QT 30 Jan 2020, Luke 5:3-5, The hesitancy of men toward spiritual things

Luke 5:3–5 (ESV) — 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”

NOTE: A typical male interaction with spiritual things: a little frustration, a sense of bothered, a desire to tell the person "do your spiritual things but leave the real work to real men." There is an arrogance in men that separates the spiritual from non-spiritual in a very negative way. We categorize spiritual as unimportant, and real visible work as important. I guess we don't see value in spiritual things. We want production. We want to make money. We want to build things we  can see. We don't think the spiritual impact on people is important. We are not in tune with our inner souls. And because woman might be more relational and might be more emotional, they see the value or at least feel the value and importance. But when God gets a hold of a man and breaks down those barriers, it is amazing the transformation. These hardened men (Simon called himself a sinner) would go on to flip a whole world and die for their faith. How do we reach men? They have to see it. They have to experience it. It isn't a matter of being taught, but transformed. Our discipleship groups engage people at the level where they can see Jesus make a difference. Until men can experience that, they will sit glumly in the pews, listening but not changing. Or not even attending.

PRAYER: Father, give us insight on how to reach more men with the impact of a relationship with Jesus. Use our lives, two or three at a time to change our world.

QT 29 Jan 2020, Luke 4:41, God has proved his existence by visiting us in human form

Luke 4:41 (ESV) — And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

NOTE: Clearly, Luke was intent on communicating the fact that Jesus was the Son of God, the Christ. If the demons had been wrong, would he had bother to mention it (more than once as we have already seen)? Jesus was the Son of God. He was not a son of God, but the Son of God. However that can be, he was God and he was a man at the same time. We cannot wrap our heads around the concept and it is certainly an issue for other religions, but in God's amazing complexity, he took the form of a man. God is one and yet also three persons. The second person in the trinity took human form. There is an argument that you cannot prove God, so therefore "God-solutions" should not be a part of science. But God proved himself to the world by actually coming down in human form. That is a whole lot better proof than the existence of dark matter or multi-universes (both ideas intended to fill the gap that science can't).

PRAYER: Father, the more I study, the more I am convinced of your proof. The world is a dark place and it is getting darker. It is hard to see your hand in such a sin-filled creation. But I am convinced. The end is coming -- how close, I do not know -- but you are coming to execute judgment soon.

QT 28 Jan 2020, Luke 4:32-34, God's word is the primary source of truth about life

Luke 4:32–34 (ESV) — 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

NOTE: This is at least the second passage where people were amazed at his teaching. Jesus' words possessed authority. What does that mean? Maybe, you knew that his word was true. You were convicted in your heart. Or even, you could not deny the facts. And what does Satan do, he distracts. I think that was the intent. But telling everyone that the person is God does not seem to help Satan's cause either. Jesus was God and he visited Earth 2000 years ago. He died for humanity, and he offers us freedom from slavery to sin. Today, we are attacking truth from every angle. But truth remains. The bible is the primary source of truth on how to live life. And someday, God will judge the entire world because they refused to believe and to repent of their sins.

PRAYER: Father, give me the right words to stand up for truth even within the rules and confines of society.

QT 27 Jan 2020, Luke 4:22,28, Kindness turns to wrath when we don't get our way

Luke 4:22 (ESV) — And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”

…

Luke 4:28 (ESV) — When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath.

NOTE: How quickly the  crowed changes. When they don't get their way, the same people who marveled at his gracious words were filled with wrath and ready to throw him off a cliff. A very fickle group, or maybe, a group more interested in getting their own way. We live in an evil world. It has always been evil. Sin rules our bodies. The scriptures say we are slaves. And even those who are set free, still struggle as Paul did, with the body, our human nature. The good news is that because of Jesus, a time will come for believers when we will be given new glorious bodies and we will be rid of the corrupted body we now own.

PRAYER: Father, I so look forward to that day. It is hard to look upon our sin-corrupted world these days. I pray for words and wisdom to share my faith in a manner pleasing to you.

