Bible Chapter: Luke 12
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The hypocrisy of the Pharisees. They acted like they were something that they weren’t. The were fakes. To see them would make one believe they were very close to God. In reality they were only playing a game. Jesus warned that everything will some day be revealed. That concept might have been difficult to grasp 2,000 years ago. Today we can easily understand how the things that we think are secret will be shown to all. We are used to having someone somewhere with a video camera capturing events for all to see. This is an important warning. The lies of the tempter tell us that we will get away with it and no one will know. God’s video recording system sees in the dark.
This leads to a warning of who we really are to fear. It has nothing to do with the conveniences of life here on earth, but the One who can punish our sins for all eternity.
This chapter contains the well-known parable of the rich fool who thought he had enough money to live for a long time so he could party. God told him that night he would stand before God, and then who would get all his stuff? Priorities. What is most important? We have lived in a very materialistic world that is impressed with the biggest collection of stuff. Jesus taught that the spiritual and eternal preparation is most important. Those who neglect getting their heart right with God will lose it all. Verse 20, “You fool”. Verse 21 “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Putting our own desires first always brings problems. Priorities, put God first.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Don’t let worry control me. Put my trust in God. I must continually recognize that I am totally dependent on God for everything. I can easily look at my own resources, but I must realize that nothing is permanent and God is the only dependable source.
Verse 35 says we are to “Be dressed and ready for service . . .” We are to be prepared to serve God and go with Him when He returns. When Jesus left this earth the angels said that He would return to take His followers to be with Him. It has been 2,000 years and many scoff at the concept. In God’s perspective, 2,000 years is nothing. We are to still be actively serving the Lord and ready for His coming. The signs of His coming are more and more evident. Jesus said some servants would be faithful, some unfaithful. I must be one of the faithful ones. Especially with how crazy the world is getting these days, heaven is looking better and better.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help people by being the real thing regarding being a Christian. The fakes are standing out more and more. The world needs to see that there are real people who actually live the life. People need to see that it is possible to live Godly in this crazy world. This is why I like Philippians 4:9. “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me, everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” NLT
Paul said they could know how to live for Jesus by looking at him. It is not conceit to say the same. We all should be able to say that, look at me to know how to live as a Christian.
I also can help people by learning from the rich fool. I can help people see that “he who dies with the most toys wins” is not correct. That should be said, “he who dies with the most toys, still dies”. It is not the accumulation of wealth that makes the difference, but the connection with Jesus. Actually the winner is, “He/she who dies with Jesus in his/her heart”.
Bible Chapter: Luke 11
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A very important request from the disciples - Lord, teach us to pray. Jesus responded and taught them. He continued by teaching them about the importance of persistence in prayer. He said we are to ask, seek and knock. We are to come to our heavenly Father expecting to hear His response (praying in faith). Keep on praying. Keep on praying. Keep on praying. I need to hear this over and over and I need to keep on praying. I don’t think we pray enough. History has shown that prayer is one key ingredient to all great moves of God.
Jesus taught a key principle to the growth and strength of His Kingdom. We must be living and working in unity. A house divided against itself will fall. In the ongoing spiritual battle against evil we must remain united in Christ. When Christians can’t get along, when they bicker over little things, they give victory to the enemy. There is a constant battle. We see evidence of this in the last few verses of the chapter. The religious folks opposed Jesus fiercely and worked, waiting to catch Him in some kind of a mistake they could use to attack Him. The battle is ongoing and nasty. It is getting worse. We see continued attacks today. Especially believers in the public eye will find people sitting and watching, waiting to pounce. We must work hard to serve in unity, for God’s glory, so that we will grow stronger and see God’s work grow.
Jesus spoke woe to the Pharisees who love the most important seats in the synagogue. They had to have the most important places because they thought they were the most important. This goes along with the thought of unity. People who think they are more important and put themselves above others help to cause strife and disunity. We are all necessary in God’s plan and work.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Keep on praying. The Bible is very clear throughout that there is power in prayer. The battle is fought in prayer. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray they realized how important it is. I find it so easy to do anything but pray. I also find great power and a sense of the presence of God when I pursue in prayer. Jesus taught us to not give up. The asking, seeking and knocking are necessary for spiritual growth and strength. God’s power is available to drive out the powers of evil.
Let the Bible influence every part of life. Let it direct my desires to want to do what it says. As the Bible enters a person’s life it produces growth and God’s blessings. If I am not open to what it says to receive it, the Bible will have no effect on me. If the Bible has no effect on me, I am on my way to failure.
3. How can I help someone?
When I know of a need, actually pray for people, not just talk about it. Many have given testimony of feeling the impact of people’s prayers for them. That comes because someone actually prayed for them. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. I must put that into practice. I can also help people by seeing that I do all I can to promote unity among believers. I must help God’s Kingdom to stand.
