Category: Luke

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Preparing the Soil

I have always enjoyed gardening and for the first time in a large number of years I live where I don’t have a garden plot.

For many of you, thinking of gardening is still several months away. I know when we lived in Montana I was advised to not put any plants outdoors until after Memorial Day. In Idaho it was a little sooner than that but not much, end of April. You see the ground was snow covered until then. But here in southern Arizona I started preparing the soil in February, however, this morning it was 33* when I got up.

There are so many stories in the Bible, parables they’re called, that teach us about our life in Christ through farming.

This morning I saw a correlation that I never noticed before and I have taught on the verses in Luke 8 many times. I love how God’s word is living, growing, always able to show us something new.

“After this Jesus went to all the cities and towns preaching and telling the Good News about the holy nation of God. The twelve followers were with Him…Many people came together from every town to Jesus. He told them a picture-story. 5 “A man went out to plant seed…”Luke 8:1-5 NLV

A man went out to plant some seed – that man was Jesus. You notice the first verse, “Jesus went to all the cities and towns preaching the Good News”?

Sharing the Good News of God’s kingdom is what Jesus did. He was the man sowing the seed. He was the one preparing the ground of men’s hearts. Some of the ground was hard as concrete, some was rocky, some was filled with thorns and some ground was prepared and ready to plant.

Now I know most of you are familiar with this parable but I’m going to take the next few days to show you examples of what Jesus taught, examples that occurred in the life of his followers just hours and days after He preached this message.

I would like you to take time today to read at least the first fifteen verses of Luke 8. When you do pray and ask the Lord to open your heart to the meaning of the message of the parable. For the next few days we will be looking at different soil and how it affects our growth.

I had to learn how to adapt the soil in each of the areas where we lived so that I would get a good harvest. Gardening takes work. If the soil isn’t prepared properly crops won’t grow, there will be no harvest.

“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’” Hosea 10:12 NLT

Being a fruitful Christian also requires good ground. Each year I ask the Lord to show me what obstacles might thwart my growth. It’s time to prepare the soil!

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Ever Ready

You’ve seen the commercials of the Energizer Bunny – I know you have. The advertisers tell us he keeps going, and going, and going.

This morning I woke up looking for some batteries for my soul. My body is wanting to crawl back in bed, pull the covers over my head and sleep. But, that’s not possible. There are things that need to be done.

My regular Bible reading was in I Kings. They were not inspiring chapters. It was a list of the genealogies for the tribes of Israel. I know better than to complain about chapters like this because “all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God and are profitable…”. I memorized that verse years ago in Sunday School. However, I needed something that would lift my spirit and give me a mandate for the day.

My next reading was in Luke 7. Jesus had gone to the home of a rich, religious man named Simon for dinner. “A woman of low reputation” came into the dining hall with a valuable box of perfume. She anointed Jesus’ feet with the oil and wiped them with her hair. This was a shameful act.

Simon criticized her and this was Jesus’ reply:

“Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:44-48 NLT

I think it’s interesting that Jesus looked at the woman but he spoke to Simon. It was as if they had an unspoken conversation, “Keep your eyes on me, this is about to get good”. She has been forgiven much so she shows great love.

There you have the inspiration for my day. Forgiven of much!

“They are to stand every morning and evening to thank and praise the Lord. ” I Chronicles 23:30 NLV

Energized by praise – morning, noon and night. When we feel weary, we should praise, when we feel excited, we should praise, when our hearts are broken, we should praise because our Father is the one who heals the broken hearted.

“Oh God You Are My God
And I Will Ever Praise You
Oh God You Are My God
And I Will Ever Praise You

I Will Seek You In The Morning
And I Will Learn To Walk In Your Ways
And Step By Step You’ll Lead Me
And I Will Follow You All Of My Days”

This little praise song came up in my heart as I read of the woman who had been forgiven of much. I was energized by the amazing, unconditional love of my Father.

May we start and end each day with praise, being “ever-ready” to thank the Lord for all He’s done for us!

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Worthy?

I wonder how many people woke up this morning with a feeling of not being worthy. Not worthy of the position they hold in their company, not worthy of the success they have obtained, not worthy of love.

Because of Christ, we are embraced by God the Father.

This morning I was reading the story of a man who felt he wasn’t worthy of Jesus coming to his house. His servant was sick and needed a miracle. He knew Jesus was a miracle worker and could heal his servant, but he felt unworthy.

Let’s get a little background on this man. He was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army. The Romans were occupying the land of Israel and holding the residents captive. Many Romans treated the Jews with contempt and cruelty. Not this man, he had built a synagogue for them.

