Weekly Challenge: Evaluate your worldly focus in your every day life: are you letting the
negativity in the world bring you down, or are you looking to Jesus for your
security and hope? Make a conscious effort this week to let your light shine
in a dark world by changing the direction of a negative “world” conversation
towards the hope we have in Christ.
Memory Verse: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Luke 21:33
Read: Luke 21:1-4
SOAP: Luke 21:3-4
Faith is all about risk and uncertainty. The widow gave out of faith, not knowing where her next meal would come from. When was the last time I sacrificed something for Christ? I must respond to the Spirit's leading, knowing that He may call me to sacrifice and risk my own well-being for His glory.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Week 4: Friday
Read: Luke 20:41-47
SOAP: Luke 20:46-47
The long robes trumpeted the wearer as a devout and noted scholar. These scribes sought out public opportunities to gain attention. They wanted display, prominence, and money. How is this different from unbelievers? These men who practically had the Bible memorized still had the same goals and ambitions that lost people had. This danger still occurs today - Christians who have absolutely no distinction from the unbelievers around them. Doing and seeking the very same things. Father, help me realize that my faith is about YOU, not about ME.
SOAP: Luke 20:46-47
The long robes trumpeted the wearer as a devout and noted scholar. These scribes sought out public opportunities to gain attention. They wanted display, prominence, and money. How is this different from unbelievers? These men who practically had the Bible memorized still had the same goals and ambitions that lost people had. This danger still occurs today - Christians who have absolutely no distinction from the unbelievers around them. Doing and seeking the very same things. Father, help me realize that my faith is about YOU, not about ME.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Week 4: Thursday
Read: Luke 20:27-40
SOAP: Luke 20:38
Once again, the Sadducees are attempting to trap Jesus in His words. They did not believe in angels, so Jesus exposed another one of their false beliefs. It's easy to lose our grip of eternity in heaven. We get caught up thinking that our earthly experiences are all we have to look forward to. In heaven, we will finally be with God, our maker, and worship Him forever. I think this passage indicates that earthly relationships will be meaningless by comparison to our relationship with God. Here is another commentator's remarks:
SOAP: Luke 20:38
Once again, the Sadducees are attempting to trap Jesus in His words. They did not believe in angels, so Jesus exposed another one of their false beliefs. It's easy to lose our grip of eternity in heaven. We get caught up thinking that our earthly experiences are all we have to look forward to. In heaven, we will finally be with God, our maker, and worship Him forever. I think this passage indicates that earthly relationships will be meaningless by comparison to our relationship with God. Here is another commentator's remarks:
The intimacy we experience here on earth is a symbol of a reality we will experience in glory. The joy a married couple finds in their union will not be taken away, but will be multiplied, as we experience a closeness with others that is beyond us here and now.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Week 4: Wednesday
Read Luke 20:19-26
SOAP Luke 20:23-25
These spies that approached Jesus were deliberately trying to trap him with their questions. They wanted to catch him opposing Caesar. But Jesus geniusly maneuvers around their trap by telling them to give to Caesar whatever belongs to him and to God what belongs to Him. This is another proof that Christ had not come to stir up political trouble. He came to set up his spiritual kingdom. The literal kingdom would come much later. God's timing was perfect.
SOAP Luke 20:23-25
These spies that approached Jesus were deliberately trying to trap him with their questions. They wanted to catch him opposing Caesar. But Jesus geniusly maneuvers around their trap by telling them to give to Caesar whatever belongs to him and to God what belongs to Him. This is another proof that Christ had not come to stir up political trouble. He came to set up his spiritual kingdom. The literal kingdom would come much later. God's timing was perfect.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Week 4: Tuesday
Read Luke 20:9-18
SOAP Luke 20:17-18
The Parable of the Tenants has several characters.
Owner of the vineyard = God
the owner's servants = Old Testament prophets.
tenants = Jewish leaders
cornerstone/owner's son = Jesus Christ
heirs of the vineyard = Gentiles and outcasts who accept Christ
The audacity of the Jewish leaders is clear as they respond to Jesus, saying, "Surely not!" How dare the owner of the vineyard make Gentiles and outcasts heirs! They were not the promised nation - the Jews were. This passage reveals the heart of God again: an unwillingness for anyone to perish. I'm so grateful He made salvation available to ALL men, not just the Jews.
SOAP Luke 20:17-18
The Parable of the Tenants has several characters.