Bible Chapter: Luke 10
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Rejoice. Rejoice over what? Rejoice that God has given spiritual power? Rejoice that people are taking notice of what happens at church? No, rejoice that your name is written in God’s book in heaven. To know for sure that you are forgiven and headed for eternity with the Lord is the greatest thing possible. Jesus said to rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Whenever I am part of a funeral, the greatest part is when I know that the person had received Jesus as their personal Savior and was prepared to leave this life and meet the Lord. Nothing else compares in value to having assurance of our eternal home. That is where our comfort is found. That gives us hope to carry on.
When questioned about this thought of eternal life, Jesus responded with discussing what was written in the law. The response was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength; and to love your neighbor as yourself. Anyone who truly loves God that much will love their neighbor and apply biblical truths in life. The one who was questioning Jesus was looking for an excuse to get by with less. Luke records that he wanted to justify himself, so he asked the question, “Who is my neighbor?”. People who want to justify themselves rather than obey God are always looking for an excuse. That simply won’t work with God. He won’t change His rules for anyone.
In response to the question Jesus told the story of The Good Samaritan. It’s not enough to have religious knowledge and experience, we must put God’s truth in to action. This action will usually be inconvenient and cost something.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Jesus asked who was the neighbor to the man robbed in the parable. The response was the one who had mercy. Jesus responded, “Go and do likewise”. The story of The Good Samaritan is a practical example of how to help and show the love of Jesus. I need to keep this in mind so I can apply it in life.
I also must always rejoice that my name is written in heaven. I know this is the most important thing in life. Sometimes I can get busy or tired and other things seem more important. I need to remember what Jesus said to Martha at the end of the chapter. Luke 10:41-42 NLT
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Devotion to and fellowship with the Lord is most important. Out of this will come the works I need to do. This is a good lesson in priorities.
3. How can I help someone?
If I will apply what I wrote in question 2, I will be helping people.
Bible Chapter: Luke 9
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jesus said He would suffer and be rejected, and then He would be killed. He then said that those who follow Him must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Him. The cross is a place of sacrifice. Jesus didn’t have it easy while He was here on earth. He had no place to lay His head (v. 58). Serving Jesus requires sacrifice. If we give up our own desires and follow whatever the cost, we will gain real life and spend eternity with the Lord. What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul? If you have billions and trillions of dollars, some day you will leave it all behind and stand before God the same as the poorest person in the world. No one can earn or buy eternity with Jesus.
Jesus challenged His hearers to look at their perspective. If their only focus is gaining more material possessions or fame, if they are ashamed of Jesus, they will gain nothing. I believe that we will be amazed in heaven at those who have gained the most reward and have done the most for Jesus. Real life is found in turning our backs on our own desires, then seeking and living God’s will for our lives. Jesus never said, “Oh, good, we need more billionaires in heaven. Come on in.”
Jesus said greatness was welcoming the weak in His name. The modern world has confused greatness. Serving and helping is greatness in God’s eyes. It has nothing to do with having the most followers on Twitter.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This chapter has more illustrations of faith and the miraculous. It seems like ever chapter in the gospels has something miraculous. The supernatural was a common theme in the daily life of Jesus. Jesus often chided His followers for a lack of faith. He wants all who claim Him as Savior to be continually growing in faith. Included in that faith is a clear confession of Jesus as the Savior and living sacrificially for God’s glory.
I need to be continually reminded of God’s definition of greatness. He is not impressed with anything done according to the world’s style or perspective.
3. How can I help someone?
Live sacrificially so others receive the benefit. Not only confess Christ, but live the life. I find myself often, when I get to this question, being reminded of the order of things. We used to sing a chorus: Jesus and Others and You, what a wonderful way to spell JOY.
Jesus first, then others, then you (me). Love is unselfish and the most enjoyable people to be around are unselfish.
Bible Chapter: Luke 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Of the many events covered in this chapter, one phrase from the beginning jumped out to me. Jesus went around proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom. That says volumes. There really is good news for people to hear. The good news has nothing to do with politics or jobs or the economy. Talking about what God has done, what He will do, really is good news, it is the best news. It is good news because of the powerful personal impact it makes on all who receive it. God gives hope and strength throughout life to His followers. Even when it feels like we want to give up, He is there to help us.
Jesus told the parable of the farmer who spread seed for a crop. Not all of it produced a good crop, but some of it did. The application of the parable tells us that some people hear about the good news of Jesus and they don’t believe. Some believe and then abandon their belief when problems and trials come. Some let riches and pleasure take over (we live in a pleasure hungry and materialistic society). The ones who receive and let the good news take root in their lives have the benefits change their lives. This parable illustrates that there really is a battle for our eternal souls that doesn’t quit once we receive Jesus. Often the battle increases in intensity. But, it is worth it to persevere because you can’t beat God’s retirement plan. It is easy to let the worries of life take over. We need to let God take care of things, for worry doesn’t change the outcome.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Luke 9 tells several stories of the supernatural power of God flowing through Jesus. These include calming a storm, delivering a demon-possessed person and raising a dead girl. Every time Jesus did something miraculous, He didn’t make a big deal of it. It was what He came to do. He wasn’t looking to increase the crowd that followed Him. He told the delivered man to go home and tell what God had done for him. Jesus wasn’t trying to increase His popularity, for He told the parents of the resurrected girl to not say anything. The miraculous was a normal part of Jesus’ life. I believe it needs to be a normal part of the life of the church. In verse 25 Jesus asked His disciples, “Where is your faith?”. The closer we grow to HIM the more our faith will increase. I really do have good news to tell people, good news of what Jesus accomplished on the cross and the resurrection. Jesus called us all to be spiritual farmers, planting and harvesting seed.
