A Little Peace

Jesus gave us the gift of peace. In John 14:27 he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

So, why do I have trouble feeling at peace? It’s the holiday season and the to do list is long. There are often big expectations at this time. Turn on your computer and there is little in your news feed to feel peace about. War, threat of disasters, crime, things damaging your health, the list goes on and on.

I think we have to remember that peace, like salvation and grace, is a gift of God. We must choose to receive his gifts. For me, at this time in my life, that means having a peace practice. I try to start my day with prayer, going over the different things that I need God’s intervention in. Then, sometime in the afternoon, I try to stop whatever I am doing and sit down and breathe deeply. I try to mentally push away all that needs to be done and picture an open landscape. I spend a few minutes in quiet just feeling that open space, remembering that the Holy Spirit lives in me and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor. 3:17

This is what’s helping me right now. I hope you also find more of God’s peace!

Thought Question:

Brainstorm some ideas that will help you connect to God’s peace.

Seeking Some Good Advice

When we are dealing with a problem, some good advice can really help us navigate through it successfully. In Luke 11, Jesus has a lot of good advice for us in living a spiritual life. Let’s look at some of it.

It’s amazing how Jesus uses everyday things to make us think. For example, Luke 11:33 says, “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” Think of a beautiful stained glass window, when it’s dark it doesn’t look like much but when light is coming through it, it is a work of art! Jesus is pointing out here that we are the light. God wants our lives to be the light, the hope, in the midst of the troubles of this world. When we look at our choices, even our everyday attitude in light of this, it changes our perspective. God wants to shine through us to display his glory!

Later in the chapter, Jesus gets very exasperated with the Pharisees. He tells them “…you ignore the most important duty of all: to walk in the love of God. Readjust your values and place first things first.” vs 42b TPT He mentions all the little things they are concentrating on and how they are ignoring the main point. Isn’t that true of us? We let traffic upset us so much, some little thing someone said without thinking, or our own agenda take our mind off of “walking in the love of God”. First things first. What good advice to start our day with!

Thought Question:

What are some ways that I can keep these ideas before me this week?

Prayer 101

Jesus prayed….a lot! He prayed right after his baptism (Luke 3:21). He would go into the wilderness to pray (Luke 5:16), he even spent all night praying at times! (Luke 6:12) I’m sure his apostles noticed how much Jesus prayed and so they ask him, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Now we’ve heard many lessons and even formulas for how we should pray. But we, too, can struggle with prayer. We pray and pray and can feel unheard and even frustrated. What if there isn’t a magic formula? What if the problem is that our focus is in the wrong place? What if what Jesus is trying to teach the apostles and us is a shift in our attitudes to one of utter dependence on God?

Jesus begins his prayer with “Father”, he starts with intimacy. God wants an intimate relationship with us. “Hallowed be…” he acknowledges the power of God.
”Your kingdom come” I’m willing to submit to your will. May your will be most important in my life.
”daily bread” I put my needs before you. I am trusting in you.
”Forgive us and lead us not into temptation” I still struggle, Lord I can’t do this myself. I am dependent on you!

When it comes down to it, we just need to spend time talking to God, even when we don’t know what to say. Remembering that the Holy Spirit is interceding for us and helping us in our weakness. (Romans 8:26-27)

Thought Question:

What difference will it make in your prayer life this week if you approach it from a different attitude and perspective?

Sitting and Listening

Our lesson this week was the story of Mary and Martha, recorded in Luke 10:38-42. If we were to put ourselves in this situation, we can understand how Martha was so concerned about the comfort of her guests and all the preparations that needed to be done. This is our everyday life and all our “to do” lists. But when we zoom out and look at the big picture of this story, we realize what Jesus is saying, “…Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

What we choose to think about, what we focus on, is so important! So many times we don’t realize where our mind is running off to or what our motivations are. Was Martha worried about what others would think of their party? Was she just feeling cut off from the guests? Did she want to call attention to all that she was doing and how seemingly superior she was? But Jesus defended Mary. She had chosen to sit at his feet and listen.

It is so easy for us to get distracted from being still and listening to Jesus. There are so many things to do! Important things. Good things. This story points out that our priorities are out of order.

Colossians 3:15-17 states, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Sitting at Jesus’ feet isn’t about a “to do” list, it’s about growing in our faith, intimacy with God, remembering our identity and letting the peace of Christ rule in us!