Owner of the vineyard = God
the owner's servants = Old Testament prophets.
tenants = Jewish leaders
cornerstone/owner's son = Jesus Christ
heirs of the vineyard = Gentiles and outcasts who accept Christ
The audacity of the Jewish leaders is clear as they respond to Jesus, saying, "Surely not!" How dare the owner of the vineyard make Gentiles and outcasts heirs! They were not the promised nation - the Jews were. This passage reveals the heart of God again: an unwillingness for anyone to perish. I'm so grateful He made salvation available to ALL men, not just the Jews.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Week 4: Monday
Week Four
Memory Verse: He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive. Luke 20:38
Weekly Challenge: Jesus claims authority in every area of our lives. Think and pray about areas in your life that you are reluctant to give over to Him. Then pray that God would gently open your hands and show you that He knows what is best and will therefore do what is best.
Read: Luke 20:1-8
SOAP: Luke 20:7-8
Jesus knew that the priests, scribes and elders intended to trap him with their questions. They were not the least bit sincere in their search for the truth. This spirit of accusation is alive and well today in the hearts of skeptics. Jesus knows the difference between the critic and the heart that is really seeking the truth. I pray that I will approach every doubt and question with an open heart of faith.
Memory Verse: He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive. Luke 20:38
Weekly Challenge: Jesus claims authority in every area of our lives. Think and pray about areas in your life that you are reluctant to give over to Him. Then pray that God would gently open your hands and show you that He knows what is best and will therefore do what is best.
Read: Luke 20:1-8
SOAP: Luke 20:7-8
Jesus knew that the priests, scribes and elders intended to trap him with their questions. They were not the least bit sincere in their search for the truth. This spirit of accusation is alive and well today in the hearts of skeptics. Jesus knows the difference between the critic and the heart that is really seeking the truth. I pray that I will approach every doubt and question with an open heart of faith.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Week 3: Friday
Read Luke 19:45-48
SOAP Luke 19:45-46
I read a commentary on this passage that I really liked. I have attached the comments below.
The court of the Gentiles was the only place in the temple that was available to the Gentiles. There the Jews could witness to their “pagan” neighbors and tell them about the one true and living God. But instead of being devoted to evangelism, the area was used for a “religious marketplace” where Jews from otherlands could exchange money and purchase approved sacrifices. The priests managed this business and made a good profit from it. Instead of praying for the people, the priests were preying on the people! The temple was not a “house of prayer” (Isa. 56:7); it was a “den of thieves” (Jer. 7:11). Campbell Morgan reminds us that a “den of thieves” is a place where thieves run to hide after they have committed their wicked deeds. The religious leaders were using the services of the holy temple to cover up their sins (see Isa. 1:1–20). But before we condemn them too harshly, have we ever gone to church and participated in religious worship just to give people the impression that we were godly?
Good thought.
SOAP Luke 19:45-46
I read a commentary on this passage that I really liked. I have attached the comments below.
The court of the Gentiles was the only place in the temple that was available to the Gentiles. There the Jews could witness to their “pagan” neighbors and tell them about the one true and living God. But instead of being devoted to evangelism, the area was used for a “religious marketplace” where Jews from otherlands could exchange money and purchase approved sacrifices. The priests managed this business and made a good profit from it. Instead of praying for the people, the priests were preying on the people! The temple was not a “house of prayer” (Isa. 56:7); it was a “den of thieves” (Jer. 7:11). Campbell Morgan reminds us that a “den of thieves” is a place where thieves run to hide after they have committed their wicked deeds. The religious leaders were using the services of the holy temple to cover up their sins (see Isa. 1:1–20). But before we condemn them too harshly, have we ever gone to church and participated in religious worship just to give people the impression that we were godly?
Good thought.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Week 3: Thursday
Read Luke 19:28-44
SOAP Luke 19:40-44
The unbelief of Jerusalem is heartbreaking. Their denial ended in swift destruction, as Romans under the rule of Titus invaded the city and starved out the people in AD 70. I wonder if Christ would look upon our country with the same sorrow and dread. We too are a people devoid of faith, not recognizing Jesus as our Messiah, and scorning his invitation to salvation.
I read a fascinating rendition of the siege of Jerusalem in Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series Book 1 - A Voice in the Wind. I would encourage you to read this entire series. Francine's books are always well-written and full of scriptural truth. This series was especially touching to me. http://francinerivers.com/books/voice-wind
SOAP Luke 19:40-44
The unbelief of Jerusalem is heartbreaking. Their denial ended in swift destruction, as Romans under the rule of Titus invaded the city and starved out the people in AD 70. I wonder if Christ would look upon our country with the same sorrow and dread. We too are a people devoid of faith, not recognizing Jesus as our Messiah, and scorning his invitation to salvation.
