Life Journal October 24, 2007
Today's readings: Job 15; Acts 19, 20

The Gift of Encouragement

Scripture

"When it was all over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia. Along the way, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through."

Acts 20.1-2

Observation

It is important to encourage one another.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

For some reason, I hadn't thought about Paul as an encourager. But, he was. And Luke included it in the Scriptures. So, it must be something important for me to remember . . . . . and do. [smile]

Why is it easier to judge and criticize rather than encourage. Why do words that tear down come quicker than those that build-up and encourage?

Today, I will watch my words. Today, I will use my words to build-up and to encourage--fellow believers . . . . . . and all those that God places in my path.

Prayer

Father, I would love to be known as one who is an encourager. One who builds people up--not beat them down. Lord, since my words reflect my relationship with You, may they be Your words--filled with hope, joy, love, and encouragement. And, may You use them to draw people to you!

I'm going to be away for a little while. Keep checking back!
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!
Be blessed!
mo

Life Journal October 14, 2007
Today's readings: Nehemiah 11, 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

Watching for the Opportunity

Scripture

"Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

"Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, 'Look at us!' The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, 'I don't have any money for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!'

"Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. He jumped up, sood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

"All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out to Solomon's Colonnade, where he was holding tightly to Peter and John. Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing that had happened.

"Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd."

Observation

We need to always be looking for the doors that God opens for us to be able to share the Good News.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

How often has God opened a door or made a way for me to share the Good News and I have missed my chance? Peter looked for those opportunities. "Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing that had happened. Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd." He was watching for opportunities to share about Jesus.

I believe God still gives us opportunities for us to share the Good News. I think we miss a lot of them. It might not be someones healing, but there are many times God does something amazing and we don't use that opportunity to tell about the One who did it.

I must be continually watching and praying for those opportunities . . . and then make the most of them.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, open my eyes so that I don't miss the opportunities You give me to share the Good News of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give me a boldness and may I always be prepared with a Word of the hope that I have. Thank You!

Life Journal October 13, 2007
Today's readings: Nehemiah 9.10; Acts 2

Remembering and Confessing and Worshiping

Scripture

"On October 31 the people returned for another observance. This time they fasted and dressed in Sackcloth and sprinkled dust on theirheads. Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. The Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them for about three hours. Then for three more hours they took turns confessing their sins and worshiping the Lord their God."

Nehemiah 9.1-3

Observation
It is important that we confess our sins--individually and corporately.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)
Chapter 9 of Nehemiah is a powerful chapter--it is a reminder of all that God had done for His people . . . . and all the times that they had sinned against Him. . . . and God's amazing faithfulness and unfailing love and patience and mercy!

I am not very good at confessing my sins. I act as if I don't talk about it--it will disappear or no one [especially God] will know about it. I like to think of myself being "above" sinning--when in truth, I sin more often than I would like to think. I sin in the things I do--I sin in the things that I don't do that I should--I sin.

I also don't do a very good job of remembering all that God has done for me in the past. I am too busy thinking of all the things He needs to be doing for me now. God's people remembered and recited His past provision, care, and faithfulness. They kept it before them, so they wouldn't forget. How quickly I forget if I don't keep an ongoing "history" of His great faithfulness to me. It is so important for me to remember.

In chapter 9, their is a rhythm of remembering all God has done, confession, and then remembering his unfailing love and mercy. When I remember God's faithfulness in the past, all that He has done for me, then I can clearly see where I have not been faithful to Him--and then I can confess, yet . . . . I can then remember His amazing faithfulness and gift of forgiveness.
I need to spend sometime today remembering God's faithfulness in the past, confessing my sin, and then praising Him for who He is and His unfailing love and mercy.

Prayer
"Stand up and praise the Lord your God, for he lives from everlasting to everlasting!"