Thought Question:

What are some current things that are distracting you from sitting at the feet of Jesus?

Love that's Over and Beyond

In Luke 10, an expert in the law comes to Jesus to ask what he needs to do to be saved. Jesus answered, “ What do the scriptures say?” The man answers correctly about loving God and loving your neighbor. But still he wants more and asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers him with the story of the “good Samaritan.”

Through this story we learn that love is…

• Treating others the way you want to be treated. No one thinks that the robbers were the heros of the story or that anyone would want to be treated this way.

• More than claiming to be religious. The religion of the priest and the Levite did not help the man at all. They passed on by!

• Not prejudiced! Luke tells that a Samaritan (one who was looked down on in so many ways) was the one to stop and help. Luke keeps emphasizing that the gospel is for all!

• Extravagant! Love goes over and beyond the call of duty.

Jesus tells the man, “Go and do likewise.” We need to speak Jesus in this loving way! Think of the difference this would make in our relationships, in our work places and in the world.

Thought Question:

How can I be more extravagant in showing the love of Jesus?

High Yield Investments

Jesus knew how powerful a good investment was. In the parable of the sower he commented on the seed that fell on good soil that, “It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” Luke 8:8 Now that’s a good investment!

Jesus invested in people. When he was choosing his apostles, he stayed up all night praying. He spent years teaching and guiding them.

Jesus wanted his apostles and us to make the same investment. In Matt. 6:33 he says, “Seek first (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given you as well.” But he didn’t want them to just invest in him but others also. He sent them out to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God. He wanted them to love on others and share the good news to make the world a better place!

We know what this investment cost Jesus. It will cost us also. He asks us not to just follow our own selfish desires but to follow him and look to serving and loving others!

Thought Question:

What is one way I can invest in someone else and show them the love of Jesus this week?

Storms in our Lives

We live in Louisiana and we are well acquainted with storms. We dealt with Hurricane Ida last year. This year seemed like a calm one and then Hurricane Ian hit Florida with a vengeance. Storms are a reality in our lives, also. In Luke chapter 8, a storm came up and the apostles were afraid. Why? Because their focus was on the storm not on the one they had in the boat with them. When Jesus dealt with the storm, the Bible says, “All was calm.”

Storms are plentiful in this chapter as well as in our lives. Jesus soon meets a man that is being tormented by demons. Jesus speaks with him and casts the demons out. The man is able to live a completely different life because of what Jesus did for him.

Satan does his best to torment us, also. He brings in the demons of low self esteem, pride, anxiety, fear, worry and temptation. We need so badly to speak Jesus over the recurring storm of demons in our life! Mark DeJesus in his book, “Exposing the Rejection Mindset” talks about I John 4:18 where the Bible tells us that perfect love drives out fear. He says, “When John writes (this) it is the same language that is used when Jesus cast out demons.” That same power that Jesus used then, he wants to work in us!

And finally in this chapter, Jesus has to deal with the storms of sickness and death. These are also realities in our lives. Psalm 23:3 tells us, “he refreshes our soul.” We must remember where to put our trust, our focus especially through those terrifying storms!

Thought Question:

What is one storm in your current life that you need to speak Jesus over?

The Good News is for All

Jesus spoke of the Good News of the Kingdom of God and it was for everyone! He told a story (parable) of a sower going out to sow seed and he spread that seed freely, everywhere. However, that seed did not actually produce everywhere. Some fell along the path and the birds ate it, others fell on rocky ground and the plants quickly died out because of lack of water, Others fell among thorns and weeds and were choked out. And finally, some fell on good soil and greatly produced!

Jesus tells us that the seed is the word of God and the soils are our hearts. Some people may be completely resistant to God but even those who are not have different seasons and circumstances in their lives. Have you ever read a book at one time in your life and been completely bored with it and years later picked it up again and was so moved by it? I have!

Maybe the word of God has been choked out in your life by all the demands you have at work or in your family. Maybe at a younger age you looked at life differently and see it through different eyes now. Maybe a one time you were excited and devoted to God but you just drifted away.

The word of God has great power when it is received with an open heart. “Every part of scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another- showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.” 2 Timothy 3:16 MSG

Give God a chance to speak into your life and see what he can do!