3. How can I help someone?
The Bible gives examples of people who had faith for other people’s needs. Not everyone has faith to trust God for their needs. My trust and confidence in God needs to grow. Keep reading the Bible and praying and growing spiritually. That will help others.
Bible Chapter: Luke 7
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Luke 7 includes one of the amazing passages of the Bible. There was a man known as John the Baptist whose main calling in life was to be the person who pointed people to Jesus. John preached and gained a following. Then, at the proper time, he pointed everyone to Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the whole world. John was so confident of the truths of God that he was not afraid to tell the all-powerful political leader that he was sinning. And yet, in a time of hard battle and discouragement, he send friends to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
What jumps out to me is that anyone can face a battle and struggle with questions. Jesus didn’t get upset because John asked a question. Jesus answered the question. We can all face hard times and struggles. Jesus doesn’t have a problem with that because the battle is hard and nasty at times. We must keep our focus in the midst of the struggles and receive the answers that Jesus will give. Even when it life seems impossible, we must keep focusing on the eternal promises of the Lord. I love the old song, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus”.
The ending section of this chapter gives hope to all. There was a woman who is identified as a “sinner” who received forgiveness from her sins. She knew it was real and showed great appreciation for the deliverance from her sins. The Pharisees knew who she was and looked down on her. The reason this gives hope is that the world is full of sinners. Any sinner can come to Jesus and receive forgiveness and experience the new life offered by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This chapter includes powerful testimonies of faith. As I go through the spiritual battles of life I must not let them destroy my faith. I must learn more about the authority Jesus talked about and learn to use faith and authority in the way God planned and that pleases Him. I need to continue seeking to know HIM more and grow in my confidence that God does everything well. As I have struggles and doubts I must keep my focus on WHO Jesus is, on His character and nature, reminding myself that He will never go against who He is.
3. How can I help someone?
In life I, and most of us, meet sinners all the time. I have met people who think they have done too many bad things for God to forgive. The story of the sinful woman here is a good reminder that Jesus is open to forgive all who will acknowledge their need and receive His gift of eternal life. I need to help people see the amazing love of Jesus to forgive. At the same time, I cannot compromise and say that sin doesn’t matter. Yes, Jesus forgives, but He also judges sin. Sin separates us from God. Forgiveness restores the relationship. Jesus said in John 3:17-18 NKJV
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
It is our responsibility to believe, it is God’s responsibility to forgive when we believe.
Bible Chapter: Luke 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Jesus talked about the kind of fruit that a tree produces. When an apple tree is planted, it will produce apples, not bananas. What is in the inside, what is in the genetic makeup will determine what comes out. So, apple trees produce peaches, no, apples. Verse 45 makes the application to people. The heart is the source of what comes out. A person with good in their heart will produce good. The good comes from what God does in shaping His followers. Evil people produce evil. The question is often asked after some horrendous crime, “How could they do something like that?” The answer is found in verse 45. “The evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.” Sin comes from a sinful heart. I like the saying, “When you are bumped, what is inside will come out”.
The fruit analogy leads up to a discussion about buildings. What makes for a strong building? It starts with the foundation. Any building requires a good foundation. This is even more true for buildings build in places that face conditions that will make is fall. Buildings constructed in cold climates need deep foundations to get below the frost line or they will heave and collapse in winter. Houses in hurricane areas need special construction to make them stand and not blow apart. Jesus said that foolish people build their houses (lives) on sand. When the hard times come they crash. Those who build their lives on what Jesus taught give themselves a solid foundation for the trials they will face. Jesus asked a pointed question in verse 46, Why do you call me Lord and don’t do what I say? That needs to challenge everyone claiming to be a Christian. A solid biblical foundation for life will make that life strong.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I need to strive to produce good fruit. I need to strive to keep my heart pure. It is important to be careful what I allow to enter my heart to keep it pure. It is very easy to compromise regarding what people think on, what they entertain themselves with, which fills their heart with lots of bad stuff. When I am faithful and obedient to the Bible, I will produce good fruit and have a good foundation.
This chapter also includes a well known verse, verse 38. Jesus encourages generosity. Give and it will be given. No, we shouldn’t give with the thought that it will make us rich. As we give, God provides. As God provides, we are able to continue to give. Give so you can give. A very interesting principle. Generous people are much more desirable to be near than stingy ones. This has nothing to do with wanting them to give me something, they just have a better attitude and demeanor about them.
3. How can I help someone?
The more that my heart is filled with eternity, the more I will be able to help people, because I will have something that makes a difference. So, I need to work to keep a steady supply of eternity in my heart. This will produce good fruit.