"Praise his glorious name! It is far greater than we can think or say. You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve and give life to everything, and all the angels of heaven worship you." (vs. 5-6)

Lord, You are so amazing--words cannot express who You are and all that You do! You alone are God. You alone are worthy of all my praise.

Father God, hear my confession. I doubt when I shouldn't. I look at circumstances instead of You. I speak when I should be quiet and am quiet when I should speak up. I judge others--as if I have a clue. I don't love enough. I don't serve enough. I don't want to walk through the doors You open--I want You to open the doors that I want instead. I allow so many things to get in the way of worshiping You and serving You. I whine. . . . . . My sins are so many, Lord. Please forgive me, cleanse my heart.

"But you are a God of forgivenss, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and full of unfailing love and mercy. You do not abandon me." [vs.17]

Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to pay the price for my sin. I don't understand that kind of love, but, Lord, I accept it. Thank You.

Life Journal October 12, 2007
Today's readings: Nehemiah 5,6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

Still They Doubted

Scripture

"But very early on Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. They were puzzled, trying to think what could have happened to it. Suddenly, two men appeard to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed low before them. Then the men asked, 'Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He has risen from the dead! Don't you remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day?'

"Then they rememberd that he had said this. So they rushed back to tell his eleven disciples--and everyone else--what had happened. The women who went to the tomb were Mary Magadalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several others. They told the apostles what had happened, but the story sounded like nonsense, so they didn't believe it. However, Peter ran to the tomb to look. Stooping he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened. . . . . .

"Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. He said, 'Peace be with you.' But the whole group was terribley frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! 'Why are you frightened?' he asked. 'Why do you doubt who I am? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it's really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do!' As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see, and he showed them his feet.

"Still they stood there doubting, filled with joy and wonder."

Luke 24. 1-12,35-41a

Observation

They doubted what they knew or saw.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

They (the disciples) know that Jesus is no longer in the grave. Two have claimed to have seen him (on the road to Emmaus). He suddenly appears to them--speaks to them--shows them his hands and feet . . . . . . and yet, "Still they stood there doubting."

It is amazing to think that they would doubt that he had arose from the dead. They had all the proof, including seeing Him. But, it didn't fit in their understanding.

How often does Jesus/God show Himself to me and I miss it because He shows Himself in unexpected ways? Since it doesn't fit in my frame of reference, since it is "out of the ordinary" I don't see Him and what He is doing in my life--or in the life of someone else. We have our set of norms in our minds and if something falls outside of that we dismiss it. Jesus is anything but normal. He will never fit into a box. And because of that, even though I have seen Him at work so often--I miss Him. I doubt that it is Him speaking to me. I doubt that He is at work in my life or in the life of someone else. I doubt that He could or would do something. I doubt. Just like the disciples.

But, He doesn't give up showing Himself to me. He continues to move in my life. He continues to speak to my heart. He continues to change me . . . . in spite of me. He didn't give up on the disciples . . . . . . . and He doesn't give up on me.

Prayer

Thank You that You continue to show Yourself to me in so many ways. Forgive me for doubting. Forgive my lack of faith. Please continue to come into my heart, my life and change me.

Life Journal October 10, 2007
Today's Readings Nehemiah 3, 4; Luke 23

Re-member Me

Scripture

"One of the criminals hanging beside him [Jesus] scoffed, 'So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!'

"But the other criminal protested, 'Dont' you fear God even when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but his man hasn't done anything wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.'

"And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today, you will be with me in paradise.'"

Luke 23.39-43

Observation

It is never too late to recognize Jesus and ask for the gift of eternal life.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

The "other criminal" asked, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." The definition of remember is "to bring to mind or think of again." I don't think that is what he was thinking. What purpose would there be to ask Jesus to think of him from time to time? None.

I think how remember is used here is the opposite of dismember (to cut off or disjoin the limbs, members, or parts of; to break up or tear into pieces). He wants Jesus to "re-member" him--to put him back together. He gets it--he understands that Jesus is the only one that has the power to restore his life.