QT 23 Jan 2020, Luke 4:12-13, Do the right thing

Luke 4:12–13 (ESV) — 12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

NOTE: Jesus answered every temptation of the Devil using the word of God, even while the enemy was misusing God's word to tempt him. A theme in my life is "do the right thing." Of course, sometimes it is easier to say that than to do it because figuring out what the right thing is, is not easy. Ultimately, we must apply God's word as Jesus did. We need to take the issue to God in prayer. If we still doubt, we need to seek the counsel of godly leaders. Finally, we need to just do it -- the right thing -- and let the chips fall where they may. God is in control of this very sinful world. It doesn't seem like it at times, but he promises to work for good in all things for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

PRAYER: Lord, help us to trust you and wait upon you. Give us eyes to see the good that you are bringing about. Help us also to be patient to see the good.

QT 22 Jan 2020, Luke 3:21-22, Our Jewish Gospels

Luke 3:21–22 (ESV) — 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

NOTE: This is where Jesus is symbolically given authority. God the Father and the God the Holy Spirit put their affirmation of approval on God the son. Just like the rabbis, who require two other persons with authority, Jesus is acknowledged with authority. Of course, God is sufficient in and of himself to establish his authority. But God, in essence, follows the Jewish tradition. Likewise, the baptism was not necessary, as John made it clear when Jesus came to him. But Jesus came to fulfill the law with his life, not to abolish it. Baptism was another step in fulfilling the law. He would abolish it with his death -- the regulations and commands were nailed to the cross. We are no longer under the OT law today. We live under grace and a new law, the law of Christ.

PRAYER: Father, we don't appreciate the Jewishness of the gospels. We don't understand them as we should. We interpret things in our western traditions. Open my eyes to those mistakes. Help me to see and understand the scriptures from your point of view.

QT 21 Jan 2020, Luke 3:12-13, We have a sin problem

Luke 3:12–13 (ESV) — Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.”

NOTE: John the Baptist's statement to the tax collectors can be summarized as "obey the law, don't try to get more than authorized." His statement to the soldiers, "don't abuse your authority." And his opening statement to all, "share with those who do not have what you have." It would seem an easy set of rules, but if we are honest with ourselves, it cuts to the heart. We all want to get more. We all want to assert our authority. We all struggle with sharing. The point of the warning is that we all have a sin problem and it should be obvious. We need help. We need Jesus.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the salvation I have in Jesus. He died in my place. He gave me his perfectness in your eyes. His death provided me the privilege to be adopted into the family of God. We are not all God's children, only those who believe in Jesus.

QT 20 Jan 2020, Luke 2:48, We need eyes to see beyond the obvious (or to see the real obvious)

Luke 2:48 (ESV) — And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”

NOTE: In Jesus mind, he was doing what was natural. He was in the temple, the place of his Father's name. He was completely at ease. In some sense, from a human perspective, he did not understand the worry his parents might have had. After all, what could possibly happen to him, unless God the father allowed it. He was at complete ease, but his parents were deeply distressed as they searched Jerusalem for three days. I wonder why it took three days. Where did they start? Did it even occur to them to start at the temple? Did someone mention to them that they saw Jesus in the temple courts? His earthly father was still alive, but it is his mother who speaks. And even though she is angry, scripture tells us that she was the one who treasured the story in her heart. That is a problem with men, we don't always see the spiritual. Unless we are attuned to God, we miss the obvious.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for opening my eyes to spiritual truths. I don't want to be dull. I want to see the world as you see it. I want to be completely at ease, trusting in your protection.

QT 16 Jan 20, Luke 2:17-19, Spend time pondering

Luke 2:17–19 (ESV) — 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

NOTE: I could do a little more pondering in my heart and a little less talking. Except, talking to the Father is good. I have learned a lot this week. And I do need to ponder the things I have learned. I need to rethink how I approach people in a post-Christian world. I need to properly balance my commitments. Mary pondered the events of her life. They were not easy. She faced ridicule from family and friends. She faced hard circumstances (the long ride and no housing). Life was not easy, and she pondered what God was doing.

PRAYER: Father, help to learn the right things from life events. Help me to know when to share things and when to shut up. Help me to care and love others, but also, not to go against the laws of the land (when they don't violate your law). I trust you that you are working good in this situation.