Thoughts for reflection:

When was the last time you tried to look at God’s word from a different perspective? Maybe reading a different version. Maybe reading a book by a Christian author. Ask God for a new way to see Him and his way.

Loving Jesus

It is easy to talk about those that you love. The woman in Luke 7 risked ridicule to be near Jesus and express her love. Why did she do that? She realized that she needed Jesus’ acceptance and forgiveness. And Jesus did forgive her and told her to go in peace. How precious to be blessed by him in this way!

How can we express our love for Jesus?

We first have to open ourselves to his love for us and accept that. James 4:6 tells us that we need to “come near to God and he will come near to you.” Next, we can follow Jesus and his teaching. He wants the best for us, not to shame us or belittle us. Let him speak into your life.

We need to speak of our love for Jesus. Literally pray out loud and tell him of your love for him! And finally, spread the love of Jesus to others. Make a difference with love and kindness in your corner of the world. “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34, 35

Thought Question:

What is one kindness, one loving thing that I can do this week to show my love for Jesus?

Miracles, Management and Mercy

In Luke 7, the centurion was looking for a miracle. And isn’t that what we all want when we are praying to God about our problems! But sometimes, that is not God’s answer.

How do we deal with it? Looking at the chapter, we see that John the Baptist is in prison and is struggling with his faith. God doesn’t send an angel to deliver him. Is that because he had weak faith? No! Jesus says, “Among those born of women there is no one greater than John…” Sometimes, God just gives us the strength or the ability to manage life. Paul talks about this, “Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12:7-10

Okay but what happens when I don’t get a miracle and I’m not even managing so well?!? That’s when we come before the throne of God for his mercy and ask for him to throw his arms of love around us and give us strength!

So then, we must cling in faith to all we know to be true. For we have a magnificent King-Priest, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathizes with us in our frailty. He understands humanity, for as a man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. So now we draw near freely and boldly to where grace is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. Hebrews 4:14-16 TPT

From the Inside Out

In Luke 6 we are told the story of the wise and foolish builders. The difference between these 2 are whether they put the words of the Lord into practice.

Luke 6:45 states, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Who we are on the inside determines what we do on the outside. The word of God is the medicine for the heart that we need. When we let the love that God has for us truly penetrate our minds and our hearts then we can love him in return and begin to truly live out our faith. We can break agreement in walking with Satan and live from the word of God in our heart.

God is clear on the importance of our hearts. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” If we are going to speak Jesus… in doing good to others, loving our enemies. turning away from sin, we must start on the inside and let the words and the actions flow outward!

Thought question: In what area does God need to heal your heart to enable you to walk more closely with him?

Prayer & People

Jesus knew how important it was to bathe his ministry in prayer. He knew that having quiet moments with God was critical. Luke 5:16 says,” But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Jesus was all about people, seeking their best, showing them mercy. He sacrificed his safety and comfort to be among the people. He sacrificed his heart to offer us forgiveness and salvation. People have the choice to reject him but still he offers mercy.

Thought Questions:

When was the last time you found a few moments away from all the demands and distractions of your life to really connect with God?

Are you offering others the mercy of Jesus in your daily life? during your commute? when you are in a hurry? when you have had a long day? Speak Jesus!

All In

Luke 5:4, 5 Jesus told the fisherman to let down their nets after they had been fishing all night. Simon seems weary as he tells Jesus that they had caught nothing but he goes on to say, “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” He was willing to take a risk because of Jesus’ request.

In Galations 2:20 Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ: and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” In other words he was saying, “I am ALL IN with Christ.”

Thought Questions:

What about you? Are you willing to take a risk at Jesus’ request? Are you willing to say and live out being ALL IN for God?

Can't Please Everyone

The temptation of people pleasing is so difficult. No one wants to deal with rejection. But even Jesus had to deal with it. Even early in his ministry, people rejected his message at times.

We need to remember that it is more important to please God than people. in Galations 1:10TPT, Paul says, “I’m obviously not trying to flatter you or water down my message to be popular with men, but my supreme passion is to please God. For if all I attempt to do is please people, I would fail to be a true servant of Christ.

We must stay focused and keep doing good. It is important to take time away from others (as Jesus did) and spend time with God, listening intently to him. We need to recharge!

“ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

— Hebrews 13:20,21

Thought Question

How do you deal with the temptation of people pleasing?