I read a fascinating rendition of the siege of Jerusalem in Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series Book 1 - A Voice in the Wind. I would encourage you to read this entire series. Francine's books are always well-written and full of scriptural truth. This series was especially touching to me. http://francinerivers.com/books/voice-wind
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Week 3: Wednesday
Read Luke 19:20-27
SOAP Luke 19:23-24, 26
The servant did not really expect the king to come back. He was not at all concerned with the king's return so he did not bother with the king's business. This describes the attitude of many believers today. We live as if Christ will not return or as if he doesn't even exist. As believers, our job is the same - to spread God's Word throughout the world. The more we are faithful to do this work, the more responsibility we will be given. God uses those that stay busy fulfilling His purpose. I pray that I will faithfully work to advance God's kingdom.
SOAP Luke 19:23-24, 26
The servant did not really expect the king to come back. He was not at all concerned with the king's return so he did not bother with the king's business. This describes the attitude of many believers today. We live as if Christ will not return or as if he doesn't even exist. As believers, our job is the same - to spread God's Word throughout the world. The more we are faithful to do this work, the more responsibility we will be given. God uses those that stay busy fulfilling His purpose. I pray that I will faithfully work to advance God's kingdom.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Week 3: Tuesday
Read Luke 19:11-19
SOAP Luke 19:17
The nobleman in the parable represents Jesus. Verse 14 represents the religious leaders who did not want Jesus to be king. Here is an excerpt from a commentary:
Will Jesus find us faithful in fulfilling His purpose on earth? Or will He find that we buried the truth of the gospel and never multiplied ourselves in anyone else? I pray that God will help me use my talent to bring others to Him.
SOAP Luke 19:17
The nobleman in the parable represents Jesus. Verse 14 represents the religious leaders who did not want Jesus to be king. Here is an excerpt from a commentary:
The analogy of this parable was clear to Jesus’ hearers. Jesus was going away to receive a kingship. When He returned, He would establish His kingdom. Until that time His followers were to fulfill the responsibilities He gave them. On His return He would reward the faithful commensurate with their service to Him, and His enemies would be judged before Him.
Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 2:253
Will Jesus find us faithful in fulfilling His purpose on earth? Or will He find that we buried the truth of the gospel and never multiplied ourselves in anyone else? I pray that God will help me use my talent to bring others to Him.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Week 3: Monday
Read Luke 19-10
SOAP Luke 19:8-10
Zaccheaus' heart change is evident because he is desperate to see Jesus, thus climbing the tree. His repentance is also clear when he vows to repay all of the people he cheated. I think Jesus proclaimed Zaccheaus' salvation for the benefit of those standing nearby, rather than Zaccheaus' benefit. He wanted them to know that everyone could receive Christ, even an ill-reputed tax collector. I like this story because I think it is evidence that those who seek Jesus will always find him.
SOAP Luke 19:8-10
Zaccheaus' heart change is evident because he is desperate to see Jesus, thus climbing the tree. His repentance is also clear when he vows to repay all of the people he cheated. I think Jesus proclaimed Zaccheaus' salvation for the benefit of those standing nearby, rather than Zaccheaus' benefit. He wanted them to know that everyone could receive Christ, even an ill-reputed tax collector. I like this story because I think it is evidence that those who seek Jesus will always find him.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Week 2: Friday
Read: Luke 18:31-43
SOAP: Luke 18:40-42
I think it's interesting how Jesus phrased his response to this blind man. Jesus didn't say, "I have made you well." Instead, he said, "Your faith has made you well." I wonder if Christ would use the same verbiage today. "Your faith has healed your marriage." "Your faith has caused your child to respond to salvation." "Your faith has challenged your brother to surrender his burden to me." I am practicing my faith more and grateful for this reminder to completely rely on Christ.