“They came to Jesus and begged Him, saying, ‘The man is respected and should have this done for him. 5 He loves our nation and has built our Jewish place of worship’.” Luke 7:4 NLV

Although others proclaimed that he was worthy, the Roman captain felt he didn’t deserve any special attention from Jesus, but he did care enough about his servant to want him well.

“Jesus went with them. When He was not far from the house, the captain told some friends to tell this to Jesus, “Lord, do not take the time to come to my house, because I am not good enough. 7 And I am not good enough to come to You. But just say the word and my servant will be healed.” Luke 7:6-7 NLV

May I say right here that the miracle-working power of God is never dependent upon our worthiness. In and of ourselves none of us are worthy of God’s compassion and grace. That’s what makes grace – grace. Grace is the outward expression of God’s undeserved love.

“Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” I Timothy 1:14-16 NLT

The Apostle Paul never lost sight of God’s grace to him. Paul was responsible for the arrest and persecution of hundreds of Christians. He was there when Stephen, a leader in the early church, was stoned to death.

Was he worthy to be used by God? No, not according to the religious standards of the day. But Paul wasn’t limited by religion, he was freed by His new relationship in Christ. His life is an example to all of us. God’s love and mercy make all of us worthy of His acceptance and forgiveness.

Because of Christ, we are worthy to be called the children of God.

“ When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ” Romans 5:6 NLT

Worthy of forgiveness, love and amazing grace all because of our relationship with Jesus!

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Are We Satisfied?

Who was it that decided we should have new year resolutions? Why did the first week of the year become a time of evaluating our level of satisfaction with our personal status quo?

I’m not sure who it was or how it came about but I do know that this is something the Father has designed for us. When we find that we are unsatisfied it’s time for a change, no point in waiting until the first of the year.

What we’re looking at here isn’t a change in careers, lifestyle, locations or social activities. No, it’s a new focus and dependence on the Father and His word. It seems that all of my systematic reading through both the Old & New Testaments this morning brought to the source of true satisfaction.

Read these verses and let them speak for themselves.

“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”” Psalm 91:15-16 NKJV

“Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. 15 Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. 16 Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.” Psalm 90:14-16 NLT

“The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. 14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. 15 The eyes of all look to you in hope;
you give them their food as they need it. 16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.” Psalm 145:13-17 NLT

God’s desire is that we be satisfied with Him and in Him. When we place our trust in the Father, letting Him lead and direct the course of our lives we will be satisfied because His will and purpose is for our good.

He is gracious, kind, ready to restore and give hope.

“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5: 6 NLT

“I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. ” Luke 6:47-48 NLT

It seems that our world is in the midst of a pandemic – no, not COVID but an outbreak of discontentment and dissatisfaction. It can be as destructive as a tidal wave. But when we have our lives built securely on God’s word we rest on a secure foundation.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT

We all need to identify those issues that rob our satisfaction, search God’s word for the solutions and trust Him to bring us to a place of a long and satisfying life.

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One More Gift

Some of you have been reading the advent devotional I wrote several years ago and today you’ll read the last chapter and then you’ll probably put the book away until next year. But I want you to know there’s one more gift I’d like to share with you before the year ends.

Last night I pulled my covers up tight, tucked myself in and began to thank the Father for the many wonderful gifts He has blessed me with over the years. As I was thanking Him for filling my life, I heard myself say “thank you for making each day a gift”.

For 10+ years I have been sharing daily the goodness of God on Facebook and the last 5 years I have also been writing this blog. Each day I wake up knowing that there will be something in the day that I can embrace, each day is a gift of His love.

“Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

But my life wasn’t always filled with this awareness.

I grew up in a Christian home and gave my heart to Christ when I was very young. However, as a teenager my relationship with the Lord lacked relevance. I became more concerned with pleasing people and being accepted by them than I was with the Lord. My first year in Bible College I became so despondent that I attempted to take my life.

That’s when the love of the heavenly Father became real to me. That’s when I came to know that each day is a gift from God. He wasn’t just some stories I had been told in Sunday School and the Bible wasn’t just words on the pages of a book.

“…’Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. 69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.’” John 6:68-69 CEV

My relationship changed. I saw myself the way He saw me. With all of my faults and my failures, my Father loved me unconditionally. There was nothing I could do to earn His love and there was nothing I would do that would keep Him from loving me.

Each day His word gives me the gift of life!

“ I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Each day is a gift – a gift of hope and a gift of help!

As this year ends and we look to 2023 we have no way of knowing what things will come our way but we have the Father’s promise that our future will be filled with hope.

Each day is a gift from the Father – a gift filled with love!

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Watch Your Step

How well I remember my first winter in Washington state. We moved from San Diego to Spokane in November. Spokane was having record snowfall and here I was, a newbie to maneuvering in the snow.