QT 15 Jan 20, Luke 2:1-3, God is always at work, and sometimes it discomforts us, that is, his work in others

Luke 2:1–3 (ESV) — 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

NOTE:  I know I have made this observation before in another QT note, but it is interesting how God shuffles a whole known world of people just to place the birth of his son in Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy. Of course, the other way of looking at it is that God knew Augustus would do this and so the prophecy just tells us what will take place. Either way it is extraordinary. I think what is missed is that the players (Joseph and Mary) experience hardship (travel, birth on the road, a stable for a room) without realizing the bigger picture of what God is doing. More so, all the other people moving around and being discomforted, did not know that this was to get one young girl moved to Bethlehem. And many would never know. It is easy to be cynical and not realize that God is at work. We just have no idea where or with whom he is working.

PRAYER: Father, I do not need to know what you are doing. But, I cannot forget that you are doing. You are working in the lives of individuals to bring the light of the gospel. I may be discomforted by the events, but whom am I to say your work in a young girl's life is not a good thing just because I am afflicted in some way.

QT 14 Jan 20, Luke 1:60-64, We have to trust God that he is working good behind the scenes

Luke 1:60–64 (ESV) — 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.

NOTE: Zechariah had communicated his story to Elizabeth. She knew he was to be called John. Interestingly, the relatives and husband had more control over the naming of children than today. Anyway, Zechariah writes and confirms the name is John, and his muteness is immediately gone. It must have been very hard to not say anything for nine months. It is one of many miracles that confirms God is doing something special at this time in history. It is a small story, and a small crowd of family witness it. But it is only one of hundreds of miracles performed before individuals and crowds in the following years. God uses miracles as place markers in history. Miracles are an intervention of God into history. I rather agree that most of the time, God does not interfere with history which is why we have so much difficulty believing in miracles. There have only been a few periods of history where miracles were prominent, the Exodus period, the time of Elijah and Elisha, and the beginning of the church age. For the most part, while miracles still do happen, they are rare, even in scripture. But one thing we do know from Romans 8:28, we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. He may not use miracles, but he quietly works to bring good out of the situations of our life.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that you are still working in life to bring good out of evil. I do pray that we would trust in your goodness and your power--that you can turn the wiles of evil persons into good things.

QT 13 Jan 20, Luke 1:52-53, The humility of the mother of God

Luke 1:52–53 (ESV) —

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

NOTE: Mary was a small town girl. She was not rich and she was not powerful. She didn't know the "right" people. But apparently, she had faith. And God favored her, not on the basis of works -- her righteousness was based on her faith. Her womb held the Holy One of God. Life would not be without struggles. Considering that her and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem suggests them estranged from their family at the time. I doubt anyone believed her story. Joseph didn't but he cared enough to settle the issue quietly.  Yet, she was honored in a manner far beyond what anyone would do or had seen in history. And she was humble.

PRAYER: Lord, humility is so difficult. The world traps us into comparisons and boasting. I don't want to live that way. I've been humbled this last week. I don't need to dig myself out. I need to enjoy my new perspective. Give me grace to live in a humble manner worthy of your name.

QT 9 Jan 20, Luke 1:16-17, Jesus is God

Luke 1:16–17 (ESV) — 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

NOTE: I had not noticed the  connection between verses 16 and 17. In verse 16, the angel tells Zechariah what John will do -- turn the Israelites back to their God. In verse 17, Luke says John will go before him. Who is the him? God is the him. Now, it could be that Luke is not referring to the person of Jesus, but rather the larger presence of God, but the construction, when read literally, does suggest that John goes before Jesus (God) to prepare the people for God's coming.

PRAYER: Father, we know from the gospel of John, the response of the leaders to Jesus' statements, and the letters of the Apostles that Jesus was God and claimed to be God. I pray for the lost, that they would understand the futility of their argument that Jesus was not God. Jesus was God in the flesh, no matter how incredible it might seem. Therefore, Jesus' words and actions need to be listened to.