SOAP: Luke 18:40-42
I think it's interesting how Jesus phrased his response to this blind man. Jesus didn't say, "I have made you well." Instead, he said, "Your faith has made you well." I wonder if Christ would use the same verbiage today. "Your faith has healed your marriage." "Your faith has caused your child to respond to salvation." "Your faith has challenged your brother to surrender his burden to me." I am practicing my faith more and grateful for this reminder to completely rely on Christ.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Week 2: Thursday
Read Luke 18:18-30
SOAP Luke 18:29-30
There was a big hindrance in this rich man's life that kept him from following Christ. And Jesus identified it - materialism. He basically said, "Son, your life will drastically change. Your purpose cannot be wrapped up in wealth anymore, it has to be consumed with God's purpose." The rich man knew that he would never be willing to give up his lifestyle for Christ. I think the truth here is two-fold: 1) materialism will keep many from truly following Christ, 2) any hindrance to our relationship with God must be laid up the altar of sacrifice. Jesus moves beyond materialism to stress that even a family member can prevent us from fully following Christ. What do I put before God?
SOAP Luke 18:29-30
There was a big hindrance in this rich man's life that kept him from following Christ. And Jesus identified it - materialism. He basically said, "Son, your life will drastically change. Your purpose cannot be wrapped up in wealth anymore, it has to be consumed with God's purpose." The rich man knew that he would never be willing to give up his lifestyle for Christ. I think the truth here is two-fold: 1) materialism will keep many from truly following Christ, 2) any hindrance to our relationship with God must be laid up the altar of sacrifice. Jesus moves beyond materialism to stress that even a family member can prevent us from fully following Christ. What do I put before God?
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Week 2: Wednesday
Read: Luke 18:15-17
SOAP: Luke 18:16-17
This passage made me think of Ellie and Owen when they instinctively grab my hand as we walk somewhere. That is a simple act of complete trust that mommy will lead them to safety. We must approach God the same way - totally trusting Him to protect us and do what is best for us. Faith should be that dependant: total trust in God to keep His promises. Father, when I tend to manipulate my life, help me to trust you instead like a child.
SOAP: Luke 18:16-17
This passage made me think of Ellie and Owen when they instinctively grab my hand as we walk somewhere. That is a simple act of complete trust that mommy will lead them to safety. We must approach God the same way - totally trusting Him to protect us and do what is best for us. Faith should be that dependant: total trust in God to keep His promises. Father, when I tend to manipulate my life, help me to trust you instead like a child.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Week 2: Tuesday
Read Luke 18:9-14
SOAP Luke 18:13-14
Comparing myself to others is an easy mistake to make. However, the desire to view my own spirituality next to someone else's comes from a place of pride and arrogance in my heart. Humility and repentance are valuable in God's sight. Any good in me was not attained on my own, but given by Almighty God. The best I can do is not good enough and is worthy of death. Viewing everyone as a helpless, lost soul levels the scales. No one comes out on top, because all have fallen short of God's glory. Father, thank you for being merciful to me, a sinner!
SOAP Luke 18:13-14
Comparing myself to others is an easy mistake to make. However, the desire to view my own spirituality next to someone else's comes from a place of pride and arrogance in my heart. Humility and repentance are valuable in God's sight. Any good in me was not attained on my own, but given by Almighty God. The best I can do is not good enough and is worthy of death. Viewing everyone as a helpless, lost soul levels the scales. No one comes out on top, because all have fallen short of God's glory. Father, thank you for being merciful to me, a sinner!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Week 2: Monday
Read Luke 18:1-8
SOAP Luke 18:6-8
Sometimes I feel like I'm bothering God with my prayers. But this passage makes it clear that He wants to hear our requests. Faith is evident when we trust Him enough to come to Him with our needs. So no more guilt over continual prayers! I have seen God intercede when I really got serious with my prayers. It makes me wonder how many defeats come simply from failing to ask for victory. Father, thank you for loving me enough to answer my prayers. Help me run to you more often.
SOAP Luke 18:6-8
Sometimes I feel like I'm bothering God with my prayers. But this passage makes it clear that He wants to hear our requests. Faith is evident when we trust Him enough to come to Him with our needs. So no more guilt over continual prayers! I have seen God intercede when I really got serious with my prayers. It makes me wonder how many defeats come simply from failing to ask for victory. Father, thank you for loving me enough to answer my prayers. Help me run to you more often.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Week 1: Friday
Read Luke 17:26-37
SOAP Luke 17:26-27
In the days of Noah, people were living with a false sense of security. They were wicked and sensual; totally focused on worldly matters. They were living as if there was no judgment day approaching. It was the same story in the days of Jesus and it's the same story today. Even believers can be guilty of putting other matters before the spiritual. We should be living in constant communion with Jesus. His Word and ways should permeate every facet of our lives. No one knows when Jesus will return so we must live in a "state of readiness" so that we may be unashamed on Judgment Day.