I had never driven on snow covered roads before and the only walking I had done in snow was through the forest to cut our Christmas trees. I was invited to participate in a morning walk around the neighborhood with a family member and her friend. It felt good to get out in the brisk morning air.

All was going well. I was enjoying the beauty of the morning and the conversation, making new friends in our new city. We had made a loop through the neighborhood and were on our way back to the house when my feet went out from under me and down I came, landing on my bottom and my right wrist.

You guessed it! My wrist was badly broken. I had to get up and then wait for one of the ladies to get back to the house and bring help. (These were the days before cell phones) Dave arrived and took me to the ER to get my wrist set.

I don’t know how many medical professionals asked me about the accident – admissions, nurses, x-ray technicians and doctors, who after hearing what happened said the same thing. “You’ve got to watch your step when you’re out walking like that. You never know if you’re walking on snow covered ice. It’s so easy to slip and fall.” Good advice but really not helpful, the damage was already done. Little did I know that this break would require time in the surgery suite and an overnight stay in the hospital.

Yesterday morning this was the memory that came to mind as I was reading in the book of Luke.

“But the news about Yeshua was spreading all the more, and many crowds were coming together to hear and to be healed of their diseases. 16 Yet He would often slip away into the wilderness and pray.” Luke 5:15-16 TLV

Slip away – I’m not sure why those two words struck a chord in my heart, but they did. Jesus was intentional in His actions. He purposely made the decision to “slip”. It wasn’t accidental, it didn’t cause injury, quite the opposite. This type of slipping brought strength and refreshing.

A couple of times yesterday I found myself “slipping” into frustration and irritation and immediately the Lord reminded me to watch my step. I could have slipped into those emotions but I “slipped away” instead.

Just a quick silent prayer “Lord, help me keep it together. I choose to be loving and kind”.

It’s so easy to let ourselves slip into things like anger, frustration, criticism, gossip, fear and self-pity. But if we heed the advice that those medical professionals gave of “watch your step” we can follow the example of Jesus and slip away to pray.

Maybe we should all slip away for a time of prayer before we step into the new year.

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Is It Over?

The piles of torn paper and empty boxes is a scene that played out in millions of homes worldwide. The joy and the laughter, the hugs and kisses, the thank-yous and oooh’s and aaaah’s are still fresh in our memories.

Face-to-face conversations and loving words exchanged over the phone were all added bonuses of the day.

I’m sitting here this morning recalling the texts, the sounds of loved ones voices, the snuggles, all the details of the day and I imagine Mary did the same.

Every one of us mothers can remember what it was like to wake up the day after one of our children were born. We spent time going over in our heart the emotions of the day, those that came to visit and once again holding that tiny child in our arms – counting every finger and toe. Kissing the top of their head, holding them tightly and marveling at the life of one so small.

Imagine what must of have going through Mary’s heart that morning after Christ’s birth. She was in a stable, with a man who had showed her unconditional love and holding a child in her arms who was God’s gift to mankind. How blessed – how in awe!

“ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” Luke 2:16-19 NLT

The life ahead of Mary was new and uncharted territory. She had never been a mother or a wife before. So much about her life was changing. Her Son was the promised Messiah! How do you raise the Son of God? Yes, there was so much to ponder. She would need to be dependent upon God for His help and instruction.

What will we “ponder” today? Is it the travel home, the new job after the first of the year? Maybe there will be a medical procedure that you’re dreading.

Is Christmas over and now we go on with the daily routine or will we be like Mary and realized that we need a greater dependence upon God for the days ahead?

Let’s take time to be thankful that Christmas has life changing, glorious meaning for every day of the year!

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A Warm Heart

Yesterday warmed the RV for sure. It was a day totally dedicated to baking. Batches of cinnamon rolls in the oven, one cookie sheet at a time and when that was done there were PeanutButter balls to make.

This morning I discovered that one window had not gotten closed before we headed to bed last night and it was chilly in here. So, I poured a cup of coffee, cradled it in my hands, put my feet up in the recliner and watched fire flicker.

My little Nativity on the hearth, Christmas stockings Mom made years ago and cards from dear friends, warm my heart as much as the fire warms the room.

As I embraced the scene before me, I was reminded of a poem I wrote over 40 years ago. It really is my heart’s prayer. I hope you enjoy it.

Christmas Warms the Heart

Long ago and far away, a child was brought to earth.

For many years, men had sought, the signs of His birth.

On quiet hills in pastures green, the flocks they did sleep.

When shepherds woke from peaceful rest, heavens glory they did see.

When I hear this story, and remember all that’s told,

I’d like to have been a shepherd and lived those years ago.