The world is really good at dismembering us--tearing us apart. And, it is only Jesus who has the power to put my life back together. And all I have to do is ask Him--and it is never too late.

Prayer

Jesus, please re-member me today.

Life Journal October 9, 2007
Today's readings: Nehemiah 1,2; Psalm 133, 134; Luke 22

Is It I, Lord?

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "'But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For I, the Son of Man, must die since it is part of God's plan. But how terrible it iwll be for my betrayer!' Then the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. . . .

"'Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers.'

"Peter said, 'Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.'

"But Jesus said, 'Peter, let me tell you something. The rooster will not crow tomorrow morning until you have denied three times that you even know me.' . . .

"So they arrested him and led him to the high priest's residence, and Peter was following far behind. The guards lit a fire in the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, 'This man was one of Jesus' followers!'"

"Peter denied it. 'Woman,' he said, 'I don't even know the man!'

"After a while someone else looked at him and said, 'You must be one of them!'

"'No, man, I'm not!' Peter replied.

"About an hour later someone else insisted, 'This must be one of Jesus' disciples because he is a Galilean, too.'

"But Peter said, 'Man, I don't know what you are talking about.' And as soon as he said these words, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered that the Lord had said, 'Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny me three times.' And Peter left the courtyard, crying bitterly."

Luke 22. 21-23, 31-34, 54-62

Observation

Even those closest to Jesus betrayed and denied him.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

I don't like reading these verses. They come a little too close to home for me. They make me stop and think about all the times that I have "sold out" so I wouldn't stand out--the times that, even if my words didn't deny Him, my actions did. These verses always make me do some deep soul searching.

It is easy for me to follow, share, and be a disciple when there is not cost--or when it is safe. But, what happens when it's not? Am I always the person Jesus has called me to be?? I may not deny Him through my words--but what about through my actions. Does everything I do and say point to Him?

Last week I wrestled with the verses in Luke 14--about what it means to be a disciple. It doesn't come cheap--it isn't easy--there is a cost if I am truly going to follow Him. And today, I am forced to continue to search my heart . . . . and my life and ask the hard questions. "Is it I, Lord, who denies You? Is it I, Lord, who betrays You?" I don't want it to be . . . . but, in truth, I know that sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't even realize I have until after the fact--then I regret my words or actions.

I have to daily search my heart and guard my words and actions. I must intentionally keep my focus and my eyes on Jesus--be in the Word, pray, and serve in His name. I cannot let down my guard, otherwise I am right back where I was. And yet, I know, that no matter how hard I try, I still won't get it completely right . . . . but that doesn't mean I quit trying. It means that I, like the disciples, ask for forgiveness . . . . that I repent and turn to Jesus again . . . . and then continue to move forward, in Jesus' name.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, my heart breaks over the times that I deny or betray Your Son, my Savior. I don't want to, but I do. Once again I repent and I turn back toward Jesus, giving myself to You. Lord, I want to give up everything for You--yet I hold it all so tightly in my hands. Help me to let go. Help me to cling to only You. Today, Father God, I step forward once again on the path You have set before me. Once again, I dedicate myself to following You. Once again, I begin the journey with You.

Life Journal October 8, 2007
Today's readings: Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

Am I Ready?

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "Don't let anyone mislead you. For many will come in my name; claiming to be the Messiah and saying, 'The time has come!' But don't believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don't panic. Yes, these things must come, but the end won't follow immediately." Then he added, "Nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and epidemics in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs in the heavens.

"But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will be accused before kings and governors of being my followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So, don't worry about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply! Even those closest to you--your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends--will betray you. And some of you will be killed. And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.

"And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Let those in Jerusalem escape, and those outside the city should not enter it for shelter. For those will be days of God's vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for mothers nursing their babies. For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. They will be brutally killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be conquered and trampled down by the Gentiles until the age of the Gentiles comes to an end.

