last Friday of April

Have a blessed Friday.

Luke 15

"I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." v.9

1. Parable of the lost sheep.
2. Parable of the lost coin.
3. Parable of the prodical son.

The first two stories are about how the master goes after the lost - God after His children.
The third is about the child returning - seeking his Father, seeking His forgiveness and grace.

All three beautiful stories of our Heavenly Father's unconditional and actively present love for us. As a parent and a sinner I can see the ache of the lost on both sides of the stories and the elation, complete joy once found.

Please pray for a friend of mine, whose child is lost on drugs...and thank Jesus for your blessings.

Luke 14

I hope your Easter was wonderful.

In Luke 14, you can't help but notice how competitive and selfish everyone seems to be: from the pharisees not wanting Jesus to heal on the Sabbath, to dinner quests competing for the place of honor at the dinner table - even coming up with excuses for not attending the dinner! The people proved to be positive to Jesus but uncommitted.

Commitment and humility are the chosen actions that God wants to see in us.

Luke 12

"But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Acocordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops." v. 2-3

This is so true. So many examples - even in my own life - where truth is always brought to light. Tiger Woods, Bill Clinton, that guy that stole everyone' investment money, etc. should have heeded these words. Of course, the proclamation from the housetops is in God's own time. My friend's friend, was killed; this verse was quoted on his memorial facebook page today. My prayer for those parents is that the light on who did it will be timely.An everyday example is the stuff you say about a co-worker or friend; the whisper always gets back to the person being whispered about and usually in a less attractive version. This has torn apart churches, friendships.

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable that many sparrows." v. 7

I am really working toward being able to believe this, to feel this gift from God, everyday. Not having experienced uncondtional love from either parent, it is tough to actually believe that Jesus knows and loves me like this. I am reading a book right now, where she is challenging me to write down 1000 blessings in my life;  a 1000 things I love; a 1000 gifts of love from God. I tell you, it really makes you look at the world differently and you sure see God's wonder in your everyday life. "Stop and smell the roses."

"...why do you not analyze this present time?" v. 56 Take the challenge!