QT 8 Jan 20, 2 Pet 3:15, Use these last days to grow

2 Peter 3:15 (ESV) — And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,

NOTE: I really like Wheaton's commentary,  "While God is waiting, He is both giving time for the unbeliever to be saved, and for the believer to be working out his salvation (cf. Phil. 2:12, 13) in terms of progress in sanctification.” God will complete his plan, but in the meantime, I need to be working out my salvation with fear and trembling. I am saved eternally and without doubt. But, God expects me to do good works which he has prepared in advance. There is a judgment coming for the believer -- it does not result in eternal punishment, but it is judgment none-the-less. For all God has done in saving me from Hell, what am I doing to show my thankfulness and appreciation? I want to earn a crown that I can cast in worship of the Savior.

PRAYER: Father, thank you so much for saving me from the muck of my existence. Thank you for opening my eyes to truth. Thank you for your gracious salvation.

QT 7 Jan 20, 2 Pet 3:12-13, Our incredible God

2 Peter 3:12–13 (ESV) — 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

NOTE: While the words could be interpreted to mean sky and earth, upon further reflection, the universe is more probable. I suppose I struggle with the universe being recreated because it seems unnecessary--we only messed up the earth and maybe a little of our solar system. The passage does reveal the enormous power of God. To recreate the entire universe is really beyond comprehension, literally incomprehensible and completely unmeasurable. In even trying to describe power and probability, we use numbers with so many zeros after, that it is better to call them zero (when the large number is in the denominator), and infinity (when the large number is the numerator). God is amazing.

PRAYER: Father, you are beyond our comprehension. And yet you make yourself known to the world through the person and work of Jesus Christ (I would also add your word, but Jesus is the word). And You make yourself more clearly known to the believer through the indwelling Holy Spirit. You are awesome, incomprehensible, transcendent, and yet knowable, our friend, brother, and Father.

QT 6 Jan 20, 2 Pet 3:10, A fresh start

2 Peter 3:10 (ESV) — But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

NOTE: The day of the Lord is coming. We may dismiss the supernatural but that does not change timeless truth. The verse could be written "… and then the sky will pass away rushingly, and the elements will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." This is a little closer to the Greek words and gives a much different view. Rather than recreating the universe, God recreates the earth in this verse. As for the "heavens," the Jews saw three heavens--the sky, the universe, and the abode of God, so there is some ambiguity on what a new heaven and a new earth will refer. Whatever, God will do something beautiful.

PRAYER: A new year is a new opportunity. It is like starting over. Father, help me to live for you this year with a stronger witness than last year. I want to be a light to the lost and an example of a godly man.

QT 3 Jan 20, 2 Pet 3:3, Scoffers are quite religious

2 Peter 3:3 (ESV) — knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.

NOTE: There have been scoffers throughout history, so understanding the phrase "last days" does seem difficult. But there certainly are more scoffers today than at any point in history. They think science gives them the evidence to be vocal in their disbelief, although for myself, science doesn't contradict my faith. I have found science to be a friend of faith. Evolution by random selection is an example. Mathematically, it is impossible to build a single cell by randomly adding parts that make up a cell. There is not enough time in the universe. Also, the unique cosmological constants that make up our physics are too finely tuned to be by chance. A slight deviation would make it impossible for anything to exist. Today scoffers answer these charges with a multi-universe theory (something that can not be proved). Why is that not a "God-in-the gaps" solution as the scoffers charge Christians for using the supernatural to explain the unknown? It is funny though--scoffers and atheists are religious.

PRAYER: Father, open our eyes to our foolishness. Help us to not be close minded to what we don't want to believe. Help us to consider rationally all ideas. Help us to see how you created the universe for good.

QT 3 Jan 20, 2 Pet 2:18-20, We need a new focus this year

2 Peter 2:18–19 (ESV) — 18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

NOTE: Whether or not the teacher is a true Christian (someone who truly put their faith and belief in Christ), there is a danger of teachers who mislead the body. These are men who are slaves of corruption, which means they have become enslaved to some sin. Heb 12:1 mentions a sin which besets (AV), and other versions say "clings so closely." We do all struggle with certain sins that are unique to us. I think the answer is found in the verse,

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:1-2 RSV)."

