Luke 17

"For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day." v. 24

With all the talk about the end of the world, this is a great verse. We might be able to see the signs of a storm coming and hear the roar of thunder but like lightening, we don't know when or where it will strike. We just need to be ready...to have a longing for His physical return and desire to want to meet Him face to face. I've been pretty down lately, and tired of work...just kind of tired of my life...a desire to see His face is easy to feel at this point - to give me rest. I guess that is kind of a selfish desire...

The story of the ten lepers reminds me to alway have a thankful heart. Out of the ten lepers, only one returned to say thank-you for the healing - the foreigner. The nine Jewish men did not. "...he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him." v. 16

Luke 16

I've attempted this blog twice now, and lost everything that I had written when the computer crashed. So, I am just going to concentrate on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Interestingly, Lazarus is the only character ever given a name in any of Jesus' parables...and it is the same as Jesus' friend whom He wept over and raised from the dead.

"Note there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table, besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom." vv 19-24

Note: Abraham's bosom was an expression used in the Talmud as a figure for Heaven.

The Talmud (Hebrew: תַּלְמוּד talmūd "instruction, learning", from a root lmd "teach, study") is a central text of mainstream Judaism, in the form of a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history.

There is much to take from this parable. But there is a verse in this same text that says it all, "...but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God." v. 15

Oh, to be, in Abraham's bosom.

I'll never let go of your hand...

 I've been tired, a little down, and not enjoying work. I praise my Father, for His always being there.

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

And He delights in his way.

Whe he falls, he will not be hurled head long,

Because the Lord is

the One who holds his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

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!