"And there will be strange events in the skies--signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And down here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. The courage of many people will falter because of the fearful fate they see coming upon the earth, because the stability of the very heavens will be broken up. Then everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand straight and look up, for your salvation is near!"

Then he gave them this illustration: "Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. Just so, when you see the events I've described taking place, you can be sure that the Kingdom of God is near. I assure you, this generation [or this age, or this nation] will not pass from the scene until all these events have taken place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.

"Watch out! Don't let me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, as in a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep a constant watch. And pray that, if possible, you may escape these horrors and stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 21.8-36

Observation

I must always be ready for His return--always watching, but also doing what He has called me to do until that day.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Life gets busy. There is always something to do, someone needing my attention, somewhere to go. It is easy to get distracted from God. And, it is especially easy to put His return off--not thinking about it or preparing for it. Afterall, it has been over 2000 years since He said He was going to return. Why should I think it will happen during my time on earth?! That is just what the enemy wants me to do--forget about it . . . . get caught up in the busyness of the world . . . . and no longer watch . . . . .no longer think about the need to be ready.

It's easy to put it off--to believe that it isn't going to happen during my lifetime. But, do I know that? Aren't many of the things Jesus talked about happening? I know, they have been happening for hundreds of years, so why is now any different?

I don't know that it is--but I also don't know that it isn't. What am I doing in preparation for His return? If He were to return today, what would He find me doing? Am I watching for Him? Am I putting Him first in all areas of my life? Am I reaching others with the Good News? What if He came today?

I don't know when He will return--I do have His promise though, that He will. Am I watching? Am I prepared? What do I need to do today to be ready? When I ask Him to come, to not tary, do I mean it?? Am I ready?

Prayer

Lord, I want to be found watching and ready for Your return. I want to be found doing the work that You have called me to--not goofing off, not whining, not being lazy. Lord, it is easy to get lulled into a sense of having all the time in the world. When, in truth, when don't know when You might come for any one of us--or all of us. Lord, may I put first things first. May You find me reaching out and loving those who don't know You, feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, offering a drink of water to those who thirst, helping the brokenhearted, assisting the widow, loving the orphan, visiting those in jail. Lord, I don't know when You will come--my prayer is that I will be ready. Thank You for loving me.

Life Journal October 5& 6, 2007
Today's readings: Esther 3-10; Luke18,19

Who's Climbing Our Trees?

Scripture

"Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax-collecting business, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree beside the road, so he could watch from there.

"When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. 'Zacchaeus!' he said. 'Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today.'

"Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the crowds were displeased. 'He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,' they grumbled.

"Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, 'I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!'

"Jesus responded, 'Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a son of Abraham. And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost.'"

Luke 19.1-11

Observation

Zacchaeus sought out Jesus--and Jesus responded with salvation.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

I love this story. Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus . . . and with all the people around . . . Jesus noticed the effort Zacchaeus had made. The "crowds were displeased"--what a great picture of the church when we take time to look up in the trees around us and see who has come to seek a glimpse of Jesus. They want us--just as they wanted Jesus--to pay attention to them--not to "notorious sinners." But, Jesus ignores them and acknowledges the sinner--the one who was seeking Him.

I need to remember that Jesus came to seek and save the lost--and I am called to do the same. I need to look up in the "trees" around me and see who has come to catch a glimpse of Jesus--and then reach out to them, in the name of Jesus. Who are the Zacchaeus' in my life??? Who would Jesus have me reach out to?? I need to keep my eyes--and heart--open.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may I not miss those who are seeking You. Open my eyes and heart to see them, then reach out to them in Your name. May my heart be broken for the lost. May I seek them out. May my life shine brightly for You.

Life Journal October 4, 2007
Today's readings: Esther 1-2; Psalm 150; Luke 17

Thank You

Scripture

"As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached teh border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!'

"He looked at them and said, 'Go show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, their leprosy disappeared.