The angels in their chorus, proclaiming Peace on Earth

Brings excitement to my soul and my heart is stirred.

To see the heavens shining bright, a glory uncompared,

Then walk the road to Bethlehem and find the Christ child fair.

To kneel before His presence and know that He was King

What more could I expect from life, His praises I will sing.

Today I see the tinsel, the glitter and the toys

The stores are filled with shoppers, laughing girls and boys,

While streets are lined with trees and Santas’ ringing bells,

Ovens filled with cookies and all those wonderful smells.

Now it is time to stop from all the things I do,

To remember that first Christmas, and it’s meaning true.

It is God’s Son, brought to earth to give eternal life,

His glory to shine within my heart, not in the sky of night.

In each of us, Christ wants to live, in power and in love

Let us proclaim, to men the same, as angels from above.

Peace on earth can only come, when before the Son we bow.

We must kneel and honor Him, our lives to Him we vow.

This year a special gift I give, not like the kings of old

It’s not the gold or frankincense but a heart that He can mold.

Many a gift I have received and have given with joyful heart

But Jesus now this gift I bring, from You I’ll never part.

O Lord, this is my honest prayer, my gift I’ll not forget

It is a lasting one to which I do commit.

My heart is warmed by Your love and the gift You gave to me,

It is in Christ and Christ alone; I find what Christmas means.

May your hearts always carry the warmth of Christmas!

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So Much to Do

(First off, will everyone join me in saying thank you to Stephen and Tom for getting my website back up? Stephen helped identify the problem and Tom took that information and contacted the right people to get it corrected. Thanks guys, you both are wonderful!)

Last night after Dave went to bed, I stayed up thinking about things that still need to be done before Christmas. Still so much to do, not necessities, but things I want to do.

There’s baking for friends and family. Our youngest grandson is expecting cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning and I’m wanting to make goodie plates for friends. Still have two days of work so everything will have to wait until Tuesday.

Then I thought about Mary? What was she thinking, how much did she still have left to do those last few days before Jesus was born?

I’m sure Mary was a list maker. When the angels announced His birth and the shepherds tended to His manger the Scripture tells us that Mary pondered all these things in her heart.

“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. ” Luke 2:17-19 NLT

There were so many memorable events in Mary’s pregnancy, I know she must have had a plan for those days leading up to His birth. She knew her son would be no usual child. For before His conception, she knew He would be special, she knew she would give birth to the long awaited Messiah.

 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:30-33 NLT

Her first child, the Messiah, was about to be born but first she was going on a 100 mile trip. She had to pack, food needed to be prepared, laundry needed to be done. How long were they going to be gone? She needed “stuff” in case the baby was born before she got back home. No Mom or midwife to help! Can you imagine the evening conversations with Joseph as they stopped on their trek?

“Can you do this?”, she might have asked. “I’m going to need your help; I won’t have anyone else to assist me. We don’t know anyone in Bethlehem. What if the local Walmart is closed? Where will we get diapers and onesies?”

Yes, Mary was the mother of the Messiah, but she was also a teenager, first-time mother, and away from home.

Our preparations over the next week fail in comparison to hers. Our loving heavenly Father who sustained her and took care of every detail also has our days planned. He will sustain, protect and provide.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NLT

Don’t let the concerns of life steal your peace!

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Receiving and Giving

Several years ago, I wrote a book for the Advent Season. It is a 30-day devotional centered on the many gifts God has given us. He is a father who truly loves giving the best to his children.

“But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.” Deuteronomy 5:10 NLT

However, He isn’t a selfish Father. He wants us to share the blessings we receive with others.

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 NLT

Dave and I love to give. God has planted that in our hearts in a marvelous way but there was a time we had nothing to give, we had to learn to receive. Friends brought a trunk full of groceries and gifts to our door just before Christmas. They said “we were just in the neighborhood”. That wasn’t completely true, they lived over 45 miles away, but their hearts were linked to ours and they followed the Lord’s leading and gave.

When we learn to receive from the Father, we are then enabled to give according to the Father’s heart. He gives unconditional love. He gives safety and protection, He promises to provide our every need. He gives us joy unspeakable, freedom from fear and worry.

“How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.” Psalm 31:19 NLT

Never despise the size of your gift, thinking it’s too small or insignificant. To someone with an empty pantry two cans of beans is a feast. For someone who has only a dollar left to their name a ten-dollar bill is a huge blessing. Someone who has lost their life’s partner and are having their first Christmas alone will be blessed to join your family’s celebration.

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” II Corinthians 9:7-8 NLT

Give generously, not only at Christmas but all year through. Give what you have so graciously received from the Father. The blessing comes in giving what we have received!

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