We have to lay aside or put off those sins. But putting off is usually not enough, you need to put something on to replace it. In this case, the author of Hebrews says to change our focus to Jesus and persevere in knowing him. How do we do that? The same way we change our focus in anything in life, we spend time doing things differently. How do we focus on Christ? We could start with his words since the bible calls Jesus the Word. Are we in the Word regularly? If not, then change your focus. Are we reading the Word daily? If not, then change your focus. Are we memorizing his Word as David did in Psalm 119:9-11? If not, then change your focus. Put off your old focus and put on a new focus.

PRAYER: Father, I know changing focus is not easy, but it is essential not to become enslaved by sin. Father, help me to make you the focus of my life -- to see you in every aspect -- and to live for you in all my endeavors. Forgive me for my sins, thank you for your forgiveness.

QT 2 Jan 20, 1 Pet 1:17b-19, It is still true today -- we can only share what we have seen

2 Peter 1:17b–19 (ESV) — 17b … and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

NOTE: Peter saw Jesus' life. He saw the miracles. He saw the death. He saw the resurrected Christ. And he heard the voice of the Father confirm that Jesus was his son. He did not recant his story and tradition tells us he too was crucified, this time by Caesar. He died because of what he witnessed. He did not make up a story. He had no reason to lie. He had every reason to die for his belief, because he had a greater reward confirmed by his life knowledge of the risen savior. You can fool the next generations, but you can't fool the eyewitnesses. They showed stronger commitment and belief than many believers display today -- because they knew the truth.

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for my unbelief. I allow the world to distort the truth. I know the risen savior, because he lives in my heart today. I did not get to see Jesus or his life, but I have seen Jesus change my life. I need to remember that and I need to communicate that.

QT 1 Jan 20, 2 Pet 2:12-14, We are called to be holy

2 Peter 2:12–14 (ESV) — 12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, 13 suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. 14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!

NOTE: We are not animals. We are rational and make decisions based on judgment, not feelings or bodily desires. We should be humble and recognize the things of which we really do not understand. We need to be very careful in regards to our desires -- many are the product of an evil nature, even among those in the church. I can see this today in the modern church of America, a church driven not by the Word of God but by the desires of the flesh.

PRAYER: Father, We are an incredibly sad example of Jesus Christ to our world. My heart breaks for my own sinful failures. I want to live a holy and disciplined life for my Lord. I can say 'no' to my body. I am no longer a slave to sin. Father, help me in this new year to be an example of godliness to those I touch.

QT 31 Dec 19, 2 Pet 2:9-10a, The dangers of listening to our 'body'

2 Peter 2:9–10a (ESV) — 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

NOTE: Lust is a great weakness. It wants us to succumb to our passions and throw off discipline in the pursuit of bodily 'needs.' We need to realize that there is a coming judgment upon the whole word for the unbridled living of life based on sensual needs and desires. We have become lazy and obese and sexually obsessed by listening to our evil nature, and then describing it as natural.

PRAYER: Father, there are certainly legitimate needs of our body, but our nature is so immersed in evil that, if we were honest, we would admit that we can not tell the difference between a legitimate need and a lustful passion. Open our eyes. May the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts and reveal our sin.

QT 30 Dec 19, 2 Pet 2:1, False teachers raise the body's desires above that of the Word of God

2 Peter 2:1–2 (ESV) — 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.

NOTE: Peter reveals a few characteristics of false teachers during the end times. False teachers will exist in the end times, they might even increase. They will introduce destructive new heresies. These are teachings that are not good for the body of Christ, such as the acceptance of gender identity or homosexuality within the body of Christ. They will encourage sensuality by teaching that our human body's drives are important and are revealing to us needs that must be fulfilled. It sounds good, but that kind of teaching encourages obesity, laziness, and sexual immorality. They will blaspheme the way of truth, which means that they will put outside-wisdom above the wisdom from God's word.

PRAYER: Father, protect me from such teachings. Help me in the new year to see the evil and to respond in a gracious manner.