"One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus shouting, 'Praise God, I'm healed!' He fell face down on the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

"Jesus asked, 'Didn't I heal ten men?Where are the other nine? Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?' And Jesus said to the man, 'Stand up and go. Your faith has made you well.'"

Luke 17.11-19

Observation

We should praise God for all He does for us!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

The reading today reminds me that I don't always say "Thank you!" to God for all that He does for me--the big and the small. I take the attitude that I deserve all the blessings He pours out on me. I take them for granted. I do not live a life of praise . . . of worship. If I truly appreciated all that God does for me--and recognized that it all comes from Him--I would be on my face all of the time worshiping the King of kings, the Lord of lords.

That is where I should be anyway--because of the gift of grace and life that He has given to me. It is enough that He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for my sins. If He did nothing else for me--that should be enough to cause me to continually thank Him, praise Him, worship Him, to continually be on my face before Him.

Instead, I ask for more . . . . not acknowledging all He does for me already. And if He doesn't do it my way, or if I am required to make a sacrifice, or doesn't give me all I think I deserve--I get upset with Him . . . . dare I say, even angry. I question, "Where are You?" "Don't You care?" I sound like a spoiled self-centered child. Ouch!

So, how will I be different today? First step needs to be to start where I am. To say thank You. To give Him praise continually. To remember who He is . . . and all that He has done for me . . . in spite of my behavior. I need to intentionally be focused on Him . . . . not me, not my circumstances, not what is going on around me. . . . only on Him--the One who redeemed me, the One who saved me, the One who is faithful, the One who loves me unconditionally.

Prayer

Father God, Thank YOU!!

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his heavenly dwelling;

praise him in his mighty heaven!

Praise him for his mighty works;

praise his unequaled greatness!

Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;

praise him with the lyre and harp!

Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;

praise him with stringed

instruments and flutes!

Praise him with a clash of cymbals;

praise him with loud clanging cymbals.

Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord!

PRAISE THE LORD!

Amen! and Amen!

Life Journal October 3, 2007
Today's readings: Ezra 5,6; Psalm 138; Luke 16

God's Unfailing Love and Faithfulness

Scripture

I give you thanks, O Lord, will all my heart;

I will sing your praises before the gods.

I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.

I will give thanks to your name

for your unfailing love and faithfulness,

because your promises are backed

by all the honor of your name.

When I pray, you answer me;

you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.

Every king in all the earth will give your thanks, O Lord,

for all of them will hear your words.

Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways

for the glory of the Lord is very great.

Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,

but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,

you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies.

You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!

Your power will save me.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life--

for your faithful love, O Lord,

endures forever.

Don't abandon me, for you made me.

Psalm 138

Observation

Truth to hold on to.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I will remember God's Word to me and His promises. No matter what I face--God never changes. God is forever faithful. His love is unfailing. He encourages me. He gives me the strength that I need. The Lord is great!

Prayer

Today, Lord, I especially thank You for Your Word and Your promises. You are amazing and Your love is all that I need. You are my strength. Thank You.

Life Journal October 2, 2007
Today's readings: Zechariah 13-14; Psalm 147; Luke 15

Who Has Really Lost Their Way?

Scripture

"Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such despicable people--even eating with them! . . . .

[Jesus speaking] "The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, 'All these years I've worked hard for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the finest calf we have.'

"His father said to him.'Look, dear son, you and I are very close, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'"

Luke 15.1-2,28-32 (but read the whole chapter!)

Observation

Those who are on the inside really don't want to bring in outsiders.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

The church folks didn't like Jesus hanging out with sinners. So he tells them three stories to explain how important the lost are. The last of the stories even has a character that reflects the attitude of the church folks he mentions in the second verse.

