of all of God’s creation. So the question is, why did God create humans? What is our purpose in all creation? The answer is found in scripture on the day we were created (Genesis 1:27-18). However, this is another scripture which has been misused for the purpose of serving ourselves. We take the word “rule” or “reign” to mean we can do with God’s creation how we see fit and exploit it for our own benefit. The problem is God originally created us to reflect His image and nature to govern His creation with Him in mind, not ourselves. Is God a dictator and exploiter? No! God is merciful, full of kindness, slow to anger, and rich in benevolence (Psalm 103:8). In His image, we are to do the good things He planned for us long ago (verse 10). This is how we are God’s masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made.

Application: Life (Especially, how I take care of and relate to all of God's creation.). This verse impacts my heart, soul, mind, and body.

Note: I skipped days 38 and 39.