Luke 18-7.25.22
Scripture
Luke 18:17 NLT
“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Observation-What does it say?
Some parents were bringing their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. The disciples began scolding these parents for bothering Jesus. But, Jesus called for and actually welcomed the children. He also used them to explain to the disciples that they needed to have a faith like theirs in order to inherit the kingdom of God.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Trust in Jesus wholeheartedly.
Who would have thought that being compared to a child would be a good thing? But, God doesn’t see things the way the world does. Jesus tells His disciples in this passage that they must receive the kingdom of God like a child, or else they will not enter it. But, what does He mean by that?! I believe what Jesus is telling His disciples here is that children have very little control of their lives. They are dependent on their parents for everything. Wherever their parents go, they go. Whatever their parents do, they do. They also have to put their complete trust in other people. They trust what their parents, teachers, or other adults say without any doubts or fear. In this manner, having faith like a child means putting aside our own ways, trusting God at His Word, obeying His commands out of our love and reverence for Him and being fully dependent on Him for our every need. So, having faith like a child doesn’t make us naïve, but rather it shows our COMPLETE and utter trust in God and His promises. 😊
Life Application
His Ways are better than my ways.
Do you believe that God wants the best for us? I KNOW He does! It may not be what we envisioned or thought. But, we have to trust that God wants to see us be our best versions of ourselves. It may take us out of our comfort zones. It may stress us out a bit by stretching our faith more. But, know that God is with us. He loves us and He will never leave us or forsake us. And just in case you may need some reminding, here are a few verses to take with you today to know that you can trust God now and forevermore.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”-Isaiah 55:8-9
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”-Jeremiah 29:11
And my personal favorite:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”-Proverbs 3:5-6
-Moses Gaddi
Luke 17-7.22.22
Scripture - What stood out?
Luke 17:3-4
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Observation - What does it say?
In previous chapters we learn that great crowds had been following Jesus. Surrounded by not only his disciples, but also by Pharisees, women and children, Jesus continued to teach about the heart of God.
Understanding - What does it mean?
Three strikes and you’re outta here! Doesn’t just apply to baseball, but to life. The cliches that describe the limits of a relationship, personal business or otherwise, are endless. Often in my life most people, myself included, never even got to the second strike, let alone the third!
So to hear our Lord Jesus speak about forgiveness, seven times in a row, preceded by repentance seven times in a row...seems overwhelming. Yet, this is not an option being presented to us as the Lord says, “...you must forgive…”
The apostles respond in verse five, “...increase our faith!” (And rightly so because to forgive even 4 times in a row would seem an act of miraculous faith!)
This response is immediately rebuked with Jesus’ servant analogy. And that story ends with, “10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Jesus you are the Lord of my life. Not just my Savior but my Lord. I desire to be your servant. Your good servant. My heart gets so twisted when people sin against me. Continue to show me your heart. Show me how to forgive somebody who shows they repent. And teach me Lord how to forgive even when they don’t.
In the name of Jesus do I ask, amen.
-Kenneth Lee
Psalm 33-7.21.22
Scripture
Psalm 33
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-- 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Observation-What does it say?
I love the picture that is painted in this passage of how amazing God truly is. This passage starts off by challenging us to sing joyfully to the Lord and to praise God. It goes on to tell us to shout for joy. As we continue reading, it explains why we should praise Him. This passage talks about how true God’s word is, how His words are powerful and bring life. Just by speaking, He created the Heavens and the stars. The more you continue to read, the more your faith and hope are built on Jesus. By the end of the passage we see that we can put our trust in God’s plans .
Understanding-What does it mean?
If this passage doesn’t stir up your faith, I’m not sure we are reading the same thing. As I read this passage it makes me want to shout and worship God. I want to worship Him because He is so amazing and He deserves it. I want to worship Him because I love Him and am so thankful He created us. I also I want to worship God because I know I can trust Him in all I do. I know God’s plans are good and that they will stand firm. I worship God because I know He is watching over me, that He is our help and our shield. The God who created the heavens and earth, watches over me!! His unfailing love rests on us. I think that if we stop and allow this passage to sink in, we will begin to feel that love resting upon us. As we think about how amazing God is, we can’t help but worship Him.
Life Application
It’s time we take our eyes off all the chaos going on in the world. It’s time we stop dwelling on all the bad, all the hurt, all the trials. It’s time we turn our eyes to our creator. It’s time we worship God for who He is. I’m not saying ignore the bad, but what I am saying is take your eyes off of it and look to God. Start to worship Him. Let your eyes gaze upon how amazing He is. Begin to see how faithful and true His words are. It’s time we allow God to take up real estate in our heads instead of the chaos.
-Justin Eaves