The illustrations that Jesus uses point to the importance of finding what is lost--and he isn't just talking sheep and coins. He makes that clear:

"In the same way, heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!" (vs.7)

"In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even the sinner repents." (vs.10)

Why is it we don't want the lost to be found? It is what we are called to do--yet, we have many excuses not to even bother looking for them. We are like the older brother in the third story--we even become indignant when the sinner comes. When did our hearts become so cold and hard? Why do we expect the sinner to clean up their act before they come to church? Why do we not celebrate the sinner who comes to know Jesus? We are so busy judging whether they really have "changed" that we don't love them like Jesus--accepting where they are and leaving the changing work in their lives to God.

How will I be different today? I will remember what I have been called to do. I will focus on finding the lost and then remember to celebrate when they are found!

Prayer

Father, I thank You that You never stop searching for the lost. I thank You that You never quit searching for me. Lord, when I forget what it was like to be lost--remind me. Break my heart for the lost--just as Yours is broken. Lord, I don't want to be like the Pharisees and teachers of religious law . . . or the older brother. I want to seek those who are lost and then celebrate when they come to find You. Father, thank You for reminding me how important everyone is to You--how You never give up on any of us--how You continue to watch the horizon for Your lost son/daughter to be walking Your direction. Thank You for loving me that much!!

Life Journal October 1, 2007
Today's readings: Zechariah 10-12;Psalm 126; Luke 14

Am I Willing to Pay the Cost?

Scripture

"Great crowds were following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 'If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me.

"'But don't begin until you count the cost. . . . .

"'So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.'"

Luke 14.25-28a, 33

Observation

While grace is a free gift--it is not cheap. To follow Christ we must be willing to pay the cost.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Theologians, for many years, have talked about the concept of "cheap grace"--accepting God's gift

of grace--which is free and offered to all--but not being willing to do the hard work of "opening" the gift--which means laying everything down for Him, picking up our cross, and following Him.

We make the offer of grace--but without telling the rest of the story--without talking about the cost. And then we wonder why people take the gift and walk away and there is no change in their lives. It's because they never truly accept the gift--they never get around to opening it. That would require too much.

I am willing to accept God's offer of grace through His Son, Jesus Christ--but am I willing to pay the cost? Am I willing to put Him before and above everything else? Am I willing to pay the cost--to lose relationships, to be shunned, to be judged by others, to do the hard work no matter the cost? To be a disciple, a true follower of Christ, I have to be willing to give up everything--to take the hard road, to know that there will be a price to pay, and that it could be very very hard.

It is one thing to follow Christ when there is no cost--look at our churches--filled with people who put their own needs and desires above all else. They come to have their needs met. They are not willing to give up anything to reach the lost. It is fine as long as it does not cost them anything--comfort, enjoyment, friends, music, nice messages. As long as things go our way, we are willing to follow Christ.

Cheap grace--grace that cost our Lord everything, but that we aren't willing to do/pay anything for. We will accept it, and display it for all to see--as long as it remains pretty and clean and shiny. But, don't ask us to go out and love the hurting, the broken, the unlovely. That is a cost that we aren't willing to pay.

Am I willing to pay the cost? Am I willing to give up everything to become His disciple? Am I willing to count the cost and still say "yes"? May it be so.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for all the times that I have cheapened Your gift of grace by accepting it, but not be willing to give up anything for it. Talk is cheap--action costs. Lord, I am sorry that I have often not been willing to pay the price--to carry my cross--to give up everything. Instead I whine about how hard it is. You call us to stand in Your strength, in Your power--without whining. You have given us a choice--to follow you or not. You have told us there will be a cost--why then am I so surprised then when there is--and get upset with You? Forgive me. Give me the strength that I need to be Your disciple. To pick up my cross and follow You. To be willing to give up EVERYTHING for You. Lord, I want to be Your disciple--no matter the cost. (And, Lord, that's scary to say in some ways. So, help me not be afraid.) Thank You that You have called me . . . . that You want ME to be YOUR disciple. I am amazed at Your love, Your patience, and Your faith in me to be who You have called me to be. In Jesus name, Amen.