Luke 16 - 4.24.24
Scripture
Luke 16:10-11
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
Observation
Jesus uses parables about wealthy men in Luke 16 to remind us about true riches.
Application
Luke 16 opens with a story of a manager about to get fired by his rich boss. The manager devises a plan to “make friends” who will help him out when he has nowhere else to go. The rich boss commends the manager for being “shrewd.”
Shrewd – marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen.
Jesus points out that the people of the world are more shrewd than people of the light and suggests that his followers should also plan for their future.
God’s principles remain true in every application. Even if people aren’t following God, they can reap the results of following God’s principles. I find an interesting parallel between what I have read about the habits of highly successful people and what God calls us to as Christ followers:
Highly Successful People (aka rich) vs. Christ Followers
HS: Get up early to plan, set priorities, meditate without distractions
CF: Get up early to spend time with God, listen for his voice, invite him to direct their day
HS: Passion for their business/career
CF: Passion for the things of God
HS: Constantly learning/reading/seeking improvement
CF: Constantly learning/reading God’s word/seeking growth in their relationship with God
HS: Self-discipline – diet, exercise, time management, etc.
CF: Self-discipline – spiritual practices (Bible reading, prayer, scripture memorization, worship)
HS: Building their network/making connections
CF: Building relationships
Highly successful people are constantly building for their future. And likewise, we should be passionately engaged in growing and building the kingdom of God. Do we want to be trusted with a little of God or do we want a lot?
Prayer
Thank you for speaking to me this morning about the true riches of following you, serving others, and sharing the Good News of your love for them. I am passionate about my work. I need to be even more passionate about the things of God!
- Debbie Dunn
Luke 15 - 4.23.24
SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15:20 – 24
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
OBSERVATION
Jesus is telling several parables to the Pharisees after they were shocked he was around tax collectors and sinners. It’s hard to imagine but the Pharisees and most Jews did not associate with people they felt were unclean. Jesus wanted to share these parables to explain his mission, his heart, and exactly why he wanted to be around tax collectors and sinners: to save them!
The first parable was of the Lost Sheep – where Jesus describes how the shepherd leaves the 99 to go after the one who is lost. Jesus says in verse 7 “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nice righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Jesus then tells a similar story in the Lost Coin when a woman searches high and low for the lost coin and rejoices when it’s found. Jesus then says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Then Jesus tells the most personal parable of the Prodigal Son who takes his inheritance, squanders all of it, realizes the error of his ways and comes back with a deeply repentant heart wanting to reconcile with his father. This is the perfect story of forgiveness. The father had every right to be upset at the son for squandering his inheritance and leaving the family. Instead, the father “is filled with compassion” and runs out to greet his son. In that same way, when we approach the Lord, he opens his arms to receive us! His love and compassion are bigger than anything we can imagine.
I love how each parable concludes with rejoicing in honor of the lost that are found. Heaven rejoices, angels rejoice and the Father in Heaven rejoices when a lost child comes home!
APPLICATION
Jesus shared these parables to reach the heart of some hardened religious people. He was trying to help them understand his mission: he was spending time with those who were lost, loving on those around him to lead them into salvation.
Personally, the story of the Prodigal Son has been a personal prayer and hope for our oldest son. Although a lot of wrongs have been done over many, many years, I kept hearing the Lord say “love on him.” Although it’s sometimes hard when another wrong happens or a hurtful word is said, the mission to show God’s love prevails. One day I know the Lord will bring our Prodigal to a restored life in Jesus. On that day, the rejoicing and celebrations will begin!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for these parables. Your heart of love for the lost is so deep. Help me to have that same heart for those around me. In each and every situation in life, I want to model your love, forgiveness, redemption, and complete restoration. Guide me to reach those I encounter each day for you. In Jesus name I pray!
- Mary Oberg
Psalm 124 - 4.22.24
Scripture
Psalm 124:8-Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Observation
King David wrote this Psalm, basically saying that if the Lord had not been on their (Israel’s) side, bad things would have happened to them. He then gives God praise for helping them escape the “fowler’s snare.” According to bibref.com, a “fowler’s snare” was a trap that bird catchers used to catch and lure birds. In Scripture, it signifies how Satan sets traps for believers; however, the Lord helps them (us) escape.
As we are also reading through the book of Exodus, there is a parallel with this Psalm. God helped the Israelites escape slavery from Pharaoh. It also has a parallel with the New Testament, reminding me of how God helped us escape slavery from sin because of Jesus Christ.
Application
Worship God for being our ever present help in times of need and trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
We have the help of the Maker of Heaven and Earth at our disposal. He helps us when we are weak and tired. He helps us through hard trials. He helps us when feeling afraid and alone. He is not only with us, but He strengthens and helps us, according to His will! Let’s continually call out to Him in our times of need and trouble!
Psalm 41:10-Do not fear, for I am with You. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
I am so humbled that You, the King of kings, Lord of lords and the Maker of Heaven and Earth, would care to help me. Thank You for Your constant care and how I have access to You 24-7. Help me to not take my access to You for granted. I find so much comfort knowing that I never have to walk this life alone because of You. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi