Luke 23. [NIV Dramatized Audio]
Jesus gazed upon the mob who had cried out for His death. With His dying breaths, He uttered, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing!”
We may be refuted by those we think have the wrong doctrine or are plotting our demise. We should be like Jesus and … FORGIVE THEM.
Luke 23. [NIV Dramatized Audio]
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day accused him of stirring up the people when He taught. Oh, if this could be the practical goal of every teacher, especially Bible teachers. Accuracy, of course, but to inspire and motivate the hearers to action is the ultimate goal.
It’s better to aim at something and miss. If you aim at nothing, you will SURELY hit it.
Luke 22. [NIV Dramatized Audio]
Scripture says Jesus went, “as usual,” to the Mt.of Olives to pray. It was His spot.
When I was forming my prayer habits in the 70s, I had a prayer place. I got up every morning and went to the church to pray. This week I’m in Findlay, Ohio, for Patty’s nephew’s college graduation. I hope to again visit my prayer spot.
Being scheduled and intentional about prayer is spiritually healthy.
Luke 22. [ NIV Dramatized Audio]
Jesus told Peter that his faith would diminish but that Christ’s prayers would bring him back to a strong faith.
We can get frightened or discouraged when those we love don’t love the Lord as they should. That’s our signal to up the prayer for them.
Notice … Jesus didn’t merely SNAP HIS FINGERS. He PRAYED.
Luke 20, 21 [NIV Dramatized Audio]
When Jesus began describing the events of the end time, He exhorted His followers to not be frightened. God will with every temptation make a way to escape that we may be able to bear it.
When I look at the events of our day and see unrest and conflict, I take the position that these things must happen before the Lord’s return. My hope is in His Return. So, whatever must happen to bring it on … BRING IT ON!
Luke 19 [NIV Dramatized Audio]
The religious leaders of Christ’s day sought to trip Him up. They challenged Him about where His authority came from.
Jesus had the Anointing from On High. God backed up everything He did and showed the Heavenly endorsement through the POWER Christ demonstrated. His power came through His relationship with His Heavenly Father.
We are errant when we seek authority without Heaven’s endorsement. This is an honor no man takes to himself. It’s imparted through time with the Father in Heaven.
Luke 19 [NIV Dramatized Audio]
As Jesus was walking through Jericho, he saw the tax collector, Zacchaeus, sitting in a sycamore tree. He said, “Come down. I’m going to your house today.” Chris received criticism for seeking the fellowship of a sinner. Jesus said, “I have come to seek and save the lost.”
How many sinners are we in fellowship with. If our motive is to win them to Christ, have at it. We don’t need to go to their bar and get drunk with them. We will have plenty of opportunities to mix with them and look for openings to share the Gospel, or minister to them in some way.
Invite them to church.
Luke 18 [NIV Dramatized Audio]
(I can’t bear to pass this passage up. It’s one of the great4st scripturas on persistent prayer in the Bible.)
Jesus’ story about the unjust judge giving the persistent widow what she wanted gives us hope for answered prayer. Some key factors:
If you’re NOT getting the rapid results you need, check on the frequency of your prayer. The Lord is essentially giving us the green light to “nag” Him on the issues for which we need results.
Prioritize your prayer items and begin storming heaven on them. Give God no rest. He’s always awake.
Luke 15, 16 [NIV Dramatized Audio]
Jesus spoke often about money and how to handle it. Here the the elemental things you can do with it.
Christ said you can, “make friends for yourselves using worldly riches. Then, when those things are gone, you will be welcomed in that home that continues forever. [Luke 16:9 ICB]
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. [Acts 20:35]
Luke 13, 14 [NIV Dramatized Audio]
While at the Redneck Gourmet for breakfast with the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) I met Curtiss. He has a speech impediment so he’s very hard to understand. He also walks with a distinct limp, sort of dragging one of his feet as he walks. Yes, he is a professional panhandler, and quite good at it, but he’s been disadvantaged probably his whole life. I try to give him a ride where he needs to go when our breakfast is done.
He is one who would be invited to the banquet described in Luke 13. God gives us the chance to be good to those who have it rough. He would be given a prominent seat at the great banquet referred to in this chapter.
Be on the lookout for the Curtisses in life. They are out there.
He calls me “Dad.”
TCS Daily Devotional 