Happy New Year! As you look at the prospects of a new year and all that brings with it, we must remember to keep things in perspective. We sometimes are not the most accurate assessor of our current situation. Take for example Luke 8:1-25. Look at this verse: They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. Luke 8:24 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.8.24.NASB There was a storm and the disciples were afraid. They were assessing their situation and making assumptions about their circumstances. They thought they were perishing.…

How much do you love others and what does that say about you? It can actually be quite telling. Read the story of Jesus found in Luke 7:11-49. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.7.47.NASB Those who know what life is truly like without Jesus, understand the change and the difference when He forgives them. They love Him and as a result they love others. Their love for others becomes evident in how they live their life and what they do. The people they are around…

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! What makes us worthy? It may seem an odd question to ask today, but as we are about to open presents and enjoy the things that others have given to us, what makes us worthy to receive any of these things? Let’s look at Luke 7:1-10, paying particular attention to these verses: When they came to Jesus, they earnestly implored Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue.” Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying…

What if no one ever recognizes what you do? For most of us, we thrive on the positive feedback from others. We desire and tell ourselves that we need to feel that we are making a difference and the only way to prove that is through the feedback or recognition of those around us. So what happens if you don’t get that? Read Luke 6:20-49, and check out verse 35. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Luke 6:35…

Do you think about what to do “to” Jesus or “for” Jesus? Reading through Luke 6:1-19, we see: But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:11 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.6.11.NASB Jesus has performed miracles and is helping the people. Yet the religious leaders of the day are upset and angry about how He is going about things. They spend their time thinking about what to do to Jesus. Instead, the people who have been healed and seen their lives changed are busy figuring out what to do for Jesus. Which one are you? Have you been personally impacted by Jesus or are…

Why are you here? There seem to be so many people who are confused about why they are here or what their purpose is. Jesus was not. Reading through Luke 5:12-39, see what He says, And Jesus answered and said to them, ” It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31‭-‬32 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.5.31-32.NASB Jesus knew exactly why He was here. Everything He did was to bring people to God. Jesus later states that as the Father has sent Him, He also sends us (John 17). We have the…

Have you ever “explained” things to God? I have. Several times. You see, I am just sure that I have everything figured out and God needs to just understand what I understand and then he would do what I expect him to do. I know I’m not alone, check out what Peter says to him in the story from Luke chapter 5, verses 1 through 11. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and…

Authority. Often we see things get done based on the authority level of the person doing them. The same is true of Jesus. Read through Luke 4:14-43 and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. Luke 4:32 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.4.32.NASB Just following this verse, we see examples of His authority as He casts out demons and heals the sick. Jesus has authority over everything. Everything. There is not one situation or circumstance where He is not in charge. Do we respect His authority?  Do we call on Him and His authority to take over the situations in our lives? He has the authority, we can surrender…

What is your opportune time? Not sure? Well, let’s look at Luke 4:1-13, specifically verse 13. When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.4.13.NASB Jesus experiences temptation. Satan attacks Him and seeks to trip Him up. Three times Jesus quotes scripture to Satan and eventually Satan leaves Him and decides to wait for an “opportune time.” As we think about our lives and how we are tempted by Satan, do we realize that Satan knows the very best times to tempt us? He knows what circumstances we can experience that may result in us falling and choosing to sin. Because…

What is our purpose?  Why are we here? These questions can be difficult for some people to answer. Yet this question is vital to answer if we are to have direction and focus in what we do each day. John knew his purpose: John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.3.16.NASB He was there to point people to Jesus. Everything he did was to ultimately reflect back on…