Beyond appearances to the heart

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
When we measure everything by externals, it is possible to talk like the rich young ruler and mean it. But when we look at our hearts, it becomes much more difficult.
Loving our neighbor means more than not abusing him or her. If [...]

Read Full Post »

“in” or “among”? Luke 17

The most interesting phrase in today’s reading is “the kingdom of God is within[b] you” (NIV).
That is a unique statement.  And it’s a tricky one, especially when you consider that Jesus is talking to the Pharisees.  Was the kingdom of God really in them?  I don’t think so. 
I don’t like details so much, [...]

Read Full Post »

Resurrection Life John 11

Jesus said, “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
I’ve heard it said that we all have one of two options:
1.      you can be born twice (physically and spiritually) and die once (physically),
or
2.      you can be born once (physically) and [...]

Read Full Post »

Dish It Out Luke 16:19 –17:10

“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

Jesus is asking us to forgive like God forgives. 
The really, REALLY good news in this is that God forgives [...]

Read Full Post »

Worldly Wealth Luke 16:1-18

The parable of the shrewd manager used to drive me nuts.  I could never quite understand how the manager, who seemed devious and sneaky to me, could possibly be an example for us.
The manager used his monetary influence to “buy friends”.  Jesus seems to imply that how we use our “wordly wealth” has eternal, [...]

Read Full Post »

Friend of Sinners Luke 15

The three stories in this chapter all have the same point:  God loves sinners.  He seeks after them and rejoices when they come back to him.  This is his heart. 
Jesus reflected God’s heart so well that he got a reputation as someone who “welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  He was labeled “a friend [...]

Read Full Post »

Filling up the Banquet Table Luke 14

Sometimes I wonder why Jesus hasn’t come back already.  Why does he let all the suffering and misery go on one more day?  Why is he so patient?  Why doesn’t he just get on with eternity?  Selfishly, I’m just longing for the completion of my redemption.  I’m tired of the conflict between flesh and Spirit.  [...]

Read Full Post »

The Narrow Gate Luke 13

When asked if only a few will be saved, Jesus replied, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” 
Lots of people are trying to get to heaven in a lot of ways.  But there is only one door–Jesus.  [...]

Read Full Post »

I and the Father are one John 10

I have run across many people who think Jesus was a great man, perhaps the greatest in all of history.  They may even believe Jesus was a prophet.  However, they fall short of believing he is God. 
Today’s reading doesn’t leave much room for this kind of belief.  “I and the Father are one,” proclaims [...]

Read Full Post »

What it means to really see John 9

This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.  I love this blind guy, his gutsy determination to stick with the facts, and his simple faith.  I can’t wait to see him in heaven and tell him he was an inspiration to me.
The worst kind of blindness is spiritual.  What does it mean to [...]

Read Full Post »