SOAP Luke 17:26-27
In the days of Noah, people were living with a false sense of security. They were wicked and sensual; totally focused on worldly matters. They were living as if there was no judgment day approaching. It was the same story in the days of Jesus and it's the same story today. Even believers can be guilty of putting other matters before the spiritual. We should be living in constant communion with Jesus. His Word and ways should permeate every facet of our lives. No one knows when Jesus will return so we must live in a "state of readiness" so that we may be unashamed on Judgment Day.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Week 1: Thursday
Read Luke 17:20-25
SOAP Luke 17:20-21
We can always count on the Pharisees to get caught up in the semantics of prophesy. They were distracting themselves searching for the kingdom of God, all the while its King was standing before them. It astounds me how many times they missed the message of the gospel when it was clearly presented to them. Not to mention Jesus' miracles that proved his deity as well. I believe the spirit of this passage is to build our faith in Christ, rather than constantly wonder about the future. He came to earth and died for us. He wants our hearts - so the best we can give is an unshakeable faith in who Christ is.
SOAP Luke 17:20-21
We can always count on the Pharisees to get caught up in the semantics of prophesy. They were distracting themselves searching for the kingdom of God, all the while its King was standing before them. It astounds me how many times they missed the message of the gospel when it was clearly presented to them. Not to mention Jesus' miracles that proved his deity as well. I believe the spirit of this passage is to build our faith in Christ, rather than constantly wonder about the future. He came to earth and died for us. He wants our hearts - so the best we can give is an unshakeable faith in who Christ is.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Week 1: Wednesday
Read: Luke 17:11-19
SOAP: Luke 17:17-19
This Samaritan that returned to thank Jesus for his healing was certainly the most unexpected one. He was not a Jew, but rather an outcast of society as a half-breed. Yet he was the only one who praised God and returned to thank Jesus. I see this happen in our culture today where the most grateful people to God can often be the unchurched new converts that don't know as much about Him. We seasoned Christians can often lose our gratitude and gain an entitlement spirit with God. Father, forgive me for my ungratefulness. Thank you for the countless ways you have blessed me and given me far more than I deserve.
SOAP: Luke 17:17-19
This Samaritan that returned to thank Jesus for his healing was certainly the most unexpected one. He was not a Jew, but rather an outcast of society as a half-breed. Yet he was the only one who praised God and returned to thank Jesus. I see this happen in our culture today where the most grateful people to God can often be the unchurched new converts that don't know as much about Him. We seasoned Christians can often lose our gratitude and gain an entitlement spirit with God. Father, forgive me for my ungratefulness. Thank you for the countless ways you have blessed me and given me far more than I deserve.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Week 1: Tuesday
Read Luke 17:5-10
SOAP Luke 17:9-10
Servants were so common during biblical times, so this example made a real connection with the disciples. We don't have servants in our culture and tend to promote an environment of equality and level ground. Our imaginations may need to help us out here to grasp this truth. Servants simply do what is required or them, expecting nothing in return. They lived to fulfill whatever need or demand was thrust at them. Do I have this kind of surrender with Christ? Am I simply waiting for my directive so that I can eagerly follow? Or do I sit around thinking about my rights and personal desires? Father, give me a spirit of service to you.
SOAP Luke 17:9-10
Servants were so common during biblical times, so this example made a real connection with the disciples. We don't have servants in our culture and tend to promote an environment of equality and level ground. Our imaginations may need to help us out here to grasp this truth. Servants simply do what is required or them, expecting nothing in return. They lived to fulfill whatever need or demand was thrust at them. Do I have this kind of surrender with Christ? Am I simply waiting for my directive so that I can eagerly follow? Or do I sit around thinking about my rights and personal desires? Father, give me a spirit of service to you.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Loving Like Jesus - Week 1: Monday
Week One
Memory Verse:
And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
Luke 17:6
Weekly Challenge:
Take steps of faith this week to hand your
pain over to Jesus, ask Him to increase your faith and help you move in the
direction of forgiveness and healing.
Read Luke 17:1-4; SOAP Luke 17:3-4
This passage makes me think of accountability in the body of Christ. One of the distinctions between believers and unbelievers is that we are willing to confront each other in love. We must approach a brother or sister who is caught up in sin to help bring repentance. The kicker is that we must also receive the erring brother back into the fold with love after he repents.
Father, help me not to yield to temptation and cause someone else to stumble. Give me the courage to address sin and warn others of its danger. Help me forgive others as many times as you have forgiven me.
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